2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
College of Business
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Programs of Study
Master of Accountancy
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration/Master of Science
Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Pharmacy
Master of Health Administration
Certificate
Certificates do not imply professional certification but are intended to strengthen students’ qualifications and professional portfolios in specific areas.
College Leadership and Faculty
Allison Duke, Dean
Rebecca Burcham, Associate Dean
Suzanne Sager, Associate Dean, Professional Development and Engagement
Jacob Arthur, Assistant Dean, Center for Data Analytics and Technology
Jeff Jewell, Chair
Donita Brown, Vice Chair
Jeff Cohu, Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Nina Morel, Executive Director, Coaching and Leadership Development
Bonnie Brown, Director of Accreditation
Perry Moore, Director, MAcc Program
Bart Liddle, Interim Chair, MHA Program
Hannah Lynn, MBA Lead
Core Faculty
Jacob Arthur, Associate Professor of Information Security and Analytics
Bonnie Brown, Assistant Professor of Accounting
Donita Brown, Assistant Professor of Healthcare Management
Rebecca Burcham, Associate Professor of Healthcare Management
Han-Sheng Chen, Professor of Finance
Allison Duke, Professor of Management
Ray Eldridge, Professor of Management
Jeff Jewell, Professor of Finance
Mark Jobe, Professor of Accounting, Hilton and Sallie Dean Chair of Accountancy
Bart Liddle, Associate Professor of Management
Perry Moore, Professor of Accountancy, Charles E. Frasier Chair of Accountancy
Nina Morel, Professor of Leadership Development
Julio Rivas, Professor of Finance
Wlamir G. Xavier, Professor of Finance
Ashley Yarbrough, Assistant Professor of Operations Management
The College of Business is comprised of the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business, the School of Data Analytics and Technology, and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 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.
The mission of Lipscomb’s College of Business is to develop business leaders who embrace the values and virtues of Jesus. Our purpose is to prepare students to work, live, and lead with strong business competence and character.
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 Tennessee accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
Accountancy, Master of Accountancy, (MAcc)
The MAcc aims 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.
Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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:
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Incorporates ethics and values into every course so you can learn to identify and cultivate a values-based business environment.
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Is built around the principle that doing business right is the only right way to do business.
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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.
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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. A concentration is optional. 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.
All students can choose a Concentration Area (Accounting, Analytics, Creative Industries Leadership, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership, and Supply Chain Management) 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 (Accounting, Analytics, Creative Industries Leadership, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership, and Supply Chain Management) within their MBA. Start your MBA program with flexible entry terms available in August, October, January, and March.
Business Administration and Professional Accountancy (MBA + CPA)
The MBA + CPA is an option for students who would like to pursue an MBA degree and prepare for the CPA exam.
Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Sustainability (MBA/M.S.)
This 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.
Pharmacy and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, (Pharm.D. and MBA)
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 business, 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 27 hours required of graduate business students, for a total of 174 hours.
Health Administration, Master of Health Administration, (M.H.A.)
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.
Data Analytics, Certificate
The purpose of this 18-hour certificate is to equip students 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.
For specific program requirements, go to Data Analytics, Certificate .
Management, Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Management is offered in a fully online, asynchronous format and is designed to equip students with a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills, and tools for effective leadership in today’s complex and evolving organizational environments. The program integrates core principles of leadership with essential business knowledge, preparing students to navigate organizational dynamics, drive strategic decision-making, and lead teams across a wide range of industries. Through coursework emphasizing ethics, motivation, creativity, strategic planning, vision, group development, teamwork, technology, and organizational development, students explore both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of leadership. The curriculum fosters the development of critical “soft skills” and a holistic perspective, enabling students to manage people effectively, inspire performance, and implement strategies that support organizational change.
For specific program requirements, go to Management, Certificate
Professional Accountancy, Certificate
The Professional Accountancy Certificate is designed for students who do not want to complete the entire master’s degree. Such students have already earned an accounting degree but lack the 30 hours required for CPA licensure in Tennessee. Students must complete 12 hours from the course list to earn the Certificate. Once completed, six of these twelve hours can be applied towards the MAcc or the MBA should the student decide to pursue a graduate degree at a later date.
Appropriate prerequisite requirements apply to all certificate courses. At a minimum, students will have previously completed Principles of Accounting 1 (Financial) and 2 (Managerial), Intermediate Accounting 1 and 2, Federal Income Taxation, and Principles of Auditing.
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.
For specific program requirements, go to Professional Accountancy, Certificate .
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 $50 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.
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.
Student Classifications
See Graduate Admissions Information section. Additionally, a transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.
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.
Academic Standing
See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies section.
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.
Graduation
See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies section.
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.
Tuition and Fees for 2025-26
| Tuition |
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| MAcc tuition per credit hour |
$1,110 |
| MAcc Program Fee per term |
$250 |
| In-person MBA tuition per credit hour |
$1,110 |
| MBA Program Fee per term |
$250 |
| Graduate Certificate of Accountancy tuition per credit hour |
$1,110 |
| 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 |
$800 |
| Master in Health Administration Program Fee per term |
$250 |
| Master of Accountancy (MAcc) - Bootcamp (MAC 501V) |
$4500 |
| Tuition to audit |
50% of tuition |
| Fees |
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| Application fee |
$68 |
| Returned payment fee |
$30 |
| Graduation fee |
$275 |
| 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.
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