COURSE CURRICULUM

The MBA in Business Data Management at Wichita State University is a specialized AACSB-accredited graduate program that combines core business education with advanced data management, analytics, and information systems training. The program can be completed with as few as 36 credit hours for students who qualify for advanced standing based on prior business coursework. Students with business degrees from accredited institutions may receive equivalent credit for preparatory courses if they earned a minimum grade of C, while students from non-business backgrounds may be required to complete prerequisite and preparatory courses in areas such as business calculus, statistics, accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. The concentration is designed to help future managers and executives develop the ability to acquire, organize, analyze, visualize, and manage large volumes of business data to support strategic decision-making and improve organizational performance. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights, the program equips students with the skills needed to transform raw data into actionable business intelligence that can be used for inventory management, customer acquisition, product development, operational improvements, and long-term strategic planning. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications of business analytics, data visualization tools, database management systems, and information technology while helping bridge the knowledge gap between technical and non-technical professionals. All students complete a common MBA core that includes Marketing Research or Business Decision Making and Analysis, Law and Ethics for Business, Managerial Finance, Organizational Behavior, and Advanced Strategic Management, which serves as the capstone course. Concentration-specific coursework includes Behavioral Economics and Managerial Decisions, Managerial Accounting, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Data Visualization, Management Information Systems, and Database Planning and Management. These courses provide a strong foundation in both business leadership and modern data management practices. Graduates develop the analytical, managerial, and technological competencies required to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making within organizations. The program prepares students for leadership careers in business analytics, data management, information systems, consulting, operations management, project management, marketing analytics, corporate strategy, and technology-enabled business environments where data has become a critical organizational asset.