Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme blends core MBA foundations with specialised modules in operations and process management. Core topics typically include financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour, economics for managers, and business analytics. Operations-focused modules cover operations management, supply chain and logistics, quality management, project and programme management, production planning, and process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma. Students also engage with hands-on, experiential learning through case studies, simulation exercises and a practicum or capstone consulting project that applies classroom knowledge to a real organisational challenge.

Students may select electives to tailor the degree to their interests, such as technology management, data analytics for operations, procurement and sourcing, service operations, or enterprise resource planning. The programme emphasises data-driven decision-making and the integration of operations strategy with broader corporate strategy, often drawing on cross-disciplinary resources across business, engineering and computing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a current CV or resume demonstrating professional experience, a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA, and letters of recommendation. Standardised tests such as the GMAT or GRE may be required or considered but are often waivable based on academic background and relevant work experience; applicants should consult the school for the current policy.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempted by prior study in English. Some applicants may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework in quantitative methods, statistics or accounting if their undergraduate degree did not include these areas.

Career prospects

Graduates of an MBA with a Management and Operations focus are prepared for leadership roles that require both managerial acumen and operational expertise. Common career paths include operations manager, supply chain manager, logistics manager, production manager, process improvement or quality manager, project manager, operations analyst, and management consultant. The degree is relevant across sectors such as manufacturing, distribution and logistics, retail, healthcare, technology, and professional services, and supports advancement into senior management and cross-functional leadership roles.

The programme’s experiential components, industry partnerships and career services help students build practical skills, a professional network and direct industry contacts to support job search and career progression.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business is known for combining rigorous business fundamentals with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and technology-enabled practice. The institution offers extensive industry connections and opportunities for applied projects, co-operative education and internships that link classroom learning to workplace challenges. Students benefit from resources across RIT’s broader campus strengths in engineering, computing and design, providing a practical, interdisciplinary perspective on operations and management.

Support services such as dedicated career advising, employer engagement events and alumni networks help graduates transition into and progress within operational leadership roles. The programme’s flexible delivery options and elective choices make it suitable for both early-career professionals and experienced managers seeking to upskill or change specialism.