Differentiators

APEX

Our Applied Professional Experience program provides the capstone for your learning. In this practicum experience, work with a team on a live consulting project throughout your final semester.

Global Immersion Trip

You will travel to a developing economy for a one week survey course experiencing various companies, disciplines, functions, and cultural events. This required trip extends your perspective and prepares you for global leadership.

Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt Certification

For the past three years the Penn State Smeal MBA program has provided an industry modeled Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK) series of courses required to achieve a Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt certification. Course contents and the concluding certification exam equals and in many cases exceeds the requirements of Motorola, General Electric, and the American Society for Quality,. The SCM 597B Lean Six Sigma Black Belt “Management” course along with the BA 597 Lean Six Sigma Black Belt “Statistics” course provides the knowledge content required for systematic improvement of products, processes, and/or services within a variety of business environments. Course focus includes the introduction of the tools, techniques, and strategies for improvement most often resulting in increased quality performance, effective cost-reduction, reduced cycle time and operational flexibility within a business. We continue to receive positive responses from past graduates who represent a variety of businesses, confirming the practical value of this certification.

Leadership Communications Program

You might be the most intelligent person in the room, but it won't matter if you can't communicate. Our program provides a year-long program integrating presentation and corporate communication skills with functional disciplines. Alumni report that these skills set them apart from other MBAs.

360 Leadership Assessment

A process widely used in Fortune 500 companies for high-level talent development, you participate in a second-year leadership behavior assessment based on your performance in your internship and first MBA year. Rated by colleagues, team members, and supervisors, you compare your own perception of your leadership skills with those around you, and are coached on strengths and improvement areas.

Executive Panel Case Competition

Compete with your team for real monetary reward in a team case competition judged by senior executives at the end of your first year.

Research Centers

The Research Centers at Smeal offer a world-class resource for knowledge creation. Our corporate partners bring us their most pressing business concerns in areas such as supply chain management, business-to-business marketing, and entrepreneurship.