Purdue University

What you'll study

The programme combines core MBA coursework in finance, accounting, marketing and strategy with specialist modules that address the design, management and optimisation of operations. Core study areas typically include organisational behaviour, managerial economics and quantitative methods; specialist and elective modules cover operations management, supply chain management, service operations, process improvement, operations strategy, project management and quality engineering.

• Core business foundations: financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour, business statistics and strategy.
• Operations and management specialisms: operations management, logistics and supply chain, production planning, lean and Six Sigma principles, capacity planning, inventory management and service operations.
• Analytical and technical tools: decision models and optimisation, simulation, data analytics for operations, forecasting and ERP/operations information systems.
• Practical experience: team-based projects, case studies, an operations-focused capstone or practicum and opportunities for internships or industry consulting projects.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: students can typically choose electives in areas such as technology management, sustainability in operations, procurement, or operations-related electives from other departments.

The curriculum emphasises quantitative problem solving, process design and leadership in operations contexts; courses balance classroom theory with industry projects, simulations and applied labs.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Work experience: most applicants have some professional experience; programmes commonly expect a few years of full-time work, though requirements vary by pathway and by part‑time or full‑time formats.
• Standardised tests: GMAT or GRE scores are typically required, though test waivers or alternatives may be available for qualified applicants depending on experience and other credentials.
• English language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS may be required unless exempt.
• Supporting documents: a current CV or résumé, academic transcripts, one or more references (professional or academic), and a personal statement or statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA.

Career prospects

Graduates with an MBA focused on Management and Operations move into roles that require both strategic thinking and operational expertise. Typical career paths include operations manager, supply chain manager or planner, logistics manager, process improvement or quality manager, production manager, operations analyst and project manager. Many alumni also transition into consulting roles specialising in operations and supply chain, or into leadership positions across manufacturing, distribution, retail, healthcare, technology and service industries.

Employers value this combination of leadership, analytics and hands-on operational skills, and graduates often find opportunities in both large multinational firms and smaller, high-growth companies. Career services and employer engagement at the business school support recruiting, internships and industry projects that connect students to practical roles.

Why study at Purdue University

Purdue’s Krannert School of Management is recognised for its quantitative, analytical approach to business education and has longstanding strengths in operations and supply chain management. Students benefit from faculty who conduct active research in operations, logistics, analytic methods and manufacturing systems, and from applied learning resources such as operations labs, simulation tools and industry partnerships.

Purdue provides a strong industry network and career support, with links to regional and global employers in manufacturing, transportation, logistics and technology. The campus environment emphasises collaborative learning, team-based projects and interdisciplinary opportunities with engineering and technology departments—an advantage for students seeking technically informed approaches to operations and management.