The MSA program and the MSA Online program is designed for administrators, directors, and managers who may not have an undergraduate business background but desire graduate education to assist them in transitioning into management positions in their field. In recognition of this need, AIIAS offers the Master of Science in Administration (MSA) with emphases in Church Administration and Management Studies. The Management Studies emphasis is also offered online.
August or January
Three years of full-time work experience.
The curriculum of the MSA degree is made up of 38 semester hours of coursework as explained below. To be awarded the degree the student must satisfactorily meet the following requirements:
Program Structure & Credits
Program Structure | Credits |
|---|---|
Core | 20 |
Elective from Business | 3 |
Emphasis | 9 |
Culminating | 6 |
TOTAL | 38 |
Complete the following seven courses:
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and standards underlying financial and managerial
accounting systems. Several important concepts are studied in detail, including accounting cycle, cost concepts,
financial statement analysis, revenue recognition, inventory, long-lived assets, present value, and long-term
liabilities.
This course provides the students with theory and practice in strategic management by the use of lectures and case analysis. It helps build in students critical business skills of planning and managing strategic activities. Topics include determining mission, purpose and philosophy of companies, developing a company profile, conducting a resource analysis, assessing the external environment, identifying various strategic options, making strategic analysis and choice, setting long-term objectives, developing long-term annual objectives and grand strategies, implementing strategic decisions, reviewing, and finally, controlling them. Note: This is the capstone course for the MBA program and can only be taken after substantial completion of all other requirements, usually in the last semester, just prior to graduation. It is integrative in nature, requiring the student to put to use the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program of study.
Students learn to establish, operate, and control integrated, computer-based information systems to support management decision-making. Topics discussed include structuring of information systems, hardware and software systems, quality assurance, information gathering, storage, retrieval, and control.
The course explores the foundational teaching and primary metaphors of leadership including theories, models, and concepts viewed in the context of God’s call on the covenant community in the redemptive history. Part of the course covers ethical philosophies, construction of framework for ethical decision, and application of ethical principles in one’s personal life and work place.
This course is designed to be an overview of the major functions of management. Emphasis is on planning,
organizing, controlling, directing, and communicating. Upon completion, students should be able to work as
contributing members of a team utilizing these functions of management.
Basic concepts of accounting and reporting, analysis, and interpretation of financial statement (working capital
and liquidity), variance analysis of income statements and expenditure, principles of time value of money, and
budgeting, an introduction to costing principles, and issues in strengthening the financial condition of an
institution or a business. (Not applicable to the MBA degree).
A course designed to enable the student to develop and implement marketing strategies. Both the local and global marketplace are considered in analyzing marketing opportunities; selecting target markets; designing marketing programs; and organizing, implementing, and controlling marketing efforts.
Necessary skills for academic writing, including proper use of sources and avoiding plagiarism, organization, the basics of APA style, punctuation, and gender inclusive language. Academic writing ability and knowledge of research procedure is developed through class activities and feedback.
Complete the following three required courses:
A study of leadership theories from various disciplines, as well as a biblical perspective on leadership principles
and development. The course studies the financial and administrative structures of the Adventist Church and
recommends procedures for church and mission administration. The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual
and the Working Policy serve as basic resource materials for the course.
Complete the following three required courses:
This course studies the integration of human resource programs into organization strategy to support long-
term competitive strategies. The emphasis is on human resource planning, attracting, selecting and retaining
competent personnel, managing human resource flow, training and development, performance appraisal,
employee welfare and compensation, labor relations, collective bargaining, discipline handling, and dispute
resolution.
Analysis of the nature and scope of international business in the global market economy. Topics covered include
international business environments, the framework for international transactions, global strategies, and cross-
cultural concerns in management.
Application of behavioral science concepts within a Christian ethics framework. The emphasis is on the
behavioral and communication aspects of individuals and groups for better organization performance. Topics
of interest include perception, values, attitude, motivation, group behavior, communication, leadership, power,
politics, conflict, organizational culture, and organizational change. The course links the behavioral
understanding of individuals and groups in developing effective communication strategy.
Principles, problems and issues in organizing a new venture in small business. Topics covered include creating
entrepreneurial spirit, generating business ideas, writing business plans, analyzing feasibility, financing startups,
organizing small scale businesses, and operating a new enterprise.
The course covers project planning and tracking, performance metrics and performance evaluation, as well as
recruiting, retention, career planning, team building, quality control, negotiation, risk analysis, and legal issues.
Introduces students to the terminology, methods, and tools of scholarly research. It explores fundamental
research concepts that address the process of both qualitative and quantitative research designs in writing a
thesis/project proposal. Specific topics include characteristics of historical, descriptive, quasi-experimental,
experimental, action research, and qualitative research; measurement considerations as related to validity,
reliability, generalizability, instrumentation, data collection and analysis; presentation and discussion of results
findings, making conclusions and recommendations; and ethical considerations. Prerequisite: RESM 520
Academic Writing.
Note: If more than 5 years have elapsed since RESM 610 Research Methods or its equivalent was taken, knowledge
of research methods must be reviewed through audit of this course or by preparation for and taking of a
proficiency examination before taking courses requiring Research Methods as a prerequisite.
Guided independent research project to demonstrate the student’s skills in research procedures, analysis, and
decision-making. Selected project formats may include theoretical or empirical studies, feasibility studies, case
studies, and the development of problem-solving approaches in other management functional areas.
Prerequisite: BUAD 610 Research Methods and completion of all required courses, or approval from the
department.
Core | 20 |
|---|---|
Complete the following seven courses: | |
ACCT 501 Accounting for Managers | 3 |
BUAD 691 Strategic Management | 3 |
BUIT 660 Management Information Systems | 3 |
LEAD 610 Biblical Foundations of Leadership and Ethics | 3 |
MGMT 502 Management | 3 |
MKTG 615 Marketing Management | 3 |
RESM 520 Academic Writing | 2 |
Electives | 3 |
Elective from Business | 3 |
Church Administration Emphasis | 9 |
Complete the following three required courses: | |
LEAD 630 Church Leadership and Administration | 3 |
Elective from CHMN or LEAD | 3 |
Elective from CHMN or LEAD | 3 |
Management Emphasis | 9 |
Complete three of the following courses: | 3 |
MGMT 612 Human Resource Management | 3 |
MGMT 626 International Business Management | 3 |
MGMT 610 Organizational Behavior and Communication | 3 |
MGMT 624 Entrepreneurship | 3 |
MGMT 676 Project Management | 3 |
Culminating | 6 |
RESM 610 Research Methods | 3 |
BUAD 696 Research Project | 3 |
For more information, visit the online MSA site.
Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm;
Friday 8 am to 12 nn
