College of Business

For over 100 years the Lipscomb College of Business has pursued one mission: educate learners to do what is right and live the words of Psalms 78:72, “And David shepherded them with ‘integrity of heart;’ with ‘skillful hands’ he led them.” Our purpose is to prepare students to work, live, and lead with strong business competence and character.

It’s an exciting time to be part of the College of Business. We have earned the following rankings:

Among the top 50 undergraduate programs in the nation; 8th consecutive year.
Lipscomb University’s College of Business has once again been ranked among the top 50 undergraduate programs in the nation by Poets&Quants for Undergrads in its annual Best Undergrad Business Schools 2024 rankings. This is the eighth consecutive year for Lipscomb’s College of Business to be ranked among the top nationally.
Top 100 in the Best & Brightest Class of 2023. P&Q named two Lipscomb students among the top 100 in the Best & Brightest Class of 2023 and 2024.
U.S. News Best Business School. In 2024, the undergraduate business program obtained the U.S. News Best Business School status, listed as eighth in Tennessee.
U.S. News ranked MBA program. Lipscomb’s MBA program acquired its second U.S. News ranking in 2025, placing among the top five business schools in Tennessee.
#1 undergraduate program, #3 Accounting program in TN for 2025. Niche.Com ranked our undergraduate program #1 in TN and our Accounting program #3 in TN for 2025.

The college has achieved the prestigious AACSB International accreditation, joining an elite group of business schools with less than six percent of all business schools worldwide accredited. AACSB accreditation covers these degrees: B.B.A., MAcc., M.B.A., and M.H.A.

In addition, the College of Business has the rare distinction of being dual accredited as we also are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Separately, the accounting program was one of the first four programs worldwide accredited for accounting by this global accreditation.

Lipscomb’s MHA program is one of only four in Tennesse accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Our graduate degrees integrate leadership, team work, decision-making, technology, communications skills, ethics, and a global emphasis into our academic programs. Hands-on practical applications can be achieved through directed work experiences, Pitch Competitions, Financial Trading Lab powered by Bloomberg, business consulting, alumni engagement, formal mentoring, and global travel.

Our outstanding business faculty brings both practical business experience as well as a depth of scholarship and knowledge into the classroom. The faculty of the College of Business is committed to fostering relationships with the business community and encouraging exchanges among students and businesses.

The College of Business is comprised of the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business, the School of Data Analytics and Technology, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Initiative for Purposeful Business. The College’s own Career Connection Office provides career assistance and professional development for current students and alumni at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, (MBA)

Mission

The Lipscomb University MBA program will integrate Christian faith, servant leadership and innovation in the MBA classroom to provide excellent academic training for Lipscomb MBA students to prepare them for higher service in their current and future organizations. The MBA is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in either business or a non-related field.

The MBA program:

Incorporates ethics and values into every course so you can learn to identify and cultivate a values-based business environment.
Is built around the principle that doing business right is the only right way to do business.
Features courses taught by outstanding faculty with substantial business experience. Our faculty members bring expertise in their field and an ability to integrate faith into their teaching.
Requires thirty-six hours for graduation.

The MBA degree program is offered in different formats (in-person and online). Completion time of each program varies, from 11 to 22 months. The recommended amount of work experience also varies.

In-Person Format

This MBA format provides MBA students wanting in-person courses with two options geared to individuals with different levels of work experience. For students with less than three years of work experience, there is a Directed Work Experience (DWE) option. Students pursuing this path will have the opportunity to interview with College of Business company partners or are allowed to identify their own work opportunity, subject to appropriate approval by the Program Director. Students will also take a series of Professional Competency courses rather than a concentration. Lipscomb cannot guarantee the student will get a full-time job offer after the program, but many do. Students who are terminated from their DWE will be removed from the program and will be responsible for any tuition due. Those pursuing the DWE option must start in June and finish the following May.

Students who do not participate in the DWE option can choose a Concentration Area (Analytics, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, or Leadership) within their MBA. Students pursuing this path can start in either June or August and complete the program in 11 - 22 months.

Online Format

This MBA format provides MBA students wanting an online asynchronous experience that can be completed in 12 months or take up to five years to create your optimal work/life balance. All students within this format choose a Concentration area (Analytics, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, or Leadership) within their MBA. Start your MBA program with flexible entry terms available in August, October, January, and March.

Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degrees: Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Sustainability, (M.B.A./M.S.)

The dual degree program combines cutting edge business training with state-of-the-art training in sustainability to create a “green” degree program that incorporates the best of two worlds, resulting in two diplomas.

Students enrolled in the dual degree program will complete the core courses required for each degree (27 hours in business and 24 hours in sustainability). Upon completion of the 51 hours of course work, students will be awarded both an MBA and an MS in Sustainable Practice.

Students enrolled in the MBA program can pursue the dual degree option. Dual degree students should consult with the Director of the Sustainability program about specific requirements related to global travel.

The dual degree option MUST be selected before the student graduates with either degree. Once a student has graduated, the dual degree option is no longer available.

Accountancy, Master of Accountancy, (MAcc.)

Mission

To prepare students to pass all four parts of the CPA exam the first time and to excel professionally.

The Master of Accountancy is primarily designed for students who seek additional academic training and/or credit hours in preparation to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination. It also provides the working professional with the additional knowledge needed to succeed in today’s business environment.

Most courses will be taught in the evening during eight-week terms. The MAcc program can be completed in one year for those students who have completed all prerequisite requirements. No work experience is required for admission to the program.

Students needing additional leveling course work in accounting should see the section on “Integrated Accounting Seminar (Accounting Boot Camp)” below and discuss the appropriate options with the graduate business recruiting team.

Professional Accountancy, Certificate of Graduate Studies

For those students who do not want to complete the entire master’s degree, the 12-hour certificate program will provide them with the additional hours needed to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam or CMA Exam. These hours can be applied towards the MAcc or the MBA should the student decide to pursue a graduate degree at a later date. Students complete twelve MAcc hours from the following list to earn the graduate certificate:

MAcc 6303 Advanced Financial Reporting I

MAcc 6323 Advanced Financial Reporting II

MAcc 6403 Advanced Accounting

MAcc 6603 Advanced Auditing and Forensics

MAcc 6763 Advanced Taxation

MAcc 6633 Professional Certification Preparation

Appropriate prerequisite requirements apply to all certificate courses.

Certificate students can shift from that program to the MAcc or MBA program. Such students must notify the graduate business office of their intent to change programs and submit the appropriate paperwork. A minimum 3.00 GPA is required to shift programs. Admission requirements are the same as the MAcc program.

Data Analytics, Certificate of Graduate Studies

The purpose of this 18-hour certificate is to equip studetns with skills for jobs that require technology and business background. Although the technology sector continues to value bachelor’s degrees, industry leaders now recognize the importance of credentialing to upskill the current and future labor market. This certificate can be either non-degree or credit-bearing. This certificate is offered through the School of Data Analytics and Technology.

All courses are required:

BU 6143 Business Intelligence

BU 6343 Python for Analytics

BU 6363 Applied Python and Database Concepts

BU 6373 Data Preparation and Visualization

BU 6383 Data Analysis and Machine Learning for Business

BU 6393 Practical Applications in Data Analytics

Pharmacy and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, (Pharm.D. and MBA)

Mission

Our mission is to shape tomorrow’s generation of agile leaders for the ever-changing healthcare environment. Through experiential learning and by embracing the values of virtues and Jesus in pursuit of healing as a ministry, we will develop leaders who focus on continuously improving the quality of healthcare delivery and serving the community by integrating the business discipline with compassionate care.

The PharmD/MBA is an innovative dual degree program that enhances pharmacy education with practical business skills. The program will prepare students for highly competitive management positions in pharmacy, health care, or buisness, as well as enhance skills in problem solving, leadership, and communication. This dual degree is awarded to students who complete the 147 hours required for the Pharm.D., along with the 21 hours required of graduate business students, for a total of 168 hours.

Health Administration, Master of Health Administration, (M.H.A.)

Mission

The Lipscomb MHA program’s mission is to prepare early and mid-careerists to become transformational leaders to improve the delivery of health services within the Southeastern part of the United States. Our program aims to develop leaders who focus on continuously improving the quality of healthcare delivery and serving the community by integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.

Admission Policies and Procedures

Applicants to graduate programs must submit the following:

Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at lipscomb.edu/business, then navigate to “Graduate Programs”; then click “Program Name”; and then click the “Applied” button.
Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $68 nonrefundable application fee.
Standardized exam score. Applicants may be asked to submit the scores of a standardized exam. Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be required for students seeking graduate business degrees. Waivers are available with requirements that vary by program.
References. Two letters of recommendation are required as follows: from a college or university administrator or professor or from a professional supervisor or employer.
Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
Resume. A resume detailing the applicant’s work experience is required.
Written Statement. Each graduate degree program (MAcc, MBA, or MHA) has different specifications for the candidate’s written statement, each of which are described on the program’s specific application.
TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
International students who do not have US citizenship or permanent resident status are required to submit proof of financial status (See section titled International Students for more information.)

After admission, students will additionally submit the following:

Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms.)
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.

All application items should be sent to Graduate Admissions, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204, or emailed to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu. Check website for application deadlines: https://www.lipscomb.edu/business/academic-programs/graduate-programs. All applicants will complete an interview as part of the application review process. The interview for MBA students will include a brief case that students will be required to analyze.

Undergraduate Degree and Performance

The standard for admission into a master’s degree program is an accredited bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, the prospective student will have an acceptable grade-point average.

Admittance or non-admittance is determined by the admission committee after thorough analysis of each applicant’s file. The admission committee reserves the right to require the GMAT of any candidate, regardless of any potential waivers the student may be eligible for.

Applicants holding an unaccredited degree or who are within one semester of completing a bachelor’s degree, may be considered for conditional admission (see Unaccredited Degree and/or Substandard Admission Scores section below).

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accountancy with an overall GPA of 3.5 may petition to have the GMAT waived. Experienced MBA students and MHA candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher with at least three years of acceptable experience may qualify for a GMAT waiver. DWE MBA candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher may qualify for a GMAT waiver.

In addition, some of the admission requirements (e.g., GPA) may receive less weight during the evaluation process from applicants who have been out of school for at least five years, or for those who have earned a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., J.D., M.D.).

Unaccredited Degree and/or Substandard Admission Scores

Should conditional admission be granted, the following stipulations will apply:

Unaccredited Degree: If the student’s transcript shows deficiencies in liberal arts courses as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the student will be required to demonstrate the understandings and skills normally associated with a liberal arts education, particularly in scientific method and computation and in oral and written communication skills. The student may be required to remove the deficiency by successfully completing undergraduate level courses. The minimum standard is as follows: 30 hours of course work drawn from three areas-humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral science and natural science/mathematics; evidence of competence in oral and written communication skills; and fundamental mathematical skills.

Substandard Admission Scores: A student may be admitted conditionally. Such students must complete a minimum of nine hours of graduate work with a grade of “B” or above before the conditional admission is removed.

Students who are denied admission may reapply for admission after completing 12 semester hours of approved undergraduate credits with a grade of “B” or higher from an accredited institution and/or after obtaining an acceptable score on the GMAT.

Transfer of Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward the MAcc, MBA, or MHA degrees. The graduate director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer. Requests from current students to transfer new course work into any graduate program will generally be denied.

Documentation

Students are required to provide satisfactory documentation of personal identification for off-site learning experiences required in many programs of graduate study at Lipscomb University. Failure to provide proper credentials will result in failure to complete the desired course of study. For complete policy, see section entitled Required Documentation for Off-Site Learning in the opening section of this catalog.

Student Classifications

Students are admitted to graduate courses in one of five categories:

Graduate Student: one who has satisfied all admissions requirements. A student with an incomplete admission file will be accepted to the program at the discretion of the program director but will be placed on an academic hold which will prevent registration for the following semester. Once the proper admissions documents have been received, the hold will be removed and the student will be allowed to register for the following semester.
Conditionally Admitted Student: one who has been admitted conditionally, at the discretion of the program director, without satisfying all admission requirements. Students admitted with the following criteria may be required to complete a minimum of nine hours of graduate work with a grade of “B” or above before the conditional admission is removed.
1. From an unaccredited school or with a substandard GPA or GMAT score.
2. A transfer student with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.
3. As a student who has not completed a bachelor’s degree program.
Non-Degree Student: one who has satisfied admission requirements. The student may take up to 12 semester hours for graduate credit. Those hours may be applied toward a master’s degree if the student makes a grade of “B” or better in the courses taken for credit and if the student is formally admitted to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student.
Visiting Student: one who is currently enrolled as a student in good standing at the post-bachelor’s level at another graduate school, wishes to take courses at Lipscomb and desires to have transcript evidence of course work done at Lipscomb provided for the school of primary enrollment.
Probationary Student: one who has been readmitted to a graduate program following academic suspension from the program.

Admission to a program does not imply admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. Only those students who meet the requirements for “graduate student” described above are eligible for candidacy.

Academic Policies

Course Load

A student enrolled for three hours is considered a full-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 21 hours (either graduate or undergraduate) per semester.

Community Standards

Students of the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business are expected to act with integrity and respect toward others. If a faculty member, staff, or student believes this expectation is not being upheld, the behavior should be reported to the appropriate program director. The director will determine a course of action which may include a verbal warning up to suspension or removal from the program.

Academic Standing

See graduate academic standing policy.

Degree Completion Requirements

Residency

No period of formal residency status is required for graduate business degrees.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the MBA, MAcc, and MHA degrees must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Thesis

No graduate business degree requires a thesis. A thesis option is NOT available.

Candidacy

Admission to a program does not imply admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. During the course of pursuing the MBA, MAcc, or MHA degrees, the student must be admitted to “candidacy.” For admission to candidacy the student must satisfy the following:

Complete all required undergraduate deficiencies if admitted on condition.
Complete at least twelve hours of graduate work.
Maintain a 3.00 GPA on all courses taken toward the requirements for the degree with no incomplete grades.
File an application for candidacy form with the graduate program office.
File a degree plan in the graduate program office which meets all requirements and is approved by the administrator of the graduate program. The degree plan must be filed at the same time that an application for candidacy is filed.

After admission to candidacy and approval of the degree plan, any changes in the degree plan must be approved by the administrator of the graduate program. The application for candidacy must be filed before the beginning of the student’s last semester in the program. No student will be allowed to graduate in the same semester in which the application for candidacy is filed.

Minimum Credits

Exclusive of hours accumulated to satisfy academic deficiencies, the MAcc, MBA, and MHA degrees require the following hours:

The MAcc degree requires 30 semester hours
The MBA degree requires 36 semester hours
The MHA degree requires 39 semester hours
The dual PharmD/MBA degree requires 168 semester hours
The dual MBA/MS in Sustainable Practice requires 51 semester hours

Minimum GPA

The minimum cumulative grade-point average for all graduate business degrees is 3.00 for all graduate courses taken for graduate credit. No grade below a “C” is acceptable. Such grades will not apply toward degree completion.

Graduation

Students who do not file their intent to graduate form in the Registrar’s Office by the announced application deadline may be delayed in graduating. To be eligible to graduate, all coursework required for the degree must be completed prior to the degree conferral date.

Graduate students receiving degrees are hooded during the May and December commencement exercises.

Appeals

Any exceptions to the above stated requirements would require approval via the appeal process established by the Graduate Academic Council.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees for 2025-26

Tuition
MAcc tuition per credit hour	$1,110
MAcc Program Fee per term	$250
MBA tuition per credit hour	$1,110
MBA Program Fee per term	$250
Certificate of Accountancy tuition per credit hour	$1,250
Online Master of Business Administration per credit hour	$800
Online Master of Business Administration Program Fee per term	$250
Master in Health Administration tuition per credit hour	$1,110
Master in Health Administration Program Fee per term	$250
Master of Accountancy (MAcc) - Bootcamp (MAC 501V)	$4500
Tuition to audit	50% of tuition

Fees
Application fee	$68
Returned payment fee	$30
Graduation fee	$250
Technology fee (per semester)	$100
Payment plan enrollment fee (per semester)	$60

Acceptance of a position in a graduate business class is viewed as a long-term commitment. Admitted applicants must submit a non-refundable deposit to reserve their space in the class. Class size is limited and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*

Scholarships/Assistantships

Merit scholarship awards are available through the College of Business. Scholarship awards typically are given to offset tuition charges for one or more classes.

Non-teaching graduate assistantships are awarded by the College of Business. Such assistantships are given for one-year terms, but students may apply for extensions.

Graduate assistantship awards typically are given to offset tuition charges in exchange for the student providing assistance in the graduate business office or with a graduate faculty member. Generally, students receiving an assistantship are enrolled as full-time students. There are federal income tax consequences for students receiving assistantships.

Dependent children of full-time Lipscomb employees are eligible to receive a Lipscomb Family Scholarship which covers 25 percent of the program’s tuition cost for students in the MBA, MAcc, and MHA programs.

To receive a scholarship or assistantship, the student must complete the main application form, which also includes the student’s essay and references. No action will be taken before these items and the GMAT score report are received. Applicants for graduate assistantships must also complete an assistantship application and schedule a personal interview with the graduate business director. A 3.00 GPA must be maintained to be eligible for a scholarship or assistantship.

Lipscomb graduate business alumni are eligible for a 50 percent tuition scholarship on additional elective courses taken after they have graduated. This scholarship is available for courses offered only within the College of Business.

Integrated Accounting Seminar (Accounting Boot Camp)

Lipscomb provides an “Accounting Boot Camp” where interested students can complete 12 graduate accounting hours and satisfy all MAcc prerequisites. This course is taught in a virtual environment, asynchronously. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.lipscomb.edu/business/academic-programs/accounting-boot-camp for details.

Accounting Boot Camp Refund Terms

If a student wishes to withdraw, an official request must be made to the MAcc Director in writing. For a 100% refund, the student must drop or withdraw from the class following the times outlined below for each class type:

6 hour online class - drop BEFORE the THIRD week of the class term

Other Information

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.lipscomb.edu/business.

Program of Study Requirements

Master of Accountancy

Accountancy, Master of Accountancy, (MAcc.)

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration/Master of Science

Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degrees: Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Sustainability, (M.B.A./M.S.)

Certificate

Certificates do not imply professional certification but are intended to strengthen students’ qualifications and professional portfolios in specific areas.

Master of Health Administration

Health Administration, Master of Health Administration, (M.H.A.)