Fast Track MBA

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Tuition & Aid

Request Information Apply @ BusinessCAS Admission Events Management Minute Podcast

Our Fast Track MBA is designed for determined young professionals with under five years of work experience. Gain credibility fast, as well as marketable training and experience by working with one of our corporate business partners. This program also includes your own personal leadership plan. Step forward in the job market with guidance from professional and faculty mentors.

Connecting with businesses here in Nashville, as well as abroad on our built-in international trip, allows you to capitalize on experiential learning opportunities.

Fast Track MBA Program Outcomes

The Fast Track MBA is an AACSB accredited, accelerated learning program that will take your career to the next level. Before the program ends, you will excel in business acumen, leadership coaching, confidence, and presentation skills. Through our partnership with Nashville businesses and organizations, you will have real-world training and marketable work experience to take with you as you move forward. Our students leave the Fast Track MBA program with the following:

Knowledge to do business differently
Experience in real-world scenarios
Credibility to lead as business experts

Can I work while pursuing a Fast Track MBA?

This program is flexible with evening classes, making it ideal for working professionals. New cohorts begin in June, with classes meeting two nights per week.

Directed Work Experience

The directed work experience (DWE) allows you to build your network, resume, and business acumen. The DWE is a paid position that gives you marketable work experience. If you are currently employed, we can work with your current employer and give you credit for your experience. This experience allows you to apply what you're learning in the classroom while also helping fast track your career.

Learn more about our Directed Work Experience HERE.

Global Business

A week-long business trip related to the Global Business course is a requirement of the program. Our students rank this among the best parts of their MBA experience. Travel destinations may be international or domestic depending on travel restrictions imposed or anticipated at the time of the trip.

Past destinations include Washington DC, Austin TX, Hong Kong, Israel, Bangkok and Vietnam.

Executives-in-Residence

MBA and M.S. in Sustainability Dual Degree

The College of Business and Institute for Sustainable Practice offer a dual degree program. This combines cutting edge business training with state-of-the-art training in sustainability, resulting in two diplomas; the M.S. in Sustainability and the Master of Business Administration. The M.S. in Sustainability degree is applicable for either our Professional MBA or Fast Track MBA.

Many professionals choose this option to optimize their competitiveness and enhance their flexibility with credentials in two disciplines. Students enrolled in the dual degree program will complete a select grouping of courses from each program (view in courses tab) to earn their two diplomas. The dual degree option MUST be declared before you graduate with either degree.

Why Earn Your MBA Degree at Lipscomb University?

Every aspect of our Fast Track MBA program and curriculum integrates real-world experiences by having you study under business leaders and practitioners. The directed work experience and global business course are prime examples of this. To help you succeed in the program, we also provide frequent networking and professional development opportunities. As a U.S. News top-ranked graduate program, you will see a definitive return on investment through this program.

Admissions Requirements

Online application and fee
Fast Track MBA candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher may qualify for a GMAT waiver.
Undergraduate transcripts (and graduate, if applicable)
- Have electronic transcripts emailed directly from your university to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu
- If you are sending a hard copy, have it mailed to:
  - ATTN: Graduate Admissions Office, 1 University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Resume
Two professional references
Personal response to the following question: How will the knowledge and skills you expect to attain in Lipscomb's MBA program help you create more value in your organization and community?

Courses

Lipscomb University’s Fast Track MBA program offers an 11-month cohort model.

Each student will complete six hours of BU 661v (Directed Work Experience) across the program - three hours in two semesters. These hours count as the student's elective hours for the Fast Track MBA.

Fast Track MBA Courses

Required Courses (36 hours):

BU 6000 - Orientation to MBA Program (Non-credit and P/F)
BU 6010 - MBA Graduation Seminar (Non-credit and P/F)
BU 6012 - Embracing Values
BU 6032 - Accounting for Executives
BU 6052 - Financial Management
BU 6062 - Strategic Marketing
BU 6082 - Strategy
BU 6112 - Organizational Behavior
BU 6122 - Entrepreneurship
BU 6132 - Operations
BU 6142 - Business Intelligence
BU 6232 - Integrated Decision Making
BU 6252 - Integrated Talent Management
BU 6262 - Applied Value Creation
BU 6532 - Leading Effective Organizations
BU 6632 - International Business
ICM 5082 - Strategic Negotiation in Legal Settings
BU 661V - Directed Work Experience

MBA and M.S. in Sustainability Dual Degree

Successful completion of 48 hours of coursework (24 hours in sustainability and 24 hours in business) will earn students enrolled in the dual degree program both diplomas.

The dual degree option MUST be declared before you graduate with either degree.

Graduate Courses from the College of Business MBA Format (24 hours):

BU 6000 - Orientation to MBA Program
BU 6010 - MBA Graduation Seminar
BU 6032 - Accounting for Executives
BU 6052 - Financial Management
BU 6082 - Strategy
BU 6132 - Operations
BU 6142 - Business Intelligence
BU 6532 - Leading Effective Organizations
BU 6062 - Strategic Marketing
BU 6112 - Organizational Behavior
BU 6232 - Integrated Decision Making
BU 6252 - Integrated Talent Management
BU 6262 - Applied Value Creation
BU 6122 - Entrepreneurship

Graduate Courses from the Institute for Sustainable Practice

Core Course Requirements (12 hours):

SU 6003 - Sustainable Earth Systems
SU 6023 - Sustainable Enterprise
ICM 5003 - Survey of Conflict Management
SU 6153 - Zero Management

Advanced Module (6 hours):

SU 6063 - Sustainable Enterprise II
SU 6073 - Applied Earth Systems

Global Travel Course - Choose One (2-3 hours):

SU 609V - Sustainability Travel to [Destination]
BU 6632 - International Business

Specialization Module - Choose One (3 hours):

SU 6033 - Special Topics in Sustainability
SU 6083 - Professional Experience and Study in Sustainability
SU 6103 - Creation Care and Spiritual Formation
SU 6123 - Green Building Design, Construction & Operation
SU 6133 - Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications
SU 6143 - Sustainable Food Practice

Tuition & Aid

Tuition: 36-hour program / $1,395 per credit hour

Total Tuition: $50,220
$50 application fee and $195 graduation fee
Case materials included in tuition
Program fee

Types of Aid

Scholarships

Student Loans

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. View eligibility requirements.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.

Contact Information

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Colleen Curlee
Assistant Director Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-5193
Colleen.Curlee@lipscomb.edu

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Karen Risley
Director of Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-5145
karen.risley@lipscomb.edu

Months to complete

Credibility Fast

The Fast-track MBA program helps young business professionals (0-5 yr experience) who want to develop business know-how and build credibility by reducing time-to-experience and accelerating knowledge, networking and practical experience.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Cohort Model

Our cohort model emphasizes communal learning and extended field experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to form professional and personal relationships with like-minded peers that will extend far beyond the duration of the program.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Alumni and Student Stories

Grant Exline ('19)

“Lipscomb’s business program helps set you up for success by equipping you with the tools necessary to take on any role. Transitioning to the professional world can be difficult as you don’t know exactly what you’re doing but Lipscomb helps prepare you by providing you with a tool kit of strategies and knowledge to overcome any obstacle, job, or project.”

Grace Boucher ('22)

"I was drawn to Lipscomb’s MBA program because of the small class size and the focus on real-world work experience. The DWE program provides a unique opportunity to get plugged into your field of interest, build a strong resume, make connections, and accrue valuable skills."

James (JJ) Terry ('20)

“One of my favorite parts about the program was the directed work experience. The DWE was great for me because it gave me knowledge, experience, and prepared me for the transition into the business world. I was able to use the time to adjust to a solid work life balance while I was still in school, and it gave me the opportunity to take what I was learning in classes and apply it directly to my role at work.”

Emily Starnes ('21)

"The program gives you the tools and because of the amount of effort and time you spend mastering them when you are in your job or the "real world" you automatically apply these learnings and that itself is something I feel is very unique to other programs."

Owen Hosay ('22)

"The Fast Track 11 MBA program has led me to become a more analytical thinker and a better leader. Applying the values of the Lipscomb MBA program to my professional life has led me to achieve my goals as a young professional."

Auriana Broughton ('21)

"My MBA has also exposed me to invaluable knowledge, strategic thinking skills, and business acumen that I wouldn't have without this program. My graduate education made me more marketable to employers, exposed me to a new way of thinking, and broadened my scope of what I can achieve in my field."

Our Faculty

Julio Rivas

Associate Professor and MBA Director

Julio A. Rivas, born in Torreon, Mexico, and lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, until 2007. He went to school to Monterrey Tech, Guadalajara Campus, and got his BBA in Finance and...
Meet Julio Rivas
Joe Ivey

Professor

Joe Ivey serves as a Professor of Management. Prior to becoming a member of the full-time faculty, he served five years as the university's Senior Vice President for advancement. He received...
Meet Joe Ivey
Bart Liddle

Associate Professor

Dr. Bart Liddle serves the Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business. As Associate Dean, he is responsible for all undergraduate and graduate academic programming. In addition to...
Meet Bart Liddle
Allison Duke

Senior Associate Dean

Dr. Allison Duke is Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Management at Lipscomb University's College of Business. As Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Duke leads the development of strategic initiatives and...
Meet Allison Duke
Rick Holaway

Associate Provost for Graduate Enrollment and Support

Rick Holaway serves as the Associate Provost for Graduate Enrollment and Support, and as an Assistant Professor in the College of Business, teaching marketing and management courses to undergraduate and...
Meet Rick Holaway
Matt Paden

Executive Vice President

Matt Paden is executive vice president at Lipscomb University. An expert in leadership development, Paden is a speaker, consultant and professor of undergraduate and graduate courses on the topics of...
Meet Matt Paden

Career Paths

Managers

Whether a project or program manager, marketing or sales manager, human resources manager, or general manager, many facets of business require individuals with strong strategic planning and leadership skills to achieve the company’s vision.

Office and Building Administration

Daily operations and the carrying out business goals are overseen by Office and Building Administrators for a company or organization. They lead with confidence to implement policies and procedures among employees.

Business Analysts

Business Analysts review processes and data to monitor the effectiveness of a business. They use strong communication and analytical skills to develop metrics to measure and ensure needs are met.