Business Administration, M.B.A.

Mission Statement

The mission of the MBA Program is to prepare future business leaders to serve our state, region and the global business world.  Upon graduation our students will have a greater sense of purpose for their lives. To accomplish our mission, they receive a personalized educational experience that encourages a global mindset, inspires creativity and innovation, and develops leadership skills in preparation for business challenges and opportunities.

Program Description

The College of Charleston School of Business offers a one-year, full-time MBA program for high-performing individuals who want to make a difference. We are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Our intensive, top-quality program combines a solid core curriculum and teaching excellence. Real-world projects, case-based courses, business mentors, and global experiences combine to help students gain critical thinking skills and perspectives needed to succeed in their careers. Students learn the best practices, processes, and applications used in progressive organizations throughout the world. The School of Business is situated in the heart of downtown Charleston, a historically significant, sophisticated, coastal city that provides numerous opportunities for an enriched experience during our students’ MBA year.

The College of Charleston’s MBA program fills a gap that existed in the Southeast region’s management education. The program begins on campus in August with a rigorous pre-term session to develop professional effectiveness including communication, leadership, and team building skills. Students are challenged throughout the year in a variety of required courses, including one on creativity and innovation and another on global economies. In addition, every student participates in a required global travel “business immersion” experience. Over the past few years our students have traveled to Vietnam, China, Dubai, Brazil, Chile and Panama. The program also includes a number of essential professional development components to prepare graduates for job placement and career success. Highly accomplished mentors are paired with each MBA to add a special dimension to the learning experience.

Dual MBA/JD Program

The MBA program in conjunction with the Charleston School of Law offers a dual MBA/JD degree program. Law school students who have completed two years of study and meet the admission requirements and prerequisites, may apply to the College of Charleston MBA program. After completing the requirements for the MBA degree, the student will return to the law school to finish the JD degree requirements. Additional information on this dual program is available from the graduate program director.

Admission Requirements

Institutional Requirements

• A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information”  section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

We are looking for high-potential business leaders who can navigate the operating environment of globally oriented, 21st century enterprises. You must be able to take on the challenges presented by environmental, social, and technological complexity. This is a rigorous program for students with a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.  The MBA Committee shall have the option to approve substitutions in submission requirements and shall approve exceptions to the admission requirements in unique cases, subject to the review and determination of the Graduate Dean. Contact the MBA Director for further information.

• A competitive GMAT, GRE or approved graduate proficiency exam score
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.000 or higher (4.000 point scale)
• Two letters of recommendation.
• 300 word personal and professional goal statement
• Resume
• For international students: a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 83 on the computer-based TOEFL

Optional Interview

A personal interview is not required for admission, but we strongly encourage it. We welcome prospective students to visit with us in person, attend an info session, or arrange a video interview. In addition, you may attend a class, meet our staff, and talk with current students. Please contact Seaton Brown at brownms@cofc.edu to schedule an interview or a visit.  To attend an info session, visit our website at MBACharleston.com to register online

Application Deadlines

This program accepts applications once a year for candidates intending to begin courses during the fall semester. Applications are reviewed with rolling admissions, beginning December 1st. 

• Fall: March 1, Priority; April 1, International students; May 1, Final
• Spring: No Spring Admission
• Summer: No Summer Admission

Program Format

The College of Charleston’s MBA program is a daytime program that requires a full-time commitment. Once admitted, students are given access to three online proficiency courses. Orientation, known as Pre-Term, begins two weeks before the fall semester.  The MBA core curriculum consists of nine classes.  These classes are completed as a cohort - five classes are taken in the fall, and four in the spring. In addition, students take three elective courses, one in the spring and two in the first summer term.

Courses are taught Monday through Thursday. Additional activities and seminars are scheduled on Fridays. The two-week international immersion trip takes place between semesters, typically in mid-December or early January. Visit the MBA Academic Calendar to see a detailed calendar.

Transfer Credit Policy

The Master of Business Administration does not accept graduate transfer credit from another institution. Dual MBA/JD program students should discuss required number of academic units with the graduate program director.

Program Requirements

• Business Administration, M.B.A.  

Student Learning Outcomes

• Business Administration M.B.A. (PDF)