Business Administration, Innovation Concentration, M.B.A.

Innovation MBA Concentration

Innovation is a critical component of sustainable firm success in today’s complex, global and dynamic business environment. Managers need to understand the technical and human components of innovation and be able to be leaders of the innovation process. Thus, the theme of this program is “Leading through Innovation with Technology and People.” The program is designed to provide students with a sound foundation in all of the business principles, while focusing on the various aspects of innovation. The program also emphasizes the development of teamwork, managerial decision-making and leadership skills.

The program is primarily intended for working professionals holding full-time positions in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and other nearby regions.

The curriculum of the Innovation MBA concentration includes the 16 courses listed below. The program includes 48 total credit hours.

Required Courses

Core Curriculum (5 courses): 15 Credit Hours

MBA 613. Foundations of Marketing Leadership 3.00
MBA 615. Supply Chain Management and Logistics 3.00
MBA 617. Corporate Financial Decision-Making 3.00
MBA 618. Information Systems Strategy and Leadership 3.00
MBA 691. Strategic Management 3.00

Leadership Values (2 courses): 6 Credit Hours

Innovation Theme (3 courses): 9 Credit Hours

MBA 601. Management of Innovation and Technology 3.00
MBA 611. Project Management 3.00
MBA 620. Accounting for Decision-Making and Control 3.00

Electives (choose six from the following): 18 Credit Hours

MBA 602. Management of New Product Development 3.00
MBA 605. Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation 3.00
MBA 606. Managing in an Innovation-Driven Global Environment 3.00
MBA 607. Leadership Communication Skills for Business 3.00
MBA 625. Online Search Advertising 3.00
MBA 650. Managing Human Resources 3.00
MBA 653. Business Law 3.00
MBA 654. Investments Analysis 3.00
MBA 656. Business Process Management 3.00
MBA 658. Financial Risk Analysis and Management 3.00
MBA 664. Negotiations and Conflict Management 3.00
MBA 678. Special Topics 3.00
MBA 695. Cultural Awareness Experience 3.00

Total: 48 Credit Hours

Additional Information

One course from another masters program at JMU may be substituted for an elective if the course is related to the theme of the program, and with prior approval from the director of the MBA program.

MBA 691. Strategic Management is the capstone course in the M.B.A. Innovation concentration and replaces the comprehensive examination requirement. A minimum grade of “B” or better must be attained to pass MBA 691 .

Students are also required to participate in the following:

Workshops: Students are required to attend three Saturday workshops. The first will be an orientation workshop that will teach students how to use the technology needed to participate in the online activities and introduce the students to the leadership development program. There will also be two special topics workshops in the spring of each year that will have guest speakers debate contemporary business issues and will have students participate in a variety of group activities.
Leadership development program: A program which will include periodic discussions with an assigned mentor.