The Lang Master of Business Administration, with its focus on sustainable commerce, equips students with the strategic competencies to lead profitable enterprises while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility. In keeping with the Lang School’s vision of Business as a Force for Good,® graduates emerge as dynamic leaders who are able to navigate complex business landscapes, driving innovation and growth, while fostering a more sustainable future.

Administrative Staff

Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
Sean Lyons (303 Macdonald Hall, Ext. 58500)
lang.leadership@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Hospitality and Tourism Management
Mark Holmes (305 Macdonald Stewart Hall, Ext. 56309)
mholme07@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Food and Agribusiness Management
Andreas Boecker (314 J.D. MacLachlan, Ext. 53532)
aboecker@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Sustainable Commerce
Sean Lyons (303 Macdonald Hall, Ext. 58500)
lang.mba@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant Team
lang.mba@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

MBA Program

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent with an average of at least B- (70-72%) in the last two years of study.* 
   Applicants who are graduates of a 4-year undergraduate business degree (Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration or equivalent) or who hold a professional designation (e.g., CPA, CFA, PMP) may be eligible for a waiver of certain program requirements, at the discretion of the MBA Program Coordinator.
    
2. Work experience requirements: 

• To participate in the online completion pathway for working professionals, applicants must demonstrate a record of prior work experience, typically involving three or more years of supervisory and managerial responsibility.
• For the in-person completion pathway, prior work experience is not required, but preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated record of relevant work experience and/or experiential learning activities (e.g. co-op, internships, consulting projects).

Additionally, all applicants must meet the University of Guelph’s English Language Proficiency requirements for admission. If an applicant’s first language is not English, or their undergraduate degree was not taught at an English-language institution, an English Language Proficiency test will be required. 

Meeting minimum criteria for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

*Alternate admission may be offered to applicants with a three-year general degree, diploma and/or an acceptable professional designation who demonstrate a strong record of relevant prior work experience.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Develop core knowledge in the field of sustainable commerce.
   1. Demonstrate disciplinary competency by developing a capacity to identify and illustrate key concepts and ideas related to sustainable commerce.
   2. Apply sustainability concepts and financial literacy to business situations and contexts.
2. Make evidence-based decisions.
   1. Prepare and propose sustainable business recommendations and solutions to support decision making through evidence-based professional research.
3. Develop transferable professional ethical skills and behaviours.
   1. Develop as a business professional by demonstrating an ability to be adaptable and reflect on and manage their self-development.
   2. Demonstrate an ability to assess and address sustainability and ethical challenges in organizations.
4. Communicate ideas, issues, and conclusions clearly and effectively.
   1. Communicate evidence-based ideas and information to various business stakeholders both orally and in writing.
5. Work effectively in a team environment as member and/or leader.
   1. Demonstrate an ability to work in a team environment by effectively interpreting group dynamics and taking on different roles as appropriate in a group setting.

Program Requirements

Core Courses

The core courses (5.00 credits) build and develop key managerial skills applicable in the private, public and non-profit sectors of the economy, with a focus on the principles and practices of sustainable commerce:

Additional Requirements

In addition to the core courses, students have two options to complete the requirements for the MBA degree:

1. Course Work Option: Completion of two additional elective courses* (1.0 credits), selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Coordinator. Students may use these two courses to specialize in various areas of study offered by the Lang School; or
2. Major Research Project (MRP) Option: Completion of BUS*6150 Research Methods for Managers and BUS*6900 Major Research Project. The MRP requires students to develop a research proposal, conduct a literature review, research an applied management problem, and requires data collection, analysis and the ability to link understanding of the problem with an appropriate body of literature. Students interested in the MRP option should consult with the Graduate Program Coordinator for approval.

*Elective course offerings are subject to availability and registration and will differ from year to year.

Program Duration

The MBA courses are normally completed in sequence over three semesters (in-person) or six semesters (online for working professionals). 

Courses