MBA Elective Courses (9 hours)
Students enrolled in the in-person MBA will complete nine hours from one of the following:
Directed Work Experience program. Students participating in this program will complete nine hours of BU 661V (Professional Competency Development) across the program. These hours count as the student’s elective hours and will be completed in 11 months (June through May). These elective hours will count for the Leadership Concentration.
All other MBA students will complete a nine-hour concentration from the options shown below. Courses designated by BU/MAcc/HA are offered by the College of Business. Such elective courses may be taught in an online asynchronous format OR on weekends and/or weeknights in online-synchronous or in-person formats.
Accounting Concentration (3 courses required):
These accounting courses provide the working accounting professional with the additional knowledge needed to succeed in today’s environment. Virtually all of the available courses are primarily designed for students who seek additional credit hours in preparation to sit for the Uniform CPA examination.
- Any MAcc class approved by the MAcc Director. Students must meet significant prerequisite requirements for most of these courses.
Analytics Concentration (3 courses required):
These courses equip students with skills for jobs that require technology and business background, which enables the student to upskill the current and future labor market.
- BU 6343 , Python for Analytics
- BU 6363 , Applied Python and Database Concepts
- BU 6373 , Data Preparation and Visualization
The 9-hour Analytics concentration will be fulfilled if the student has previously earned the 18-hour Analytics Certificate. However, students who have completed the MBA Analytics Concentration who later desire to earn the Data Analytics Certificate would need to complete 12 additional hours for the 18 hour certificate.
Creative Industries Leadership Concentration (3 courses required):
The Creative Industries Leadership concentration prepares MBA students to lead organizations operating in creativity-driven sectors such as media, entertainment, design, technology, arts, and related fields. This concentration integrates advanced leadership theory, strategic management, and ethical decision-making with an emphasis on innovation, cultural impact, and value creation in dynamic and interdisciplinary environments. Students in this concentration develop the analytical, communication, and strategic leadership skills necessary to manage creative talent, align creative outputs with organizational strategy, and navigate the unique challenges of industries where innovation, intellectual capital, and intangible assets are central to success. Consistent with Lipscomb University’s Christ-centered mission, the concentration emphasizes integrity, stewardship, and purpose-driven leadership while incorporating experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles that influence organizational performance, industry advancement, and positive societal impact.
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CEA 6003 , Strategic Leadership in Creative Industries Capstone
- CEA 6013 , AI in Creative Industries
- CEA 6023 , Creative Industry Ecosystems
Finance Concentration (3 courses required):
These finance courses provide interested students with additional finance hours to supplement their core finance requirement.
- BU 6723 , Financial Analysis and Valuation
- BU 6743 , Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management
- BU 6653 , International Markets and Risk Management
Human Resources Concentration (3 courses required):
These human resources (HR) courses provide interested students with additional HR hours to supplement their core HR requirement provided in Talent Management.
- BU 6493 , Recruiting, Selection, and Retention
- BU 6443 , Employee Performance and Reward Structures
- BU 6543 , Organizational Development
Leadership Concentration (3 courses required):
The Leadership Concentration allows students to design a personalized concentration from all courses taught within the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business. Courses within this concentration must be approved by the MBA Director.
Students who complete the Leadership Concentration will complete any three courses from the list given below.
- BU 6xx3, electives in Business
- MAcc 6xx3, electives in Accounting
- HA 6xx3, electives in Health Care
Supply Chain Management Concentration (3 courses required):
These supply chain management courses provide interested students with additional supply chain hours to supplement their core requirement provided in Operations.