Department of Management - STEM MBA

z-2024-2025 Catalog - PROGRAM - New Major (Step 2) - Full Proposal

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ACALOG REQUIRED FIELDS
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  • Select Program below.  

    Shared Cores are available in Acalog for shared information in program curriculum.

  • Type of Program*
  • Status*
Determine Substantive Change Status
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  • (Check all that apply)
  • Did you check any of the boxes for the statements above?*

  • If you answered Yes, this program may be a substantive change.

    Please contact the SACSCOC Liaison, Abdou Ndoye at ndoyea2@nku.edu or (859) 572-5379 for further instructions.

    For additional information about types of substantive changes, please see the document at Substantive Change Form.

BASIC INFORMATION
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  • All actions in the approval of new programs for public institutions are subject to a stipulation regarding the program’s ability to attain specified goals that have been established by the institution and approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education (the Council). At the conclusion of an appropriate period of time, the program’s performance shall be reviewed by Council staff following criteria established in the Council’s Academic Programs Policy.

  • College*
  • Department*
    (e.g. Department, Division, School)
  • Program Name*
    STEM MBA
    STEM MBA
  • Degree Level*
  • Degree Designation*
  • CIP Code (for assistance with CIP Code contact the Curriculum Coordinator in Undergraduate Academic Affairs.)
    52.1301
    52.1301
  • Is this program an Advanced Practice Doctorate?*
  • Approved NOI form link
    https://nku.curriculog.com/proposal:5933/form
    https://nku.curriculog.com/proposal:5933/form
    Copy the URL (address) of the approved NOI form here
  • Proposed Implementation / Start Date*
    Fall 2024
    Fall 2024
  • Description*

    Today's business professionals are required to be well-versed in technology and data analytics. Business professional need to be able to manage companies using technology like Tableau, Alteryx, and Power BI in order to solve complex business problems and serve clients to the best of their ability. The reliance on technology in the business management means that MBA graduates need to be able to use, understand, and manage teams that leverage technology. Our STEM MBA program will leverage the power of technology and business management to prepare our graduate to compete in today’s data and technology driven markets.

    This Description will appear in the catalog.
  • INSTITUTIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Name of Program Director*
    Abdullah Al Bahrani
    Abdullah Al Bahrani
  • Title
    Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
    Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
  • Email Address
    albahrania1@nku.edu
    albahrania1@nku.edu
  • Phone Number:
    (859) 572-5799
    (859) 572-5799

  • REQUIRED CONDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR INTERNAL NKU APPROVALS

  • Undergraduate or Graduate Program?*
  • Does this proposal require TEC approval?*
OVERVIEW
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  • 1. Provide a brief description of the program with its estimated date of implementation. *

    Our STEM MBA program will leverage the power of technology and business management to prepare our graduate to compete in today’s data and technology driven markets.

    The program is scheduled to start Fall 2024.

  • Does this program have any tracks (undergraduate) or concentrations (graduate)?
  • If yes, please add at least one program track (undergraduate) or concentration (graduate) item.
  • 2. Describe how the new program is consistent with the mission and goals of the institution. *

    The program will continue our efforts towards our mission. Our mission at Haile is to deliver innovative student-centered experiential learning that prepares our graduates for success in a global society, to contribute to the economic development of our regions and beyond, and to engage in relevant scholarly and applied inquiry.

     

  • 3. Is an approval letter from Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) required?
  • 4. Is there a specialized accrediting agency related to this program?
  • -- If Yes, identify the accreditor.
    AACSB
    AACSB
  • -- If Yes, will accreditation be sought?
  • 5. Does this program have a clinical component?
  • -- If Yes, discuss the nature, appropriateness, and availability of clinical sites.
  • 6. Describe the rationale and need for the program to include how the institution determined need. *

    According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the demand for computer and research scientists is expected to grow by 18.35% between 2020-2030. The Bureau Labor Statistics estimates that demand for STEM jobs will increase by 10.8% between 2021-2031. Both of these data points indicate that demand for business management personales that are familiar with STEM oriented business will also be in demand.

    Nationally, there has been an increase in STEM related MBA programs and increased demand for these programs. NKU will be able to provide this program and attract new students with minimal additional costs. 

OBJECTIVES and CURRICULUM
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  • The curriculum should be structured to meet the stated objectives and student learning outcomes of the program.

  • 1. Provide specific programming goals (objectives) *

    The curriculum will be desinged to meet two main areas of focus and includes electives. The areas of focus are

    1. Analytics Core- This list of classes will develop students' understanding of analytics and technology for business decision-making. The courses will leverage diverse needs of data understanding in businesses. Courses will include marketing, finance, and economic analysis. Students will also learn about business informatics and system design. 

    2. Business Essentials- this group of courses will develop the fundmental understanding of business operation and managment. 

  • 1a. Provide specific student learning outcomes for the program.
    SLO 1: Data Proficiency for MBA By the end of this program, MBA students will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in data analytics, enabling them to effectively collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data to make informed business decisions in STEM-focused business fields.</p> SLO 2: Data-Driven Business Communication Upon completing this program, MBA students will develop the ability to create impactful data visualizations and effectively communicate data-driven insights to diverse stakeholders, showcasing their aptitude for data-driven decision-making within STEM-focused business contexts. SLO 3: Effective Business Management By the conclusion of this program, MBA students will have acquired essential skills in business management, including but not limited to strategic planning, resource allocation, and decision-making, demonstrating their ability to lead and manage organizations in by leveraging data driven decisions. SLO 4: Leadership and Team Management Upon completing this program, MBA students will exhibit proficiency in leadership and team management within STEM-centric enterprises. They will be capable of fostering teamwork, resolving conflicts, and motivating diverse teams to achieve organizational goals, highlighting their competence in people management and leadership roles in business.
    List all student learning outcomes for the program.
  • 2. Describe how the student learning outcomes for the program will be assessed?*

    1. Data Proficiency for MBA:

    Assessment Method: Practical Data Analysis Projects

    • Students will complete data analysis projects where they are given real or simulated datasets related to business problems in STEM fields. They will be assessed on their ability to acquire, clean, analyze, and interpret the data to make informed business decisions.
    • Assessment criteria may include the accuracy of their analysis, the effectiveness of data preprocessing, and their ability to choose and apply appropriate analytical methods.

    2. Data-Driven Business Communication:

    Assessment Method: Data Visualization and Presentation Projects

    • Students will work on projects that involve creating data visualizations and presenting their findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
    • Assessors will evaluate the quality of data visualizations, their effectiveness in conveying insights, and the clarity of oral or written communication during presentations.

    3. Effective Business Management:

    Assessment Method: Business Strategy and Management Simulations

    • Students can be assessed through business strategy simulations or case studies where they are tasked with making strategic decisions, allocating resources, and managing business operations.
    • Evaluation will focus on their ability to develop and execute effective business strategies and manage resources efficiently to achieve organizational goals.

    4. Leadership and Team Management:

    Assessment Method: Team-Based Projects and Peer Evaluations

    • Students can be assessed through team-based projects where they are responsible for leading and managing diverse teams to accomplish specific objectives.
    • Peer evaluations can be used to gauge their effectiveness in teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership qualities as observed by their peers.

  • If you wish to upload supporting documents for student learning outcomes, please upload them by going to the tab to the right with the paperclip and word Files.

  • 3. Highlight any distinctive qualities of this proposed program.

    The program will focus on STEM and quantitative analysis for business management. This specialized MBA will target a specific student that is interested in business leadership by leveraging quantiative skills to improve decision-making.m 

  • 4. Describe admissions and graduation requirements for the program.*

    Proposed Admission Process:

    A portfolio approach is used in evaluating prospective students for acceptance into the STEM MBA program. Factors considered for admission include:
    1. Online application and fee
    2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institutions with a minimum undergraduate overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5

    • Applicants with an undergraduate overall GPA under 3.0 must have three years of professional work experience

    3. Current resume.
    4. A statement of purpose explaining your interest in a STEM MBA degree in general and the NKU degree in particular.
    5. If applicable, an official copy of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

  • Please provide the total number of hours required for the degree:

  • Total number of hours required for degree
    37
    37
  • Number of hours in degree program core
    35
    35
  • Number of hours in track (undergraduate) or concentration (graduate).
    0
    0
  • Number of hours in guided electives
  • Number of hours in free electives
    2
    2

  • 6.  CPE requires we upload the curriculum in their Excel template.  Click here to download the course template.  All Course Descriptions must be included in the template.  Once you have completed this template attach the document using the tab to the right with the paperclip / Files option.

    You will also need to enter the courses into the Prospective Curriculum field below.

  • Attached*

  • Follow the directions below to add/create proposed curriculum from the CPE template you have uploaded.

    Prospective Curriculum Field

    Step 1

    There are two options to add courses for proposed changes: "Add Course" and "Import Course." For courses that already are in the catalog, click on "Import Course" and find the courses needed. For new classes that are currently going through the Curriculog Approval Process click on "Add Course"-- a box will open asking you for the Prefix, Course Number and Course Title.

    Step 2

    Click on "View Curriculum Schema." Click on "Add Core" which will be the header for your course groups of the program. After creating the different sections you can proceed to assign courses in each header by clicking on "Add Courses" this will bring up the list of courses available from Step 1. Select the courses you wish to add and reorder as needed by dragging courses. For removing courses click on the trash can.

    Commonly used headers: Degree Requirements, Core Courses, Electives.

    If you have never created a curriculum schema, contact the UCC chair for assistance.

  • Prospective Curriculum*
  • 7. Describe administrative oversight to ensure the quality of the program.*

    Administrative oversight will include a program director to oversee the curriculum, manage the staffing of courses, and student expereience. The oversight team will also include admission and application support to manage student experience and advising. 

  • 8. For a program offered in compressed time frames (less than full semester), describe the methodology for determing that levels of knowledge and competencies comparable to those required in traditional formats have been achieved. (If program is not offered in a compressed time frame, enter "Program will not be offered in a compressed time frame" in the field below. *

    Program will not be offered in a compressed time frame

  • Additional Information needed to activate the program in CPE Inventory.

  • Instructional Delivery Methods to be used
  • Will this program utilize alternative learning formats (e.g. distance learning, technology-enhanced instruction, evening/weekend classes, accelerated courses)? *
  • Have you created the 4 Year Plan for this program? (If Yes, Please upload a copy using the Files tab on the right hand side of the proposal.)*
DEMAND
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  • Program Demand/Unnecessary Duplication

    The institution must demonstrate demand for the proposed program. All proposed programs must address student demand. Programs must also address either employer demand or academic disciplinary needs.

  • Justification: This is an open-ended response that will be used in CPE agenda items. Within your response you should also establish the demand for this program and note if it replaces another program on campus. Remember that the audience will be CPE, not higher education administrators, faculty or staff. *

    According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the demand for computer and research scientists is expected to grow by 18.35% between 2020-2030. The Bureau Labor Statistics estimates that demand for STEM jobs will increase by 10.8% between 2021-2031. Both of these data points indicate that demand for business management personales that are familiar with STEM oriented business will also be in demand.

  • STUDENT DEMAND
  • 1a. Provide evidence of student demand. Evidence of student demand is typically in the form of surveys of potential students or enrollments in related programs at the institution, but other methods of gauging student demand are acceptable. Note if it replaces another program in campus.*

    Data from the US Department of Education shows that the number of programs registered as STEM-certified in graduate management education increased 65 percent from 2017 to 2020, growing from 222 to 367.

    This demand is driven by local and regional factors. Additionally, demand from international partners for STEM designated MBA programs have increased in recent years. 

    Typically in the form of surveys of potential students and/or enrollments in related programs at the institution.
  • Project extimated student enrolment and degrees conferred over first five years of the program - (First 5 Years)

  • Degrees Conferred-Academic Yr.

    Proj. Enrollment-Fall Semester

  • Degrees Conferred - 1st Year
    30
    30
    Projected Enrollment - Year 1
    30
    30
  • Degrees Conferred - Year 2
    30
    30
    Projected Enrollment - Year 2
    30
    30
  • Degrees Conferred - Year 3
    30
    30
    Projected Enrollment - Year 3
    30
    30
  • Degrees Conferred - Year 4
    30
    30
    Projected Enrollment - Year 4
    30
    30
  • Degrees Conferred - Year 5
    30
    30
    Projected Enrollment - Year 5
    30
    30

  • Program Demand / Unnecessary Duplication / Collaboration within and among other Institutions.  You should contact the Office of the Provost (Jason Vest - vestj3@nku.edu) for the Gray Associates Program Evaluation System Scorecard data snapshot for new program document and upload a copy under the Files tab on the right side of this proposal.

  • EMPLOYER DEMAND

  • If the program is designed for students to enter the workforce immediately, please complete the following table.

    Most of the current Bureau of Labor Statistics projections are for 2016-2026.  If additional sources are used, please note the time frame for the projections in the title field. 

    Other sources include:

    Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
    Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook
    Kentucky Center for Statistics

    KY Chamber, “Kentucky’s Workforce, Progress and Challenges,” January 2018

    Kentucky, Bridging the Talent Gap

    Document - https://www.bridgingthetalentgap.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/KY-Statewide.pdf 
    Interactive website: https://bridgingthetalentgap.org/dashboards/

  • Sources Used

    https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/stem-employment.htm

  • Type / Title of Job #1
    Management Analyst
    Management Analyst
  • Regional Average Wage
    Regional # of Job Openings
    99
    99
  • Regional Growth Projections:
    11.2%
    11.2%
  • State Average Wage
    State # of Job Openings
    5314
    5314
  • State Growth PRojections:
    13.47%
    13.47%
  • National Average Wage
    93,000
    93,000
    National # of Job Openings
    950000
    950000
  • National Growth Projections:
    11.4%
    11.4%
  • Type / Title of Job #2
    Marketing Research
    Marketing Research
  • Regional Average Wage
    Regional # of Job Openings
    1610
    1610
  • Regional Growth Projections
    18.64%
    18.64%
  • State Average Wage
    State # of Job Openings
    6659
    6659
  • State Growth Projection
    20.8%
    20.8%
  • National Average Wage
    63000
    63000
    National # of Job Openings
    792000
    792000
  • National Growth Projection
    19%
    19%
  • Type / Title Job #3
  • Regional Average Wage
    Regional # of Job Openings
  • Regional Growth Projections
  • State Average Wage
    State # of Job Openings
  • State Growth Projections
  • National Average Wage
    National # of Job Openings
  • National Growth Projections

  • Data provided in tables or PDF documents must be uploaded.

    Attach additional documentation using the paperclip /File option on the right hand menu.

  • Clearly describe evidence of employer demand. Such evidence may include employer surveys, current labor market analyses, and future human resources projections. Where appropriate, evidence should demonstrate employers’ preferences for graduates of the proposed program over persons having alternative existing credentials and employers’ willingness to pay higher salaries to graduates of the proposed program. Note if it replaces another program on campus.

    Analysis is based on Kentucky Labor Information Services, Kentucky Center for Statistics and Bureau Labor Statistics. The timeframe used is 2021-2031.

    There is a market demand for quantitative decision-making in business environments. Individuals equipped with data skills and managment leadership skills are in high demand. 

  • ACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY NEED
  • If the program proposal is in response to changes in academic disciplinary need, as opposed to employer demand, please outline those changes. Explain why these changes to the discipline necessitate development of a new program. *

    The new STEM program requires a combination of analytics and technology, and management leadership understanding. 

  • SIMILAR PROGRAMS

  • A new program may serve the same potential student population. The proposed program must be sufficiently different from existing programs in the state or access to existing programs must be sufficiently limited to warrant initiation of a new program.  Only programs at other Kentucky institutions need to be included.

    If similar programs exist in Kentucky, you should contact the Other Institutions and provide Feedback from your communications with those Institutions. You can complete the following information or upload this information by using the paperclip / Files tab on the right side of the proposal.

     For questions on enrollment or degree data, please contact kpedshelp@ky.gov.

  • ________________________________________________________________
    Similar Program # 1

  • Institution
    NKU
    NKU
  • Program Name
    MBA
    MBA
  • b. Provide the following information: a comparison of objectives/focus/curriculum to similar programs, student populations, access to existing programs, and feedback from other institutions.

    The STEM MBA has a required analytics core, while the regular MBA provides students with flexibility and the ability to choose two specializations from our eleven “Stacks”. 

    There are other MBA programs in Kentucky but none that emphasize an analytics core.

  • c. How will the program support or be supported by other programs within the institution?

    The program will be supported by our current General MBA by providing the Business Essential courses. The Analytics courses will be provided by departments at the Haile College of Business and the College of Informatics. 

  • ________________________________________________________________
    Similar Program # 2

  • Institution
  • Program Title
  • b. Provide the following information: a comparison of objectives/focus/curriculum to similar programs, student populations, access to existing programs, and feedback from other institutions.
  • c. How will the program support or be supported by other programs within the institution?

  • If there are additional, similar programs, please complete the same information for each program/Institution combination and upload it under the Paperclip/Files tab on the right side of the proposal.

COST
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  • The resource requirements and planned sources of funding of the proposed program must be detailed in order to assess the adequacy of the resources to support a quality program. This assessment is to ensure that the program will be efficient in its resource utilization and to assess the impact of this proposed program on the institution’s overall need for funds.

    • Complete the Funding Source template and Breakdown of Budget Expenses/Requirements template for the first five years of the proposed program and provide an explanation of how the institution will sustain funding needs, *CPE provided Excel Templates for this step.  The total funding and expenses in the table should be the same, or explain sources(s) of additional funding for the proposed program.  Links to the Funding Source and Budget Expenses/Requirement Templates are:

    A.  Funding Source Template

    B.  Budget Expenses/Requiement Breakdown Template

    Please upload these completed documents using the tab with the paper clip icon labeled Files on the right hand side of this proposal to upload.  NOTE:  All narrative fields must be completed.  If you have no narrative for a specific section, enter N/A. 

  • I have completed and uploaded the Funding Sources Template*
  • I have completed and uploaded the Budget Expenses/Requirements Breakdown Template*
ASSSESS
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  • Describe program evaluation procedures for the proposed program. These procedures may include evaluation of courses and faculty by students, administrators, and departmental personnel as appropriate. Program review procedures shall include standards and guidelines for the assessment of student outcomes implied by the program objectives and consistent with the institutional mission.

  • What are the plans to evaluate students' post-graduate success? *

    We plan on evaluating post graduate success via surveys and employment outcomes. 

ADVANCED PRACTICE DOCTORATE
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  • If the proposed program is an advanced practice doctorate, please address the following 5 questions.  If not, skip this section and Finalize and Approve the proposal.

    For submission to CPE you will need to attach the following, additional documentation, click on the Files tab in the right hand menu bar. 

    1. Letter of commitment from each clinical site that specifies the number of students to be accommodated and identifies other academic programs that also use the facilities.

    2. Letter from each institution with a similar program stating that the proposed program will not negatively impact the existing program.

  • Describe how the doctorate builds upon the reputation and resources of the existing master’s degree program in the field.
  • Provide a description of the master's program or programs and note any distinctive qualities of these programs as well as any national recognition bestowed upon the program.
  • Explain the new practice or licensure requirements in the profession and/or requirements by specialized accrediting agencies that necessitate a new doctoral program.
  • Provide any evidence, such as a professional organization or an accrediting agency requireing a doctorate in order for graduates to practice or advance in the field of study.
  • Explain the impact of the proposed program on undergraduate education at the institution. Within the explanation, note specifically if new undergraduate courses in the field will be needed, or if any courses will be cut
  • If there is no impact on undergraduate education, please provide a synopsis of how a new doctorate can be developed and implemented without financial or staffing implications for undergraduate education.
  • Provide evidence that funding for the program will not impair funding of any existing program at any other public university.
    • Upload a letter from each institution with a similar program stating that the proposed program will not negatively impact the existing program.

    • Include a summary of financial information from institutions with similar programs.
  • Provide contingency plans in the event that required resources do not materialize.
LAUNCH PROPOSAL
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  • Once all the above required fields have been filled in, launch proposal by selecting the Launch option on the top menu of this proposal.  After launching the proposal you can begin entering data in the remaining fields or editing the imported or required fields.

FINALIZE AND APPROVE
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  • Once you are happy with the information in the proposal:

    • Upload any additional documentation or files by clicking the Files tab on the right hand menu.

    To finalize your proposal and send it on to the next approval step, you must click the decision tab on the right side of the proposal, in the decision screen, click approve and then click "make my decision."

CIP CODES AND APPROVAL DATES
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  • CIP Code
    52.1301
    52.1301
  • BOR Approval Date
    11/08/2023
    11/08/2023
  • CPE Final Approval Date
  • CPE ID
    3684
    3684

  • User Tracking

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