Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme combines core MBA disciplines with specialised studies in operations, process improvement and applied management. Core topics typically include managerial accounting and finance, organisational behaviour and strategic management, quantitative methods for decision making, and managerial economics. Operations‑focused modules cover operations management, supply chain and logistics, project management, quality management (including Lean and Six Sigma principles), and operations strategy. Students also study business analytics and information systems to support data‑driven operational decisions.

Learning is delivered through a mix of seminars, case studies, group projects and applied assignments. Many students complete a capstone project or practicum that partners with a local company or offers a consultancy experience, which emphasises solving real operational challenges such as process redesign, capacity planning or inventory optimisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree. Candidates with degrees in business, engineering, economics or related fields are well prepared, but applicants from other disciplines with relevant work experience are considered. Admissions typically review academic transcripts, a current CV or resume, and a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA.

Professional experience is valued and many successful applicants bring one or more years of post‑graduate work; some places favour candidates with greater experience for leadership‑oriented cohorts. Where standardised test scores are requested, the programme may accept GMAT or GRE results, though some applicants may be eligible for waivers depending on prior study or professional background. International applicants must meet English language requirements through recognised tests or approved institutional exemptions.

Career prospects

Graduates with an MBA in Management and Operations move into roles that design, manage and improve operational systems across sectors. Typical job titles include operations manager, supply chain analyst or manager, logistics manager, production manager, project manager, operations consultant and business operations analyst. The skill set is applicable to manufacturing, retail, healthcare, services and technology firms, and can also support transitions into general management or strategy roles.

Many students enhance their employability through the college's internship and practicum opportunities, which provide direct industry experience and professional networks. Employers commonly recruit for graduates who can combine process improvement techniques with financial and strategic insight to deliver measurable operational performance gains.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close faculty‑student engagement, enabling tailored feedback and mentorship. The college emphasises experiential learning, connecting classroom theory to practice through projects, internships and local industry partnerships in the Finger Lakes region and beyond.

Students benefit from career services that focus on employer engagement, résumé development and interview preparation, as well as from access to alumni working in regional and national firms. The campus setting in Ithaca provides a supportive community for study while remaining within reach of broader Northeastern business networks, making it a practical choice for those seeking a balance of applied learning and professional development.