Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Total Credits: 39
Location: LAU Beirut & Byblos
In offering the Master of Business Administration program, the Adnan Kassar School of Business draws on substantial experience in undergraduate business education to provide advanced learning for seekers of a business career, adapting its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of individuals with business and non-business backgrounds.
In order to make the program accessible to those already active in practice, a provision has been made for part-time students, with classes set at conveniently scheduled times, as we encourage students to pursue their careers in parallel with higher education. In fact, we believe hands-on experience brings an added value to the classroom environment and is conducive to real-world thinking.
What Distinguishes Us
We provide our students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience by visiting select sites in the Big Apple. They can also make use of LAU’s New York Academic Center facilities to expand their learning and discuss their experiences.
The MBA faculty are experts in their respective fields, which creates ample opportunity for co-publications with students who themselves go on to pursue PhDs in reputable universities.
Learning is equally hard work and passion, and it is that very zeal that has put our MBA alumni in top positions all over the world. Our program is specifically catered to suit the diverse needs and wants of our students. In addition to there being a number of graduate assistantship positions available, we have updated our electives to include more desired courses that fulfill students’ passions but are also not found anywhere else in the region.
Program Goals and Outcomes
In support of the LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business mission, the MBA program provides students with a high-quality education that managers seek to solve complex problems in today’s global business environment. We seek to form business professionals with solid analytical, communication and leadership skills in an ethical framework.
The MBA candidate will:
- Utilize appropriate techniques to effectively solve business problems.
- Be an effective team player.
- Possess an understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of a decision-making process.
- Possess professional communication skills.
Upon the completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:
- Select and analyze relevant data and propose an optimal solution to a business problem.
- Demonstrate effective involvement in a team.
- Evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in a business case.
- Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
- Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
Career Prospects
Since 1981, LAU has prepared individuals for key roles in managerial and professional positions in business and public organizations. The MBA enhances the candidates’ strategic decision-making and leadership, as well as supports the latter’s marketability, which is also reflected by a substantial increase in salaries.
The MBA enables professionals to reach higher/managerial positions across all industries and is also an added value for those who wish to explore entrepreneurship and be self-employed.
Program Requirements
As required by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), The minimum residency requirement for graduate programs is 2 academic years (i.e. 4 regular semesters with graded courses: 2 Fall semesters and 2 Spring semesters). As an exception, the MEHE will accept 3 regular semesters and 2 summers with graded courses.
To obtain the MBA degree, students should complete a total of 39 credits composed of:
- Core Requirements (24 credits)
- Elective/Research Requirements (15 credits)
MBA Core Requirements (24 credits)
Number | Course | Cr. |
---|---|---|
ECO811 | Business Economics | 3 |
MGT831 | Management Theory | 3 |
MKT841 | Marketing Management | 3 |
QBA851 | Quantitative Methods in Business | 3 |
ACC821 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
FIN861 | Financial Management | 3 |
MGT851 | Leadership, Ethics & Team Management | 3 |
MGT875 | Strategic Management (Capstone course) | 3 |
MBA Electives (15 credits)
Number | Course | Cr. |
---|---|---|
ACC822 | Management Accounting | 3 |
ACC830 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
ACC880 | Special topics in Accounting | 3 |
ECO880 | Special topics in Economics | 3 |
FIN835 | Commercial Bank Management | 3 |
FIN836 | Modern Portfolio Management | 3 |
FIN837 | International Business | 3 |
FIN863 | Financial Derivatives | 3 |
FIN880 | Special Topics in Finance | 3 |
HOM880 | Special Topics in Hospitality & Tourism | 3 |
ITM832 | Management Systems | 3 |
ITM880 | Special Topics in Information Technology Management | 3 |
MGT834 | Project Planning and Management | 3 |
MGT839 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
MGT872 | Business Policy and Planning | 3 |
MGT880 | Special topics in Management | 3 |
MKT840 | Marketing Research Analysis | 3 |
MKT842 | International & Global Marketing | 3 |
MKT845 | Digital Marketing | 3 |
MKT880 | Special topics in Marketing | 3 |
OPM880 | Special topics in Operations & Production Management | 3 |
QBA880 | Special topics in Quantitative Business Analysis | 3 |
BUS898 | Research Topics in Business | 3 |
BUS899 | Thesis in Business | 6 |
Admission
Admissions to the program takes place in each of the fall, spring, and summer semesters
With regards to the admission criteria for the MBA at the LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business, applicants are expected to:
- Have a sound academic background.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree in business studies or equivalent from a recognized university.
Admission is granted on a selective and competitive basis to students who have demonstrated distinct academic ability and motivation by meeting at least the minimum requirements described below.
In addition to a satisfactory proof of English language proficiency as per LAU rules and regulations, applicants to the MBA program are expected to meet the following admissions requirements:
- A 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 as per LAU rules, or its equivalent.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Interview, if required.
Meeting these requirements, however, does not guarantee admission to the program.
Although work experience is not a prerequisite for admission, the Graduate Admissions Committee considers applicants’ professional experience as an asset and welcomes the business experience that professionals bring to the classroom. As such, relevant work experience is viewed favorably when studying an applicant’s file.
At the discretion of the MBA and EMBA Graduate Admissions Council, applicants who are short of meeting the 3.0 GPA might be considered for “probationary” admission, provided they have significant relevant work experience and have met the CI minimum requirement.
Students admitted on probation will earn regular status upon the completion of 12 graduate credits with at least 3.0 average. However, upon completing a minimum of 6 graduate credits, students on probation are allowed to remove their probation and qualify for good standing if they score a minimum GPA of 3.2, with a minimum grade of B in their two or three courses and without any repeats.
Also Check: Admission Requirements
Testimonials
Dr. Stephanie Robert Haddad, Associate Lecturer at Northumbria University Newcastle
Choosing the MBA program at LAU was a strategic move, recognizing the limitations of a bachelor’s degree in today’s competitive job market. Seeking to enhance both knowledge and practical skills, I immersed myself in the industry before pursuing advanced academic studies. LAU’s renowned reputation, backed by positive testimonials and tangible impacts, solidified my decision to enroll enthusiastically in the MBA program. The experience was notably positive, with responsive course adaptations, enriching topics, and engaging professors. Post-MBA, my career shifted from Associate Auditor at KPMG to pursuing a Ph.D. at Northumbria University in the UK and becoming a lecturer.
LAU’s MBA is more than education; it’s a strategic investment in a globally recognized credential and a passport to success in today’s competitive landscape.
Mr. Khaled Mehio, Senior Accountant at Khatib & Alami
Joining the Masters of Business Administration program at the Lebanese American University opened new horizons for me, both academically and personally. I benefited not only from the vast academic and research resources but also from enriching my networks with successful professors and business practitioners in my field. LAU equipped me with a unique skill set that prepared me for my career at Khatib & Alami, a leading multinational design corporation. It also fueled my passion for lifelong learning and achieving better results. The skills I gained placed me on the right track to obtain the prestigious Certified Management Accountant (CMA) license within a few years.
The campus offered diverse resources, including extensive libraries with online databases, sports facilities, a swimming pool, and arts and theater programs. These resources were crucial in unleashing my potential and opening new vistas, leading to a balanced and enriching lifestyle that continues to contribute to my success today.
I believe that receiving the MBA degree from LAU was the best investment I have ever made.