University of Massachusetts at Lowell

What you'll study

The curriculum requires 30 credits of advanced core courses; students lacking prior undergraduate business coursework must also take 12 credits of foundation courses (total 42 credits). The six-credit foundation sequence topics include financial accounting, business financial analysis, marketing fundamentals, operations fundamentals, organizational behavior and a course on global enterprise and competition; foundation courses may be waived with equivalent undergraduate grades of B or better.

• Required advanced core (21 credits): Accounting Information for Management Decisions; Corporate Finance; Analysis of Customers and Markets; Management Information Systems; Operations Management; Managing Organization Design and Change; Strategy Formulation and Implementation.
• Electives (9 credits): Choose any three graduate-level business electives for a General Business option or select a focus area in Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare, Information Technology, International Business, Managerial Leadership or Marketing.

Entry requirements

Application materials include a $75 application fee, a statement of purpose (max two pages), a resume, and transcripts (unofficial may be used to apply; official transcripts required if admitted). Master's applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. The GRE/GMAT is accepted but not required for master's applicants; it is required for PhD applicants. All application materials must be received before review.

Career prospects

The programme emphasizes analytic, strategic, ethical, communication and team-management competencies intended to prepare graduates for leadership and management roles. The school cites broad employer connections and alumni networks; listed employers where graduates have worked include financial services, consulting, retail, defense contractors and technology firms.

Scholarships & funding angle

Graduate students may qualify for federal student aid and need-based scholarships; to be considered for assistance applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The programme notes per-credit online tuition rates and indicates completing the degree online can be relatively cost-effective when foundation courses are not required.