Advanced elective courses enable you to develop in-depth experience and expertise in a particular field of study. Although an elective concentration is not required, you may choose a concentration in one of six areas: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, and Organization Development. A wide range of additional electives are available for advanced study. A minimum of 12 credits, including required courses, must be taken in the respective functional area in order to complete a concentration. A list of approved elective courses that correspond to each area may be obtained from the Graduate Office of Academic and Student Life.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Concentrating in Entrepreneurship and Innovation prepares students to launch and grow new ventures, take on roles in existing start-ups, or lead innovation efforts in established firms. Students will develop their own creative talents, write a business plan, learn the process of corporate innovation, and acquire skills in Internet business applications. Students may personalize their emphasis with courses in Private Equity and Venture Capital, Global Product Development, Small Business Ventures, and Silicon Valley Immersion.
Finance
There are a variety of careers in Finance-related areas. We have identified two potential finance career paths for our students: Corporate Finance and Financial Services. Our elective course offerings are designed to facilitate entry into these career areas and provide upward mobility to students who have already working in Finance.
International Business
Coursework introduces students to the complexities of international business so that they can apply their understanding to other fields of management. Graduates work in the import/export trade, finance, marketing, consulting, and general management. An internationally diverse student body provides students with both academic and personal insights into international business issues.
Marketing
Marketing students obtain a foundation in running a successful customer-driven organization. To learn how to build competitive advantage in the global marketplace, students focus on fundamentals: market segmentation, competitive analysis, pricing strategies, public relations, advertising, and distribution channels. Graduates work at the highest levels of management in a variety of industries in market research, sales, advertising, brand management, general management, and management consulting.
Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit organizations hold unique managerial challenges requiring both business acumen and a strong commitment to mission-driven service. The Nonprofit Management concentration prepares students for leadership in the nonprofit sector as reflective practitioners, integrating theory, work experience and commitment to social values. Students will gain a comprehensive perspective on all facets of managing nonprofit institutions, including governance, fundraising, human resources, finance, legal issues and advocacy.
Organization Development
To lead organizations through transformational, positive change requires an intimate understanding and exhibited competence in organizational behavior and strategy. The Organization Development concentration builds effective organizational leaders through contemporary theory, interdisciplinary study and development of tangible skills in organizational assessment, diagnosis and intervention.
