M.B.A. Assessment
Once you have been admitted to the M.B.A. program, you will have an opportunity to generate up to 24 credits through independent direct assessments (IDAs). The IDAs allow you to demonstrate prior learning, academic and professional knowledge and competence in particular subject areas. The preceding table describes M.B.A. course titles and credits. The category “Assessable Credits” shows the number of credits you may earn upon successful completion of the IDAs. Please note that some courses do not include the assessment option, while other courses allow you to assess out of up to 3 credits.
The IDA process is conducted online. You will be able to take the assessments in your chosen areas when enrolled in Executive Assessment and Development. You may open each IDA only once, and you will have no more than 72 hours to complete that particular assessment. Prior to the actual assessment, you will be able to access guiding information explaining the testing procedures and outlining the necessary academic or professional areas of demonstrated knowledge and competence required for each IDA. Guiding information provides a concise description of the topics covered in each IDA, along with suggestions you may use to prepare for the IDA.
The assessment tools vary from course to course and may involve multiple-choice questions, short essays, analysis of cases, etc. Faculty members who are experts in the field will evaluate your responses to the IDAs, and their decision is final. The outcome of the IDA is posted, generally before the end of the term, in the relevant course section (Executive Assessment and Development, Module 2). If successful, credit waived through independent direct assessment will appear on your transcript upon completion of the course. Most students waive around 6 credits. More advanced students waive 10 - 14 credits.
There is no need to enroll in the respective online modules for a course in which you have successfully completed the IDAs. You will only need to enroll in modules for which no assessable credit was received.
You should use the outcomes of the IDAs as the starting point for talking with your academic advisor about course selection. More information will be provided during the orientation to the program and during your active participation in Executive Assessment and Development.
Remember, access to each IDA will be allowed only once. Please note IDA may only be taken when enrolled in Executive Assessment and Development.
