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Graduate Business Programs

Reimagining Graduate Business Education

An Integrative, Experiential, Christ-Centered Approach.

Southern Adventist University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers a holistic, faith-integrated approach to business education for working professionals. This accredited 30-credit program integrates multiple business disciplines while strengthening students’ skills in problem identification, decision-oriented analysis, and strategic solution development. Through an intentional, iterative design, learners engage concepts at increasing levels of integration—connecting business strategy, people, and purpose. Grounded in a biblical worldview, the program cultivates a missional mindset and prepares graduates to navigate complexity, lead with integrity, and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. Dual-degree pathways (MSN/MBA, DNP/MBA, and MSW/MBA) extend this impact across business, healthcare, and social service organizations.

Programs

MBA — Master of Business Administration

MBA — Master of Business Administration

Integrates faith and business by blending rigorous education with ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and real-world application. Develops skills to lead with purpose.

Program Highlights

  • 30 credits, fully online
  • Completed in as little as one year of full-time study
  • Part-time enrollment options available for working professionals
  • Emphasizes ethical leadership and service
  • Focuses on strategic problem solving and real-world application
  • Designed to increase earning potential and pave the way for meaningful impact
  • Open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field
  • Students without a business background may need to complete up to 6 credits of prerequisite coursework 
Online, Business
DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

The Doctor of Nursing Practice/Master of Business Adminitration in Healthcare Administration (DNP/MBA) dual degree program prepares experienced nurses for advanced leadership roles by integrating doctoral-level nursing practice with business and healthcare administration. Grounded in a Christ-centered approach, equips graduates to lead healthcare organizations with vision, ethical leadership, and strategic expertise.

Program Highlights

  • 53 credits, fully online dual degree
  • Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
  • Part-time enrollment options available for working professionals
  • Interdisciplinary curriculum combining nursing leadership, business strategy, and healthcare administration
  • Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Nursing and the School of Business
  • Designed for working professionals with flexible enrollment options
  • Prepares graduates to influence healthcare policy and lead complex healthcare systems
  • Nursing courses held on Tuesdays. Business courses are typically delivered in the evenings on weekdays.
Online, Business, Nursing
BS to DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

BS to DNP/MBA — Healthcare Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice/Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration (BS to DNP/MBA) dual degree program offers registered nurses a seamless pathway rooted in a Christ-centered approach from a bachelor’s degree to advanced nursing and business leadership roles. Integrates doctoral-level nursing practice with business administration. Preparing graduates to influence healthcare policy, lead organizations, and shape the future of nursing. Designed for working professionals seeking an accelerated and flexible route to executive-level leadership.

Program Highlights

  • 77-credit, fully online dual-degree program
  • Completed in approximately 3 years of full-time study
  • Full-time and part-time enrollment options available for working professionals
  • Seamless pathway from BSN to DNP and MBA
  • Combines advanced nursing practice with business and healthcare leadership
  • Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Nursing and the School of Business
  • Designed for working professionals with flexible enrollment options
  • Nursing courses held on Tuesdays. Business courses are typically delivered in the evenings on weekdays.


Online, Business, Nursing
MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

MSN/MBA — Healthcare Administration

The Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Adminitration in Healthcare Adminitration dual degree program integrates advanced nursing education with business leadership and management training to prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. With an emphasis on Christian principles, equips graduates to influence healthcare policy, advance nursing practice, and lead with compassion and strategic insight.

Program Highlights

  • 50 credits, fully online dual degree
  • Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
  • Part-time enrollment options available for working professionals
  • Integrates nursing practice, business administration, and leadership development
  • Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Nursing and the School of Business
  • Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement
  • Nursing courses held on Tuesdays. Business courses are typically delivered in the evenings on weekdays.
Online, Business, Nursing
MSW/MBA — Healthcare Administration

MSW/MBA — Healthcare Administration

The Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration dual degree program combines professional social work education with advanced business and leadership training to prepare graduates for leadership roles in social services, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Emphasizes ethical leadership, organizational management, and policy influence, equipping graduates who model Christ to make a meaningful impact across diverse communities and systems.

Program Highlights

  • 56 credits, fully online dual degree
  • Typically completed in two years of full-time study
  • Part-time enrollment options available for working professionals
  • Integrates social work practice with business and organizational leadership
  • Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Social Work and the School of Business
  • Designed for working professionals with flexible enrollment options
  • Social work courses held on Sundays twice per month. Business courses are typically delivered in the evenings on weekdays.
Online, Business, Social Work

Course Guides

Admissions Process

Important Dates

Deadlines are flexible, and applications are accepted year-round. While the MBA program’s main entry terms are Fall and Winter, Summer applications are accepted for students completing prerequisite courses. When in doubt, reach out to an enrollment adviser.


Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
Fall: August 25
Winter: January 12
Summer: May 12		 Fall: July 1
Winter: November 1
Summer: April 1		 Fall: May 1
Winter: September 1
Summer: February 1 
Admissions Requirements

For comprehensive information regarding the MBA program, visit the program's catalog page.

NOTE: To enter a dual-degree program, students must be admitted to both schools (for example, the School of Business and the School of Nursing). Most students complete one set of courses at a time, though some overlap is possible depending on scheduling.

Program Eligibility Admissions Process
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.

  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  1. Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $40.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two professional recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Graduate Managment Admission Test (GMAT) is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full time business experience.

Nursing and Business Dual Degrees:

Bs to DNP/MBA
DNP/MBA
MSN/MBA

 Check out the program-specific requirements for each advanced degree offered
  1. Graduate application: Submit a completed application with a non-refundable fee of $40.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit three completed recommendation forms, at  least two clinical, one can be academic. 
  4. Written statement: Submit a description of your purpose and goals for pursuing this degree..
  5. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page.
  6. Interview with faculty.
  7. Graduate Managment Admission Test (GMAT) is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full time business experience.

Social Work and Business Dual Degree:

MSW/MBA
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.

  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. 
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with a non-refundable fee of $40.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Personal statement: Submit a personal statement describing your motivation for graduate school in social work.
  5. Resumé: Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page
  6. Graduate Managment Admission Test (GMAT) is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full time business experience.
Admission Requirements for International Graduate Students
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States and planning to attend classes on-campus are considered international students and must meet additional requirements for admission.

See Full Requirements

International Accreditation

Master in Business Administration

CSWE logoThe School of Business at Southern Adventist University has received specialized accreditation for the following business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. The IACBE grants accreditation for business-related and accounting programs that are equivalent to an education at the U.S. post-secondary degree level.

View IACBE Member Status »

Why Southern?

Southern Adventist University’s accelerated online MBA program offers a Christ-centered, holistic approach to business education. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum combines rigorous coursework, real-world case studies, and experiential learning to develop ethical, purpose-driven leaders. Students gain expertise in strategic decision-making, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving while integrating Christian values into business practices. With flexible online courses, career advancement opportunities, and a focus on leadership, ethics, and community impact, graduates are prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace and make a meaningful difference in their organizations and communities.

Faculty

Stephanie Sheehan, PhD

Dean, School of Business

Sunia Fukofuka, PhD

Professor

Mark Hyder, JD

Professor

Braam Oberholster, PhD

Adjunct Professor