Professional MBA Program Overview
In today’s complex and fast-paced business world, it is essential for business leaders to have a holistic understanding of what it takes to lead a successful organization. Our AACSB accredited professional MBA from the CU Denver Business School can be completed fully online, and is designed for aspiring business leaders who are ready to build the versatile skills required to thrive in a global business environment.
Our fully online professional MBA program provides a comprehensive and advanced foundation in leadership, management, business strategy, and communication. You’ll have the opportunity to choose one of our career-focused specializations and connect your business leadership skills with advanced knowledge of business areas such as accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, information systems, management, and more. Through interactive case studies and practical learning opportunities, you’ll learn how to manage effective teams, create innovative solutions to complex business problems, and lead organizations successfully into the future.
See Admissions Requirements
below for more information.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Master of Business Administration
Offered By:
CU Denver Business School
Tuition:
Cost Per Credit:
$750
Cost Per Credit:
$875*
Out-of-state students may qualify for discounted tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
Application Deadline:
Credit Hours:
45
Professional MBA Online Specializations
Some of the specializations for the Professional MBA program that can be completed fully online are:
*Please note, students are not required to pursue a specialization and also have the option to simply mix and match electives they are most interested in.
Business leaders who understand the intricacies of accounting are in high demand across all industries. When you tailor your MBA with an accounting specialization, you’ll learn to interpret accounting information, tackle complex accounting problems, and effectively communicate financial details with organizational leaders and stakeholders. This specialization prepares you for a variety of challenging and rewarding career paths, including auditing, accounting, and management.
Modern business runs on information, and a company’s success is dependent on how data is collected and analyzed. Business Intelligence (BI) systems combine operational data with analytical tools to present complex and competitive information for planning and decision making. In this specialization, you’ll discover how to use business intelligence systems to make business decisions and understand the capabilities of an organization, future market directions, regulatory environment, and the actions of competitors.
Commodities play an essential role within our global economies as well as our day-to-day lives. Our MBA with a specialization in commodities will help you gain a deeper understanding of commodity markets and learn the fundamentals of investing, risk management, trading, supply chain management, global economics, and more. You’ll learn from industry experts at the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, a leading institution at the intersection of business and education in the broad agriculture, metals, minerals, and energy commodity sectors.
To build a successful business, it’s essential to have advanced knowledge of a variety of business functions. When you choose to complete your MBA with an entrepreneurship specialization, you’ll discover how to build and sustain your business with courses that get into the nitty-gritty of business plans, legal issues, venture capitalists, web development, and more. This area of interest also gives you access to dozens of networking opportunities, including an annual business plan competition, internships, discussions with local entrepreneurs, and connections with new ventures.
Finance is at the core of every business, and it’s essential for business leaders and executives to have a thorough understanding of the financial aspects of their organization in order to be successful. When you earn your MBA with a finance specialization, you’ll develop comprehensive skills in a variety of financial areas including corporate, investments, and financial institutions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of essential financial topics such as forecasting, derivatives, risk management, and firm evaluation.
In today’s increasingly digital business environment, organizations are in need of innovative leaders who know how to harness the power of technology for business. Our information systems MBA specialization focuses on the intersection of technology and business strategy to prepare you for a career in tech leadership. You’ll learn how to analyze data and better manage business processes with technology through hands-on coursework and cutting-edge IT software.
Across all industries, businesses need energetic leaders and effective problem-solvers who can develop successful teams and discover new ways to drive business forward. When you specialize your MBA degree in management, you’ll build expertise in the fundamental aspects of leadership that you need to excel as a manager in any organization. Through this specialization, you will develop key managerial skills in project management, negotiation, sustainability, business ethics, organizational change management, and more.
More than ever, companies around the world need to focus on finding sustainable ways to lead business into the future. Our MBA with a specialization in managing for sustainability provides an in-depth exploration of corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices, and sustainability as a competitive advantage. Throughout your sustainability courses, you’ll gain valuable insight into how to create business strategies that reduce operating costs, open up new markets, increase customer loyalty, improve financial performance, and make a positive impact on a global scale.
Companies are continuing to evolve and discover new ways to interact with consumers, and it’s vital for business leaders to know what it takes to build authentic, long-term connections between an organization and its customers. Our MBA with a marketing specialization gives you deeper insight into how to build a brand, engage consumers, and lead successful marketing teams. Throughout your marketing specialization courses, you’ll gain a better understanding of effective marketing strategies and hone your skills in digital marketing, marketing research, consumer behavior, and more.
Risk management is a crucial aspect of every successful business. With half of the industry’s workforce retiring within the next decade, companies are in need of talented professionals who can effectively manage risk to enhance firm value. When you earn an MBA with a specialization in risk management and insurance, you’ll learn how to identify liabilities and mitigate risk in corporate settings as well as how to introduce insurance products for personal and commercial use.
If your career goals aren’t aligned with one of our MBA specializations or you’d prefer to choose your own electives, you have the option to customize your business administration degree to match your unique interests. Your general MBA program gives you the ability to choose electives from different areas of business, such as marketing, finance, management, IT, entrepreneurship, and more. Your general MBA will help you gain a deeper understanding of how various business functions work together and prepare you for leadership roles within any organization.
AACSB Accreditation
The CU Denver Business School is accredited by AACSB International, a global nonprofit association that is committed to providing excellence in education for future business leaders. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, with less than five percent of the world’s business programs obtaining AACSB accreditation. As an AACSB accredited degree, our professional MBA must meet rigorous academic standards and commit to providing high-quality education through strategic curriculum design and dynamic thought leadership. When you earn your MBA from an AACSB accredited program, you’ll graduate with the confidence that you’ve received the best business education available and the valued credentials that employers are looking for.
MBA Curriculum Overview
Our professional MBA program is AACSB accredited and our courses are designed by experienced faculty and business leaders who ensure that our curriculum aligns with current industry trends. Our core curriculum focuses on building an advanced foundation for your career, with essential courses in economics, leadership, finance, business ethics, management, and more. You’ll round out your core business education with one international business elective.
We offer nine MBA specializations to allow you to personalize your degree and deepen your understanding of the field you’re passionate about. If you choose a specialization, you will engage with industry-experienced faculty, collaborate with other driven students, and gain in-demand skills that can give you an edge in today’s competitive job market. You’ll graduate with the broad business knowledge and focused expertise you need to solve complex business problems and lead organizations to success.
MBA Core Courses (30 credits)
As a Master of Business Administration student, you’ll complete the following core requirements:
- Leading Individuals and Teams (BUSN 6520)
- Data Analytics for Managers (BUSN 6530)
- Legal and Ethical Environment of Business (BUSN 6540)
- Analyzing and Interpreting Accounting Information (BUSN 6550)
- Marketing Dynamics in the 21st Century (BUSN 6560)
- Information Systems Strategy (BUSN 6610)
- Applied Economics for Managers (BUSN 6620)
- Management of Operations (BUSN 6630)
- Financial Management (BUSN 6640)
- Strategic Management (BUSN 6710)
International Business Elective (3 credits)
To fulfill the international business requirement, you’ll complete one elective course:
- Introduction to International Business (INTB 6000)
OR - Any approved INTB 6000-level or higher course which includes options for 1-2 week
international travel study courses.
Accounting Specialization Courses (12 credits)
If you choose the accounting specialization, you’ll choose from classes such as:
- Intermediate Financial Accounting I (ACCT 6031)
- Intermediate Financial Accounting II (ACCT 6032)
- Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax (ACCT 6140)
- Any ACCT 6000 level course
Business Intelligence Specialization Courses (12 credits)
Sample classes may include:
- Database Management Systems (ISMG 6080)
- Business Intelligence Systems and Analytics (ISMG 6220)
- Information Systems Security and Privacy (ISMG 6430)
- Text Data Analytics (ISMG 6470)
- Data Warehouse and Administration (ISMG 6480)
- Business Intelligence in Healthcare (ISMG 6810)
- Business Intelligence and Financial Modeling (ISMG 6820)
Commodities Specialization Courses (12 credits)
If you are interested in earning your MBA with a commodities specialization, sample class options may include:
- Foundations of Commodities (CMDT 6802)
- Three additional courses from the following list:
- Commodity and Equity Trading (CMDT 6490)
- Commodity Supply Chain Management (CMDT 6582)
- Commodity Valuation and Investment (CMDT 6682)
- Commodity Data Analysis (CMDT 6782)
Entrepreneurship Specialization Courses (12 credits)
Earn your MBA with an entrepreneurship specialization with such classes as:
- Three approved courses with an ENTP 6000 or higher course number
- One entrepreneurship capstone course:
- Business Model Development & Planning (ENTP 6020)
OR - Digital Strategy for Entrepreneurs (ENTP 6022)
- Business Model Development & Planning (ENTP 6020)
Finance Specialization Courses (12 credits)
In order to complete your MBA with a finance specialization, students generally take:
- Investment Management Analysis (FNCE 6330)
- Three approved FNCE, CMDT, or RISK courses at the 6000 level or higher
Information Systems Specialization Courses (12 credits)
If you’re interested in the intersection of business and information systems, sample courses may include:
- Four ISMG 6000 or higher courses, including topics in:
- Database Management Systems
- Information Systems Strategy
- Analysis, Modeling, and Design
- IT Project Management
Business Intelligence Systems and Analytics Management Specialization Courses (12 credits)
With possible classes including:
- Leading Organizational Change (MGMT 6320)
- Designing Effective Organizations (MGMT 6360)
Two of the following electives:
- Managing for Sustainability (MGMT 6821)
- Managing People for Competitive Advantage (MGMT 6380)
- Visionary Leadership (MGMT 6803)
- Negotiation and Conflict Management (MGMT 6804)
Sustainable Business (12 credits)
Sample classes may include:
- Accounting and Finance for Sustainability (ACCT 6285)
- Supply Chain Analytics (BANA 6730)
- Entrepreneurship in Emerging Industries (ENTP 6030)
- Managing for Sustainability (MGMT 6821)
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (MGMT 6822)
- Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good (MGMT 6825)
- Business for a Better World (MGMT 6826)
- Global Climate Change (MGMT 6827)
- Independent Study (by petition only) (MGMT 6840)
- Internship (by petition only) (MGMT/MKTG 5939)
- Marketing & Global Sustainability (MKTG 6830)
Marketing Specialization Courses (12 credits)
To complete your MBA with a marketing specialization, you’ll select four MKTG 6000 level or higher courses, including topics such as:
- Marketing Strategy
- Market Research Analytics
- Consumer Intelligence: Psychology and Behavior
- CRM, Big Data, and Marketing Metrics
- Digital Media Marketing - Tools and Analytics
- Marketing Internship (by petition only)
Risk Management and Insurance Specialization Courses (12 credits)
Sample classes may include:
- Principles of Risk Management & Insurance (RISK 6809)
- Corporate Risk Management (RISK 6909)
Two electives from an approved list of courses, including topics in:
- Practical Enterprise Risk Management
- Strategic Risk Management
- Financial Modeling
- Global Risk Management
- Life and Health Insurance
- Entrepreneurial Financial Management
- Global Climate Change
No Specialization (12 credits)
If you prefer to choose your own electives rather than selecting one of our specializations, you can tailor your degree to your interests with a variety of electives in accounting, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and more. You’ll complete your degree by selecting four electives from our Graduate Business electives.
My experience at CU Denver has challenged me to be a better employee, project manager, leader, father, husband, and member of my community. The courses have been challenging but applicable to my professional responsibilities, and I’ve been able to immediately put to practice a lot of what I’ve learned.
— Thomas C. | MBA ‘19
MBA Career Paths
Earning your MBA can lead to unlimited career opportunities. From marketing and management to IT and finance, the skills you acquire in an MBA program give you the versatility to build a successful career in any industry.
Experienced and innovative business leaders are essential to every organization, and a Master of Business Administration degree can help you stand out in today’s competitive business environment. MBAs are so highly valued across industries that, on average, those who earn their master’s degree in business can see a salary increase of more than 38 percent over those with a bachelor’s, according to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Whether you’re looking to join a new industry, start your own company, or land a senior management role at your organization, our online MBA program prepares you for a rewarding career as a business leader.
Common MBA Job Titles
- Marketing Manager
- Account Executive
- Business Development Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Senior Risk Consultant
- Director of Business Development
- Entrepreneur
- Accounting Manager
- Finance Director
- Business Consultant
- Engineering Manager
- IT Consultant
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Product Manager
- Director of Sales and Marketing
Business Career Connections
As an MBA graduate, you'll have full access to our Business Career Connections team for life. Our connections to over 300 business partners provide exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders in the Denver metro area and beyond. With over 10 years of career advising experience, our team of experts will help you navigate the corporate recruiting process for in-demand jobs in business leadership.
Our virtual career services include:
- Career workshops designed to help you perfect your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search process
- Advising appointments to explore what your personal career path looks like, review your resume, or schedule a mock interview
- Career Panel events that help you learn about different roles and industries through panelists from top companies
- Job announcements via monthly emails with the latest job and internship opportunities specific to your business degree
Tuition & Fees
At CU Denver, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
The CU Denver Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your CU Denver degree.
Application fee: $50 for domestic applicants; $75 for international applicants
Total tuition for the MBA program*:
- In-state tuition: $32,400
- Out-of-state tuition: $37,755
*Estimated tuition costs based on full credit hours for the MBA degree (45 credits). Contact a Business School Enrollment Manager for more details.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a CU Denver program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
Scholarships
Once you are admitted to the University of Colorado, you’ll have access to our internal scholarship portal where you can view and apply to many funding opportunities offered by the university. Scholarship opportunities typically require an application and may have specific eligibility requirements related to a student's academic merit, financial need, community service, work experience, and more. Unlike financial aid loans, scholarships are gift aid that does not have to be repaid. As a student, you will be able to apply for scholarships every semester.
Transfer Credits
If you are applying as a transfer student, your coursework from other colleges and universities could count toward your University of Colorado degree requirements. Transferring credits to your CU Denver degree program may help you save on tuition costs and complete your degree sooner. Once you are admitted to the university, you may request a transfer credit evaluation to determine how many transfer credits are eligible to apply to your degree.
Veteran & Military Student Benefits
CU Denver is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a CU Denver student, you will have access to the Office of Veteran & Military Student Services (VMSS), which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success.
Our veteran and military students may use both veterans benefits and financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with CU Denver include:
- Waived application fee
- GI Bill benefits
- Free tutoring and academic support
Connect with the CU Denver Enrollment Team to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
Admissions
Our online MBA is designed for current and aspiring professionals who are looking to gain the credentials and advanced foundation to excel as a business leader. Students from all undergraduate majors are welcome to apply for the MBA program.
As you take the first step toward earning your graduate degree, the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to guide you through the application process. We’re here to help answer your questions about admission requirements, application deadlines, start dates, financial aid, international student support and resources, and more.
Prerequisites
In order to apply to the professional MBA program, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution. No prerequisites or foundational courses are required, and you do not need formal work experience or a business background to apply for the MBA.
Admission Requirements
Once you’re ready to apply to the Professional MBA program, you’ll need to submit the following application materials by the deadline:
- $50 application fee for domestic applicants; $75 fee for international applicants
- Online application
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Essay responses
- Resume/CV
- English Language Proficiency scores (international applicants only)
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
When you’re ready to apply for your MBA degree, the enrollment team will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admissions status and enrolling in CU Denver. After you submit your completed application and required materials, you will be able to check your admission status online. You’ll receive a final admission decision by email within two to three weeks of completing your application.
If you have additional questions about admission requirements for the MBA program or would like help starting an application, connect with the CU Denver Enrollment Team for more details.
GMAT/GRE Optional
Applicants are not required to submit GMAT/GRE scores for admissions into the program. The Admission Committee will evaluate your application for evidence of extended professional work experience and academic success that demonstrates the quantitative, analytical and verbal skills necessary for success in the CU Denver MBA.
Multiple sources of evidence will be considered such as:
- Minimum of three years of professional work experience, preferably with increasing managerial responsibilities.
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and/or 3.25 in the most recent year or 30 semester hours. (Consideration will be given to the major and rigor of the college or university).
- A grade of 3.0 or higher in two or more quantitative courses such as math, statistics, research methods, finance, accounting, etc.
- A grade of 3.0 or higher in two or more upper division courses that require writing as a major requirement such as English, liberal arts, marketing or management, etc.
- Widely recognized professional certifications (CPA, CFA, CFP, etc.)
- Graduate degree (master’s degree or higher).
If your application does not demonstrate the academic success and/or sufficient professional experience detailed above, a minimum GMAT or GRE score may be required for admission to the program.
Completion Time
To graduate with your MBA, you’ll be required to complete a total of 45 credit hours (15 courses). Our courses are optimized for online learning, allowing you to focus on one course at a time and build on the skills you learn throughout your degree program. Our flexible start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters allow you to begin working toward your master’s in business administration as soon as you’re ready.
Our business administration curriculum is designed to equip you with the in-demand skills and practical experience you need to build a successful business career, whether you’re ready to step into a senior- or executive-level role or you’re planning ahead for the next steps in your career. Many of our students choose to complete their degree on a part-time basis while continuing to work full-time. We allow students to take up to five years to complete their degree, but part-time students typically complete their degree as quickly as 36 months.
Do I need to live near Denver, Colorado to complete this degree?
The MBA program from the CU Denver Business School is offered 100% online, which means you will never be required to attend classes in-person and you will have the flexibility to complete your degree from anywhere. When you join CU Denver, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with classmates from Colorado as well as throughout the United States and the world. Our asynchronous courses and innovative online learning technologies give you access to the best education that the University of Colorado Denver has to offer at the time and place that’s right for you. You’ll be able to share ideas with your classmates, collaborate on projects, and connect directly with faculty through Canvas, our easy-to-use remote learning platform.
Online Student Support
When you join CU Denver, you will work with our Business School Graduate Advising team who provide support to you through your journey.
The Graduate Advising Team can:
- Help show you how to register for online courses
- Work with you to clarify your academic and professional goals
- Address any challenges you encounter throughout your degree
- Connect you with university services and resources to help you reach your goals
From helping you stay on track with classes to connecting you with academic and career resources, we offer the support and encouragement you need to make it to graduation and enjoy your journey along the way.
Graduate Events
- Sign up for a one-on-one informational meetings via phone and Zoom.
- Check out upcoming virtual Business School events, including program information sessions.
Apply Now
As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible online education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.
Whether you want to talk through your degree plans, learn more about a specific program, or start your application, the CU Denver Enrollment Team will provide friendly support as you decide if CU Denver is the right fit for your future.
Ready to get started? Take the first step toward earning your MBA degree online by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.