Cost & earnings at Fairmont State University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Business Administration graduates earn a median $64,706 Across 1,207 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management and Operations at Fairmont State University is a practice-focused graduate programme designed for professionals seeking leadership roles that combine people management with operational excellence. It suits early- to mid-career managers and those aiming to move into operations, supply chain, project management or general management roles.
The MBA in Management and Operations combines core graduate business subjects with specialist modules that emphasise the design, control and improvement of organisational processes. Core topics typically include managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour and strategic management. Management and operations specialist modules commonly cover operations management, supply chain and logistics, project management, quality management and continuous improvement, business analytics and decision-making, and performance measurement.
Teaching is delivered through a mix of case studies, applied projects, simulations and classroom discussion. The programme generally culminates in a capstone or practicum in which students work on a real organisational problem or complete a substantial project that integrates management and operations concepts. There are often options for part-time study, evening classes or blended delivery to accommodate working professionals.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Admissions decisions take into account academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé and a personal statement that outlines career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA. Professional work experience is valued; many successful applicants have several years of managerial or supervisory experience.
Standard application materials may also include academic references or professional recommendations. Some applicants may be asked to provide test scores (for example GMAT or GRE), but many programmes consider waivers for candidates with relevant work experience or a strong academic record. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English according to the university's requirements.
Graduates of the MBA in Management and Operations are prepared for leadership roles that require both managerial acumen and operational expertise. Typical roles include operations manager, supply chain analyst or manager, production or plant manager, project manager, logistics manager, business operations analyst and management consultant. The mix of strategy and operations training also positions graduates to move into director-level roles overseeing cross-functional teams and process improvement initiatives.
Career outcomes often include positions in manufacturing, distribution and logistics, retail, healthcare operations, public sector service delivery and consulting firms. The programme’s applied focus and project work help build practical experience and employer-relevant skills such as process mapping, performance measurement, lean methods and use of analytics in decision-making.
Fairmont State University offers a small-campus environment with an emphasis on applied, career-oriented education. The business faculty bring experience from industry and the region’s economic sectors, and class sizes tend to support close faculty supervision and experiential learning. Students benefit from connections with local and regional employers across manufacturing, energy and service industries, which can support internships and practicum projects.
The university provides career services, networking opportunities and flexible delivery options to suit working professionals. As a public institution in West Virginia, Fairmont State is positioned to offer an affordable graduate pathway that balances theoretical grounding with practical skills in management and operations.
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