MBA

MBA Program Overview

Affordable, Accelerated Graduate Learning

Our online MBA program is one of the most affordable you’ll find, with competitive tuition that may surprise you. There are no out-of-state tuition rates, so you can earn an affordable degree from anywhere in the world!  During your program, you’ll set your own learning schedule and complete coursework wherever it’s convenient for you. Each online course is taught by the same PhD business professionals who teach on campus. You can finish your online MBA in as little as one year

Still think you can’t commit to a graduate program? If being a standout business leader is your goal, can you afford not to? 

100% Online Master of Business Administration

A graduate degree is often a prerequisite for advancement into coveted business leadership roles. If, like many prospective students, you believe you don’t have the time or financial resources to pursue a graduate degree, let us introduce you to the online Master of Business Administration program from The University of Texas Permian Basin’s  AACSB-accredited College of Business.

Our Foundation Is Your Future

UT Permian Basin is one of 13 renowned Texas educational institutions known collectively as The University of Texas System. The University of Texas System is home to nearly one quarter of a million students and has been known for academic excellence since the 1880s.  Become a part of our tradition!

Alumni Pathways 

As a graduate of our online MBA program, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running with a broad set of business skills highly sought after in a variety of industries. Every business is searching for leaders who focus on relationship-building, inspire greatness in others, and adapt to any given situation: all qualities found in our graduates. Our MBA alumni thrive at companies like:  

  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Dell Technologies 
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Edward Jones
  • Charles Schwab
  • Chevron
  • USAA

Career Options

The University of Texas Permian Basin's online MBA program provides a solid foundation for you to excel in a wide variety of industries in many roles, including:

Preparation Courses

Upon admission (regular and conditional), students will be evaluated for statistical literacy. Students who need additional skills in this area are referred to BUSI2342 until literacy requirement is fulfilled. Statistical literacy (BUSI2342) must be remedied in the first semester in which the student is accepted into the MBA program and must be taken before the student enrolls in ACCT 6301, BUSI 6302, FINA 6321, FINA 6320, MNGT 6366, or electives in accounting, finance, management, or marketing. Required 3 credit hours.

Courses
Duration
Credits
BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
8 weeks
3
The course is an introduction to the principles of statistics and their application to problems in business and economics. Topics include the basics of probability theory, descriptive statistics, sampling methods, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and the basics of linear regression. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1324
Prerequisites: MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024
Core Courses

12 Credit Hours. Students must complete the following core courses. Business undergraduate students may be eligible to waive up to 6 hours.

Courses
Duration
Credits
ACCT 6301 - Accounting Analysis
8 weeks
3
A foundation in the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting information designed for the planning, assessment, and control of business entities. Emphasizes the use of information for decision-making. May not be taken for MPA core or elective credit.
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer A 2025
FINA 6320 - Financial Management
8 weeks
3
Survey of foundational concepts in financial management; in particular, introduction to capital budgeting and financing concepts that include discounted cash flow analysis and its applications to valuation of bonds, stocks, and corporate capital assets. Prerequisite(s): ACCT 6301 or equivalent.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
MNGT 6360 - Organizational Behavior
8 weeks
3
The systematic study of individual, team, and structural characteristics that influence behavior within organizations. Cross-cultural applications are discussed.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall A 2024
MRKT 6310 - Marketing Management
8 weeks
3
An analysis of the customer/market relationships with the company in an open market system characterized by the presence of strong competition within a very fluid business environment. Managerial decision making with this matrix will be stressed.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025
Courses Beyond Core

21 Credit Hours. MNGT 6366 must be completed last.

Courses
Duration
Credits
BLAW 6301 - Legal Environment of Business
8 weeks
3
A foundation in the role of law in our system of business and commerce both facilitating and constraining business decision-making. In addition, this course will introduce the operation of legal institutions and the fundamentals of legal reasoning.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024
MRKT 6302 - Marketing Analytics
8 weeks
3
This course includes concepts of business and marketing analytics and practices the analytic methodologies to assist making better business and marketing decisions with hands-on learning experiences. Topics will include: Using R in Marketing Analytics; Marketing Content Analysis; Segmentation, Targeting & Positioning Analysis; Data Visualization, etc.
Prerequisites: MRKT 6310 - Marketing Management
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall A 2025
ACCT 6302 - Contemporary Control Systems
8 weeks
3
A study of the design, implementation, and evaluation of control systems intended to support and direct strategic objectives of various organizations. Prerequisite(s): ACCT 6302 or ACCT 6305 or ACCT 6315 or ACCT 6316
Prerequisites: ACCT 6301 - Accounting Analysis
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
MNGT 6320 - Production & Operations Management
8 weeks
3
The role of the operations management function within the context of an organization, be it public or private, profit or nonprofit, manufacturing or service. The course emphasizes the application of concepts of in process analysis, material management, and quality management. Both quantitative and behavioral perspectives are presented.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
FINA 6321 - Corporate Finance & Strategy
8 weeks
3
Intermediate-level course covering modern corporate finance concepts. Course topics include advance capital budgeting and financing techniques as well as financial risk management and various asset valuation techniques including concepts related to Mergers and Acquisitions. Prerequisite(s): FINA 6320 or the equivalent
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024
BUSI 6325 - International Business
8 weeks
3
The course investigates government and businesses across borders and the dynamics between countries/regions, including country profiles, national economic policies, regional integration, trade, law, and foreign direct investment. This course is macro in nature and focuses on international business and its overriding theories, and how to apply them in management decisions. Cross-listed with MRKT 6301.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025
MNGT 6366 - Strategic Management
8 weeks
3
Opportunity for development and implementation of knowledge from multiple disciplines and integration of viewpoints of different functions of an organization. Case evaluation and discussion are stressed.
Prerequisites: ACCT 6302 - Contemporary Control Systems BLAW 6301 - Legal Environment of Business FINA 6321 - Corporate Finance & Strategy BUSI 6302 - Business Analytics MNGT 6320 - Production & Operations Management BUSI 6325 - International Business
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025
Elective Courses

3 Credits Required from any 6XXX-level ACCT, FINA, MNGT or MRKT course not otherwise required.

Courses
Duration
Credits
ACCT 6305 - Topics in Financial Accounting
16 weeks
3
Development of the theories, principles, and techniques of accounting for partnerships, branches, business combinations, and consolidations as well as multinational business organizations. Completion of the course requirements qualifies for 1 hour of research credit with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. 6 credit hours of Intermediate Accounting are required.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Spring 2025
ACCT 6311 - Information Systems Management
8 weeks
3
Methods and problem resolution in developing and managing company-wide information systems.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Summer A 2025
ACCT 6313 - Professional Ethics
8 weeks
3
Historical development of ethical theories, roles of the professional in contemporary society with respect to economic, social, political, and technological problems. Case evaluations and discussion designed to develop professional standards for ethical behavior. ACCT 6301 or equivalent is required prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024 Summer B 2025
ACCT 6315 - Topics in Federal Income Tax
16 weeks
3
Federal Income Tax law, rules, and regulations relating to partnerships, corporations, estates, and trusts. Completion of the course requirements qualifies for 1 hour of research credit with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. 3 credit hours of tax or equivalent is required to take this course.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Spring 2026
ACCT 6316 - Topics in Auditing
16 weeks
3
A conceptual approach to the auditing process, stressing the interrelationships of objectives, standards, techniques, and procedures. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of intermediate accounting or equivalent.
Prerequisites: ACCT 6302 - Contemporary Control Systems
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
ACCT 6320 - Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
8 weeks
3
An advanced approach to fraud examination and forensic accounting. Topics include legal environment for fraud examiners, fraud prevention, investigation techniques, and financial statement frauds.
Prerequisites: ACCT 6301 - Accounting Analysis
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024 Summer B 2025
BUSI 6309 - Global Energy Business
8 weeks
3
This course aims to provide an introduction to the business of primary energy production. We will learn about the nature of demand and supply in the context of global energy markets, and business decisions for involvement in these markets. Students will be able to recognize the unique challenges facing the relevant companies. The course attempts to offer a broad perspective of these challenges for both businesses and policy makers in such dynamic and integrated global energy markets.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
FINA 6325 - Financial Derivatives
16 weeks
3
Introduction to derivative assets including futures, forward contracts, options and their markets, including how these derivatives are created and traded. The course covers how businesses can use these contracts to hedge corporate and investment portfolio risk. Students are introduced to the principles of valuation and pricing for these securities and the mathematical models that apply. Prerequisite(s): FINA 6320
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MNGT 6304 - Data Mining for Business Analytics
8 weeks
3
This course introduces data mining techniques to extract information form large databases and prepare for business analytics. Uses software packages such as R.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
MNGT 6305 - Energy Technology & Risk Management
8 weeks
3
This course will focus on the role of technology in the operation of an energy firm and expand the concept of risk management to an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) focus. Students will learn the risks associated with technology and the use of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets to protect technological advantage and the development of a risk profile for a firm from an ERM perspective.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MNGT 6312 - Human Resource Management
8 weeks
3
Manpower planning and development, organizational climate, and the provision of personnel services will be investigated.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024
BLAW 6324 - Energy Law
8 weeks
3
A study of energy law, including primarily the oil and gas industry, with a general overview of alternative energy sources. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MRKT 6314 - International Marketing
8 weeks
3
Globalization of markets and market entry across borders. Internationalizing of product, price, place, and promotion decisions. Standardization and adaptation decisions in a marketing context.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring A 2025
FINA 6327 - Investments
16 weeks
3
This course conveys comprehensive investigation of modern investments and portfolio theory. Concepts include different trading techniques, portfolio construction, asset valuation using a variety of pricing models, market timing, fundamental security analysis, technical security analysis and behavioral finance concepts.
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
FINA 6330 - International Finance
8 weeks
3
This course is a comprehensive study of the management of multinational firms and international financial markets. Some of the topics include global risk management, currency exchange rate mechanisms, corporate exchange rate exposure measurement & management, exchange-rate arbitrage, and hedging using a variety of currency-based derivatives.
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2024 Summer B 2025
FINA 6331 - Energy Finance
8 weeks
3
This course introduces students to the principal concepts and application in energy finance. Topics include: fundamentals of petroleum and value chain, oil and gas financial statement analysis, financing energy companies and projects, O&G database application, and energy risk management using derivative instruments. Students will complete an energy project incorporating major components of the course to tackle real-world problems. Prerequisite(s): FINA 6320 or equivalent.
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
FINA 6335 - Energy Investments
8 weeks
3
This course is designed as an introduction to the Energy Commodity, Equity, Bond, and Derivatives markets. Students will learn the unique nature of energy-related assets as hedging and speculative tools while understanding the volatility and dependence interactions between energy commodities and other conventional markets.
Prerequisites: FINA 6320 - Financial Management
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024
MRKT 6335 - Global Supply Chain Management
8 weeks
3
This course focuses on management of supply chain processes and concepts. It discusses topics in operations, marketing, or finance functions in a manufacturing or distribution firm, and important supply chain metrics in a globalizing business environment. It will also discuss how to make supply chain decisions in the context of production planning and inventory control, order fulfillment coordination.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Summer A 2025
MRKT 6366 - Marketing Strategy
8 weeks
3
The course discusses and emphasizes market analysis, target customer identification, and development of a marketing mix from a strategic perspective. It also focuses on superior value creation and strategy development, evaluation and implementation, in a dynamic environment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Fall A 2025
MRKT 6316 - Marketing Research
8 weeks
3
Overview of methods for conducting marketing research. Use research information in marketing decision making. Students design and execute their own research projects.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Fall B 2025

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credit hours

Conditional Admission

  • Official transcripts certifying a bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited college or university
  • GPA between 2.99 and 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree
  • 2 letters of recommendation or professional email references
  • Allowed to take up to 12 credit hours as advised and must earn a B or better
    • If student earns below a B, GMAT is required for readmission
  • No elective course may be taken by a student in conditional status

Conditional Admission With Dean’s Approval

  • Official transcripts certifying a bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited college or university
  • GPA between 2.49 and 2.25 in the last 60 credit hours of coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree
  • GMAT with minimum score of 500 (based on GPA)
  • Essay expressing interest may be requested
  • 2 letters of recommendation or professional email references
  • Allowed to take up to 12 credit hours and must earn a B or better
  • No elective course may be taken by a student in conditional status

Students granted conditional status will be changed to regular status upon successful completion of a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of MBA coursework with a grade of B or better in each course taken.

Official Transcripts

Copies of official transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and can be mailed to: 

UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies Office
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to gradstudies@utpb.edu

Supporting Documents

All supporting documents related to a graduate program, such as letters of recommendation, essays, statements of interest, resumes, professional work experience, and awards should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office:

UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762-0001

Electronic versions of supporting documents may be emailed to gradstudies@utpb.edu. 

Waiver Policy

If you have an undergraduate degree in business, you may be able to complete the program with as few as 30 credit hours. If your undergraduate degree is not in business, you will have to complete all 36 credit hours.

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Your application fee is waived for this program. Get details now.

Faculty Bios

Director of Graduate Programs, UT Permian Basin College of Business
Professor of Marketing
saran_a@utpb.edu

Anshu Saran, PhD, is a professor of marketing within the College of Business at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Graduating with his PhD from The University of Texas – Pan American, he joined UTPB in the fall of 2006. Prior to this, he served as faculty and taught at the APS University Rewa, Amity Business School Noida, and The University of Texas – Pan American. His research includes competing in the global marketplace, marketing strategies, social media ad marketing, and cultural differences in international business and marketing. His work has been published in the International Journal of Business Research, Journal of International Business Research, and Journal of Global Marketing. Accumulating work experience for 12 years in different parts of the world, he served as chief operating officer for Tata International Ltd. along with other accolades in India. Dr. Saran currently teaches the following classes within the MBA program: International Business (on-campus and online) and Marketing Strategy.

“My research interests and experience in international business and marketing have supported my academic endeavors and helped me incorporate industry examples in the curriculum, creating value for students and supporting their job and career progression.”

Associate Dean
Associate Professor of Accounting
UT Permian Basin College of Business
counts_r@utpb.edu

Roy Wayne Counts, PhD, is an associate professor of accountancy and associate dean within the College of Business at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Graduating from Texas Tech University with his PhD in 2005, he joined UTPB from 2004-2010 and rejoined in Spring 2015. Prior to this, Dr. Counts served as faculty and taught at Oklahoma City University and Youngstown State University between 2010 and 2015. His research interests focus around income wages, social security, and factors affecting finance. His work has been published in the Journal of the Academy of Business and Economics, International Journal of Business Research, and the Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance. Dr. Counts currently teaches the following courses within the accounting undergraduate program and the MPA program: Intermediate Accounting I, Federal Income Tax, and Energy Accounting.  

“My interest in financial planning is what inspired me to specialize in tax accounting. Helping students to see how they can provide value-added services to clients is very rewarding. My passion is helping students get prepared for taking and passing the CPA exam.”

Chair of Department of Management, Marketing, and Industrial Technology
Associate Professor of Marketing
PhD, University of North Texas
MEd, University of Windsor
MA, Heilongjiang University
gai_l@utpb.edu

Dr. Lili Gai has been an associate professor of marketing at UT Permian Basin since 2014. Her principal teaching and research interests include digital marketing, marketing research, retailing, and international marketing. Dr. Gai has published research articles in prominent journals including Journal of Business Research, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, Journal of Global Marketing, and Journal of Marketing for Higher Education. Her research has been presented at academic conferences both nationally and internationally.

Chair of the Accounting, Finance, and Economics Department
Associate Professor of Finance
PhD, The University of Texas at Arlington
MS, Texas Tech University
gormus_a@utpb.edu

Alper Gormus, PhD, is the chair of the accounting, finance, and economics department and an associate professor in finance. He is also a Jack D. Ladd Fellow and the coordinator of energy and finance programs. He has an MS in economics from Texas Tech University and a PhD in finance from The University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to his start at UTPB, he worked as faculty, teaching classes at The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University. On the corporate side, Dr. Gormus has worked for several high-profile companies in various roles related to investments and financial analytics. His research interests include energy investments and international markets. His work has been published in several global academic journals including Energy Economics, Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Economic Letters, and Global Finance Journal. Dr. Gormus teaches Energy Investments, Investments, and Corporate Finance.

“I strongly believe student success must be the driving factor for all we do in academia. In terms of how I contribute, combining my industry experience with academics has always served me well in the classroom. While I have worked in numerous projects across many areas in finance and economics, a large portion of my research has been in energy investments. I was fortunate enough to publish my research in some of the top academic journals in the field and I try to bring that expertise into the classroom.”

Assistant Professor of Management
PhD, New Mexico State University
MBA, New Mexico State University
zare_m@utpb.edu

Mortaza Zare, PhD, is an assistant professor of management at The University of Texas Permian Basin. He started in the role of instructor at New Mexico State University, a visiting instructor of Louisiana State University, and then assistant professor of management at UT Permian Basin's College of Business in 2018. He has published research in Human Recourse Management Review, Human Performance, Academy of Management Proceedings, Tamara: Journal for Critical Organizational Inquiry, and the Philosophy of Management. He has presented papers in the Western Academy of Management, the Southwest Academy of Management, the Southern Management Association, and the Western Academy of ManagementDr. Zare has taught the following courses: Graduate Organizational Behavior, Undergraduate Organizational Behavior, Management Concepts & Organizational Theory, and Entrepreneurial Leadership.  

We’re pleased to offer program admission on a rolling basis.

Rolling admission refers to our process of accepting and evaluating applications as we receive them and moving any applications that miss the deadline to the next semester. However, if you want to enroll in courses for a specific semester, you will need to make note of the application deadlines found below. If you don’t complete your application and submit the required materials by the deadline, your application will be rolled over to the next semester. 

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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