University of Utah

What you'll study

The programme combines the David Eccles School of Business core curriculum with focused courses in operations, supply chain and management. Early study typically covers fundamentals such as financial and managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics and business communication. Core business classes add finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management.

The Management and Operations emphasis then builds specialist knowledge through modules such as:

• Operations Management: process analysis, capacity planning, production systems and service operations.
• Supply Chain Management: logistics, procurement, inventory control and distribution networks.
• Project and Quality Management: project planning, risk management, Six Sigma fundamentals and continuous improvement techniques.
• Business Analytics and Information Systems: data-driven decision making, forecasting, operations research and enterprise systems.
• Strategic Management and Leadership: competitive strategy, organisational design and people management.

Students normally complete a mix of general education requirements, the business core, emphasis electives and free electives. Many students undertake an experiential learning component such as an internship, industry practicum or a senior capstone project that applies operations concepts to a real-world business challenge.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the University of Utah undergraduate admission standards and the David Eccles School of Business requirements. Typical applicants present a high-school diploma (or equivalent) with strong academic performance, particularly in mathematics and quantitative subjects. Successful candidates usually have coursework in algebra and statistics and demonstrated competency in written communication.

International applicants must provide an approved credential evaluation and satisfy the university's English language requirements through recognised tests or alternative evidence of proficiency. Transfer students from community colleges or other universities are considered; competitive transfer applicants present a solid college GPA and completion of prerequisite coursework.

The David Eccles School may also consider factors such as extracurricular leadership, work experience, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Check the university admissions pages for the most current documentation and any programme-specific prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Management and Operations emphasis are prepared for roles that require managing processes, people and resources to deliver goods and services efficiently. Common entry and early-career roles include:

• Operations coordinator or operations manager
• Supply chain analyst or logistics planner
• Project manager or project coordinator
• Business or operations analyst
• Inventory and procurement specialist

With experience, alumni move into senior operations leadership, supply chain management, consulting, product operations and entrepreneurship. The programme's emphasis on analytics and systems also prepares graduates for roles that bridge operations and IT, such as enterprise resource planning support and process-improvement leadership.

Why study at University of Utah

The David Eccles School of Business offers the Management and Operations emphasis within a well-established business faculty known for integrating theory with applied experience. Located in Salt Lake City, the university provides access to a regional economy with strong logistics, manufacturing, technology and outdoor-recreation sectors—helpful for internships and employer connections.

Students benefit from career services, industry partnerships, student organisations and experiential-learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to workplace practice. Small-class options in upper-level courses, faculty who engage in applied research, and campus resources for entrepreneurship and analytics give students multiple pathways to develop practical skills and build professional networks.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want a broadly based business education with a clear operational focus and tangible preparation for careers that manage processes, supply chains and teams.