Clarkson University

What you'll study

The Management and Operations MBA combines core MBA disciplines with specialised modules in operations management, supply chain, and process improvement. Students study managerial economics, financial reporting and managerial accounting, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour and strategic management alongside specialised courses such as operations strategy, supply chain management, production and inventory control, quality management, project management and operations analytics.

Programme components typically include:

• Core business foundations: finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategy
• Operations and supply chain electives: logistics, procurement, production systems, demand forecasting
• Quantitative skills: business analytics, data-driven decision making, optimisation methods
• Process and improvement tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma concepts and continuous improvement
• Applied experience: a capstone consulting project, practicum or internship that addresses a real organisational challenge

The programme balances theory and practice, with case studies, team projects and opportunities to work with regional companies. Students can usually tailor electives to focus more on technology-driven operations, service operations or supply chain strategy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited undergraduate degree in any discipline. Typical admissions documentation includes official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA, and one or more academic or professional references. Some form of quantitative readiness is required; applicants with limited prior coursework in quantitative subjects may be asked to complete preparatory work.

Graduate test scores (GMAT or GRE) may be required for some applicants but are often waivable for candidates with substantial professional experience, a prior graduate degree, or other evidence of academic readiness. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior instruction in English, unless otherwise exempted by policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Management and Operations MBA pursue roles that bridge strategy and execution. Common career paths include operations manager, supply chain manager, logistics manager, production manager, process improvement specialist, project manager and operations analyst. Graduates also move into consulting roles focused on operational performance, procurement and distribution strategy, or take on broader general management and leadership positions.

The programme is particularly relevant for professionals in manufacturing, distribution, retail, healthcare operations, technology operations and services who want to improve operational efficiency, lead change programmes and apply analytics to business problems.

Why study at Clarkson University

Clarkson University combines a strong applied and technical heritage with business education, making it well suited for students who want to work at the intersection of management and operations. The university emphasises experiential learning—students benefit from hands-on projects, collaborations with industry partners, and small class sizes that enable close faculty mentorship.

Students also gain access to career services, alumni networks and regional employer relationships that support internship and placement opportunities. Clarkson’s interdisciplinary environment allows MBA students to draw on strengths in engineering, analytics and technology, preparing graduates to lead operational improvements in both traditional and high-technology organisations.