Overview

In support of the School of Business mission the M.B.A. program provides students with high quality education that managers seek to be able to solve complex problems in their organizations in a global business environment. The M.B.A. program graduates business professionals with solid analytical, communication and leadership skills in an ethical framework. The program is developed to expose students to all functional areas in business such as management, finance, accounting, economics, statistics, MIS and marketing covered in six core courses and seven elective courses.

Since 1981, LAU has prepared men and women for key roles in managerial and professional positions in business and public organizations. In offering the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), LAU draws on a substantial and growing experience in undergraduate business education to provide a significant opportunity for advanced education to seekers of a business career from business or non-business background. Thus, the curriculum has been adapted to meet their diverse needs. In order to make the program accessible to those already active in management, a provision has been made for part-time students with classes at conveniently scheduled times.

Program Goals

• The graduate will utilize appropriate techniques to effectively solve business problems.
• The graduate will be an effective team player. 
• The graduate will possess an understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of decision making process. 
• The graduate will possess professional communication skills. 

Program Outcomes

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.
• The graduate will be able to demonstrate effective involvement in a team.
• The graduate will be able to evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in a business case.
• The graduate will be able to demonstrate effective written communication skills.
• The graduate will be able to demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the M.B.A. program are expected to have sound academic background. Prospective students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in business studies or an 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 M.B.A. program are expected to meet the following admissions requirements:

• A 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent;
• GMAT or GRE test scores (taken within the past five years prior to joining the M.B.A.);
• 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 real world business experience that such students bring to the classroom. As such, “relevant work experience” is viewed favorably when studying an applicant’s file.

The School Graduate Admission Council (SGAC) calculates a Composite Index (CI) of both the GPA and GMAT. Admission is considered only if the applicant meets the CI minimum requirement. At the discretion of the School Graduate Admission Council, applicants who are short of meeting the 3.0 GPA and/or the 500 GMAT score might be considered for “probationary” admission provided they have “significant relevant work experience,” but 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 in each course.

Qualified applicants with a B.A./B.S. in areas of study other than Business will be required to complete remedial courses as a prerequisite for core courses.

To be considered to the M.B.A. program at LAU, applicants must submit the following:

1. A completed application form.
2. Official transcript(s) from the undergraduate degree program(s) completed. Transcripts need to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Failure to declare enrollment at other institutions could result in an invalidation of admission, and any credits or degrees earned.
3. Certified copies of all educational or professional degrees/certificates that the applicant has earned.
4. Recommendations from two professors who are familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
5. A certificate of current and/or previous employment if it applies.
6. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the English Entrance Exam (EEE) administered by LAU. Students may submit a minimum score of 90 on the Internet-based international TOEFL in lieu of taking the EEE. To register for the internet-based TOEFL, visit the ETS website. Note: Applicants taking the TOEFL should sit for the international test. Institutional TOEFL is not accepted at LAU. The code for LAU is 2595.
7. Official score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). To register for the GMAT, please visit the official GMAT website. The code for LAU is 0954. Note: If you need help studying for the GMAT, contact the Continuing Education Program, which offers preparatory courses. Other programs may also be available in your area.
8. A photocopy of the Identity Card or Passport (should be the same as the nationality used in the registration process).
9. One recent passport-size colored photograph.
10. An interview, if required.
11. A non-refundable fee of $50 (L.L. 75,000) payable to LAU either in cash or by a check drawn on a Lebanese or U.S. bank.

Director of MBA Program

• Messarra, Leila, Ph.D., Management

Contact Information

Beirut & Byblos:

• Extension 1846
• Business Building 15th floor
• Website

Graduation Requirements

A total of 39 credits are required to graduate, based on:

Program Requirements

Core Requirements (21 credits)

• ACC821 / Financial Accounting (3 cr.)
• ECO811 / Business Economics (3 cr.)
• FIN861 / Financial Management (3 cr.)
• MGT831 / Management Theory (3 cr.)
• MGT851 / Leadership, Ethics and Team Management (3 cr.)
• MKT841 / Marketing Management (3 cr.)
• QBA851 / Quantitative Methods in Business (3 cr.)

Elective Courses (18 credits)

Students can choose to pursue one of the following remaining options for graduation:

1. Take six courses from the following list.
2. Take five courses from the following list and BUS898 / Project in Business.
3. Take four courses from the following list and BUS899 / Thesis in Business.
    

• ACC822 / Management Accounting (3 cr.)
• ACC830 / Financial Statement Analysis (3 cr.)
• ACC 880 / Special Topics in Accounting (3 cr.)
• BUS898 / Project in Business (3 cr.)
• BUS899 / Thesis in Business (3 cr.)
• ECO880 / Special Topics in Accounting (3 cr.)
• FIN835 / Commercial Bank Management (3 cr.)
• FIN836 / Modern Porfolio Management (3 cr.)
• FIN837 / International Business (3 cr.)
• FIN863 / Financial Derivatives (3 cr.)
• FIN880 /  Special Topics in Finance (3 cr.)
• HOM880 / Special Topics in Hospitality & Tourism (3 cr.)
• ITM832 / Management Systems (3 cr.)
• ITM880 / Special Topics in Information Technology Mgt. (3 cr.)
• MGT833 / Personnel Management & HRD (3 cr.)
• MGT834 / Project Planning and Management (3 cr.)
• MGT839 / Organizational Behavior (3 cr.)
• MGT872 / Business Policy and Planning (3 cr.)
• MGT874 / Trends Management (3 cr.)
• MGT875 / Business Strategy and Innovation Management (3 cr.)
• MGT880 / Special Topics in Management (3 cr.)
• MKT842 / International and Global Marketing (3 cr.)
• MKT840 / Marketing Research Analysis (3 cr.)
• MKT880 / Special Topics in Marketing (3 cr.)
• OPM880 /  Special Topics in Operations & Production Mgt. (3 cr.)
• QBA880 / Special Topics in Quant. Bus. Analysis (3 cr.)