Department Chair Greg Powell – BUS 236 – (435) 586-5402	Faculty & Staff
MBA Program Director Nathan McNamee – BUS 303G – (435) 865-8278	Student Success Advisors
Administrative Assistant Heather Jones – BUS 229 – (435) 865-8157
Business Graduate & Online Coordinator Miranda Gubler – BUS 104 – (435) 586-5420

Overview of Programs

Management

The management program prepares students to identify, assemble, and coordinate the skills and resources needed to create economic wealth within ethical and societal boundaries. Accredited by AACSB, this high-quality program contributes expertise in leadership development, ethics, business, government and society, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship and small business administration, strategic management, human resource administration, and international management.

Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management

The hotel, resort, and hospitality management program prepares students for career success in the hospitality industry anywhere in the world. Students will receive pertinent consumer and business instruction in a hospitality industry context from professors that have both extensive industry experience and terminal degrees. Instruction centers on the key concepts of customer service, leadership, technology, financial management, and operations with practical work experience.

Master of Business Administration

The MBA program at Southern Utah University’s Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business produces talented business leaders prepared with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively lead organizations in today’s increasingly turbulent environment. Whether in large, multinational corporations or small, entrepreneurial start-ups, an MBA from the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business provides students with the powerful foundation required to successfully launch or further enhance their already productive career.

Our flexible program design allows students to tailor the MBA experience to best meet their specific needs. From enrolling full-time and completing the MBA in just one year, to taking only one course a semester, students set the pace that works for them. Our classes are available both on-campus and online, so students can register for those that best fit their schedule, whether they are all on-campus, all online, or a combination of both. For students without an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution, we offer an accelerated Business Foundations course to help you be prepared to succeed in the program. All courses are taught by our highly qualified faculty, with both academic and professional experience, ensuring students obtain a solid foundation of leadership and managerial skills. 

The MBA program at the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

Mission

Management

The mission of the management program is to direct its teaching, research, and service activities toward developing and enhancing the ability of students and practitioners to identify, assemble, and coordinate the skills and resources needed to create economic wealth within ethical and societal boundaries.

The primary commitment of the faculty is to provide a nationally accredited, high-quality undergraduate experience to our students. Excellent undergraduate teaching is our top priority. In supporting the mission of Southern Utah University and the School of Business, the program contributes expertise in leadership development, ethics, business, government and society, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship and small business administration, strategic management, human resource administration, and international management. Although primarily aimed at the private sector, program activities overlap into non-profit and governmental sectors. Quality intellectual contributions are also an important part of our mission. These include the dissemination of the results of management and pedagogical research, and the use of relevant instructional materials including textbooks and case studies.

Service to the program, the University, the management profession, and society in general is a critical aspect of our mission. Service is provided through participation in School of Business and University committees, attendance at professional meetings and seminars, advising student organizations, and consulting activities.

Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management

The hotel, resort, and hospitality management program prepares students for career success in the hospitality industry anywhere in the world. Students will receive pertinent instruction in all business school disciplines in a hospitality industry context from professors that have both extensive industry experience and terminal degrees. Instruction centers on the key concepts of customer service, leadership, technology, financial management, and operations with practical work experience. Our curriculum is closely linked with industry demands, with special emphasis on building trust among guests, employees, and community.

Master of Business Administration

The MBA program at Southern Utah University’s Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business develops confident leaders who think critically, manage effectively, and lead by example in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

Management

The management program fully supports the undergraduate learning objectives of the School. In pursuit of the mission stated above, the additional objectives of the Management program are as follows:

1. All management students will be encouraged to participate in relevant student organizations supporting their interests. These include PBL, DECA, the Society for Human Resource Management, and other groups.
2. All graduating students will have a working knowledge of the concepts of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling commercial operations.
3. All graduating students will be familiar with the major trends affecting small and large business, international commerce, and e-business.
4. All graduating students will be able to synthesize the fundamental elements of finance, accounting, business law, marketing, economics, and management in a manner which enables them to make effective decisions at the corporate level.

Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management

The HRHM program fully supports each of the learning objectives of the School for undergraduate programs. In pursuit of the mission stated above, the additional learning objectives of the HRHM program are as follows:

1. Students are prepared for an entry-level hospitality management position with orientation and training to become general managers.
2. Students receive instruction in food and beverage and lodging operations.
3. Students receive hospitality context instruction in accounting/finance, marketing, economics, human resources, tourism, and facilities management.
4. Students receive on-the-job hospitality management training.

Master of Business Administration

1. Develop effective written and verbal communication skills.
2. Develop an understanding of the global, ethical, and sociopolitical context of business.
3. Use and integrate knowledge from core areas of business.
4. Effectively use strategic analysis and decision-making skills, supported by appropriate quantitative methods and information technology.

Undergraduate Admission and Graduation Information

To major in a business field (Accounting, Finance, Management, or Marketing) in the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, students must meet certain requirements and apply for admission to the School as outlined below. 

Standard Admission Requirements

The standard requirements for full admission to business programs in the School of Business are the following:

1. Complete all five (5) pre-business foundation courses (see below) with a grade of “C-” (1.7) or better in each course;
2. Achieve a GPA of 2.5 or higher in all pre-business foundation courses; and
3. Complete at least 36 college credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Students who met these requirements are assured admission.

Pre-Business Foundation Courses

The following courses constitute the Pre-Business Foundation, which must be completed before full admission to business programs in the School of Business:

• ACCT 2010 - Accounting Principles  
• ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics  
• ECON 2500 - Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics  
• IS 2410 - Spreadsheet Applications  
• MATH 1040 - Statistical Inference  

Alternative Paths to Admission

Students may apply for admission after completing all pre-business foundation courses OR during the semester in which they will complete their pre-business foundation courses, which would normally be the first or second semester of the sophomore year. Students meeting the conditions listed below will be conditionally admitted. To maintain admission, the Standard Admission Requirements must be fully met upon completion of the five (5) pre-business foundation courses.

Conditional Admission

• Complete at least three (3) of the pre-business foundation courses with a grade of “C-” (1.7) or better in each course;
• Be enrolled in the remaining pre-business courses;
• Achieve a GPA of 2.5 or better in all pre-business courses completed; and
• Complete at least 24 college credit hours with a total GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Students who do not meet the conditions for automatic or conditional admission but do meet the conditions specified below may apply for admission by committee review. The School Admission Committee will evaluate applications and grant or reject admission on a case-by-case basis.

Admission by Committee Review

• Complete all five (5) pre-business foundation courses with a grade of “C-” (1.7) or better in each course; and
• Complete at least 36 college credit hours with a total GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Along with the regular application materials, students seeking admission by committee review must submit an essay, of no more than 1,000 words, describing why they want to major in business and why they believe they can be successful.

Required Application Materials

1. Complete application form
2. Complete admission questionnaire
3. Resume
4. Application essay (for applicants requesting admission by committee review)

Repeating Failed Business or Pre-Business Courses

Students will be allowed to repeat a failed course only once. If the course is not passed with a minimum grade after the second attempt, that student will not be admitted into advanced standing or allowed to graduate with a composite degree in any of the other business majors. The required GPA for the upper division major core is a 2.5. Every student must meet the minimum GPA standard to graduate with any business major.

Transfer Students

Transfer students, either from another college within the University, or from another institution, may be allowed to take no more than 9 credit hours in upper-division major courses. Transfer students must meet with the business advisor before enrolling in any upper-division courses to determine the extent to which the pre-business core has been fulfilled.

Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

Management

To graduate with a major in Management from SUU, the student must:

• Be accepted to the School of Business.
• Successfully complete the required business foundation, business core, and upper-division major classes, as listed in the catalog, with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• Meet the other requirements for graduation as defined by the University.
• Complete the General Education  requirements. Transfer students can meet this requirement by the following means:
  1. Complete the GE requirements at one of the other four-year colleges in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), or
  2. Complete the associate of science or associate of arts degree from a community college within the USHE. (Transfer students from other community colleges must have the general education requirements evaluated by the Registrar.) Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must take the American Institution requirement to graduate. (This course may be taken at a junior college or at SUU. See the Academic Advisement Center or Registrar’s Office for a suitable equivalent.)
• Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours.
• Complete a minimum of 40 upper-division semester hours (course number 300 or above from an accredited four-year college or university).
• Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.

Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management

To graduate with a major in Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management from SUU, the student must:

• Successfully complete the courses required for the major, as listed in the catalog, with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• Meet the other requirements for graduation as defined by the University.
• Complete the General Education  requirements. Transfer students can meet this requirement by the following means:
  1. Complete the GE requirements at one of the other four-year colleges in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), or
  2. Complete the associate of science or associate of arts degree from a community college within the USHE. (Transfer students from other community colleges must have the general education requirements evaluated by the Registrar.) Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must take the American Institution requirement to graduate. (This course may be taken at a junior college or at SUU. See the Academic Advisement Center or Registrar’s Office for a suitable equivalent.)
• Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours.
• Complete a minimum of 40 upper-division semester hours (course number 300 or above from an accredited four-year college or university).
• Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.

Graduate Admission and Graduation Information

Requirements for Admission into the M.B.A. Program

Completed Application

Submit a completed online application, along with the non-refundable $60 application fee, which may be found at www.suu.edu/apply.

Bachelor’s Degree

Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to matriculation.

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts must be submitted directly from each prior institution to SUU. Applicants who have graduated from Southern Utah University do not need to submit a transcript.

Resume

Submit a professional resume that includes employment history, academic accomplishments and highlights, and managerial and leadership experience.

Statement of Intent

In 500 words or less, describe your goals and expectations in pursuing an MBA degree from Southern Utah University and why you would be a valuable addition to the program. This statement will be submitted directly on the application form

References

Enter the contact information for three (3) references on the application form. Please select people who can provide details about your academic and/or professional work and ability to be successful in an MBA program.

Graduate Admissions Test Requirement

Official GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores are required for admission. Test scores should be sent directly to Southern Utah University (school code: 003678).

The GMAT/GRE test score requirement may be waived for applicants with:

• A minimum 3.3 undergraduate GPA (either cumulative or in the last 60 credits of study)
  OR
• A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA with three (3) or more years of significant management or professional experience (as verified by a resume)
  OR
• A master’s- or doctoral-level degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Applications who do not meet the above waiver requirements may either submit an official GMAT or GRE score OR submit a 500-word essay explaining to the admissions committee why you should be admitted into the program without taking the exam. This essay will be submitted directly on the application form. The admissions committee will take into account the complete application and will make the final decision if a GMAT/GRE waiver will be granted.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate competency in the English language. For more details on the English language proficiency requirements, please visit www.suu.edu/international/graduate-admission-requirements.html.

International Students

Additional admissions requirements for International students may be required. For additional information, please visit www.suu.edu/international/graduate-admission-requirements.html.

Application Process

Admission decisions are made on a continuous, rolling basis. Students applying for on-campus classes must complete applications and all required materials by the dates listed above. Students applying for online classes must complete applications and all required materials two (2) weeks prior to the start of the online term. Please visit online.suu.edu for more details. Late applications may be considered based on timing and availability.

Submission Information

Please submit all materials by uploading documents to the online application, or by sending them to the email address or mail address listed below:

Via Email: gradapps@suu.edu

Via Mail:

Admissions Office
Southern Utah University
P.O. Box 8008
Cedar City, UT 84720

Graduate Graduation Requirements

• Graduate students must complete their program within six (6) years of matriculation.
• All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the program.
• Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 GPA average may be dismissed from the program.
• Graduate courses cannot be repeated more than once.

Programs

• General Technology - Business Specialty (A.A.S.) (STech transfers only)
• General Technology - Culinary Arts Management Specialty (A.A.S.) (Technical college transfers only)

• Business Education (B.A., B.S.)
• Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management - Event Planning and Management Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management - Food and Beverage Management Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management - Lodging Management Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Management (B.A., B.S.)

• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (Certificate)
• International Business (Certificate)

• International Business (Certificate) (M.Acc. & M.B.A. students)

• Event Planning and Management (Minor)
• Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management (Minor)
• Management (Minor)

• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Master of Business Administration - Business Analytics Emphasis (M.B.A.)
• Master of Business Administration - Cybersecurity Emphasis (M.B.A.)
• Master of Business Administration - Finance Emphasis (M.B.A.)
• Master of Business Administration - Leadership Emphasis (M.B.A.)
• Master of Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis (M.B.A.)