Curriculum
The basic curriculum of the Penn State Smeal MBA Program is outlined.
Curriculum
Our “market-facing” curriculum is developed in consultation with our advisory boards, which comprises executives from some of the world’s top companies. These executives have helped us identify the content and skills critical for leadership in this increasingly complex and volatile business environment. Our boards monitor our curriculum on an ongoing basis to ensure its continued relevancy.
The innovative Smeal MBA Program at Penn State combines a critical core curriculum with specialized course concentrations, what we call portfolios, that enable you to develop the technical knowledge and managerial skills necessary to compete in today’s marketplace. Additional skill building is accomplished through “Immersion Weeks,” intensive one-week learning experiences that take place in live business settings.
Modular Format
All courses in the Smeal MBA Program are taught within a “7-1-7” modular format. The first set of courses is taught in the first seven weeks of the fall semester. You then experience a one-week immersion course. You return to a set of courses that last the final seven weeks of the semester.
"7-1-7" Semester Structure
| Module 1 7 weeks Classes | =====> | Immersion 1 week Business or Global Trip | =====> | Module 2 7 weeks Classes |
The First Year: The Core Curriculum
The Second Year: The Portfolio
Smeal MBAs select a portfolio topic in which they focus during their second year. Students choose from one of six portfolios to study in-depth. Each one draws on a rich and broad spectrum of learning, and will help you develop a compelling and distinctive specialty.
The Smeal MBA Portfolios are:
- Corporate Financial Analysis and Planning
- Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Investment Management and Portfolio Analysis
- Product and Market Development
- Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Leadership
Courses
Joint Degrees
We offer you the power of Penn State through several joint degree programs, where you may pair your MBA with another professional degree.
| MBA/JD | A law degree program offered with the Dickinson School of Law, now located at either the Carlisle, Pennsylvania campus or the new University Park, Pennsylvania campus. |
| MBA/MMM | A highly technical program specializing in quality and manufacturing management. |
| Science BS/MBA | An undergraduate degree in science with a Smeal MBA, preparing highly qualified and motivated students to be the future leaders of the world's scientific organizations. |
