Benedictine University

What you'll study

The MBA with a Management and Operations focus combines core general management training with specialised coursework in operations, supply chain and process improvement. The curriculum emphasises applied problem-solving, data-informed decision-making and leadership within service and manufacturing contexts.

Core topics

• Executive leadership and organisational behaviour – leadership theory, team dynamics, change management and ethical decision-making.
• Managerial economics and strategy – competitive analysis, strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Financial and managerial accounting – financial statement analysis, budgeting and cost control for managers.
• Marketing management – market analysis, customer value and go-to-market strategy.
• Business analytics – data analysis, forecasting and the use of analytics tools for operational decisions.

Management and operations specialism

• Operations management – process design, capacity planning and quality management (including Lean and Six Sigma principles).
• Supply chain and logistics – procurement, inventory management, distribution networks and supplier relationship strategies.
• Project management and process improvement – project planning, risk management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Information systems for operations – enterprise systems, operations IT and automation impacts on productivity.
• Capstone/practicum – applied consulting project or integrative capstone that tackles a real organisational operations challenge.

Delivery usually mixes case studies, team projects, simulations and a practicum or capstone. Elective options allow you to deepen knowledge in related areas such as entrepreneurship, finance or healthcare operations.

Entry requirements

Benedictine University seeks applicants with a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a record of scholastic achievement. Admissions typically consider the whole profile of the candidate, including academic transcripts, professional experience and leadership potential.

• Completed bachelor's degree transcript(s).
• Current résumé or CV outlining professional experience.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose describing career objectives and reasons for pursuing the MBA.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested, particularly for applicants with limited professional experience.
• Standardised tests (GMAT/GRE) may be required in some cases; waivers are commonly available for applicants who demonstrate strong work experience or prior graduate-level study.
• International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency and provide equivalent academic documentation as required.

There are often flexible entry pathways for experienced professionals, and part-time or executive-style options that recognise prior managerial experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Management and Operations MBA develop skills that are in demand across manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, technology and consulting sectors. Career progression typically moves from operational roles into strategic management and executive positions.

• Operations manager, plant manager or production supervisor
• Supply chain manager, logistics manager or buyer
• Project manager or programme lead overseeing cross-functional initiatives
• Process improvement specialist or Lean/Six Sigma practitioner
• Management consultant focusing on operations and organisational performance
• Product operations or operations strategy roles in technology and services firms

The programme also prepares graduates for broader leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures and advanced professional certifications.

Why study at Benedictine University

• Values-driven education — the university integrates ethical leadership and social responsibility into business teaching, reflecting its Benedictine heritage.
• Small classes and personalised attention — compact cohorts enable close interaction with faculty and peers, and a collaborative learning environment.
• Practitioner-focused faculty — instructors combine academic credentials with real-world management and operations experience.
• Flexible delivery — options for evening, part-time and online coursework accommodate working professionals balancing study with career commitments.
• Proximity to a major business hub — the campus location near the Chicago metropolitan area offers access to regional employers, internships and networking opportunities.
• Career support and alumni network — career services, employer engagement and an active alumni community help with recruitment, mentorship and career transitions.