Part-Time Sobey MBA Program

The Part-Time Sobey MBA Program is available for students who wish to complete the MBA degree while remaining in full-time employment. At least two courses from each year of the program will be offered in evening classes each semester. Courses will also be offered in the evening or occasionally on Saturdays during the summer sessions.

Part-time students can start the program in September or January each year.

Program Duration: The program is 10 credits in length. One semester course is equal to a half credit course. Part-time students will take a maximum of two courses every semester. That will enable part-time students to complete the program in about 40 months. Some part-timers will take some time off work to go full-time towards the end of the program.

Students with a previous business degree from a recognized university will be eligible for course advanced standings in the core courses. Excellent grades and an in-depth understanding of a field must be demonstrated. To qualify for advanced standings, there must be at least 80% overlap between previous courses and foundation courses at Saint Mary's University.

Learning Goals

Consistent with the purpose of the Sobey School of Business as a leading provider of management education, the MBA program provides an integrated, multi-disciplinary education to prepare graduates for leadership and management positions in a wide range of organizations. Listed below are the learning goals for the MBA Program

1. Communication.
   Communication includes specific skills and techniques designed to persuade an audience of the merits of one’s case in a business situation through the use of writing and speech. Effective oral communication is clear, logical and shows purpose. Written communication is effective when it has purpose and logic. The ability to clearly communicate complex issues and be influential in organizational contexts requires superior communication skills.

2. Leadership.
   Leadership is enacting a path toward a goal such that others enthusiastically follow. MBA graduates will find themselves in many positions where leadership must be exercised, as well in positions where different leadership styles are used.

3. Critical and Strategic Thinking.
   Critical thinking involves the ability to understand the complex nature of organizational environments while solving managerial problems. It also includes the ability to apply quantitative tools in support of strategic analysis and action. Being able to systematically evaluate problems and substantiate recommendations is a requirement in managerial/executive positions.

4. Ethical Awareness.
   Ethical thinking in a business situation means that prospective managers can solve problems in a dynamic environment, yet appreciate moral and ethical issues that impact upon their decisions. MBA graduates are expected to understand the consequences of one’s decisions on others, and balance the responsibilities facing the organizations with which they are associated.

Course Sequencing: The first two years of the program are devoted to building a strong foundation in the functional areas of business through the core courses. There are several courses in the program that go beyond a narrow functional perspective. Some of these courses are team-taught by faculty from different areas.

Core Courses (5000 level):

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Statistics for Managers
• Managing Information and Technology
• Managerial Economics and Decision Analysis
• Leadership and Behavioural Processes
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Business Finance

Advanced Courses (6000 level):

• Integrative Management Exercise
• Strategic Management
• Economics of Global Policy
• Masters Research Paper (1.0 credit) or Consulting Project (0.5 credit)
• Five or Six Electives

Class Schedules: Classes are offered on Monday through Thursday evenings. Class sizes are typically 30 to 40 for the foundation courses, and 6 to 20 for the electives. The classes normally begin at 5:30pm and conclude at 8:15pm. Very occasionally, full-day classes are offered on Friday or Saturdays in the spring term.  Students are eligable to take daytime classes as well.

The last two years of advanced level courses offer greater flexibility, and allow students to tailor the program to suit their needs. In the advanced level, students must complete a 0.5 credit Management Consulting Project (MCP) or a 1.0 credit Management Research Project (MRP). Those who do an MCP will have an additional free elective.

Areas of Focus: Sobey MBA Students may choose to focus in an area or complete a general management degree. Areas of focus are:

• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Management Consulting
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Marketing
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship

The Sobey School of Business has a unique partnership with the Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CAMC). By completing the required courses in our Program and certain specified electives, students may complete the academic requirements for the CMC designation. Those interested in a Management Consulting career will find this option very attractive. Follow this link for a description of the Management Consulting Specialization.

Students: Part-time students live and work within commuting distance of our campus in Halifax's south end. Students come from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds. The Part-time student profile is above 30 years of age, with 11 years work experience from a variety of educational backgrounds. The rich work experience that part-time students bring to class contributes greatly to the learning experience of all students.

Tuition and Costs: In 2009-2010, Part-time students paid $1150 per credit, or $575 per half credit course. The program consists of 10 credits. A one-time program fee of $600 is due in the first semester. Please note that tuition figures are revised each year. The approximate grand total for the part-time program based on 2009-2010 figures is $12,984.00. Materials and books are extra.

Professional Skills Development:
These non-credit components are intended to develop managerial and decision-making skills. They augment the learning and developing process.  Part-time students are not required to take these but are welcome to attend any of the sessions. 

• Executive Speaker Series: On several Fridays each term, distinguished executives from the business community will address the students. Part-time students are welcome to attend executive speaker series and career development workshops that are scheduled on Friday’s. These sessions are typically held around the lunch hour to enable part-time students to attend.
• Career Development Workshops: A series of career development workshops are held on Fridays or as a lunch-and-learn series during the week throughout the year. Panel discussions, involving senior managers, during the year provide students invaluable insights into career planning strategies. One-on-one coaching is available to help students with individual needs. Such topics could be career planning, resume building or a mock interview for an upcoming interview. Sessions aimed at part-time students are scheduled on Saturday’s. When possible, speakers and networking events are scheduled in the evening to accommodate part-time students.

For additional information on Career Services please see the Career Services Section.