The MBA Program is an integral part of the College of Business and Public Affairs, whose mission is to provide a high quality management education that promotes the development of students’ potential as managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, as well as productive employees and socially-responsible individuals. A minimum of 33 graduate-level credit hours beyond the basic core is required to complete the MBA Program. The program is divided into three sections: the basic core, the professional core, and electives. The basic core of 12 credit hours is designed to serve as a leveling mechanism for students whose previous programs are not in business or do not provide adequate preparation. Depending upon their previous academic records, students may be exempted from part or all of the basic core courses by the Director of the MBA Program. The professional core is 24 credit hours of mandatory courses which focus on the internal and external business environments, the functional areas of organizations, and quantitative techniques used by professionals. Students also choose nine credit hours of electives.