As a leader in higher education, a consistently top-ranked research institution, and with a focus on global service, Penn State University offers world-class education throughout 24 campuses across Pennsylvania and online, with its main campus in University Park. It is accredited by the MSCHE and has been the state’s only land-grant institution for over 150 years. Throughout 16 colleges and several schools, students experience undergraduate, graduate & professional, and online degrees, including an online MBA.
Business School
The AACSB-accredited Smeal College of Business leads the way in business education and research. It offers highly-ranked, collaborative, and innovative undergraduate, professional graduate, and doctoral degrees, along with executive education programs. Over 6,000 students learn “to make business and our world better” while valuing respect, discovery, integrity, community, responsibility, diversity, service, sustainability, and excellence each year.
Programs
The undergraduate education at Smeal consists of nine majors, four minors, the Sapphire Leadership Academic program, and two certificate programs: Corporate Control & Analysis and Real Estate Analysis & Development. Options of majors include Actuarial Science, Accounting, Finance, Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Management, Management Information Systems, Risk Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain & Information Systems.
Graduate students pursue a One-year Residential Master’s in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Business Analytics, Management & Organizational Leadership, or Real Estate Analysis & Development, along with several MBAs. Other online graduate programs include Online Master’s in Data Analytics, Marketing Analytics & Insights, Supply Chain Management, Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Architecture & Business Transformation, Strategic Management & Executive Leadership, and Taxation.
Accolades
Smeal’s undergraduate business programs have been ranked #23 overall and #33 in Best Business Schools by U.S. News & World Report. They also ranked Smeal’s online programs #12 online graduate business (non-MBA), #15 online MBA, #5 online graduate (non-MBA) for veterans, and #10 online MBA for veterans in 2022.
Online MBA Requirements
With over 20 concentrations available, this top-ranked, nationally recognized interdisciplinary online MBA is customizable to each student’s professional goals. It utilizes a teaching and learning approach called the ICE Framework: Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement. Of the 48 total credits required, nine come from a chosen concentration, where students can also receive a graduate certificate in the same discipline. Every student must attend a residency, whether on campus or online.
Courses
Thirty-nine credits are in core courses like Financial Accounting, Data Analysis for Decision Making, Financial Management, Economics for Business Strategy, Ethical & Responsible Business Leadership, Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Team Performance, Leadership Communication & Change Management, Marketing in a Global Environment, Management Supply Chains in Global Markets, Managing & Leading People in Organizations, Global Strategic Management, and Managing in the Digital Economy.
Application Requirements
Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. Previous coursework or work experience in economics, math, accounting, and statistics strengthens your application. Required submissions include an online application, non-refundable app fee, GMAT/GRE scores, two references, a resume, an essay response, and a possible online interview if needed. GMAT/GRE waivers are available.
