Business Administration — MBA

NA On Campus Masters Program

Auburn University

Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Auburn University is designed for students and professionals who want to strengthen their business knowledge, develop leadership capabilities and prepare for management positions across a wide range of industries. The programme combines essential business disciplines such as finance, marketing, accounting, operations, technology and strategic management with practical business projects and elective courses, helping students develop the analytical, decision-making and leadership skills needed to manage organisations and respond to changing business environments.

Curriculum Structure

The MBA programme requires 39 credit hours and is offered through on-campus, online, Executive and Physicians' Executive options. The curriculum combines nine core courses with 12 credit hours of approved electives, providing students with a broad management foundation and opportunities to explore their professional interests.

Foundation Stage – Core Business and Management Knowledge

Students begin by developing essential business skills through courses such as Financial Analysis, Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions, Strategic Analysis and the Competitive Environment, and Organizational Leadership, Ethics and Change. These subjects help students understand financial performance, interpret business data, evaluate competitive markets and develop effective leadership approaches. Students also study Operational Excellence Through Supply Chain and Quality Management, gaining an understanding of operational efficiency, quality improvement and supply chain performance.

Advanced Stage – Functional Business Management

As students progress, they explore specialised business functions through Strategic Marketing Management, Information Technology for Competitive Advantage and Cost Analysis and Systems. These courses develop their ability to create marketing strategies, understand the role of technology in business operations and use cost information to support managerial decisions. Students also complete Integrated Business Project and Case Analysis, which brings together concepts from different business disciplines to evaluate organisational challenges and develop practical solutions.

Electives and Experiential Learning – Professional Application

The final part of the curriculum allows students to complete 12 credit hours of approved electives based on their academic interests and career goals. On-campus students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Global Business Experience, which provides international business exposure. Students with less than two years of work experience are also required to complete an MBA internship of zero to three credit hours, depending on their programme requirements.

Focus Areas

Business administration, financial analysis, quantitative business analysis, strategic management, competitive business environments, organisational leadership, business ethics, change management, operations management, supply chain management, quality management, strategic marketing, information technology, cost analysis, business analytics, global business, corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, business innovation and organisational decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop the ability to analyse financial information, evaluate business opportunities and make strategic decisions in competitive business environments. They will gain knowledge of organisational leadership, business ethics, marketing strategies, information technology, cost management and operational excellence. Students will also strengthen their analytical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and leadership skills, preparing them to manage complex business operations and lead organisations across different industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This internationally recognised accreditation is held by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide and reflects the college's commitment to academic excellence, faculty quality, research and continuous improvement in business education. The MBA curriculum also emphasises ethical leadership, strategic thinking, practical business applications and global business awareness.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Employment rate: 87.5% of Harbert graduate business students accepted job offers within three months of graduation in 2025, according to Graduate Career Services.
Employer network: Graduates have secured employment with leading organisations, including Delta Air Lines, Deloitte, ExxonMobil, International Paper, Amazon, The Home Depot, KPMG, Aflac, Coca-Cola, Bank of America and EY.
Full-Time MBA recognition: Auburn's Full-Time MBA was ranked #5 for Best Campus Environment in The Princeton Review's 2025 Best On-Campus MBA Programs list.
Online MBA ranking: Auburn's Online MBA was ranked #21 among the Top 50 Online MBA Programs by The Princeton Review in 2025.
Career development: The Office of Graduate Career Services provides career coaching, professional development workshops, employer networking, internship opportunities and job-search support.
Global exposure: Students can participate in the Global Business Experience, which provides opportunities to explore international business environments and develop a global management perspective.
Flexible study options: Students can choose from Full-Time, Online, Executive and Physicians' Executive MBA formats, depending on their professional experience and learning preferences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Auburn University, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, particularly with the Executive and Physicians options, is designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios. The program leverages state-of-the-art facilities and resources to enhance your learning experience, preparing you for leadership roles in various sectors.

Here’s how Auburn’s MBA program emphasizes experiential learning:

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in team-based projects that simulate real business challenges, allowing you to develop critical thinking and teamwork skills.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable work experience through internships with local and national organizations, providing you with insights into the business world.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software such as SAP, Tableau, and Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and business intelligence, equipping you with essential skills for today’s job market.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to local businesses and industries, offering firsthand exposure to operational practices and strategic decision-making.
- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research labs and resources at the Harbert College of Business, where you can conduct studies and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from the extensive collections at the Auburn University Libraries, including databases and journals that support your research and coursework.
- Networking Events: Attend workshops and networking events that connect you with industry leaders and alumni, fostering relationships that can enhance your career prospects.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that you graduate not only with a degree but also with the practical skills and experiences that employers value.

Choosing Auburn for your MBA means investing in a future where you can thrive in your career while making meaningful contributions to your field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Executive and Physicians options at Auburn University opens doors to a wealth of career opportunities. Graduates often find themselves in leadership roles such as Healthcare Administrator, Business Development Manager, or Executive Consultant, equipped with the skills to drive innovation and efficiency in their organizations. The program not only enhances your business acumen but also positions you for success in a competitive job market:

- University Services: Auburn offers dedicated career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry leaders.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, MBA graduates from Auburn have a high employment rate, with many securing positions within three months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $85,000, with potential for significant growth as you advance in your career.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Auburn has established partnerships with leading organizations in healthcare and business, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world projects that enhance learning and employability.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a mark of excellence that is recognized globally and adds significant value to your degree.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of the program report high levels of satisfaction with their education and career advancement, with many moving into senior management roles shortly after completing their degree.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. in a specialized area of business. This can lead to opportunities in academia, research, or high-level consultancy roles, allowing you to contribute to the field of business at an even deeper level.

Auburn University is committed to your success, and the MBA program is designed to equip you with the skills and connections necessary to thrive in your career. Consider taking this exciting step toward your future!