Dartmouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines core MBA courses that develop broad management skills with specialised modules in operations and operational strategy. Core topics typically include managerial accounting, corporate finance, organisational behaviour, marketing strategy and data-driven decision making. Operations-focused subjects cover operations management, supply chain design and logistics, service operations, process improvement (including Lean and Six Sigma principles), operations strategy, and quantitative methods for operations planning.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of case studies, lectures, experiential projects and team-based simulations. Many students complete a capstone project or practicum in which they apply operations tools to a real organisational problem, often working with industry partners or through internship opportunities. Electives allow you to tailor the programme toward areas such as product operations, digital supply chains, healthcare operations or operations analytics.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a good undergraduate degree from a recognised institution and several years of relevant professional experience; most successful candidates have early- to mid-career work experience that demonstrates increasing responsibility. Admissions typically require a complete application including academic transcripts, a current résumé, personal essays, and at least two professional or academic references. Many programmes ask for a standardised test score (such as the GMAT or GRE), though some applicants may qualify for waivers depending on experience or prior qualifications. Competence in quantitative methods and evidence of leadership potential are important selection criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles that combine strategic responsibility with operational execution. Common career paths include operations manager, supply chain director, logistics manager, manufacturing or service operations leader, product operations manager and programme manager. Alumni also move into management consulting with a focus on operations and process improvement, corporate strategy roles that require deep operational understanding, and entrepreneurship where operational scalability is critical. The programme equips graduates to lead cross-functional teams, improve operational performance and translate strategy into consistent execution.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Studying operations and management at Dartmouth connects you with a close-knit academic community and faculty who research and teach on operations strategy, supply chain resilience and service systems. The learning environment emphasises team-based leadership, experiential learning through projects with real organisations, and access to a broad alumni network that can support career development across industries. Small class sizes and a collaborative culture allow for personalised mentoring and opportunities to take on substantive, hands-on projects that prepare you to lead operational change in complex organisations.