Valparaiso University

What you'll study

The programme covers core management disciplines alongside applied marketing and supporting business functions. Typical modules include Strategic Management, Marketing Management, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Organisational Behaviour and Leadership, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics and Decision Making, and Business Ethics. Students usually complete a capstone project, practicum or consulting assignment that applies classroom learning to a real organisational problem.

• Core subjects: strategic planning, leadership, financial decision-making, operations, marketing strategy.
• Analytical and technical skills: data analysis for managers, market research methods, spreadsheet and database tools applied to business problems.
• Applied experiences: team-based consulting projects, case studies, internships or an integrative capstone.
• Electives and specialisms: digital marketing, product management, supply chain analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, depending on student interest and faculty availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Selection typically considers undergraduate academic performance, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement describing career goals and motivation. Many applicants also provide one or more professional references. The programme may require or recommend professional work experience for some pathways.

Standard additional requirements for international applicants include evidence of English language proficiency via an accepted test or other approved documentation. Where relevant, some candidates may be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores, though many programmes offer waivers for applicants with substantial professional experience or strong academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across private, public and non-profit sectors. Common job titles include management trainee, operations manager, marketing manager, business analyst, product or brand manager, and consultant. The programme also prepares alumni for entrepreneurial ventures and for progression to senior leadership positions through development of strategic, analytical and people-management capabilities.

Alumni typically work in industries such as consumer goods, professional services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and logistics, and many leverage the programme’s applied projects and internship opportunities to build employer connections in the Chicago metropolitan area and the broader Midwest.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers a small-campus, student-centred environment that emphasises close faculty engagement and experiential learning. Business programmes at Valpo integrate liberal-arts perspectives with applied business training, helping students develop ethical judgement, communication skills and cross-disciplinary thinking.

The university’s location in northwest Indiana provides access to regional employers and the Chicago market for internships and recruiting, while class sizes support personalised mentoring and team-based projects. Students benefit from dedicated career services, alumni networking and opportunities to engage in consulting projects with local organisations.

Overall, the programme is appropriate for those seeking a practical, career-focused master’s in business management with opportunities for specialisation in marketing and related support services, delivered in a community-oriented academic setting.