Belhaven University

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Mississippi’s First SHRM-Aligned Programs at Belhaven

Belhaven University is also featured in our ranking 50 Most Affordable Human Resource MBA Degree Programs.

Online or at Stuart C. Irby Hall, the School of Business confers the Bachelor of Business Administration with 68 percent retention of Belhaven University undergrads called to serve Jesus Christ by launching successful corporate ventures. Directed by Dr. Lawrence Ruddell, the 124-credit, IACBE-accredited degree builds on fundamental enterprising skills with five emphases, such as Management. Four-year plans meld engaging courses like Biblical Themes, Business Law, Labor Relations, and Human Resources Processes at an 11:1 learner-faculty ratio. During the Fall, seniors can complete paid internships with Nissan, Bomgar, Vertex, Sanderson Farms, Pinnacle Trust, and others. Belhaven majors might also pledge Sigma Beta Delta, receive the James Park Award, attend the Ethics Symposium, participate the ENACTUS Competition, add the Australia Studies Semester, and join Omega College.

Ranked in the U.S. News & World Report’s top 267 nationally, the Online Master of Business Administration lets Belhaven post-grads with cumulative GPAs above 2.8 declare the Human Resources Concentration to better understand workforce needs. Since February 2017, the 42-credit curriculum outlined by Dr. Chip Mason has aligned to the SHRM template for impactful Christian study of organizational people structures. Accelerated eight-week courses delve into Financial Analysis, Managerial Economics, and Current Issues in Human Resources for well-rounded certification prep. Currently, 326 MBA Online students engage in “Project Team” cohorts averaging 16 for a three-year graduation rate of 43 percent. Note there’s also a very similar 42-credit Master of Public Administration with a Human Resources Concentration that focuses on government agencies.


Each eight-week term, the Belhaven School of Business begins an SHRM-aligned Master of Science in Leadership with a Human Resources Concentration online on Canvas to advance Christian decision-making skills. Advised by Dr. Jolivette Wallace, this 42-credit, non-thesis track caters to managers seeking better employee relations strategies. Required courses, including Resolving Conflicts, Organizational Change, and Innovations in Human Resources, are priced $500 per credit online. Some are available one night each week in Jackson, Orlando, Houston, and Chattanooga. Bachelor’s holders meeting the 2.5 GPA minimum progress through 14-18 months of accelerated executive development to the capstone project. PayScale records a median mid-career wage of $73,300 for Belhaven University graduates in HR jobs, such as recruiter or benefits manager.

Lastly, Belhaven University’s School of Business added the Online Graduate Certificate in Human Resources in Summer 2018 for busy post-grads unable to commit to 18 months of master’s education. Dedicated to Romans 8:28, this shortened 15-credit sequence coordinated by Prof. Suzanne Sullivan helps students find their purpose retaining satisfied business staff. Keeping GPAs over 2.5 during five Canvas courses, including the Introduction to Graduate Study and Employee Relations, is mandatory. Online sessions are asynchronous, but assignments have deadlines and 250-word discussion board text must be posted each Wednesday. The “College of Distinction” placed 302nd in Washington Monthly helps nurture management promotions in a field growing by 9 percent. If desired, submit $25 applications to the Online MBA, MPA, or MSL degree profiled above and easily transfer credits.

About Belhaven University

Belhaven University (BU), also known as simply “Belhaven,” is a private liberal arts university in Jackson, Mississippi. Established in 1883, the Christian university offers pre-professional programs in nursing, law, dentistry, medicine, and Christian ministry as well as general studies degrees and traditional majors. In addition to educating students on-campus, Belhaven also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees to evening and adult students at its satellite campuses in Orlando, Memphis, Madison, Houston, Dalton, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. Fully online degree programs are also available. The five most popular majors among undergraduates are psychology, education, health and physical education, visual and performing arts, and business, marketing, and management.

Belhaven implements a Christian worldview into its curriculum and strives to spiritually and academically prepare students to serve Jesus Christ in their human relationships, in their careers, and in the world of ideas. Notable alumni include political representatives, authors, artists, and professional athletes. Rachel Dolezal, former president of the Spokane NAACP who has recently come under fire regarding her racial identity and who has made international news, also attended Belhaven University.

Belhaven University Accreditation Details

Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC) to award master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees. In addition, the School of Business and its business programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Accreditation is important for students who are seeking federal and/or state financial aid in the forms of loans and grants as eligibility for these programs often requires students to attend an accredited institution. Further, many employers ask whether a program, university or college is accredited before they decide to provide tuition assistance to current employees or while making a hiring decision for new employees. Accreditation also ensures that students are eligible to transfer credits between institutions so long as both schools are accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Belhaven University Application Requirements

Students pursuing the Master of Business Administration degree with an online concentration in human resources must first create a profile and complete an application for admission. Once the application is complete, students are required to pay a $25 application processing fee. Once the application is complete, an admission representative will contact the applicant to determine what, if any, additional items may be required for admission. Depending on the student’s background and previous education, supplemental materials may be required such as transcripts from all previously attended institutions, ACT/SAT/GED or GRE/GMAT test scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and/or a resume.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Belhaven is among 100 universities in the country that were recognized as “America’s 100 Best College Buys.” 2018 marks the 11th straight year that Belhaven received a distinction for its financial and affordability to its students. Students pursuing the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree will pay $540 per credit hour, while active-duty and reserve military will pay a reduced tuition rate of $350 per credit hour. All other veterans and spouses will be charged $432 per credit hour to earn the online MBA degree. Online students should note the $100 graduation audit fee that is charged for all programs as well as a $25 technology fee per course that helps to cover the cost of providing the resources and technology needed for success. In addition, books are not included in tuition, and the school offers a tuition discount for all Mississippi students.

Although some forms of financial aid are available for online students, those earning a degree through distance learning are not eligible to apply for Belhaven University scholarships. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. In addition to a tuition discount, veterans and military members seeking a degree from Belhaven University may be entitled to other types of financial aid under Title 38 of the U.S. Code.

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