Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The programme combines a liberal arts foundation with a business core and specialised management and operations coursework. You will study fundamental business disciplines—accounting, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and business law—alongside operations-focused subjects such as operations management, supply chain management, production planning, quality management and business analytics.

• Business core: Financial and managerial accounting, principles of finance, marketing management, organisational behaviour, business ethics and strategic management.
• Operations and management major courses: Operations management, supply chain and logistics, project management, production and inventory control, quality management and continuous improvement, service operations and process design.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: Business statistics, data analysis for managers, spreadsheet modelling, and decision support systems.
• Capstone and experiential learning: A senior capstone integrating strategy and operations, team-based consulting projects for local employers, and options for internships or practicum placements to gain workplace experience.
• Electives and concentrations: Opportunities to take electives in entrepreneurship, human resources, information systems, sustainability in operations, or international business to tailor your degree.

Courses emphasise applied projects, case studies and use of common industry tools and software. Most students complete general education requirements alongside the business curriculum to ensure broad communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical requirements include a competitive high-school GPA and evidence of readiness for college-level study in maths and English. Saint Mary’s considers the whole application package, which may include:

• Official high school transcripts (or college transcripts for transfer applicants)
• A personal statement or application essay describing academic interests and career goals
• One or more academic or character references for some applicants
• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) where submitted—many applicants are considered test-optional depending on current admissions policy
• For transfer students, college GPA and a record of completed business or quantitative coursework

Mature or non-traditional applicants with work experience are welcome; in such cases, professional references and an explanation of prior experience can support admission. International applicants must meet language proficiency requirements and provide certified transcripts translated into English.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles where efficient resource use, process improvement and team leadership are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Operations manager or operations supervisor in manufacturing, retail or services
• Supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator or procurement specialist
• Project manager or production planner overseeing timelines, budgets and deliverables
• Quality assurance or continuous improvement specialist (Lean, Six Sigma roles)
• Business analyst, management consultant or operations consultant
• Entrepreneur or small-business operator applying operations principles to scale an enterprise

Graduates also proceed to postgraduate study such as an MBA or specialised master’s degrees in supply chain management, operations research or related fields. Career services, employer connections and internship experience while at Saint Mary’s help with job placement and professional networking.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a student-focused learning environment with small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and an emphasis on applied learning rooted in ethical and liberal arts perspectives. The campus setting in Winona provides access to regional employers and internship opportunities, while proximity to larger metropolitan areas allows broader industry connections.

• Practical, career-focused curriculum: Courses emphasise experiential projects, real-world case work and opportunities for internships or practicum placements.
• Personalised attention: Small classes and faculty who bring professional experience to teaching help students develop career-ready skills and leadership abilities.
• Flexible pathways: Options for transfer credit, part-time study and online or hybrid course delivery support different student needs and life circumstances.
• Support services: Career services, advising and alumni networks assist with internships, job search strategies and graduate school preparation.

Overall, the BBA in Management and Operations at Saint Mary’s is suited to students who want a balanced programme that combines management theory with the practical tools and experiences needed to improve organisational performance.