Master of Business Administration
Overview
In offering the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Adnan Kassar School of Business draws on substantial experience in undergraduate business education to provide advanced learning for seekers of a business career, adapting its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of individuals with business and non-business backgrounds.
In order to make the program accessible to those already active in practice, a provision has been made for part-time students, with classes set at conveniently scheduled times, as the program encourages students to pursue their careers in parallel with higher education. Hands-on experience brings an added value to the classroom environment and is conducive to real-world thinking.
Program Objectives
In support of the LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business mission, the MBA program provides students with a high-quality education that managers seek in order to solve complex problems in today’s global business environment. The program aims at forming business professionals with solid analytical, communication, and leadership skills in an ethical framework.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides students with
- appropriate techniques to effectively solve business problems;
- resources to become effective team players;
- an understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of decision making process; and
- professional communication skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this program, graduates will be able to
- select and analyze relevant data and propose an optimal solution to a business problem;
- demonstrate effective involvement in a team;
- evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in a business case;
- demonstrate effective written communication skills; and
- demonstrate effective oral communication skills
Admission Requirements
Admissions to the MBA program are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Admission is competitive and based on applicants’ academic qualifications, motivation, and potential for graduate study.
Applicants are expected to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in business or an equivalent discipline from a recognized university.
- Demonstrate a strong academic background.
- Meet LAU’s English language proficiency requirements.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit letters of recommendation.
- Attend an interview, if required.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.
Although professional experience is not currently required, the Graduate Admissions Committee considers relevant work experience a valuable asset, as it enriches classroom discussions and contributes to peer learning.
New Admission Requirement (Effective Fall 2027)
Beginning with Fall 2027 admissions, applicants will be required to have a minimum of six months of professional work experience.
This change is intended to:
- Enhance classroom discussion and peer learning.
- Strengthen the applied and experiential nature of the MBA.
- Better align the program with international MBA standards.
Probationary Admission
Applicants who do not fully meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement may be considered for probationary admission at the discretion of the MBA & EMBA Graduate Admissions Council, provided they demonstrate significant relevant professional experience and satisfy the University’s minimum English language requirement.
Students admitted on probation may obtain regular status by:
- Completing 12 graduate credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or
- After completing at least 6 graduate credits, achieving a minimum 3.2 GPA with grades of B or higher in all courses taken, without repeating any course.
Study Abroad and Exchange Opportunities
The MBA program offers students the opportunity to gain international exposure through semester abroad and exchange programs with leading partner universities worldwide.
Students may participate during the second semester of Year 1 or the first semester of Year 2, taking 6 credits (up to a maximum of 9 credits). All exchange courses are credit-bearing, subject to academic advising and approval, and are structured to support timely graduation.
Current Partner Universities
Europe
- Richmond, The American International University in London (UK)
- American College of Greece (ALBA)
- KEDGE Business School (France)
- SKEMA Business School (France)
North America
- Michigan State University – Broad College of Business (USA)
- Northeastern Illinois University – Chicago (USA)
Middle East
- American University in Cairo (Egypt)
- Qatar University – College of Business & Economics (agreement in progress)
Exchange opportunities are coordinated through LAU’s International Services & Programs (ISP) Office. For information on eligibility requirements, partner universities, application procedures, and deadlines, contact international.services@lau.edu.lb. In line with AKSOB’s internationalization strategy, the School continues to expand partnerships with leading business schools across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions.
Contact Information
Dr. Silva Karkoulian, Program Director
For all inquiries, contact:
- Phone: +961 1 786456, extension 1640
- Address: Adnan Kassar School of Business, 16th floor
- Website
Curriculum
A total of 39 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:
- Core Requirements (24 credits)
- Electives (15 credits)
Core Requirements (24 credits)
- ACC821 Financial Accounting (3 cr.)
- ECO811 Business Economics (3 cr.)
- FIN861 Financial Management (3 cr.)
- MGT831 Management Theory (3 cr.)
- MGT851 Leadership, Ethics & Team Management (3 cr.)
- MGT875 Strategic Management (Capstone Course including a Simulation) (3 cr.)
- MKT841 Marketing Management (3 cr.)
- QBA851 Quantitative Methods in Business (3 cr.)
Electives (15 credits)
- ACC822 Management Accounting (3 cr.)
- ACC830 Financial Statement Analysis (3 cr.)
- ACC880 Special Topics in Accounting (3 cr.)
- BDA811 Business Analytics for Competitive Advantage (3 cr.)
- BDA821 Data Visualization for Managers (3 cr.)
- BDA825 Artificial Intelligence for Managers (3 cr.)
- BDA880 Special Topics in Business & Data Analytics (3 cr.)
- BUS852 Thesis in Business (6 cr.)
- BUS898 Research Topics in Business (3 cr.)
- ECO880 Special Topics in Accounting (3 cr.)
- FIN835 Commercial Bank Management (3 cr.)
- FIN836 Modern Portfolio Management (3 cr.)
- FIN837 International Business (3 cr.)
- FIN880 Special Topics in Finance (3 cr.)
- HOM880 Special Topics in Hospitality & Tourism (3 cr.)
- ITM880 Special Topics in Information Technology Mgt. (3 cr.)
- MGT834 Project Planning & Management (3 cr.)
- MGT835 Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
- MGT836 Sustainability and ESG Strategy (3 cr.)
- MGT837O Applied Entrepreneurship Studio (online) (3 cr.)
- MGT839 Organizational Behavior (3 cr.)
- MGT880 Special Topics in Management (3 cr.)
- MKT840 Marketing Research Analysis (3 cr.)
- MKT842 International & Global Marketing (3 cr.)
- MKT845 Digital Marketing (3 cr.)
- MKT880 Special Topics in Marketing (3 cr.)
- OPM825 Operations & Supply Chain Management (3 cr.)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Fall (9 credits)
Spring (9 credits)
Summer (3 credits)
- MBA Elective (3 cr.)
Year Two
Fall (9 credits)
- MGT851 Leadership Ethics & Team Management (3 cr.)
- ACC821 Financial Accounting (3 cr.)
- MBA Elective (3 cr.)
Spring (9 credits)