FAQ
What is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program?
The Master of Business Administration program, often referred to as simply the "MBA", is a university graduate studies program that focuses on developing in the student the latest advanced international business and management skills and knowledge. These skills and knowledge include people-related competencies in teamwork, communication and negotiation, and technical-related like in international financial risk or marketing management. The quality standards of US accredited MBA programs are well defined and enforced by the appropriate accrediting agencies.
Why should I participate in an MBA?
In today's world of job insecurity and rapid changes in international business, employability means that we each must continually acquire and develop new skills and knowledge to survive and prosper by being positioned to respond to the changing professional needs of the international workplace. The Welch MBA is a solid step in that right direction. The Welch MBA will help you improve your business performance and effectiveness by enriching your overall management skills and knowledge.
What is the Graduate Professional Certificate Program?
Graduate Professional Certificates are graduate-level, advanced studies in specialized skills like Finance, Accounting or Leadership. The certificates consist of 4 Welch MBA-level courses*. Such certificates target the advanced specialist needs of MBA graduates and qualified professionals who do not wish to pursue a full-fledged MBA program. The Graduate Professional Certificates are a convenient and effective way to maintain leading-edge, advanced skills and knowledge. They can make the difference in the competitive workplace.
* Pre-requisite courses might be required depending on previous diplomas and date of graduation.
– Please go to Welch MBA Course Description for more information. –
What is Sacred Heart University's Welch MBA program in Luxembourg?
It is the exact same program as in Fairfield, Connecticut where the university has its main campus in the United States. A majority of the courses are actually taught by full-time professors who come to Luxembourg from the main campus. Once accepted in the MBA program, you are matriculated as a student on the main campus in Fairfield and have the option to take in the United States.
How many courses are there in the MBA program?
The MBA is structured around 12 core courses* and 5 electives, giving students the opportunity to focus on area of interest to them such as management or finance. These programs are specially designed for individuals wishing to pursue their professional activities while acquiring a graduate degree, without having to sacrifice the richness and value of interaction with professors and peers.
* You may also be required to complete an additional 3 prerequisite courses if you have no academic background in accounting, economics or statistics. Each course is worth 3 academic credits and requires 36 hours of class contact.
– Please go to MBA Course Description for more information. –
How are classes scheduled?
Classes are held in the evenings in small groups allowing rewarding exchanges, discussions and team projects. Each thirty six-hour course usually spans six or twelve weeks, which makes it easy for students to plan their course load across the year. Students can register during the entire year and start the program every six weeks.
When can I start the program?
The Welch MBA is an ongoing program that allows you to start at anytime in the year. You must however fulfill the appropriate prerequisites to take any given course.
How long will it take to complete the full Welch MBA program?
Likely two years if you are working full-time. The program is demanding and you will have to reconcile professional and personal obligations. However, if you pursue the Welch MBA program full time it can be completed in one year.
Are all MBA programs equal?
Unfortunately, many organizations pass off as MBA programs that do not meet the highest quality standards. In the United States, where the MBA originated, there are recognized accrediting agencies that monitor and review (that is accredit) the standards of quality of universities to make sure their MBA programs meet the highest quality standards. The critical agency, that is the agency whose approval is required for the university to be able to issue a MBA diploma, is the regional accrediting agency, which in the case of Sacred Heart University is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Another agency type is the programmatic accrediting agency for schools offering MBA programs: the more widely known one is the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for which Sacred Heart University is a candidate school for accreditation.
Where can I find information about the US accreditation system?
In the United States, accreditation of a university is done by one of nine regional accreditation agencies. Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. www.neasc.org.
What is the process for a student visa for non-EU students?
The first step is to submit your diploma and transcripts to World Educational Services (WES) in New York City. If WES approves your documents, the next step is to complete your Welch MBA application and receive your acceptance letter. Student visas will only be granted to students who are enrolling full time into the Welch MBA program, not certificates. Once a student has been admitted to the university, if they need a student visa they should ask for the student visa application form. The student will be required to gather different documents depending on the country of their passport. All items need to be returned to Sacred Heart University Luxembourg office. Then, the university will request authorization on the students behalf. This process can take several months after we receive all documents from the student, please be patient with us. After a decision is made by the Luxembourg authorities, that decision will be communicated to the student through the university.
Do I need to have a university degree to do the MBA at Sacred Heart University?
You will need to have at least the equivalent of four years of university study, called an "undergraduate" or "bachelor's" degree in the United States. In the case of non-US degrees for which there may be only three years of study, it can be complicated to evaluate their academic equivalence to US study. That is why, if we cannot judge the equivalence of your studies at Sacred Heart University, we will ask you to submit your diplomas, transcripts and other papers to the World Educational Services (WES) in New York City. WES will unfortunately charge you a fee to do the evaluations that can be upwards of $150.
Why do I need a GMAT or equivalent test?
Sacred Heart University requires the GMAT only as a means to assess your initial skills and abilities. The test results can help us to better shape our courses and class instruction while maintaining the highest levels of quality standards. It is part of the initial student package of study transcripts and letters of recommendation that help us to get to better know you as to offer you a better high-quality learning experience.
English is not my mother tongue. Do I need to do a TOEFL?
Only if Sacred Heart University has doubts about your ability to take the program in English. A lack of English proficiency can be a serious obstacle to your performance in the MBA program. Your advisor in Luxembourg, likely the Program Administrator or Director, will be called upon to make that assessment with you in the course of the interviews that he/she will hold with you.
What if I can't finish all my courses here in Luxembourg to get my Welch MBA diploma?
Sacred Heart University is an accredited university and accepts some courses taken at other accredited universities. You will be able to either transfer academic credits to your SHU program or SHU credits to other high-caliber academic institutions.
After a student is accepted to the University, what is the next step in enrolling?
We recommend that you meet with the Director of Academics and complete a plan of study. This meeting will allow a student to go over what classes they need to take, a possible order for completing them, and will establish that the student is defiantly on the right track.