University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines a core MBA curriculum in finance, marketing, accounting, strategy and leadership with focused coursework and experiential projects in operations and supply chain management. Students typically study core management disciplines in the first phase of the degree, then choose electives and a concentration in operations, supply chain, or global operations for deeper technical and managerial training.

• Core topics: organisational behaviour and leadership, corporate finance, managerial accounting, strategy, marketing, business analytics and data-driven decision making.
• Operations specialism: operations strategy, process analysis and design, service operations, inventory and production planning, quality management, lean and Six Sigma concepts, and project management.
• Supply chain and logistics: supply chain strategy, procurement, demand forecasting, distribution and logistics, global sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Quantitative and analytical methods: optimisation, simulation, stochastic models, operations research techniques, and applied analytics for operations.
• Experiential learning: action-based learning projects such as the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) and opportunities to work with industry partners through centres like the Tauber Institute for Global Operations, providing real-world consulting experience on operational challenges.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent and normally have several years of professional work experience; competitive applicants commonly present two to eight years of experience, though profiles vary. The school requires a complete application including academic transcripts, a current résumé, letters of recommendation, and essays.

• Admissions tests: a competitive GMAT or GRE score is usually required, although the school may consider test waivers in certain circumstances—check the programme admissions guidance for current policy.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved English test unless exempted under programme rules.
• Interview: applicants who progress in the selection process are typically invited to interview as part of final admissions decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates move into operations-focused and general management roles across sectors including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail, consulting and logistics. The combination of managerial breadth and operational depth supports careers such as:

• Operations manager or director
• Supply chain or procurement manager
• Manufacturing or plant operations leader
• Operations analyst, process improvement or continuous improvement specialist
• Product operations / technical programme manager in technology firms
• Management consultant focused on operations and supply chain transformation
• Entrepreneur or operations leader in start-ups

The programme’s strong employer networks, recruiting events and practicum projects help graduates transition into roles that require both strategic thinking and the hands-on skills to improve operational performance.

Why study at University of Michigan

Ross School of Business is known for its action-based learning approach, integrating classroom theory with intensive, real-world projects that allow students to apply operational tools to live business problems. The school’s connections across the university — notably with engineering and computer science — and specialised centres like the Tauber Institute for Global Operations give students access to cross-disciplinary expertise and industry partnerships.

Studying at Michigan also provides broad recruiter engagement from manufacturing, automotive, technology, healthcare and consulting firms, a large and active alumni network, and campus resources that support leadership development, entrepreneurship and career services tailored to operations and supply chain careers.