Curriculum & Focus Areas

Our innovative core curriculum is designed to prepare you to meet the demands of an ever changing market,  while our elective curriculum allows you to tailor your education to your specific interests and goals by pursuing one of many elective focus area options.

The Campbell MBA is a 37 credit hour program consisting of 10 core curriculum courses, and 3 elective curriculum courses of your choice. Elective courses may be focused in the areas of accounting, entrepreneurship, financial services, healthcare management, leadership & management, marketing, or the traditional MBA, which is a combination of courses from multiple focus areas.


MBA Core Curriculum

The core curriculum consists of 10 courses for a total of 28 credit hours. Courses may be taken in any order, with the exception of MBA 700 (taken at the beginning of the program), and MBA 790 (taken following the completion of 21 or more MBA program credit hours).

All core curriculum courses are offered once a year at all locations (Main Campus, Raleigh, and Online).

This course is designed to provide graduate business students with an introduction to the nature of today’s evolving business environment as well as the graduate programs experience at Campbell University. Utilizing individual and collaborative exercises, students will reflect on their strengths and begin their personal development journey. There will be a focus on leadership, team building, and business communication skills.  (Credit Hours: 1, Prerequisites: None)

This course investigates the usefulness and application of management accounting concepts to solve business problems. Topics covered include planning, budgeting and forecasting, performance management, cost management, decision analysis, and professional ethics. Students will apply critical thinking skills, work in teams, and employ independent analysis of contemporary business issues using management accounting models. Case studies are utilized to develop investigative and critical thinking skills. The cases explore the influence of the global economy on accounting information, an ethical decision-making framework, innovative trends in management accounting and the limitations of accounting information. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

The course presents a balanced coverage of both micro- and macroeconomic concepts, theories, issues, problems, and policy alternatives pertinent to the United States in a global setting. Extensive case studies help to bridge the gap between theoretical rigor and practical “real-world” applications of political economy from managerial decision-making and policy makers’ perspectives. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A study of capital budgeting, financing, dividend, and working capital decisions. Topics include fundamentals of financial markets, valuation, shareholder-wealth maximization, financial statement analysis, cost of capital, asset pricing, hedging, entrepreneurial finance, and international financial issues. Case studies will supplement lectures, and a team project involving the development of a financial analysis of an actual venture/investment is required. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This multidisciplinary course examines communication techniques and strategies, while allowing students to practice and develop effective communication skills — particularly writing skills and presentation skills. Additional emphasis will be placed on critical reflection, problem solving, case analysis and communication of the challenges of ethical decision making, particularly in the business and organizational context. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

Based on a solid foundation of contemporary and classic scholarship, the course addresses organizational behavior theories and concepts in the context of current and emerging workplace realities. The course addresses the challenges associated with understanding, predicting, and controlling the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations and the impact of their behavior on the organization’s bottom line. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This course examines systematic approaches and computer information systems available to assist in collecting, understanding, and utilizing the various amounts of data collected by organizations in order to assist with effective decision making. The focus of the course will be on the application and analysis of information and “big data” so crucial in business today. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A study of the changing role of marketing of goods and services through an analysis of organizational activities such as selection of the product mix, pricing, advertising and communications, marketing research, and channels of distribution. Environmental issues considered will include legal, social, ethical, cultural, ecological, and technical variables. A particular emphasis will be placed on digital and mobile marketing efforts. Case studies along with individual and group projects will supplement class lectures. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This course focuses on management and improvement of supply chain processes and performance at a global and domestic level. Students will explore important metrics for making supply chain decisions and will learn about tools for effective and efficient supply chain management, production planning, inventory control, order fulfillment, and supply chain coordination. Students will also investigate topics such as global supply chain design, logistics, and outsourcing, several other recent supply chain innovations. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A capstone course for MBA students. In this course, students will be expected to use the knowledge and skills obtained in their graduate coursework in a “live case” consulting project with a local business or organization. Working in a team setting, groups will work with their assigned clients throughout the term to assist with the development of recommendations and strategies to address specific issues experienced by their client. The course will conclude with a professional consulting project document and presentation. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: Completion of a total of 21 credit hours of MBA courses. The online section is only available for students in the Online MBA program. )


MBA Elective Curriculum

The elective curriculum consists of 3 courses for a total of 9 credit hours.

Not all courses will be offered at all three campuses, however, since students are able to take classes at any of our three locations (Main Campus, Raleigh, and Online), you always have access to the courses that interest you the most.

We offer elective focus areas in accounting, entrepreneurship, financial services, healthcare management, leadership & management, marketing, or the traditional MBA, which is a combination of courses from multiple focus areas.

Dual Degree MBA Students are not required to take elective curriculum courses. Courses from the partner degree will be transferred in to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements.

Accounting Elective Focus Area

Our MBA 710 Accounting for Decision Making course, part of the core curriculum, prepares students to take Part I of the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification exam. By pursuing the Accounting Focus Area for your elective curriculum, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for Part II of the CMA exam, bringing you closer to earning an additional nationally recognized credential, and further setting you apart.

Courses part of the Accounting Focus Area are offered in Raleigh and Online.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

A study of accounting procedures related to business combinations and consolidated financial statements, segment reporting, SEC reporting, and accounting for corporate bankruptcy. 

(Prerequisites: undergraduate level Intermediate Accounting. Grade earned must have been a C or better.)

A study of the principles and rationale of the federal income tax laws and their impact on complex tax situations. There will be an emphasis on advanced strategies to minimize the impact of federal income taxes.

Students will explore current practices in corporate financial reporting, with emphasis on income determination, risk assessment, and analysis of financial statements and disclosures.

(Prerequisites: undergraduate level Intermediate Accounting I & II. Grades earned must have been a C or better.)

An examination of the federal income tax treatment associated with the formation, operation and dissolution of corporations and partnerships. Current topics in taxation will be explored, including global taxation of business entity issues will be explored.

(Prerequisites: undergraduate level tax course(s), or professional experience in business taxation. Grades earned must have been a C or better)

Entrepreneurship Focus Area

Courses part of the Entrepreneurship Focus Area are offered in Raleigh and Online. Not all courses will be offered at both locations.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

This course attempts to bring into focus why innovation and creativity are today’s buzzwords. In an era of unprecedented change, companies require sustained innovation to gain and maintain a competitive advantage within their industry. This course will explore what it takes to seize the opportunities presented by globalization, new technologies, and increasingly worldwide infrastructure, and how to get the employees of an organization to live, breathe, and believe in innovation.

A traditional “new products” course in which we highlight some of the interdisciplinary issues in product development, such as product planning, customer needs, setting specifications, concept testing, industrial design, and design for manufacturing.

An entrepreneurial mindset is a specific set of beliefs, knowledge, and thought processes that drives entrepreneurial behavior. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset tend to:  have a humanistic outlook, being other-focused and understanding that one creates value by looking to solve problems for others.   

We will approach entrepreneurial mindset as a process that can be studied, learned, and applied to identify new  opportunities to not only expand business but also improve processes. The emphasis during the course will be placed on how to conceive new business ideas, how to evaluate the ideas, and how to turn the ideas into new ventures and innovations.  Students will be encouraged and mentored during the course to examine real business ideas that they might want to pursue after graduation. These opportunities can be in a new venture or an existing venture.  

Having an entrepreneurial mindset is critical to being successful as not only an entrepreneur but problem solver. The course provides learners with an understanding of the attributes and perspectives of an entrepreneurial mindset, and the process to acquire one. We suggest that learners bring an open mind and be willing to thoroughly explore the nascent business ventures they have been carrying with them. The course introduces concepts that enables a person to start a trans-formative process in the way they think generally, and in the way they think about business specifically. This new way of thinking has the potential to positively impact not only them, but their family, and community. 

Financial Services Elective Focus Area

Courses part of the Financial Services Focus Area are offered in Raleigh and Online. Not all courses will be offered at both locations.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

An examination of financial decision-making by commercial banks and other financial institutions operating in the financial-services sector. Topics include the roles of financial institutions; management of challenges associated with such factors as interest-rate fluctuations, market risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk: performance analysis; strategy development; asset-liability management; global aspects of managing a financial institution; hedging; and securitization. A team project involving the preparation of a strategic plan for financial institution is required. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A study of security analysis, with an emphasis on fundamental analysis of equities and bonds. Specific topics include market efficiency and anomalies, security valuation, asset pricing models, equity and bond fundamentals, and the use of futures and options markets. A team project involving the analysis of an actual common stock is required. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A study of portfolio management, with an emphasis on customizing asset allocation strategies and tactics for individual and institutional investors. Modern Portfolio Theory is introduced and applied. Topics also include bond management strategies, portfolio performance evaluation, international diversification, and the assessment of alternative investments. Team project involving the development of an investment plan and then the management of an associated investment portfolio is required. (Credit Hours: 3; Prerequisite: TRST 630)

A study of the principles and rationale of the federal income tax laws and their impact on complex tax situations. There will be an emphasis on advanced strategies to minimize the impact of federal income taxes. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

A comprehensive analysis of the risk management process and its impact on the individual, business, and the economy in the 21st century. Case studies on current trends in risk management will be presented in class.

Healthcare Management Elective Focus Area

Courses part of the Healthcare Management Focus Area are offered only online.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

This course will focus on problems of health care quality and safety in the U.S., both historically and at the present time. Hospitals, skilled nursing homes, mental health programs, and other types of providers will be considered. Regulatory approaches and incentives will be evaluated as to their effectiveness in changing providers’ behaviors.  In addition, the course will focus on methods of evaluating and educating professionals, as well as publicizing ratings of facilities and physicians to influence patients’ choices of providers. 

An in-depth survey of the key managerial accounting principles and financial management tools with specific applications, using case methods, to the ever-changing healthcare industry and its major stakeholders including healthcare providers, insurers, policy makers, patients, and the general public. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This course provides an advanced overview of a wide range of topics in the area of health policy, law and ethics. Students will become familiar with the evolution of health care policy as well as potential legal and ethical problems in various health care settings. They will also learn to differentiate between legal and ethical problems. Among the subject areas covered are licensing, professional liability, confidentiality, informed consent, professional relationships, access issues, antitrust, and bioethical issues, with particular emphasis on how these areas impact management practice.

The course design will enable students to gain insight and knowledge in the various areas of healthcare management necessary to be able to succeed in the healthcare industry. The course explores factors such as the external environment, the organization’s culture, and processes and structure which affect the way a manager carries out his/her role. The course will also help students develop skills and knowledge in key processes such as planning, decision-making, human resource management and leading others. Finally, the course examines current and future challenges that managers face such as globalization, increasing speed of change, ethical behavior, and the changing economy. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This course familiarizes students with strategic planning and marketing as they apply to health care organizations. During the course, students will develop practical skills in strategic management, such as internal and external environmental assessment, competitor analysis, and methods for evaluating strategic alternatives that can be used in different types of healthcare settings. The class will explore the leadership roles of governing boards, health care managers and clinicians in strategic environments. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

Leadership & Management Elective Focus Area

Courses part of the Leadership & Management Focus Area are offered on Main Campus, Raleigh, and Online. Not all courses will be offered at all locations.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

This course focuses on developing personal and team leadership strategies based on your top five Gallup Strengths.  Students will develop the skills to deliver both formal and informal presentations, conduct negotiations, deliver interpersonal communications, as well as obtain an in-depth understanding of his/her own strengths and how those can be helpful for becoming a trustworthy leader. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

The course presents fundamentals of coaching and mentoring for contemporary practice. Theories, definitions, antecedents and outcomes of effective coaching and mentoring will be reviewed. A framework will be presented for starting, supporting, and improving mentoring programs.

NASBITE International is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation established over 30 years ago as an association of North American Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE). Since then, NASBITE has become the leading U.S. organization supporting the training and education in the field of global business.

NASBITE is the steward of the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential which has been designed as a competency benchmark for trade educators, trade trainers and employees working for companies engaged in international trade. The CGBP designation is conferred to those who pass the CGBP exam and is designed to meet the needs of individuals working in a wide range of roles within the field of international business. 

This course is meant to provide students with a broad base of knowledge and skills of key importance to companies engaged in international trade including four key domains – Global Business Management, Global Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance. Within each domain, knowledge and skill areas address five related areas of importance: Documentation, Legal & Regulatory Compliance, Intercultural Awareness, Technology, and Resources.

This course features an interactive, learner-centered approach that requires preparation, teamwork and critical thinking and is structured to prepare students to take the voluntary Certified Global Business Professional exam at the conclusion of the course, in order to earn the Certified Global Business Professional Certification credential.

This course will explore the many dilemmas faced by managers overseeing special projects and will teach students how to break down a complex project into manageable segments, while also helping them develop skills to lead a diverse project team, and learn to effectively use tools to ensure that the project meets its deliverables and is completed within budget and on schedule. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

This course addresses the human resource function as a key strategic function in successful organizations. The course recognizes the dynamic relationship between strategy, people, technology, and the processes that drive organizations. Key topic areas include: employment law, staffing, compensation, human resource development, and performance management. The course uses readings, lectures, class discussions, and application activities. The application activities will help students apply the concepts to their workplaces. The course prepares the student to participate in strategic business decisions on a global basis. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

An experiential learning course which provides students with an exposure to an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of global versus domestic operations in foreign settings under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. Various functional areas of business are explored through various site visits and presentations in the selected foreign country or countries. Appropriate background readings and assignments are required, along with the preparation of a paper relating to the experience as determined by the instructor. (Credit Hours: 3, Prerequisites: None)

Marketing Elective Focus Area

Courses part of the Marketing Focus Area are offered in Raleigh and Online. Not all courses will be offered at both locations.

Choose three courses from the following to satisfy your elective curriculum requirements:

A traditional “new products” course in which we highlight some of the interdisciplinary issues in product development, such as product planning, customer needs, setting specifications, concept testing, industrial design, and design for manufacturing.

This class introduces non-sales students to the concept of customer engagement and sales process.  By understanding that a “sales process” has application throughout all company functions, the class will highlight preparation, understanding customer needs, and developing presentations that recognize each student’s individual strengths. The goal of the course is to develop students into strategic thinkers by enabling them to discover, understand and resolve the needs of their clients.  Through the use of role play simulations, students will engage in a simulation that enables them to follow all steps of the customer engagement process: Approach, Needs Identification, Presentation Solution, Overcoming Objections, and Move the business forward.  Students will also learn to adapt to communication style and cultural differences.

An entrepreneurial mindset is a specific set of beliefs, knowledge, and thought processes that drives entrepreneurial behavior. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset tend to:  have a humanistic outlook, being other-focused and understanding that one creates value by looking to solve problems for others.   

We will approach entrepreneurial mindset as a process that can be studied, learned, and applied to identify new  opportunities to not only expand business but also improve processes. The emphasis during the course will be placed on how to conceive new business ideas, how to evaluate the ideas, and how to turn the ideas into new ventures and innovations.  Students will be encouraged and mentored during the course to examine real business ideas that they might want to pursue after graduation. These opportunities can be in a new venture or an existing venture.  

Having an entrepreneurial mindset is critical to being successful as not only an entrepreneur but problem solver. The course provides learners with an understanding of the attributes and perspectives of an entrepreneurial mindset, and the process to acquire one. We suggest that learners bring an open mind and be willing to thoroughly explore the nascent business ventures they have been carrying with them. The course introduces concepts that enables a person to start a trans-formative process in the way they think generally, and in the way they think about business specifically. This new way of thinking has the potential to positively impact not only them, but their family, and community. 

This course studies the methods, techniques, and procedures of acquiring, evaluating, and interpreting information for making marketing management decisions. Individual and group projects will illustrate the practical use of the tools utilized in research methodology. While the course has no stated prerequisites, it is expected that a student enrolling in this class has basic knowledge of regression analysis and analysis of variance.

Traditional MBA

Choose a combination of three courses from any of our Elective Focus Areas with this a-la-carte style elective curriculum option.