2024-2025 Graduate Calendar

The Goodman School of Business offers two programs leading to the Master of Business Administration degree: MBA and MBA (International Student Pathway). Students who have obtained their degree outside of Canada may apply to either program.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to obtain an advanced professional business education that will enable them to realize their full potential and career goals. The program provides students with advanced management education, including advanced knowledge relating to professional business designations. This objective is carried out in the program by emphasizing the development and integration of the broad-based, functional business knowledge needed to advance an individual's management career. At the same time, students are provided with the opportunity to develop in-depth specialized knowledge in a selected field.

The specialized fields of the MBA program include Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Operations Management. (The possibility exists that a specialized field may not be offered in any given year if there is insufficient student interest). The specialized fields are designed to incorporate the knowledge base related to professional designation programs such as: Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). Students may also pursue an approved multi-disciplinary program drawn from the specialized courses offered in the program after consultation with, and approval of, the Associate Dean.

A co-op work option allows students to apply their knowledge to private and public business settings and to develop highly specialized professional skills. The work experience, along with valuable networking contacts, makes a difference to students when preparing to enter the competitive career market.

Part-time study is available.

Successful completion of a four year Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any discipline with an average of not less than 75% (mid-B). Although not necessary, professional work experience is a valuable asset. Some introductory knowledge of statistics and economics is recommended, but not required. A minimum Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score in the 52nd percentile in verbal and quantitative reasoning, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score in the 60th percentile in verbal and quantitative reasoning, is required.

For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, a minimum Academic IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 105 or Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 72 (or equivalent) is required. For a full listing of accepted tests see: brocku.ca/nextstep/international-students/english-language-proficiency/

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of candidates.

Part-time study is available.

Students who have completed courses equivalent to those normally completed in the first year of the MBA as part of an undergraduate Canadian or U.S. degree (within the last seven years) may be granted advanced standing, up to a maximum of ten half-credit courses (five credits), subject to performance. Advanced standing will be automatically assessed during the application review process.

While each of these general criteria is important, an applicant's entire profile of academic and professional achievement will be evaluated. Strengths in one or more areas may compensate for weakness in another.

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA)

A total of twenty half-credit courses are required to complete degree requirements (with the exception of the Accounting specialization which requires twenty-four half-credit courses.) The program consists of a series of fourteen required half-credit courses and an additional six half-credit elective courses with a maximum of three research based courses.

Full-time students normally complete the MBA over four terms; the Accounting Specialization is normally completed over five terms.

Required Courses

MBAB 5P01 Accounting for Decision-Making I

MBAB 5P02 Quantitative Analysis

MBAB 5P03 Economic Environment of Business

MBAB 5P04 Organizational Behaviour and Design

MBAB 5P05 Marketing Management

MBAB 5P06 Accounting for Decision-Making II

MBAB 5P07 Operations Management

MBAB 5P08 Financial Management

MBAB 5P09 Management Information Systems

MBAB 5P20 Applied Business Research

MBAB 5P21 Business Strategy

MBAB 5P22 Global Business

MBAB 5P23 Entrepreneurship or MBAB 5P24 Business Law

MBAB 5P25 Business Ethics

Fields of Specialization and Elective Courses

General Program

Students not selecting one of the specializations described below will be permitted to design a program which suits their needs and draws upon the specialized courses offered by the Goodman School of Business and, in some cases, other departments/programs or faculties. In addition to the required courses, students in the General program will select an additional six half-credit courses from any of the specialization and elective courses.

Students with an undergraduate degree in Business, who wish to continue a previous specialization, will develop a program plan in consultation with the Associate Dean. A research project (normally one half-credit) may be expanded to three half-credits in place of course work where the course work would substantially duplicate material already completed in the student's undergraduate program.

Accounting

The accounting specialization is designed for students seeking a broad based accounting background. Students completing this specialization will earn significant advanced standing towards the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

In addition to the required courses, this specialization requires a minimum of ten half-credit courses:

MBAB 5P30 Assurance I

MBAB 5P31 Managerial Accounting I

MBAB 5P32 Financial Accounting I

MBAB 5P34 Managerial Accounting II

MBAB 5P35 Financial Accounting II

MBAB 5P36 Financial Accounting III

MBAB 5P37 Assurance II

MBAB 5P38 Taxation I

MBAB 5P39 Taxation II

MBAB 5P47 Advanced Corporate Finance and Risk Management

Business Analytics

The business analytics specialization is designed to provide students with knowledge in logical, analytical, and critical thinking and prepare them for analysis and decision-making positions in a variety of industries and fast-growing professions.

In addition to the required courses, this specialization requires a minimum of five half-credit courses:

MBAB 5P11 Introduction to Business Analytics

MBAB 5P12 Advanced Business Analytics

MBAB 5P13 Database Management Systems

and any two of the following:

MBAB 5P14 Systems Analysis and Design

MBAB 5P15 Introduction to Information Assurance

MBAB 5P16 Enterprise Infrastructure Architecture

MBAB 5P17 E-business Applications

MBAB 5P18 Supply Chain Management and Enterprise-wide Systems

MBAB 5P19 Artificial Intelligence: Theory & Managerial Applications

MBAB 5P71 to 5P78 (any one Operations Management elective course)

Finance

The finance specialization is designed for students seeking a focus in investment management. This specialization is largely focused on the body of knowledge required for the CFA program. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in the CFA Level I exam.

In addition to the required courses, students pursuing a Finance specialization must take five of the following:

MBAB 5P41 Financial Statement Analysis

MBAB 5P42 Equity Investments, Markets and Instruments

MBAB 5P43 Debt Investments

MBAB 5P44 Derivative Instruments

MBAB 5P45 International Finance

MBAB 5P46 Portfolio Management and Alternative Investments

MBAB 5P47 Advanced Corporate Finance and Risk Management

MBAB 5P48 FinTech with Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies

Human Resource Management

The human resource management specialization is designed to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge in the theory and practice of human resource management. Further expertise is developed through courses in specific specialty areas of human resource management and industrial relations. This program is designed to provide students with the majority of the course work necessary to sit the required National Knowledge Exam (NKE) as specified by Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) to acquire the CHRP designation. (*MBAB 5P58 Negotiating in Organizations is not a course required towards the CHRP designation.)

In addition to the required courses, this specialization requires a minimum of five half-credit courses selected from:

MBAB 5P51 Introduction to Industrial Relations

MBAB 5P52 Introduction to Human Resource Management

MBAB 5P53 Training and Development

MBAB 5P54 Compensation Management

MBAB 5P55 HR Planning and Strategy

MBAB 5P56 Recruitment and Selection

MBAB 5P57 Managing Health and Safety

MBAB 5P58 Negotiating in Organizations

MBAB 5P59 Advanced Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources: Special Topics

Marketing

The marketing specialization is designed to provide students with an integrated managerial approach that applies theoretical principles of marketing to practical, real world problems. Emphasis is placed on issues that relate to marketing in the global business world.

In addition to the required courses, this specialization requires a minimum of five half-credit courses selected from:

MBAB 5P61 Marketing Strategy

MBAB 5P62 Marketing Research or MBAB5P85 Marketing Analytics and Intelligence

MBAB 5P64 Consumer Behaviour or MBAB 5P65 Business-to-Business Marketing

plus an additional two Marketing electives from the following:

MBAB 5P60 Marketing of High-Technology Products and Innovations

MBAB 5P62 Marketing Research

MBAB 5P63 International Marketing

MBAB 5P64 Consumer Behaviour

MBAB 5P65 Business-to-Business Marketing

MBAB 5P66 Services Marketing

MBAB 5P67 Sales Marketing

MBAB 5P68 New Product Development

MBAB 5P69 Integrated Marketing Communications

MBAB 5P84 Internet and Social Media Marketing

MBAB 5P85 Marketing Analytics and Intelligence

MBAB 5P86 Strategic Augmented Realty Marketing

MBAB 5P87 Advanced Marketing: Special Topics

Operations Management

The Operations Management specialization is designed to provide students with the knowledge, tools, and skills required to run the operations of a business; that is, the portion of the business that creates value for the customer by designing, producing and delivering goods and services. The program covers many of the topics required for various certifications, including: Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution (CLTD), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB).

In addition to the required courses, students pursuing an Operations Management specialization must take at least five of the following courses:

MBAB 5P71 Project Management

MBAB 5P72 Quality Management

MBAB 5P73 Logistics and Supply Chain Management

MBAB 5P74 Simulation of Business Systems

MBAB 5P75 Advanced Business Modeling with Spreadsheets

MBAB 5P76 Advanced Operations Management: Special Topics

MBAB 5P77 Game Theory for Business

MBAB 5P78 Optimization

MBAB 5P11 to 5P19 (any one Business Analytics elective course)

Research Courses

Students may choose to replace up to three of the specialization courses with MBAB 5P91 Research Project II, MBAB 5P92 Research Project III, MBAB 5P93 Research Project IV and/or MBAB 5F91 Research Project I. Permission of the Graduate Programs Office is required.

Co-op Option

The co-op option is available to all full-time MBA students.

Admission to the co-op option is on a competitive basis. Students may be admitted to the co-op option at the time of admission or following the first term of MBA courses. Co-op students must maintain a 75% overall average and achieve sufficient English language proficiency. Admission to the co-op option is on the basis of marks, a review of a personal resume; and employer availability. An interview may be required.

Co-op students complete (MBAB 5N90) Co-op Professional Preparation Course, that include lectures, presentations and industry specific information, for two hours each week prior to the first co-op work term. Attendance is mandatory. MBA students will complete year one of their program prior to the co-op work term. Students undertaking a co-op work term are not permitted to enroll in additional courses within that term.

The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge across the key functional areas of business. The program is comprised of the first five required credits of the Master of Business Administration degree. The program is normally a two-term or one year program for full-time students. The program is also available to students interested in part-time study.

Master of Business Administration (International Student Program)

Successful completion of a four year Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any non-business discipline with an average of not less than 75% (mid-B). A minimum Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score in the 52nd percentile in verbal and quantitative reasoning, or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score in the 60th percentile in verbal and quantitative reasoning, is required.

For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, a minimum Academic IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 105 or Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 72 or equivalent is required. For a full listing of accepted tests see: brocku.ca/nextstep/international-students/english-language-proficiency/

Candidates who do not meet the admission requirements noted above may still be considered for conditional admission if they have at least seven years of full-time work experience with significant managerial responsibility, as evaluated by the Goodman School of Business. Any such candidate who is admitted will be placed on probation for their first 2.5 credits (5 courses) and may be subject to removal from the program at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Programs, if a grade below 70% is achieved in one or more courses.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of candidates.

Diploma Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration requirements include ten half-credit courses: MBAB 5P01, 5P02, 5P03, 5P04, 5P05, 5P06, 5P08, 5P21, MBAB 5P07 or 5P09 and MBAB 5P22 or 5P23.

Students who achieve an overall average of 75% in the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) program may transfer directly to the Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with the approval of the Goodman Graduate Programs Office. Those students who opt to transfer to the MBA will not receive or will relinquish the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) and instead may use the GDBA earned credits to fulfill half of the MBA degree requirements. If a student later leaves the MBA prior to completion, the student will remain eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.

MBA (International Student Pathway) leads to the Master of Business Administration degree and offers international students the opportunity to gain a North American business education.

The MBA (ISP) program is a two-year, full-time program for students who do not meet the English language requirements of the traditional MBA program. The program is designed to help international students enhance their language abilities.

MBA (ISP) students attend an intensive four-week Business English and Skills Transition program that includes the development of language and soft skills required to perform in the context of the North American business and academic environment.

The MBA (ISP) provides students with a broad integrated background in management and functional areas of business in terms one and two. During the third and fourth terms, students may choose to pursue more in-depth knowledge in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing or Operations Management. The possibility exists that a specialization may not be offered in any given year if there is insufficient student interest. The specializations are designed to incorporate knowledge related to professional designation programs such as: Chartered Professional Accounts (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

A co-op work term allows students to apply their knowledge to private and public business settings and to develop professional skills. The work experience, along with valuable networking contacts, makes a difference to students when preparing to enter the competitive career market.

Graduates of the MBA (ISP) will receive a degree stating "Master of Business Administration".

Successful completion of four year Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any discipline with an average of not less than 75% (mid-B). Although not necessary, professional work experience is a valuable asset. Some introductory knowledge of statistics and economics is recommended, but not required.

Proof of English language proficiency will be required from all applicants. The minimum required score for entry is 88 on the TOEFL iBT (with minimum score of 21 on Speaking and 21 on Writing), 6.5 on the IELTS (no section under 6.0), or equivalent. For a full listing of accepted tests, see: brocku.ca/nextstep/international-students/english-language-proficiency/.

While each of these admission requirement components is important, an applicant's entire profile of academic and professional achievement will be evaluated. Strengths in one or more areas may compensate for weakness in another.

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required for entry into the MBA (ISP) program. The achievement of a high GMAT, however, will reflect positively on an applicant's application.

The MBA (ISP) is a full-time program. Part-time study is not available.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of candidates.

Business English and Skills Transition (BEST) Program

All students entering the MBA (ISP) must complete a non-credit Business English and Skills Transition (BEST) program with satisfactory standing (70%) in all courses. Students who do not achieve satisfactory standing may be withdrawn from the MBA (ISP) by the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research in consultation with the MBA Committee. The BEST program takes place over four weeks in August of each year. The objective of this program is to prepare students for graduate studies in Canada and enable development of English language skills in a business context, prior to proceeding to the graduate courses. The program utilizes real world examples from the North American business and academic environment.

Successful completion is required in the following courses:

MBAB 5N85 Strategies for Success

MBAB 5N86 Business Communication

In addition to the Business English and Skills Transition program, a total of twenty half-credit courses are required to complete degree requirements (with the exception of the Accounting specialization which requires twenty-four half-credit courses.)

The program consists of a series of fourteen required half-credit courses and six half-credit electives:

Required Courses:

MBAB 5P01 Accounting for Decision-Making I

MBAB 5P02 Quantitative Analysis

MBAB 5P03 Economic Environment of Business

MBAB 5P04 Organizational Behaviour and Design

MBAB 5P05 Marketing Management

MBAB 5P06 Accounting for Decision-Making II

MBAB 5P07 Operations Management

MBAB 5P08 Financial Management

MBAB 5P09 Management Information Systems

MBAB 5P20 Applied Business Research

MBAB 5P21 Business Strategy

MBAB 5P22 Global Business

MBAB 5P23 Entrepreneurship or MBAB 5P24 Business Law

MBAB 5P25 Business Ethics

Students may pursue a general program or complete the requirements of one of the specializations: Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing or Operations Management. At least five of the relevant specialization courses must be completed in order to satisfy the specialization requirement, with the exception of the Accounting specialization that requires all ten of the Accounting specialization courses. The specialization requirements are listed in the MBA Specialization section above.

The program is completed over four terms; the Accounting specialization over five terms.

Degree Requirements Co-op Option

The co-op option is available to all full-time MBA and MBA (ISP) students.

Admission to the co-op option is on a competitive basis. Students may be admitted to the co-op option at the time of admission or following the first term of MBA or MBA (ISP) courses. Co-op students must required to maintain a 75% overall average and achieve sufficient English language proficiency. Admission to the co-op option is on the basis of marks, a review of a personal resume; and employer availability. An interview may be required.

Co-op students complete (MBAB 5N90) Co-op Professional Preparation Course, that include lectures, presentations and industry specific information, for two hours each week prior to the first co-op work term. Attendance is mandatory. The co-op option is available to full-time students. MBA students will complete year one of their program prior to the co-op work term and MBA (ISP) students will complete all of their academic terms prior to the co-op work term. Students undertaking a co-op work term are not permitted to enroll in additional courses within that term.

International Double Degree Programs

Burgundy School of Business

(France)

The dual degree program involves the exchange of students from the following programs:

At BSB: the Master in Management Grande Ecole program based in Dijon.

At Brock: the Master of Business Administration (MBA) based in St. Catharines.

Upon successful completion of the course of studies at both institutions, the BSB students will receive the following degrees:

(a) The Master in Management (Diplomee de l'Ecolecole Superieureureerieureure de Commerce de Dijon – Grade de Master) from BSB

(b) The Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Brock

Upon successful completion of the course of studies at both institutions, the Brock students will receive the following degrees:

(a) The Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Brock

(b) The Master in Management (Diplomee de l'Ecolecole Superieureureerieureure de Commerce de Dijon – Grade de Master)

	Wine Management;
	Green Tech & Sustainable Societies;
	Corporate Finance & Investment Banking;
	Luxury Management & Innovation;
	Arts and Cultural Management;
	Artificial Intelligence & Digital Technology Management; or
	Data Science & Organizational Behaviour.

Students selected for the dual degree program must be Master level students enrolled on a full-time basis within the eligible programs.

Exchange students must meet the language requirements set by the host institution.

Exchange students seeking admission to BSB must provide the following documents by April 7th:

Transcript showing courses complete to date for the first year of the MBA at Brock, proof of English proficiency: minimum score of TOEFL IBT 90 or IELTS 6.5 and a CV/resume.

Exchange students seeking admission to Brock must provide the following documents:

Transcript showing successful completion of the bachelor year of the Program Grande Ecole, a current transcript showing courses complete to date for the M1 year, and proof of English proficiency (a minimum score of 90 on TOEFL ibt or 6.5 on IELTS) and resume/CV.

The detailed program plan must be developed in consultation with the Graduate Academic Coordinator.

In order to obtain the MBA from Brock, the BSB students shall successfully complete:

(a) A minimum of ten of the overall required twenty courses at Brock;

(b) Of the core Brock courses, some may be waived if equivalent courses previously taken at BSB. These might include: Business Strategy, Business Law and Business Ethics

In order to obtain one of the Masters of Science and the Master in Management (Diplôme de l’Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Dijon – Grade de Master) degrees from BSB, the Brock students shall successfully complete:

(a) Two semesters of the MSc program classes at BSB;

(b) A final thesis;

Kedge Business School

(France)

The dual degree programme involves students from the following programmes:

(a) At Kedge Business School (Kedge): the ESC programme grande ecole at the master level (Master in Management) based in Bordeaux or Marseille.

(b) At Brock: the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) based in St. Catharines.

Upon successful completion of the course of studies at both institutions the students will receive the following degrees:

(a) The Master in Management (Diplomeme du Programme ESC Grande Ecole) from Kedge

(b) The Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Brock

In order to obtain the MBA from Brock, the Kedge students shall successfully complete:

(a) A minimum of ten of the overall required twenty courses at Brock;

(b) Of the core Brock courses, some may be waived if equivalent courses previously taken at Kedge. These would include: Accounting for Decision-Making, Quantitative Analysis, Economic Environment of Business, Organizational Behaviour, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Accounting for Decision-Making II, Operations Management, Management Information Systems, Global Business, Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship (6 ECTS each).

In order to obtain the Master in Management from Kedge, the Brock students shall successfully complete:

(a) Nine elective management classes at Kedge (Marseille or Bordeaux campuses) (total 45 ECTS);

(b) Thesis (15 ECTS);

(d) Official TOEIC score of 785 minimum (or equivalent), if not previously submitted (non-native English speakers only);

(e) Completion of the "Sulitest" - Sustainability Literacy Test.

Candidates joining this programme will be registered in the host institution as full time international students.

Brock students must apply to Kedge for participation in the programme by May 15th for students beginning the programme in September, and October 15th for students beginning in January.

Kedge students must apply to Brock for participation in the programme by May 1st.

Students selected for the dual degree programme must be Master level students enrolled on a full-time basis and in good academic standing.

Students must meet the language requirements set by the host institution

Students seeking admission to Kedge and wishing to register in courses delivered in the French language must show proof of French proficiency: either by submitting a document stating that the student has a minimum B2 level according to the European Common Framework of Reference, or a letter from the Home institution certifying that the student’s level is equivalent to this score.

Students seeking admission to Brock must provide the following documents:

Transcript showing successful completion of the bachelor year of the Programme Grande Ecole, a current transcript showing courses complete to date for the M1 year, and proof of English proficiency (a minimum score of 90 on TOEFL ibt) and resume/CV.