Smeal College of Business Announces New Master’s Program Akin to a Mini MBA
Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business has announced a unique new program for aspiring MBAs from non-business undergraduate majors.
The Master of Professional Studies in Management and Organizational Leadership (MMOL) is a 32-credit accelerated program providing the same instruction traditional business school students receive during the first year of the top-ranked Smeal MBA.
The MMOL is part of a growing trend nationwide that enables students from technical backgrounds to gain access to what has been perceived to be an exclusive environment for those with an undergrad business background, or for those with post-graduate work experience.
Students who enroll in the MMOL will receive foundational instruction in marketing, supply chain management, accounting and finance. These courses will be accompanied by Smeal’s highly lauded business communication curriculum, which provides students with the valuable skills to launch them into leadership positions.
Mini MBA Will Increase Students’ Marketability
Brian Cameron, associate dean of professional master’s programs at Smeal, said of the MMOL, “Employers …value technical capabilities in areas like engineering, science and technology. [The] strongest job candidates also understand the world of business and have the ability to communicate effectively. This program is designed to increase the marketability of students … and enhance their ability to compete for accelerated leadership roles early in their careers.”
Partnering with members of organizations such as the United States Marine Corps and the New York Fire Department, MMOL candidates will participate in team-building exercises in which they will apply their technical skills while observing models of effective leadership in high-pressure environments.
In addition to these immersive learning experiences, students will receive individualized career advice and access to thousands of Smeal alumni. Smeal Dean Charles Whiteman said, “The program is just the first of several new planned professional graduate offerings from the college. Our expanding residential and online portfolio reflects increasing marketplace demand for more targeted programming across the business spectrum.”
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
