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Program Overview

Program Overview

Targeted learning. Future-focused coaching.

Enroll in one of the U.S. News and World Report top-ranked MBA programs in the U.S. where we mold leaders, creators and disruptors. Our faculty not only teach but mentor. You’ll grow to inspire others, be strategic, and work with integrity. Gain the right mix of quantitative and qualitative skills through practical learning to become a business expert.

Lipscomb’s Professional MBA program is a part-time program offered in a hybrid/online format. The program is completed in 16 months with synchronous, online classes meeting primarily two nights per week and one in-person meeting per course. Designed for flexible learning at an expedited rate, the PMBA is a perfect fit for the full-time working professional.

The PMBA includes multiple experiences where you will have the opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships with your cohort colleagues. You will come together for the program orientation to get to know the members of your cohort, you will travel with your cohort for the international business course, and have the opportunity to participate in other co-curricular opportunities.

Lipscomb PMBA students have access to professional development and networking opportunities that are available to all Pfeffer Graduate School of Business students. You'll enjoy the pomp and circumstance of an in-person graduation as well!

Our cohort model provides a built-in support system during your time of study. You'll find common interests and form invaluable relationships with classmates and mentors of diverse backgrounds. One of the chief ways students gain real-world experience is through the insight and mentorship of Lipscomb’s seven Executives-in-Residence, longtime business titans who bring their real-world solutions to students within the confines of the classroom. Learn how to build companies that engage, grow and support collaborators and visionaries. Our graduates are influencing the business world for good, at home and overseas.

Professional MBA Program Outcomes

The Professional MBA is an AACSB accredited program that will take your business competencies to the next level. Before the program ends, you will excel in business acumen, leadership, confidence, and presentation skills. Your ability to have a high level of understanding value to an organization and how leadership decisions create impact ensure a strong foundation for furthering your career.

We developed the MBA curriculum by asking two questions:AACSB

  1. What do the most effective professionals do well?
  2. What do employers expect from MBA graduates?

After analyzing national employer survey data, interviews with an advisory board, and market research results, a few themes emerged. First, the best professionals have the ability to inspire others, they have strategic vision, and they have drive and integrity. Second, the best professionals have strong quantitative skills, business knowledge, and technology skills.

Our curriculum will teach you how to increase the effectiveness of your leadership, make strategic decisions and build a competitive advantage for the company you work for or start. Your MBA can be stacked with either the Entrepreneurship or Data Analytics graduate certificate allowing you to enhance your credentials.

Why Earn Your MBA Degree at Lipscomb University?

Every aspect of our Professional MBA program and curriculum is designed for your learning benefit. The small class sizes and cohort model allow you to form deep connections with peers and faculty. 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

Admissions Requirements

The completed application requirements for the MBA Professional program:

  • Your submitted online application and fee
  • Resume

    • This formal document highlights your professional experiences, educational background, and relevant skills/certificates to earning a graduate degree at Lipscomb. If you have less than three years of work experience, please include service and volunteer opportunities within your professional experiences.  Resumes are typically one page long.

  • Personal Statement
    • This formal document highlights what you bring to the program and serves as a professional writing sample. The personal statement is one tool that will be used to evaluate your writing proficiency in addition to helping us gain specific insight into your personal drive, motivation, and goals. The personal statements are generally 500-650 words in length.
  • Transcripts from your undergraduate program (and graduate, if applicable)
    • Have electronic copies emailed directly from your undergraduate institution to gradadmissions [at] lipscomb.edu (gradadmissions[at]lipscomb[dot]edu)
    • If you are having a hard copy mailed, have it sent to:
      • Lipscomb University, ATTN: Graduate Admissions Office, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
  • Two Professional Recommendations
    • An email will be sent to your recommenders with instructions on completing the process. The two letters of recommendations should be written by people who know you well in either a professional work or academic environment and can speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program. If possible, we encourage you to request one letter of recommendation from a workplace supervisor. 
  • In Person or Virtual Interview

    • This interview will be conducted either by the Program Director or a senior member of the faculty. Your interview will consist of behavioral-type questions and offer you an opportunity to share specific examples from your work experience.

      Additionally, you will be asked to. complete a short case study as a critical thinking assessment.

  • GMAT or GRE

    • While not required, candidates are invited to submit test scores to strengthen their application should they feel their undergraduate academic performance does not reflect their ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program. The GMAT is the preferred test option; however, GRE scores will also be accepted.

  • International

    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​International applicants have additional application requirements, including the submission of a GMAT score. Details can be found on the international applicant webpage.

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

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

  • Total Tuition: $50,220
  • $68 application fee and $200 graduation fee
  • Case materials included in tuition
  • Program Fee
  • International Travel fee.

Types of Aid

Advance Your Career

Substantive Business Core Curriculum

The Professional MBA program fosters an engaging learning environment where you’ll have opportunities to participate in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small-sized Professional MBA classes.

Two Certificate Tracks

Enhance your Professional MBA with a certificate in Data Analytics (creating a STEM MBA) or Entrepreneurship (available January 2024). These certificates are available in tandem with the PMBA, but they can also be pursued on their own.

Industry Expert Instructors

One of the chief ways students gain real-world experience is through the insight and mentorship of Lipscomb’s seven Executives-in-Residence, longtime business titans who bring their real-world solutions to students within the confines of the classroom.

Executives in Residence

Alumni and Student Stories

Sergio Licona Headshot

Sergio Licona '22

MBA graduate Sergio Licona is working to accelerate clinical care of children globally. Just a few weeks after earning his degree with a concentration in health care administration...

Licona Feature
Scott Huitink

Scott Huitink '23

"The value of faith, Biblical principles, godly wisdom, and servant leadership... these are not typical ingredients in a PMBA program. At the same time, for a student seeking to find ways to create eternal value in the context of the limited time we have on this earth through business, I cannot imagine finding a more complete program."

Huitink Feature
Jen Peters

Jen Peters '19

"Don't compare yourself to everyone else, not only are you smart enough to be here, you already have everything you need inside you to be successful - you deserve a place at the table just as much as anyone else - your contributions, the way you think, the way your process will benefit the people around you."

Nick Tate

Nick Tate '20

"The Lipscomb MBA program strengthened my ability to make decisions earlier, faster, and with greater conviction - especially in times of ambiguity, with incomplete information, and in unfamiliar positions."

Joshua Bohannon

Joshua Bohannon '22

"I was drawn to Lipscomb by the idea of learning graduate-level business skills from a Christian perspective. I couldn’t wait to see what was on the other side and Lipscomb has not failed to deliver."

Our Faculty

  • Allison Duke headshot

    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-headshot

    Rick Holaway

    Associate Provost for Graduate Enrollment and Director of Organizational Leadership

    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
  • Julio Rivas headshot

    Julio Rivas

    Professor

    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
  • Jeff Cohu headshot

    Jeff Cohu

    Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

    Dr. Jeff Cohu is an experienced management consultant, entrepreneur, and educator. In addition to his ongoing consulting practice, he currently serves as Professor of Management and Executive Director of the...

    Meet Jeff Cohu
  • Jeff Jewell headshot

    Jeff Jewell

    Accounting Department Chair

    Jeff was born in Bloomington, Indiana, but grew up in Searcy, Arkansas, where both of his parents were professors at Harding University. Jeff earned his BA in history from Harding,...

    Meet Jeff Jewell
  • Lindsay Dillingham headshot

    Lindsay Dillingham

    Associate Professor

    Prior to earning her doctorate from the University of Kentucky in 2014, Dr. Dillingham worked for Merrill in Nashville. Since joining the faculty full-time in 2015, she has continued her...

    Meet Lindsay Dillingham
  • Bart Liddle headshot

    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
  • Ray Eldridge headshot

    Ray Eldridge

    Dean of College of Business

    Dean, College of Business, Lipscomb University. An experienced leader in higher education. Previously served as Senior Associate Dean, Associate Dean and Department Chair at Lipscomb University; Dean at Freed-Hardeman University...

    Meet Ray Eldridge

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.