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2024-2025 Academic Bulletin
Business Administration/Social Work Dual Degree MBA/MSW
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 Return to: Programs by Department
School of Business Administration
Chan Shun Hall
269-471-3339; FAX: 269-471-6158
mba-info@andrews.edu
www.andrews.edu/sba
School of Social Work
Nethery Hall, Room 009
269-471-6196; FAX: 269-471-3686
swinfo@andrews.edu
www.andrews.edu/socialwork
Program Description
Andrews University has chosen to explore a collaboration between the School of Business Administration and the School of Social Work in the College of Arts & Sciences to prepare students for service in occupations where social work and an MBA intersect. Social workers, particularly those in the areas of administration and development social work, may have an interest in administrative work. In such situations, the MBA could equip them with a complementary skill set. Likewise, MBA students may find themselves in situations where social work skills in counseling and therapy would be useful, especially if they work in the not-for-profit sector. In addition, the MBA/MSW collaborative allows for a greater breadth of employment opportunities for students.
Since both the MSW and MBA programs reduce the total credits in order to reduce costs and achieve a more streamlined and efficient program, both degrees must be received simultaneously in order to fulfill the requirements of either degree. In the event that a student decides to drop out of the dual degree program, the requirements for the single degree must be completed in their entirety.
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Total Credits - 74
The MBA is a 33-credit degree, but it will share 5 credits with the MSW program, accepting 3 MSW credits as an elective (SOWK 630 or SOWK 660 which are taken under the MSW core), plus 2 MSW credits as part of the MBA ethics requirement (SOWK 515 from the MSW core). Likewise, the MSW is a 56 credit degree, but it will share 10 credits with the MBA program and accept 10 MBA credits as electives. This reduces the total credits for both degrees from 89 to 74.
Program Information
Information for the two programs (Business Administration MBA and Social Work MSW) follows:
Click here to jump to Social Work MSW.
Business Administration MBA
With the appropriate business background, the Professional MBA at Andrews University can be completed in three semesters. However, the MBA is also designed for students with any bachelor’s degree. Students who enter the program without prior coursework in business will take a two-year (5-semester) degree program, which will include prerequisites. Prerequisites in the common body of knowledge are required to bring the student up to the minimum expectations of our graduate faculty. These courses provide an introduction to the broad field of business administration and may not be used to satisfy program requirements.
The graduate courses in the MBA itself, which approximate three semesters of work, are divided into two groups, required and elective; 21 credits are in courses required of all students, and 12 credits are in elective courses. These advanced courses emphasize the understanding of administrative processes in resolving problems faced by business executives. These courses also help the student view the business enterprise as an integrated unit operating in a complex economic, political, and social system.
Mission: The mission of the Professional MBA program is to prepare students from many cultural backgrounds for responsible positions in domestic and international business, in government, and in not-for-profit organizations. The program emphasizes the integration of business principles with Christian principles and philosophy to prepare students for leadership roles which require clear and critical thinking, wise judgment, effective communication, integrity in all actions, and recognition of opportunities for service.
Delivery: The Master of Business Administration is available in three modes of delivery:
- Main Campus
- Interactive Online Synchronous
- International Sites: Vietnam National University, Middle East University, National Economics University (Viet Nam)
The interactive online option for the MBA degree program is designed for completion of all courses online. Most courses are offered in the interactive online synchronous format (see Global Campus definitions). The final course(s) may be taken online or on campus in the last summer semester culminating with graduation exercises (usually the first weekend in August).
Dual Degree Option:
This program is also available as a dual degree with Social Work MSW:
Electives
Choose 4 courses (numbered 510 and above) from the following acronyms: ACCT, BSAD, ECON, FNCE, INFS, MKTG. (MBA/MSW Dual Degree students must choose either SOWK 630 or SOWK 660 .) Students may fulfill elective credits by taking either the Healthcare Administration concentration or the Accounting/Finance concentration. Healthcare Administration Concentration
The Healthcare Administration concentration prepares students seeking careers in management, clinical management and consulting with the knowledge needed to address the challenges and opportunities within the diverse industry of healthcare. Coursework covers the broad spectrum of health services administration skills, including healthcare management, ethics, finance, and policy. (The courses in this concentration may be taken instead of 4 elective courses.) Student pursuing the healthcare concentration need to start in the fall semester by taking BSAD 537. Accounting/Finance Concentration
The Accounting/Finance concentration is designed to prepare students for management-level careers in the business arena. The concentration focuses on the skills needed to analyze and evaluate the risks and rewards associated with enterprise- and project-level business opportunities and improved decision-making using accounting and finance tools. (The courses in this concentration may be taken instead of 4 elective courses.) Choose 12 credits from the following courses: Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements under Graduate Academic Policies , note also the requirements listed below. Prerequisite Courses
These prerequisite courses may be waived for students with appropriate undergraduate course work from an accredited institution. If the prerequisite courses are more than five years old or the grades earned are below C, students may be required to repeat these courses. These courses must be taken prior to starting the MBA program. Students may take up to three courses concurrently with the MBA, by permission only, on a provisional status, during the first two semesters of their MBA program.
The following courses constitute the prerequisites for the MBA degree:
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT admission requirements must be met for regular admission status. The student may not enroll for any graduate-level business credits (courses assigned as 515 or above) before the GMAT requirement is met. If the student chooses to waive the GMAT based on number 2 below, this must be done within the first semester of the MBA program. Admission GMAT requirements can be obtained by ONE of the following: Attain formula score of 1,000 points, calculated by taking the undergraduate cumulative GPA X 200 + GMAT score ≥ 1,000. OR Five years of documented and approved related work experience and earned a grade of at least B- in statistics and a grade of at least B- in college algebra.
OR Previously earned an on-campus Andrews University undergraduate business degree with a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 and earned a grade of at least B- in statistics and a grade of at least B- in college algebra.
OR Previously earned degree with a cumulative GPA ≥ 3. 25 from a U. S. accredited institution. Professional Resume
All applicants must submit a separate, attached copy of their complete professional resume with their application. Completing the “Professional History” section within the application will not be considered sufficient for acceptance to School of Business Administration graduate programs. Provisional Status
Students admitted under provisional status (due to lack of prerequisites, GMAT, etc.) must make regular progress toward achieving regular enrollment status and toward completion of their selected graduate degree. If insufficient progress is made, provisional status will be revoked after four enrolled semesters (or before they reach 9 credit hours of graduate level course work).
Regular admission status must be met no later than the semester before the last semester in which the student expects to enroll, prior to graduation. Additional Information
Accreditation The Master of Business Administration degree (both on-campus and interactive online delivery) is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), located in Lenexa, Kansas. Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to integrate knowledge of major business theories and concepts to inform decision-making.
- Students will be able to communicate complex ideas.
- Students will be able to demonstrate collaborative team skills in order to deliver transformative solutions.
- Students will be able to evaluate complex data in order to to solve advanced business problems.
- Students will be able to implement leadership theory through the strategic management process.
- Students will apply a Christian (Adventist) perspective to evaluating the social and ethical responsibilities of business.
Social Work MSW
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is a professional degree enabling the graduate to enter practice as an advanced-level practitioner. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of clinical, administration, and development focus areas. The foundation curriculum for the MSW consists of 9 core competencies that are required for every accredited MSW program: 1) Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; 2) Engage diversity and difference in practice; 3) Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice; 4) Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; 5) Engage in policy practice; 6) Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 7) Assess and plan with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 8) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; and 9) Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. In addition, our program has added an additional competency: 10) Demonstrate a Christian social work perspective. The curriculum is designed to teach students the knowledge, values and skills, along with understanding of the cognitive and affective reactions and judgement that accompany these dimensions. Measurement outcomes for these competencies can be found on the first page of the Andrews University School of Social Work website. The Andrews University MSW program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education through the year 2027.
Delivery
All tracks of the MSW program are available in the face-to-face format. The Regular Standing and Accelerated Regular Standing tracks are also available in the interactive online synchronous format (see Global Campus definitions). Online students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.
Dual Degrees Options
The MSW Dual Degree Programs allow the student to complete two degrees in one additional year, with a tuition reduction of 33% for the MSW credits. To facilitate this objective, the two programs will reduce the total number of required credits and will share a practicum and a limited number of elective courses. Specifically, the School of Social Work will reduce the required number of credits by 9-10 credits by allowing students to take their required social work electives in the other graduate program. In addition, approximately 16 credits will be shared between the two programs. The following Dual Degree options are available:
Curriculum
Core advanced interpersonal practice courses supplemented by optional areas of focus are offered. Students wishing to enroll in core graduate social work courses must be enrolled in the MSW program and/or have the instructor’s permission. Students may transfer up to 20% of the credits from one degree into the MSW program. All courses are subject to change based on accreditation needs.
Areas of Focus
Students may choose to specialize in the following focus areas: Human Resources, Mental Health, School Social Work, Marriage & Family, Christian Ministry, International Social Work, and Medical Social Work. Please refer to the School of Social Work website for further information: www.andrews.edu/cas/socialwork/. Students are not required to choose a focus area.
Additional Requirements
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in Social Work Program.
- No grade of D or F (or U) may count toward a graduate degree.
- The maintenance at all times of professional conduct and behaviors appropriate for a social worker according to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.
- Defense of the professional degree portfolio as part of SOWK689 Advanced Professional Seminar. This portfolio is a demonstrative collection of professional competencies.
- Other Andrews University degree requirements as presented in the Graduate Academic Information section of this bulletin.
Past experience strengthens all MSW student applications. However, following Council on Social Work Education requirements, no social work course credit can be given for life experience or previous work experience.
English Language Requirements
For those applicants whose native language is not English, the following is required:
- Demonstration of English proficiency by obtaining at least a minimum score on any one of the following exams. Exam must be taken within two years prior to enrollment.
- TOEFL ITP (paper-based): A minimum score of 550
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based): 80 with a minimum of 20 on each section
- IELTS (Academic version ): 6.5
- PTE (Academic version): 54
- MSW program participates in the Bridge program which allows students who are close to the minimum scores to take 3-6 credits of MSW courses along with ESL courses. Requirements to participate in the Bridge program are below.
- TOEFL ITP (paper-based): A score of 500-549 (2-3 ESL courses and up to 3-6 credits of regular MSW course work)* OR
*with permission of the department
- Nelson Denny: score of 13
- Personal interview with MSW program director or designee
Applicants who fail to meet any of the above may be admitted only after committee consideration of the specific circumstances. Additional course work in English may be required.
A student who graduated from a four-year English-speaking high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Students who are applying for admission to the MSW program are not required to take the GRE.
Assistantships
Students have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships—teaching or research. These assistantships give students the opportunity to develop their expertise. Students interested in becoming social-work educators—especially those with years of clinical experience—may teach undergraduate courses. Research assistantships offer experiences in community consulting, grant writing, and/or conducting research.
MSW Student Handbook
The MSW Student Handbook has been designed as the social work student’s aid in understanding the program requirements of the School of Social Work as well as relevant policies of Andrews University. Inside the handbook you will find information such as expectations of students, the MSW curriculum, departmental policies, and other relevant information.
Field Manual
The Field Manual has been designed as your aid in understanding field education requirements, your role as a student in a field agency, and relevant policies of Andrews University.
You are responsible for the information found in this handbook, so please take the time to familiarize yourself with the handbook and know where to find questions and answers if the need arises.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this program will:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess and Plan with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Demonstrate a Christian Social Work Perspective
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