M.Ed. in Educational Business Administration

The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of, studies related to Educational Business Administration.

This course emphasizes the evolving role of Human Resource Management (HRM) and its impact on organizational performance. Students analyze HRM’s responsibilities in ensuring ethical and legal compliance, as well as the laws governing employer-employee relationships and the role of government agencies in monitoring compliance. HRM’s influence on employee engagement and job satisfaction through compensation, development, communication, and conflict resolution will be examined. Students will design compensation plans aligned with organizational strategy and practice decision-making in areas such as workforce planning, recruitment, selection, and compliance. The course also evaluates HRM's role in labor relations and emphasizes effective communication strategies for conveying critical HR information, such as job enrichment, developing human potential, and resolving conflicts along with other workplace issues.

Organizational dynamics and change can improve organizations. Various organizational culture, toxic leadership, and organizational psychology will be reviewed to develop potential solutions or frameworks. This course focuses on decision-making processes and perspectives of various stakeholders to promote organizational behavior change. The relationship between leadership behaviors and company culture, providing strategies for gaining stakeholder support during organizational change, will be examined. Students will develop clear and concise communication strategies tailored to various audiences. Through case studies and problem-solving exercises, students will apply leadership concepts to identify and develop solutions for complex organizational challenges.

This course is designed to promote a broad range of perspectives and highlight the value of different experiences and viewpoints. Students will identify how to harness a sense of belonging in the workplace, as well as how it can drive innovation and support organizational success. Topics include fostering collaboration, navigating challenges, and effective communication strategies.

People-Centered Leadership emphasizes the importance of leading with a focus on individuals and their unique strengths. In this course, students will explore how to manage, empower, and guide teams by prioritizing respect, collaboration, and support. The course highlights creating a culture that values authenticity and psychological safety while leveraging team contributions for organizational success.

In any workplace, personal experiences and preferences can subtly influence decisions and interactions. This course helps students develop awareness of how these patterns, such as unintentional favoritism, can emerge and affect outcomes. Students will identify practical strategies to recognize these tendencies and foster more thoughtful, balanced decision-making.

In a world where information is readily available at anyone's fingertips, students will be equipped with the foundational tools and frameworks of data analytics to support informed and effective decision-making. Students will identify the primary types of data and key components of analytical systems, from problem identification to data collection and sampling methods. Emphasis is placed on applying statistical procedures, identifying meaningful patterns, and interpreting correlations to uncover insights. Through the use of analytical tools and real-world data, students will evaluate variables and outcomes, connect discoveries to strategic goals, and formulate data-informed recommendations to meet organizational needs.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the market research management process and its role in strategic decision-making. Students will evaluate how research problems and designs shape effective marketing insights and create, as well as implement a range of research procedures, including surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups. Emphasis is placed on coding and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, identifying ethical considerations, and integrating emerging trends such as digital intelligence. Through evidence-based analysis, students will formulate and justify actionable recommendations that align with organizational goals and evolving market needs.

Critical components of evidence-based strategic planning and organizational alignment will be explored. Students will analyze how an organization's mission, vision, and values inform its strategic direction, while evaluating internal and external environments through tools such as SWOT and PESTLE. Emphasis is placed on using data across functional areas-accounting, economics, marketing, and management-to assess alignment with strategic goals. Students will develop skills to appraise organizational resources and capabilities, interpret market conditions, and apply cause-and-effect analyses to enhance competitive positioning and long-term success.

Employee relations can foster job satisfaction, engagement, and a positive organizational culture. Students will design performance management plans that include effective evaluation methods and feedback mechanisms, while also constructing fair and legally sound disciplinary processes. The course emphasizes the integration of communication, conflict resolution, and disciplinary systems to support professional development and organizational success. Through real-world case studies and strategic planning exercises, students will develop policies and action plans that address interpersonal conflict, deliver difficult messages with care, and support continuous organizational improvement.

Through an in-depth look at employment law and managing risk, this course will give students the tools needed to navigate a collective bargaining contract, along with required contractual policies and procedures. Students will gain a deeper understanding of workplace compliance laws, while exploring the differences between employees and independent contractors. Key topics include unfair labor practices, collective bargaining, contract negotiation, grievance procedures, and the administration of labor agreements. Special attention is given to the unique influence of organized labor within the education sector, highlighting its impact on performance management and conflict resolution.

This course examines the strategic role of the human resources (HR) function in shaping organizational success through effective planning, compliance, and alignment with long-term goals. Students will explore tools and processes for assessing the current state of HR operations, including legal compliance and organizational fit. Emphasis is placed on analyzing internal and external trends to determine optimal HR structure, developing competency-based workforce strategies, and creating future-focused staffing plans. Students will also design communication strategies to ensure compliance and transparency, understand payroll administration within legal frameworks, and establish performance metrics to evaluate HR effectiveness. Through real-world applications, students will gain the skills to position HR as a strategic partner in driving organizational performance.

This course explores the dynamic role of social entrepreneurs in launching and leading mission-driven ventures that prioritize social good alongside sustainable business practices. Students will examine strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership theories within the context of social change, assessing how entrepreneurs apply a systems perspective to drive meaningful impact. Benefit Corporations are a major emphasis in the course, as students examine the major tenets of certifying as a B-Corporation. Through comparative analysis of business models, including benefit corporations and traditional companies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how social entrepreneurship fosters innovation and long-term organizational transformation.

This course explores how benefit corporations create social value through ethical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered practices. Students will analyze the roles of employees, communities, suppliers, and customers in benefit corporations, and evaluate strategies for fair and equitable treatment across stakeholder groups. Emphasis is placed on building transparent communication, ethical decision-making, and accountability for social impact. Students will examine sourcing and vendor selection practices, assess the social outcomes of organizational policies, and develop recommendations to enhance positive impacts on people and communities. Through real-world applications, students will gain the tools to align stakeholder strategy with the mission of socially responsible business.

The tenant of environment and governance are other areas of focus for qualifying as a Benefit Corporation covered in this course. Students will explore communication strategies for embedding sustainability into business strategy and assess how both traditional and benefit corporations integrate sustainable practices while navigating legal and regulatory constraints. Through analysis of supply chain decisions, governance policies, and sustainability standards, such as green purchasing, students will evaluate how companies create value and competitive advantage through environmental and social initiatives. The course emphasizes best practices in corporate governance, ethical leadership, and strategic innovation to drive long-term impact.