Students working together

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Now accepting applications for the upcoming semester! Apply or contact us today to get started.

Rockford University’s MBA consists of core coursework that helps you develop critical management skills and a deeper understanding of the business field. To complete your degree, select courses from a list of popular business electives or customize your MBA choosing electives from four in-demand concentrations:

  • STEM Finance
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Project Management 

Choose Flexibility

Take on-site, evening courses and online courses to accommodate your work, family, and personal schedule.

Who Is It For?

  • Working professionals in or aspiring to be in management
  • Employees in companies that want skilled managers and effective leaders
  • Anyone holding a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution

Fact: 81% of recruiting companies are hiring MBAs to fulfill this need.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018

MBA Admission Requirements

For admission to the MBA program, students must submit the following MBA Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Official Transcripts with Bachelor’s Degree Posting from an accredited college or university
    • Cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5
    • Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope or digitally secure email

Submission of the above does not guarantee admission.
Students must be admitted prior to taking their 12th credit hour.

Program Features

  • Career Advancement – Boost your advancement potential by enhancing your business skills.
  • Customized – Gain industry-specific skills in Healthcare Administration, Finance, and Project Management.
  • Bloomberg Business Lab – Access information used by leading business, financial, and government decision makers around the globe.
  • Collaborative – Work closely with peers in small classes averaging 15 students.
  • Quality Courses – Experience a high-quality program accredited by the IACBE and taught by faculty with corporate experience.
  • Work and Study – Attend convenient, evening classes designed for the working adult with dinner included. Choose from growing fully online course options.
  • Tradition – Trust in the oldest, continuously operating MBA program in the Rockford-area.

Accreditation

The MBA at Rockford University is nationally accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The University is also accredited through several organizations.

Course Offerings and Descriptions

Core Coursework

Core courses help MBA students develop critical management skills and a deeper understanding of the business field.

MBA 503 Managerial Economics or MBA 504 Business & The National Economy
MBA 510 Legal Environment of Business
MBA 530 Managerial Accounting & Control
MBA 540 Financial Management
MBA 550 Leadership
MBA 560 Marketing
MBA 580 Business Research & Data Analysis
MBA 696 Applied Strategies & Business Planning

Concentration Coursework

Any 3 electives in a specific field constitute a concentration. There are 3 different concentrations from which a student can choose:

Healthcare Administration – Complete 3  of the following

  • MBA 581 Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement
  • MBA 582 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
  • MBA 583 US Healthcare Strategy
  • MBA 676 Special Topics in Business Administration

Finance – Complete 3 of the following

  • MBA 641 Investment Management
  • MBA 670 International Financial Management
  • MBA 672 Data Analytics
  • MBA 676 Special Topics in Business Administration
  • MBA 685 Contemporary Topics and Issues in Organizations

Organizational Leadership – Complete 3 of the following

  • MBA 551 Otganizational Change Management
  • MBA 552 Consulting Strategies
  • MBA 553 Team Dynamics and Conflict Transformation
  • MBA 590 Organizational Communication
  • MBA 651 Organizational Behavior
  • MBA 676 Special Topics in Business Administration

Project Management – Complete 3 of the following

  • MBA 542 Supply Chain Management
  • MBA 548 Project Planning and Control
  • MBA 650 Operations Management
  • MBA 685 Supply Chain Management

You may enroll in the general track of the MBA. If you choose to pursue a general MBA, you take any 3 electives of your choosing.

Program Prerequisites

Prerequisite business courses are satisfied through previous college credits (or by proficiency examination). Information on proficiency exams is available from Student Administrative Services.

Prerequisite course work includes:

Business Finance (3 credit hours) or MBA 518

Accounting (3 credit hours) or MBA 524

Economics (3 credit hours) or MBA 502

Testimonials

Student Testimonials

“It (the MBA) acquainted me with individuals from other fields. It educated me in management related issues, it gave me credentials to facilitate a career move.”
Jurgen Selk, Financial Consultant, Salomon Smith Barney

“The MBA allowed me the opportunity to be considered to run a company. It has also allowed me to teach at a four-year business university.”
John F. Scanlon, President, P & W Auto Air, Inc.

“The MBA Program provided me the solid business background and analytical skills so that I am more effective in my profession. It also inspired me to return to school for additional knowledge with accounting finance.”
Fred Schmidt, Portfolio Manager-Dealer Commercial Services-Commercial Banking, Bank One

“As an engineer, the MBA Program taught me to see the non-technical end of the business. This is extremely helpful in dealing with non-technical professionals.”
Rob Savin, Manager Experimental Manufacturing Engineering, Rolls-Royce Allison

“It (the MBA) has expanded my career possibilities in the future by giving me the big picture and knowledge basis to apply toward a focused career path based on specialized skills.”
Roger B. Donohue, Portfolio Specialist, The CIT Group

“The presentation skills that I developed in the program have proven to be invaluable. Second, because of the well-rounded nature of the program, I am able to comprehend the “languages” of different areas. This is especially critical in designing information tools for different areas.”
Rich McMullen, IT, Barber-Colman Aerospace

“The MBA Program strengthened my analytical written and oral communications skills. It assisted me in dealing with the complexities of policing and the overall criminal justice system.”
Chet L. Epperson, Jr., Chief, Rockford Police Department

“It (the MBA) has set me aside from other candidates internally and made my company realize that I have the commitment and skills to help in other areas.”
David A. Holesinger, Territory Manager, Grainger Industrial Supply

“The MBA Program at Rockford University provided me with a broad based business background that I have been able to use in numerous situations.”
Donald Westfall, Regional Economics Development Manager, ComEd

“Interaction with older and more experienced students was a great value.”
Loretta K. Glenny, Court Operations Analyst, Adm. Office of the Illinois Courts, Chicago, Ill.

“It (the MBA) has given me the opportunity to pursue the career I wanted.”
Kristen Houghton, Senior Accountant, Smith and Gosteland CPAs.

Classes Start Soon!

With 8 week courses, RU welcomes new MBA students multiple times throughout the year!

Apply Today!

Have Questions?

Graduate Admission Counselors are here to help!
Please call 815-226-4040 or fill out the form below and we’ll be in contact with you very soon!

Request Information

Office of Admission

Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Admissions@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
After hour appointments available by request.