Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Business Administration (Professional) and Business Analytics, PMBA/MS BAN Dual Degrees


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The Cameron School of Business offers a program of study leading to a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBAN) degree for qualified holders of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The overall objective of the program is to prepare students for careers in business analytics.

The Cameron School of Business also offers four programs (Option 1: Executive MBA program, Option 2: International MBA program, Option 3: Online MBA program, Option 4. Professional MBA program) of study leading to a Master of Business Administration degree for qualified holders of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The overall objective of all programs is the development of the broadly educated professional manager who is prepared to meet the demands and the changing needs in the global environment.

A PMBA/MS BAN dual-degree program would enable students to simultaneously pursue both the MS Business Analytics degree and a Professional MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics. 

Professional MBA Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Rebecca Guidice
M.S. Business Analytics Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Stephen Hill

Specific Objectives


Graduates of the program should be able to achieve the program objectives of both the MBA program and the MS BAN program.

For the MBA program, graduates should be able to:

  • Apply theory, knowledge, and skills from the fundamental business disciplines to business practice.
  • Effectively research and report information in a written document.
  • Solve complex problems or propose meaningful solutions.
  • Understand the importance of ethics and corporate social responsibility in the context of business.

For the MS BAN program, graduates should be able to:

  • Apply the methods and skills covered in courses to solve business analytics problems and to manage analytics projects in various business environments.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the techniques to collect and transform data into appropriate formats for analytics and analysis.
  • Be proficient in explaining the analysis of data to upper management or analysts in other business units.

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the dual degree program must submit an application and application fees for consideration to both programs. Students must be successfully admitted to both degree programs, in accordance with their individual standards and requirements. Applicants are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  • An application for graduate admission.
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
  • Two online recommendations including one from an employer or supervisor who can comment on the applicant’s work experience and potential for successful completion of a master’s program.
  • Applicant’s resume and cover letter. 
  • Two years of professional work experience is required.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in undergraduate work. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must demonstrate professional experience/advancement that shows progression since graduation and indicates how they will contribute to the program.
  • A GMAT score above 500 or an equivalent GRE, which is waived for one or more of the following:
    • Five or more years of progressive managerial or military work experience 
    • An undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher
    • Completion of an advanced degree (graduate level or above) involving some quantitative coursework
  • A minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL iBT test or 6.5 on IELTS test is required for non-native English speakers only, unless applicant earned their baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution. Scores are good for two years from the date the test is administered.
  • Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree demonstrating a strong overall undergraduate academic record. Admission decisions are based on several factors, and other indicators of success may be considered for admission.

Admission is provisional upon successful completion of one course in statistics with a grade of ‘B’ or better from a regionally accredited institution. An “Introduction to Business” course similar to BUS 500  at UNCW is required for students who have not completed undergraduate or graduate coursework in a business discipline.

Degree Requirements (63 total credit hours)


  • Forty-two credit hours of approved graduate credit must be satisfactorily completed for the MBA degree, and 30 credit hours of approved graduate credit must be satisfactorily completed for the MS BAN degree, with a maximum of 9 credit hours counting for both degrees, for a total number of credit hours of 63 credit hours.
  • Each student must successfully complete an integrative written analysis project in MBA 558 - Strategic Management.
  • Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.
  • Courses requested for transfer are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally, no more than 3 credits from non-AACSB accredited universities will be accepted, and no more than 9 credits from AACSB accredited universities will be accepted. The Graduate Associate Dean determines how the courses, if any, will be transferred and will request recommendations from the faculty who teach within the disciplines being requested.
  • After admittance, students who wish to complete a course offered by another graduate program at UNCW must have the course approved by the MBA Director before enrolling.

Required Courses


Ideally, to participate in the dual-degree program, a student would first complete the MBA program with a Specialization in Business Analytics. This Specialization requires that an MBA student take three Business Analytics courses that are offered through the MSBA program. For the dual degree program, these courses would be:

Capstone Project


Each student must successfully complete an integrative written analysis project in MBA 558  Strategic Management.

Applied Learning Residencies (6 credit hours)


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