Core Curriculum
All first-year students take the core curriculum, a minimum of four custom core courses, and electives. Core courses are scheduled in small sections of 65 to 70 students to provide individual attention and are based on a
business process model. Integrative exercises help students practice integrated application
of what they learn in the core to complex business problems similar to those they will deal
with in the workplace during internships and upon graduation. Strengthening of business
communications skills and team skills is also a critical part of the first year.
Attention to students and their development as individuals, as leaders, and as members of a team is a hallmark of UNC Kenan-Flagler, among the smallest of large top-twenty schools (that is, schools with a combined first and second-year MBA class of 500 or more). Students at UNC Kenan-Flagler value the dedication of a faculty that is accessible to them and committed to their development.
Recruiters prize UNC Kenan-Flagler MBAs as "strong team players" with "excellent people skills" (Wall Street Journal Guide to the Top Business Schools 2003) Each first-year student belongs to an assigned, year-long study team of five or six people with diverse interests, work experience, and cultural backgrounds. Study teams complete projects, discuss cases, solve problems, brainstorm and support each other throughout the year.
UNC Kenan-Flagler organizes each of the first two modules of study around themes that simulate the cycle of running a business.
- Analyzing Capabilities and Resources (Module I and II)
- Monitoring the Marketplace and External Environment (Module II)
- Formulating Strategy (Module II)
- Implementing Strategy and Assessing Firm Performance (Module I and II)
Integrative exercises tied to the four business process themes synthesize the materials and proficiencies of each set of courses. The first integrative exercise, for example, is evaluating a company, for which students use the range of skills from all nine first semester courses. Across-the curriculum study of specific cases adds substantially to students' depth of knowledge, and UNC Kenan-Flagler continues to develop partnerships with national firms to expand integrative cases.
In modules I and II, students take a total of nine courses, five in Module I and four in Module II, completing all of the following courses:
Module I
- Analytic Tools
- Financial Tools
- Financial Accounting
- Leading and Managing
- Macroeconomics
Module II
- Operations
- Strategy
- Finance
- Marketing
Two additional core requirements, Management Communication and Ethics must also be completed prior to graduation.
In modules II, III, and IV, students must take a minimum of four out of a possible six custom core electives. Students may also elect to take additional electives in Modules III and IV.
Modules II, III, and IV - Custom Core Electives (students select a minimum of four)
- Macroeconomics
- Corporate Strategy
- Global Context of Business
- Strategic Economics
- Information Technology and Business Innovation
- Managerial Accounting
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Full-Time MBA