ONLINE EXECUTIVE MBA
In 1994, Athabasca University logged on with the world s first fully interactive online Executive MBA program. Today, the AU MBA is Canada s largest Executive MBA program, and is hailed as the most respected online Executive MBA in the world. On the Cover Graham Wall, MBA student, Engineer, Siemens Canada Ltd., ON.
I wanted an MBA to answer tough questions for our company: how do we gain market share, what products should we carry, how do we measure effectiveness, can we do this smarter? Now that I ve earned the MBA, I still ask these questions but I approach them as opportunities and know I can solve them. The AU MBA broadened my perspectives and changed the way I think. Simon Tran, MBA, Director of Finance, Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd., BC. Contents 4 6 8 Why should you take your MBA with AU? You can do it now. We make it possible. How online courses work in the MBA program 14 16 18 Tailoring your program to your own career needs. Executive MBA Admissions Accelerated Executive MBA Route 10 A team devoted to your success 20 Executive MBA for Accountants 12 Curriculum 22 Tuition and Fees
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Why should you take your MBA with AU? The AU online Executive MBA is designed to give you a high level organizational view that enables you to confidently assume the role of strategic decision maker. Our goal is to provide the best possible environment for integrating theory and practice. We do this by focusing on real business problems often your own or those of your classmates and building on the knowledge and expertise of both teachers and learners through discussion and collaboration. Alain May, PhD, Program Director, MBA, Faculty of Business The secret to our success is the same today as it was when we first introduced our program over 20 years ago: an online environment that facilitates richer interaction than a traditional classroom. The launch of the AU online Executive MBA in 1994 broke down the barriers of time and space for both learners and faculty. Because of our unique delivery system, we are able to employ faculty from virtually anywhere. As experts in their respective fields with both academic qualifications and industry experience, our faculty ensure that managers and executives gain practical implementation skills in all curriculum areas. Students representing a broad cross-section of industries, companies, and geographic locations bring an exceptional diversity of experience, perspective, and expertise to the rich online classroom experience. In each course, students work in groups of eight to ten under the guidance of an academic coach who facilitates active discussion and collaboration by guiding conversations and providing insights or tools to help clarify points or themes. In this unique environment, interaction between academics and students is extremely high. Ideas, insights, and skills are shared on a daily basis; views are exchanged and arguments advanced. This is a crucial ingredient of a graduate level management education that has powerful relevance to the real world of business.
Time and location are barriers to participation for many students when it comes to classroom based learning. At traditional bricks-and-mortar schools, you have to organize your life around set school hours. At Athabasca University, you can schedule your school hours to fit the rest of your life. business.athabascau.ca 6
You can do it now. We make it possible. There comes a time in your professional life when you ask is this really it? and you start exploring possibilities of how you can get more of what you want maybe it s a change in industry, a promotion, a project opportunity. For me, that exploration led to Athabasca s MBA program. I knew I would experience a rich learning environment with mature, accomplished fellow students and that I could fit the learning into my very busy work and home life. It was one of the best decisions I ve ever made and completing the program has opened so many doors! Louise Taylor Green, MBA, Principal, Success Momentum Inc., ON. All of your course activities take place in one environment you can access on your laptop, home computer, work computer, tablet, even your smart phone if need be. Some courses do have physical textbooks, which will be mailed to you, but otherwise, everything you need to read, discuss, collaborate, and submit work will be organized in one spot.
How online courses work in the MBA program Athabasca University Executive MBA students are experienced managers with interesting and diverse backgrounds across many different industries, sectors, countries, cultures and geographic locations. This diversity of opinion and life experience adds depth to the program s curriculum, and helps students understand how theories can be applied in a variety of contexts. Peer to peer learning is key. Asynchronous Asynchronous learning means you are never required to be online at a certain date and time. We have students and academics across Canada and around the world engaged in learning and teaching 24 hours a day. Online/Offline Whether you are in Saskatoon or Singapore, at home, or mid-flight, you can engage with others and never worry about missing a lecture. Our robust learning environment allows you to work on or offline, so you can draft your work remotely and upload once you can connect to the Internet again. Paced Too much flexibility can be as challenging as not enough. AU s courses have set start and end dates, and include a workplan with assignment deadlines and requirements for group work and collaboration within each course to keep you on track. You control when and where You are expected to contribute 20 to 25 hours to your studies over roughly five to six days per week, but when and where are completely up to you: early mornings, over your lunch hour what works for you works for us. Example of a Paced Eight-week Online Course business.athabascau.ca 8
Why do you think the way you think? Participation in group discussions counts for a significant portion of each course grade, and is based on how you think through and respond to questions, how you help others understand your point of view by sharing insights and examples, and how you integrate new theoretical knowledge into your overall management perspective in other words, how you demonstrate that you are developing and maturing as a senior manager and leader. We believe that having time to think and reflect, to craft a response, or to make sure you understand someone else s argument is of fundamental importance to your studies and will help move you beyond memorization to mastery. All voices heard equally Your identity as an MBA student at Athabasca is based on how you think. What matters is the strength of your arguments, how you connect academic theories and concepts to your organizational issues, and, most importantly, that you effectively share ideas and thoughts with your peers. A chance to think things through Your first answer isn t always your best answer. That is one of the challenges with a traditional MBA classroom model and the inherent competition between students to answer questions and participate. At AU, interaction and peer learning are not constrained by time or location. Making personal connections The AU online Executive MBA program allows you to expand your networks outside of your geographical area. You will develop relationships with students from across time zones, provinces and countries and in different industries and levels of management. The Faculty of Business also regularly brings students and alumni together in major centres across Canada and the US for networking events.
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Our faculty are driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to see each student realize his or her full potential. Our academic team, consisting of core faculty and academic coaches, choose to be a part of their AU online MBA program because they believe it truly delivers a remarkable learning experience... and not just for the students! I, for one, am continually amazed at the extraordinary level of new knowledge created by each student cohort as they move through the program. The caliber of people involved in this program students, faculty, academic coaches and staff is among my greatest source of pride in my role as Dean of the Faculty of Business. Deborah Hurst, PhD, Dean (acting), Faculty of Business A team devoted to your success Core Faculty Core faculty members for AU s Executive MBA program are tenure track professors who conduct research, lead academic disciplines, develop courses, and teach within AU s master and doctoral level programs. Academic Coaches Academic coaches work with small groups of eight to ten students in each course, ensuring a high standard of studentacademic interaction. Most academic coaches are PhD qualified; all have significant industry expertise, and many are full-time faculty members at other universities. Admissions Coordinators All MBA students are assigned an admissions coordinator upon acceptance into the program who works with you throughout your program to help you manage your schedule and ensure you meet your degree requirements. Learn more about our academics and their research activities at: business.athabascau.ca/academics IT HelpDesk The HelpDesk provides you the resources and assistance you need to participate effectively in the online learning environment. HelpDesk staff work extended hours to help you with your initial setup, and any time you need technical assistance. Learning Services Learning Services is responsible for the editing, design, and distribution of all learning materials for the Executive MBA. They ensure students have all the proper course materials and applications required for successful completion. Student and Alumni Relations This group works to ensure you are happy with your AU MBA experience and remain connected with our school after you graduate. They arrange events, send news updates, and manage social media efforts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
Curriculum The AU Executive MBA curriculum is challenging. It requires you to connect the program to your experience in your own organization, or an organization with which you are familiar. The core curriculum concentrates on the management areas that make a difference to organizational performance. Throughout each course, students integrate theory and practice by focusing on real business problems, building on the knowledge and expertise of both teachers and learners. The work you do throughout your MBA program will give you the tools and confidence you need to take your career to the next level. The program is completed in two phases: PHASE ONE PHASE TWO CORE Six foundational courses build upon each other and are capped by a week-long comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam is case-based, completed online, and requires you to integrate and apply all you have learned to this point. Four core advanced courses solidify your holistic, organizational view of the senior management function. Orientation (one week online) Strategic Management Human Resources Management Financial and Managerial Accounting Marketing Management Managerial Economics Operations Management Comprehensive Exam Information Technology Strategy Corporate Finance Strategy and Organizational Analysis Managerial Ethics and Decision Making Award of Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management business.athabascau.ca 12
Your AU MBA studies will: Time Commitment Develop in you a strategic organizational view that enables you to analyze structure, environment, and your own vital role as manager Enable you to think critically and make effective decisions Help you link theory and practice in different contexts Develop your leadership and related interpersonal skills: networking, communicating online, collaboration, teamwork Enhance your change management skills Students on average spend 20 to 25 hours per week on their studies and are expected to be active online five to six days per week. Core courses are completed in a predetermined sequence and are each eight weeks long. The program schedule provides small breaks between each course and two longer breaks annually. The program can be completed in two and a half to three years; you have a maximum of five years to complete all requirements. PHASE TWO ELECTIVES If you have an undergraduate degree in business, you may qualify for our accelerated admission route see page 18. You have a choice of how to complete Phase Two. You can either complete six elective courses* or you can complete three elective courses plus an applied project. APPLIED PROJECT ROUTE COURSE BASED ROUTE Two online elective courses One in residence elective* One applied project Five online elective courses One in residence elective* Award of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree *In residence electives include a five day in residence component and are held in locations across Canada and internationally. Students are required to take at least one elective in residence, but may take more than one if they choose.
Tailoring your program to your own career needs. Use your work scenarios as case studies Within almost all core courses, weekly discussions and individual assignments are focused on connecting your learning directly to your company and your industry. Our goal is to move you beyond imagining what you might do within a scenario and instead help you connect your learning to what is happening in the real world and in your workplace. You will come away from each course with tangible and usable knowledge and abilities. You ll also have a series of deliverables you can take back to your organization. Create your own electives concentration Electives are available on a wide variety of subject areas and are delivered in online as well as in blended online/in residence formats held across Canada and internationally. You can choose to concentrate on one topic area or mix things up and take courses on completely different subjects. Should you choose to concentrate on one topic, the following areas have multiple courses available: Project Management Entrepreneurship Human Resources IT Management Leadership Operations Management Strategy Marketing Finance & Governance International Business business.athabascau.ca 14
Whether you are looking to increase your expertise in a particular field or branch out into new disciplines, you can customize your AU MBA experience to fit your unique learning objectives. Take on a problem or opportunity with a mentor In Residence Electives All students must complete at least one in residence elective which combines online work with an intensive week of faceto-face instruction. These courses cover a variety of business topics and are offered throughout the year in major centres across Canada. International In Residence Electives International electives include five to seven intensive days working in another country. Students get an insider s view of some of that nation s top companies. These electives are scheduled in different economic trade zones over a three-year rotation, providing opportunity to experience business in different countries over the course of the program. Applied Project The applied project is a major academic research paper involving a review of literature and systematic application of concepts, models, and theories to a specific business problem or solution. Once students submit their proposal for an applied project, they are assigned an academic supervisor with significant academic and industry experience in their chosen management area. This gives students the ability to dive deeply into a challenge or opportunity in their workplace. Many students develop business plans in their applied project and launch new ventures as a result. Singapore
The AU MBA is an investment. It demands your time, thought, creativity, and even passion. You get back that investment many times over and see the difference in yourself from day one. Victor Jensch, MBA, Vice President of Market Development, J. Ennis Fabrics, AB. Selecting an MBA program is a decision that can dramatically affect future career success. We are proud that today more Canadian managers and executives choose Athabasca University s Executive MBA than any other, and that our advanced online learning platform is helping to transform management thinking and practice in Canada and around the world. business.athabascau.ca 16
Executive MBA Admissions AU Executive MBA Admission Pathways Your application package will include*: 1. You have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university plus at least THREE years of managerial experience*, OR 2. You hold an accepted professional designation and at least FIVE years of managerial experience*, OR 3. You have at least EIGHT years of progressively responsible managerial experience.* *managerial experience: experience managing people, projects and/or budgets. 1. Your detailed resume 2. University transcripts and/or proof of professional designation, if applicable. 3. Three references attesting to your management experience and readiness for graduate studies. 4. A brief essay outlining your expectations from the program. 5. A completed online application form. 6. A $200 application fee. *Note: These are brief guidelines only; for full information, go to: business.athabascau.ca/mba/online-executive-mba/ mba-admissions/ and follow the detailed instructions given there. The requirements outlined above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Admissions Committee will make a decision based on a comprehensive review of your application including work experience, academic performance, references, and written compositions. Applicants without an undergraduate degree must apply to and successfully complete phase one of the MBA (first six courses and comprehensive exam), earning the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management, and then apply to transfer into the remainder of the MBA.
Accelerated Executive MBA Route A new admission route for undergraduate business degree holders Finish your AU online Executive MBA in as little as 18 months if you already have a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree. This accelerated route to your Executive MBA acknowledges that the academic knowledge you acquired in your undergraduate studies in combination with the experience you have gained in the workplace since graduating provides a solid base from which to advance into senior management study and practice. CORE COURSES ELECTIVES Orientation (one week online) Making Strategic Choices Managerial Ethics and Decision Making APPLIED PROJECT ROUTE Four online elective courses One in residence elective* One applied project OR COURSE BASED ROUTE Seven online elective courses One in residence elective* Award of MBA Degree business.athabascau.ca 18
Accelerated Route Admissions The accelerated MBA route gives you the flexibility to tailor your master s studies to your own interests and career goals. Once you have completed two mandatory courses, you can design the rest of your program using a combination of online and in-residence electives, international electives and, if you choose, a major research project. Because the accelerated MBA route is part of our flagship online Executive MBA, all students study together, meaning you will enjoy the full benefits of peer learning within a student body that spans industries, sectors, and organizations across Canada and around the world. To be accepted into the Accelerated route to the Executive MBA, you must have: an undergraduate degree in business, completed within the past 10 years* overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at least three years of managerial experience * degrees which are slightly more than 10 years old may be accepted on a case-by-case basis; additional courses may be required. Your application package will include*: 1. Your detailed resume 2. University transcripts and proof of professional designation, if applicable. 3. Three references attesting to your management experience and readiness for graduate studies. 4. A brief essay outlining your expectations from the program. 5. A completed online application form. 6. A $200 application fee and a $250 transcript evaluation fee. *Note: These are brief guidelines only; for full information, go to: business.athabascau.ca/mba and follow the detailed instructions given there. The requirements outlined above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Admissions Committee will make a decision based on a comprehensive review of your application including work experience, academic performance, references, and written compositions.
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Executive MBA for Accountants Athabasca University and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada are committed to developing global business leaders who combine solid strategic management skills with superior financial management knowledge and an understanding of sound corporate governance. Your professional accounting designation gives you enhanced access to Athabasca University s online Executive MBA program and a unique opportunity to broaden the scope of your strategic management knowledge. As you work through the program with other talented management professionals from various industries and locations, you will hone and expand your skills in managing information, people, resources, markets and operations, and learn to think in terms of organization-wide strategy from the executive viewpoint. AU acknowledges your financial management background by providing transfer credit in course areas related to professional accounting. Further, if you have completed an undergraduate degree in business within the past 10 years, you could qualify for our accelerated admission route, further reducing your program completion time. To see which option you qualify for, visit our web site: business.athabascau.ca/mba/executive-mba-accountants/ Taking the AU MBA transformed my decision making processes and introduced frameworks and tools to think more strategically and differently. Having earned an accounting designation, AU gave me transfer credits, which reduced tuition costs and time to complete the program. I would highly recommend AU s MBA to other accountants wanting to take their careers to the next level. John Couto, MBA, CGA, Finance Manager, Community Natural Foods Ltd., AB.
Executive MBA Tuition and Fees Applied Project Route Application & Admission Application Fee Admission Fee Phase One Six Core Courses Phase Two Four Core Courses Two Online Electives* Elective in Residence (Canada)* Applied Project $200.00 $800.00 $17,586.00 $11,724.00 $5,862.00 $3,900.00 $4,512.00 Due with your application Due upon acceptance into the program Payable in three equal installments Payable in two equal installments $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration Due upon registration Due upon registration Total $44,584.00 Course-Based Route Application & Admission Application Fee Admission Fee Phase One Six Core Courses Phase Two Four Core Courses Five Online Electives* Elective in Residence (Canada)* $200.00 $800.00 $17,586.00 $11,724.00 $14,655.00 $3,900.00 Due with your application Due upon acceptance into the program Payable in three equal installments Payable in two equal installments $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration Due upon registration Total $48,865.00 NOTE: Fees in effect as of Fall 2014. For most current fee information, visit business.athabascau.ca/mba. * You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options. business.athabascau.ca 22
Accelerated Executive MBA Route Tuition and Fees Applied Project Route Application & Admission Application Fee Transcript Evaluation Fee Admission Fee Core Program Two Core Courses Electives and Applied Project Four Online Electives Elective in Residence (Canada)* Applied Project Total Course Based Route Application & Admission Application Fee Transcript Evaluation Fee Admission Fee Core Program Two Core Courses Electives and Applied Project Seven Online Electives* Elective in Residence (Canada)* $200.00 $250.00 $800.00 $5,862.00 $11,724.00 $3,900.00 $4,512.00 $27,248.00 $200.00 $250.00 $800.00 $5,862.00 $20,517.00 $3,900.00 Due with your application Due with your application Due upon acceptance into the program $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration Due upon registration Due upon registration Due with your application Due with your application Due upon acceptance into the program $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration $2,931.00 each, Due upon registration Due upon registration Athabasca University reserves the right to make additions, deletions, changes or modifications to its policies, practices, procedures, tuition fees, course availability, delivery mode, schedules, or program requirements at any time without prior notice. The publication of information in this brochure does not bind the University to the provision of courses, programs, services or facilities as listed herein. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the University s procedures and policies and the specific requirements associated with the degree or diploma sought. Every student accepted for registration with Athabasca University shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the regulations and policies of the University and of the program in which that student is enrolled. Athabasca University specifically reserves the right to exercise its sole, absolute and unfettered discretion in admitting individuals to the University, its programs, or courses. Total $31,529.00
Faculty of Business Graduate Management Programs:» Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)» Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)» Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management (PBDM)» Leadership and Management Development (LMD) Athabasca University (AU) Faculty of Business Phone: 780-488-2832 or 1-800-561-4650 (toll-free in North America) Fax: 780-447-7267 or 1-800-561-4660 (toll-free in North America) Email: business@fb.athabascau.ca Website: business.athabascau.ca