The UAB MBA program is decision-oriented, focusing on key aspects of modern administration, and it seeks to prepare graduates for leadership roles in business, industry, government, or social services. In order to deal effectively with increasingly complex problems of organizations, managers require training in sophisticated analytical techniques, an appreciation for the behavioral facets of management, and an ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in the organizational environment. The curriculum is based on a mixture of foundational business principles and practices, and modern technological and management strategies. The program is a total of 36 credit hours without a concentration or 39 credit hours with a concentration, and can be completed in as few as 2 years (6 semesters). There are three start times per year: fall, spring, and summer.