Doane University

What you'll study

The MBA in Management and Operations emphasises the tools and frameworks needed to manage people, processes and systems in service and manufacturing settings. Core coursework covers foundational business disciplines—financial analysis for managers, marketing strategy, organisational behaviour and strategic management—while specialised modules focus on operations topics.

• Operations Management: process design, capacity planning, production and service operations, quality management and performance measurement.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: inventory management, procurement, distribution strategies and coordination across supplier networks.
• Project Management and Lean Practices: project planning, scheduling, risk management, Lean and Six Sigma principles for process improvement.
• Data Analytics for Managers: applied statistics, forecasting, business intelligence and decision-support tools relevant to operations.
• Financial and Managerial Accounting: interpreting financial statements, budgeting, cost analysis and capital investment appraisal.
• Leadership and Organisational Change: people management, team dynamics, negotiation and implementing strategic change.
• Ethics and Corporate Responsibility: governance, ethical decision making and sustainability considerations in operations.
• Capstone / Applied Consulting Project: an integrative team project or practicum that applies classroom learning to a real organisational problem, frequently undertaken with regional employers or through Doane’s professional network.

Delivery is typically flexible with options for on-campus, online or hybrid study depending on the student’s needs. The programme structure balances core MB A requirements with electives that let students tailor studies toward manufacturing operations, service operations, supply chain, or process improvement.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline; applicants with non-business degrees may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework in fundamentals such as accounting or statistics.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance. Specific GPA expectations are set by the university and considered alongside professional experience.
• Current résumé or CV outlining professional experience; relevant work experience is advantageous, particularly for management and operations pathways.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA concentration.
• Letters of recommendation, typically one to two, from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s leadership potential and suitability for graduate study.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide certified translations of academic documents where applicable.
• Standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; applicants should check current admissions guidance or discuss exemptions with admissions staff.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MBA with a Management and Operations focus move into roles that combine leadership with hands-on operational responsibility. Typical career paths include:

• Operations Manager or Director — overseeing day-to-day production or service delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supply Chain Analyst / Manager — managing procurement, logistics and inventory optimisation across networks.
• Project Manager — leading cross-functional projects, implementation of new systems or process redesigns.
• Quality and Process Improvement Specialist — roles focused on Lean, Six Sigma and operational excellence programmes.
• Business Analyst or Management Consultant — advising organisations on strategy, operations and performance improvement.
• Entrepreneur / Small business owner — applying operational and financial skills to launch and scale ventures.

Doane’s emphasis on applied projects and employer engagement helps students build practical portfolios and professional contacts that support transitions into these roles. Career services and alumni connections in regional industries can be useful for placement and ongoing professional development.

Why study at Doane University

• Applied, student-centred learning: Doane is known for small cohort sizes and a practical approach—coursework is designed to bridge theory and everyday organisational challenges.
• Flexible delivery: multiple modes of study allow working professionals to balance employment with graduate study through evening, online or hybrid options.
• Experienced faculty: instructors typically combine academic credentials with professional experience in business, operations and leadership, bringing real-world perspectives into the classroom.
• Capstone and employer engagement: the programme’s applied project or practicum gives students the opportunity to work on live problems with organisations, strengthening employability and practical skills.
• Support services: dedicated academic advising, career services and an active alumni network support students during the programme and after graduation.