Widener University

What you'll study

The MBA in Management and Operations blends core MBA coursework with specialised modules that address the design, improvement and leadership of business processes. Students study strategic decision-making and functional business areas while developing operational skills in analysis, continuous improvement and supply chain coordination.

• Core MBA subjects: managerial economics, corporate finance, marketing management, organisational behaviour and strategic management.
• Operations and management modules: operations management, supply chain management, logistics and distribution, service operations, production planning.
• Quantitative and technical skills: business analytics, data-driven decision making, forecasting and inventory models, operations research techniques.
• Continuous improvement and quality: Lean principles, Six Sigma concepts, process improvement and performance measurement.
• Project and change management: project planning and control, programme management, leading organisational change.
• Capstone and experiential learning: applied consulting projects, operations simulation, or a strategic capstone integrating functional and operational issues.

The programme typically offers elective choices and experiential components that allow students to tailor studies toward manufacturing, distribution, healthcare operations, retail or service-sector operations. Courses are delivered through a mix of seminars, case studies, team projects and applied labs.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Typical admissions materials include an undergraduate transcript, a current résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals and relevant experience, and one or more academic or professional references.

Work experience is valued and can strengthen an application, particularly for candidates seeking to leverage the degree for career advancement. Standardised tests (such as the GMAT or GRE) may be optional for many applicants; consult the university for current testing policy. International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency where required (for example, TOEFL or IELTS) and submit credential evaluations if degrees were earned outside the United States.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MBA in Management and Operations go on to roles that bridge strategy and execution. Typical positions include operations manager, supply chain manager, logistics coordinator, production manager, process improvement specialist, project manager and operations analyst. Alumni also move into leadership posts in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare operations, retail operations and consulting.

The programme prepares students for responsibilities such as designing efficient processes, managing cross-functional teams, implementing continuous improvement initiatives and using data to inform operational strategy. Employers commonly include regional and national firms across industry sectors, as well as consulting practices that serve operations and supply chain functions.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a small-campus learning environment with curriculum focused on applied skills and real-world problem solving. The business school emphasises experiential learning—team-based projects, industry partnerships and practicum opportunities—that enable students to apply classroom concepts to operational challenges.

Students benefit from access to employer networks across the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region, faculty with professional operations experience, and career services that support internships and job placement. Flexible delivery options and elective choices allow students to customise the MBA to match career goals in operations, supply chain or general management.