Professional MBA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Houston

Program Overview

The Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Houston's C. T. Bauer College of Business is designed for working professionals who want to strengthen their business knowledge while continuing their careers. With flexible evening, in-person and online classes, the programme combines essential management subjects with a wide choice of electives and graduate certificates, allowing students to shape their studies around their professional goals and prepare for greater responsibilities in business leadership.

Curriculum Structure

The Professional MBA is a 48-credit-hour programme, normally completed in approximately 24 months. It includes 21 credit hours of core courses and 27 credit hours of electives, giving students considerable flexibility to explore specialist business areas and select from more than 100 electives and over 20 graduate certificates. Students can begin in either the Fall or Spring semester.

Year 1 – Developing Core Business Knowledge

Students build a strong foundation in the main areas of business, including finance, accounting, marketing, business analysis and organisational management. Core courses include Financial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Business Communication, Marketing Administration, Strategic Analysis and Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions. They also study Managerial Analysis, Supply Chain Management Concepts, Organizational Behavior and Management and Ethical Leadership and Critical Reasoning, developing the skills needed to understand business performance and make informed decisions.

Year 2 – Specialisation and Career Development

The second year gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through electives and graduate certificates that align with their career interests. Students can explore areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, energy, business analytics and other specialised business fields. They can also gain practical experience through opportunities such as the Cougar Investment Fund, Cougar Venture Fund, RED Labs startup accelerator, the SURE entrepreneurship programme and learning-abroad experiences.

The university provides flexible study plans for Fall and Spring entry. The second-year elective sequence can vary according to students' chosen courses and certificates.

Focus Areas

Business administration, financial accounting, managerial finance, marketing management, business analytics, quantitative analysis, strategic management, organisational behaviour, business communication, supply chain management, information systems, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, energy management, finance, innovation, business operations and organisational decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to analyse financial and business information, make informed management decisions, understand market conditions, manage organisational resources and lead teams effectively. They also strengthen their communication and strategic thinking skills, learn to evaluate business opportunities, solve operational challenges and apply analytical methods to improve organisational performance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

AACSB Accreditation: The C. T. Bauer College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognised accreditation body for business education.
Experiential Learning: Students can gain practical experience through business projects, consulting opportunities, investment activities and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Industry Exposure: Opportunities include the Cougar Investment Fund, Cougar Venture Fund, RED Labs startup accelerator and SURE entrepreneurship programme, which connects students with small businesses in Houston.
Customisable Professional Development: Students can choose from more than 20 graduate certificates and over 100 electives to develop expertise relevant to their career goals.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

U.S. News & World Report 2026: The Professional MBA programme is ranked No. 25 among public business schools in the United States.
Fortune Magazine: The university's Professional MBA page reports that the programme is ranked No. 15 among public business schools.
Professional Experience: Students entering in Fall 2025 had an average age of 34 and approximately 8.2 years of professional experience, bringing valuable workplace perspectives into classroom discussions.
Employment Flexibility: According to the university, 88% of Professional MBA students were fully employed while studying, based on its 2024–25 graduating classes.
Salary Outcomes: The university reports that Bauer MBA graduates increased their earnings by an average of 48% after graduation. Its published average salary of $89,273 and median salary of $76,000 are based on 2020–21 data, so these figures should be treated as historical rather than current salary estimates.
Career Development: Students receive career guidance, networking support and professional development opportunities through the Rockwell Career Center.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Houston, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through a combination of innovative coursework, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, students develop the practical skills necessary to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. The program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available to MBA students at the University of Houston:

- Group Projects: Engage in team-based projects that simulate real business challenges, allowing you to collaborate with peers and develop essential teamwork skills.

- Internships: Gain valuable work experience through internships with leading companies in Houston, one of the largest business hubs in the U.S. This provides a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.

- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software such as SAP, Tableau, and Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and business intelligence, equipping you with the technical skills that employers seek.

- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to local businesses and organizations, offering insights into various industries and networking opportunities with professionals.

- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated research facilities that support projects in areas like entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing, allowing you to engage in cutting-edge research.

- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from the extensive resources available at the University of Houston Libraries, including databases, journals, and study spaces tailored for business research.

- Institute for Entrepreneurship: Collaborate with the Institute for Entrepreneurship, which provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

- Business Simulation Labs: Experience hands-on learning in simulation labs that mimic real-world business environments, helping you to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enhance your MBA experience and prepare you for a successful career in business.

Embarking on your MBA journey at the University of Houston means gaining not just knowledge, but also the practical skills and experiences that will set you apart in the competitive job market.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Houston equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various leadership roles across industries. Alumni often find themselves in positions such as Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Operations Director, or Business Consultant. With a strong foundation in business principles and practical experience, graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.

Here’s how the University of Houston supports your journey toward a successful career:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Statistics: The MBA program boasts an impressive employment rate, with over 90% of graduates securing jobs within three months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $100,000, reflecting the program's strong reputation.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Houston has established partnerships with leading companies such as ExxonMobil, Halliburton, and Shell, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and real-world projects.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a mark of excellence that enhances the value of your degree and is recognized globally.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of the MBA program report high levels of job satisfaction and career advancement, with many moving into senior management roles within a few years of 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 open doors to academic positions, advanced research opportunities, or high-level consulting roles, allowing you to deepen your expertise and contribute to the field of business in meaningful ways.

The University of Houston is committed to your success, and the MBA program is a powerful step toward achieving your career aspirations.