Master of Business Administration - Practicum Option
ObjectivesThe course requires that the student:
* Identify and obtain approval for an organization or project of interest.
* Select and obtain an approval for a workplace mentor.
* Complete a 120 hour practicum in the approved organization under the guidance of the mentor.
* Keep a log of work completed to be signed by the mentor.
* Submit a 25 page integrative applied research paper using Kolb’s experiential learning cycle as the basis for reflection on that experience.
The experiential or practical component of the class aims to apply learning in an aspect of interest related to the degree and concentrations of the student’s areas of specialization. It is understood to be a supervised practicum that requires approval by APUS before entering into the relationship with the organization. The selection of an organization or site for the practicum must relate to the content of the student’s course work and/or concentration. Goals of the applied practicum and integration seminar will be submitted by the student for approval using an application for approval to the Faculty member, Department Chair and Dean of Graduate Studies. The organization will serve as an opportunity to experience the practice of an area of management related to the focus of the student’s degree. This option will act as a capstone of the student’s program and is to be completed in the student’s final semester.
Course descriptionThe Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is sought by those who seek graduate level understanding, research and analytical capability, and practical application in the corporate world of the theory and practice of business marketing, management, finance, law, information systems, and strategy. Developed to provide advanced business knowledge and know-how as a foundation for the corporate executive or entrepreneur, the MBA also dovetails with several University specialties so that students can specifically concentrate in areas of professional or personal interest, to include entrepreneurship, global business management, information technology management, accounting, finance, nonprofit management, and homeland security resource allocation.
To achieve and demonstrate learning, a practicum and integration seminar is offered to students in this degree as an alternative to the comprehensive exam. This option can be undertaken by any student seriously interested in the integration and application of theory and practice. Students selecting this option are exempt from comprehensive exams.