Business Administration Master’s
General Information
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program (English, Thesis / Non-Thesis) at Cyprus Aydın University is designed to develop advanced managerial competence, strategic thinking, and analytical decision-making skills for leadership in a global business environment. The program is delivered in English and follows ECTS-based workload principles in line with the Bologna Process.
The program offers two pathways:
• MBA with Thesis: research-oriented track focusing on scientific inquiry and thesis writing.
• MBA without Thesis (Non-Thesis): professionally oriented track focusing on applied managerial competencies and a graduation/term project.
Regulatory basis and key institutional rules are defined by the Cyprus Aydın University Graduate Education-Instruction and Examination Regulation (notably Articles 5, 8–17, 19–26, 29–36).
Program Director’s Message
Welcome to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program at Cyprus Aydın University. In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, global market volatility, and evolving societal expectations, the role of business leadership has never been more critical. Our program is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between rigorous academic theory and the pragmatic demands of the modern corporate world.
Our curriculum focuses on developing a ‘strategic mindset’—the ability to synthesize complex data, anticipate market trends, and lead organizational change with confidence. Whether you choose the Thesis track to contribute to academic research or the Non-Thesis track to sharpen your professional managerial edge, you will be immersed in an environment that values evidence-based decision-making and ethical integrity. We are committed to fostering a diverse learning community where students from various backgrounds collaborate to solve real-world business challenges, guided by a faculty of distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners. We invite you to join us in this journey of professional transformation and leadership excellence.
Program Introduction
• Language of instruction: English (Regulation Article 16).
• Qualification level: Master’s Degree (Second Cycle).
• Program type: Thesis / Non-Thesis (Regulation Articles 29–38).
• ECTS workload principle: 30 ECTS per semester as the standard workload (Regulation Articles 30(7) and 34(3)).
Aim and Objectives
The MBA Program aims to:
• Provide advanced knowledge in management, finance, economics, marketing, and organizational studies.
• Develop strategic analysis and decision-making capabilities under uncertainty and competition.
• Strengthen leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in multicultural settings.
• Promote ethical conduct and academic integrity in managerial practice and research.
• Develop research capability (Thesis pathway) and applied problem-solving skills (Non-Thesis pathway).
Accreditations
Cyprus Aydın University operates under the oversight and recognition frameworks of relevant higher education authorities. The program is fully accredited by YÖDAK, and an application for YÖK recognition/authorization has been officially submitted and is currently in process. Program approvals, naming, and teaching language are subject to the procedures stated in the Graduate Regulation (e.g., Article 5).
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
• Business/Management Analyst
• Project Manager
• Financial Analyst / Finance Manager
• Marketing and Sales Manager
• Human Resources Specialist/Manager
• Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Alumni
• Alumni networking activities, mentorship opportunities, and career events.
Program Qualification Type
Master’s Degree (MBA) – Thesis / Non-Thesis options (Regulation Articles 29–38).
Program Qualification Type
Course Structure
ECTS and semester structure (based on the provided curriculum file; confirm Senate-approved curriculum before publishing).
Course Structure with Thesis
Course Structure without Thesis
Note: For the Thesis MBA, the regulation requires at least 8 courses + seminar + thesis, and mandates that one of the courses must be “Research Methods and Scientific Ethics” (Regulation Article 30(2)). Please confirm which course in the approved curriculum fulfills this requirement (e.g., MNG 501 Advanced Research Methods).
Note: Thesis similarity (plagiarism) threshold: similarity rate must not exceed 20% according to the regulation for master’s theses (Regulation Article 31(2)).
Note: The provided curriculum file lists the non-thesis program total as 72 ECTS, which conflicts with the regulation minimum of 90 ECTS (Regulation Article 34(2)–(3)). Before publishing, please reconcile the curriculum/ECTS totals with the Senate-approved curriculum and the regulation to avoid compliance risk during accreditation.
Note: Regulation states the Term Project is a non-credit course and is graded as P/F/I (Regulation Article 34(4)). “Non-credit” refers to local credit; ECTS workload must be confirmed in the approved curriculum.
Course Content, ECTS, and Assessment
Each course provides detailed information on learning outcomes, weekly topics, ECTS workload, and assessment methods in its syllabus. Assessment is conducted in accordance with institutional rules, including:
• Semester activities and/or midterm assessments and a final exam/project (Regulation Article 22(1)).
• Attendance requirements for eligibility to take the final exam (Regulation Article 22(2)).
• General grading approach: 40% in-term assessment and 60% final (Regulation Article 22(3)).
• Letter grades and their numeric equivalents are defined in the regulation (Regulation Article 23).
Course Content, ECTS, and Assessment
Exam Evaluation Methods
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements are governed by the Graduate Regulation, including minimum GPA requirements and completion of ECTS workload.
• Minimum cumulative GPA requirement: at least 2.50/4.00 (or 75/100) for graduation (Regulation Article 9(7)).
• Thesis MBA: successful completion of courses + seminar + thesis defense, and submission procedures in line with the regulation (Regulation Articles 30–32).
• Non-Thesis MBA: successful completion of courses + term project (Regulation Articles 33–38).
Graduation Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission is conducted according to Regulation Article 8 and related provisions. Key requirements include:
• Bachelor’s degree for master’s admission (Article 8(a)).
• For Turkish citizens applying to thesis master’s programs: ALES minimum score requirement applies (Article 8(b)).
• For non-thesis master’s programs: ALES is not required (Article 8(b)).
• English proficiency for programs taught in English is evaluated under the relevant provisions (Articles 8(f) and 12).
• Additional evaluation criteria (e.g., GPA, interview) may be applied as determined by Senate/Institute rules (Article 8(g)–(i)).
Admission Requirements for Students with TRNC Citizenship
Admission Requirements for Foreign Students
Admission, Recognition, and Transfers
• Scientific preparation may be applied where needed (Article 9).
• Special student status is possible under defined conditions (Article 10).
• Lateral transfer is possible for students who completed at least one semester (Article 11).
• Recognition/transfer of courses is governed by Institute/Senate decisions (Article 25).
Cyprus Aydın University Horizontal and Vertical Transfer Guidelines
Students
• Academic advising and orientation support.
• Feedback mechanisms (course evaluations, surveys, representation).
Employees
• Administrative and academic coordination to ensure quality in program delivery.
Graduates
• Alumni engagement, tracking of career outcomes, and feedback surveys.
Cyprus Aydın University Alumni and Members Association
Cyprus Aydın University Career Center
Employers and Industry Partners
• Guest speakers, industry seminars, and collaboration opportunities for projects/case studies.
Academic Staff
| Name | Title / Role |
| Prof. Dr. Erdal Güryay | Vice Rector |
| Prof. Dr. Arzu Alvan Bozdereli | Dean |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gözde İyicil | Vice Dean |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice İmamoğlu | Faculty Member |
| Asst. Prof. Dr. Shahrzad Safaeimanesh | Head of the Department of Banking and Finance |
| Asst. Prof. Dr. Erinç Bayri | Faculty Member |
| Asst. Prof. Dr. Aslı Ökten Demircioğlu | Faculty Member |
| Asst. Prof. Dr. Niusha Eivazzadeh | Faculty Member |
Infrastructure and Physical Facilities
Events
• Seminars, workshops, guest lectures, academic conferences, and research presentations
News and Announcement
• Application dates and admission announcements
• Academic calendar updates
• Seminar series and events
• Thesis defense announcements (where applicable and allowed)
Contact Information
Dean
E-Mail: @cau.edu.tr
Tel: +90 392 650 00 00
Instagram: caucampus, cauint
Facebook: Cyprus Aydın University
