Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

The Management and Operations pathway is built on core business foundations and applied management skills. Early coursework covers accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics and fundamentals of management and marketing to provide a broad business context. As you progress you take specialised modules that focus on the design, analysis and improvement of organisational systems and people management.

• Core business foundations: financial and managerial accounting, business law, business ethics, organisational behaviour, principles of marketing and business communication.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: business statistics, operations research, data analysis for managers and decision modelling.
• Operations and supply chain: operations management, production planning, inventory control, logistics and supply chain management, quality management and process improvement (including exposure to Lean and Six Sigma concepts).
• Management and people: strategic management, human resource management, leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution, and change management.
• Technology and systems: information systems for managers, enterprise resource planning (ERP) fundamentals and use of analytical tools for process improvement.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior capstone or integrative project that applies learned skills to a real organisational problem, plus opportunities for internships, co‑operative placements and collaboration with local businesses.

Elective options allow focus areas such as entrepreneurship, project management, international business, sustainability in operations, and service operations. Coursework combines lectures, case studies, group projects, simulations and industry‑partner projects to develop both technical and interpersonal skills.

Entry requirements

Admissions are based on a combination of academic record, standardised test scores where applicable, and the quality of the overall application. Typical expectations include a high school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and English, evidence of coursework that demonstrates analytical ability, and a competitive GPA. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide equivalent secondary school credentials.

For transfer students, credit evaluation is conducted and successful transfers typically present college coursework in business or related areas and a satisfactory college GPA. Some applicants may strengthen their application with a personal statement outlining interest in management and operations, letters of recommendation, or evidence of relevant extracurricular or work experience.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Management and Operations concentration enter a wide range of roles across sectors. Common entry and mid‑level positions include:

• Operations analyst, production planner or operations coordinator
• Supply chain analyst or logistics specialist
• Quality assurance or process improvement associate
• Human resources generalist with a focus on staffing and workforce planning
• Project coordinator or junior project manager
• Business analyst or management trainee in corporate rotational programmes

With experience and continuing professional development, graduates progress to roles such as operations manager, supply chain manager, plant manager, procurement manager, or director of operations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial ventures and for postgraduate study in business, management or specialised fields like supply chain management.

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University combines a comprehensive business curriculum with strong ties to regional employers, providing many opportunities for internships and applied projects. The Seidman College of Business emphasises experiential learning, small‑class engagement and career support, including dedicated career services and networking events that connect students with alumni and local industry.

Facilities and resources include modern classrooms, access to business software and analytics tools, and faculty with experience in both research and industry practice. The university’s location affords proximity to a diverse business community where students can gain practical experience and build professional networks that support transition into the workforce.