Master of Science in Management

Master of Science in Management: Management Training for Technology Professionals

The Master of Science in Management (MSM) prepares students who are employed in technical fields or those who wish to work in technology with the skills to manage technical functions. This graduate degree offers three options:

• Information Systems Management
• Accelerated MSM-Information Systems
• Supply Chain Management

Information Systems Management MSM Concentration

The Information Systems Management option in the Master’s of Science in Management program prepares students to lead technology functions in tomorrow’s organizations.

As organizations grow more and more dependent on technologies, it’s crucial leaders understand new technologies and how they help drive the overall company strategy. In this option, students will take graduate courses that help them understand main organizational functions — from strategic marketing and business analytics to global supply chain management and project management.

As of August 25, 2013, The University of Akron is proud to announce that the Master of Science in Management (MSM) in Information Systems has been approved as a federal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes graduates of this program residing on student visas as eligible for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. While regular students are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months, students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program, such as our MSM in Information Systems program, may be eligible for an additional 24 months on an OPT STEM extension.

Information on the standard OPT and STEM OPT extension can be found on the Office of International Programs (OIP) website for OIP-STEM.

Accelerated Master’s of Science in Management

Project management has a key role in successful information technology-based initiatives in the global marketplace. Many Information Technology (IT) positions increasingly require some level of project management skills.

This 30-credit Accelerated program is designed for students in undergraduate information systems or related programs who are interested in pursuing graduate work with a project management emphasis. The degree also requires a practicum, in which students complete a Study Abroad program or an internship. The goal of the program is to prepare students for eventual positions in strategic IT leadership.

Students who are in the program can be considered for funding opportunities such as internships and scholarships.

Program Requirements

Students in the MSM Fast track program will complete 30 credits of graduate coursework to fulfill the requirements for the master’s degree. To ensure that there is no duplication from the undergraduate programs, the graduate coursework has been carefully selected to give them marketable skills. The fast track program is comprised of required classes in management, information systems, and elective choices. As part of a practicum requirement, students will have to complete a Study Abroad program or an internship. Students who are in the program will be considered for funding opportunities such as graduate assistantships and scholarships.

Supply Chain MSM Concentration

The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (SCM) is offered for students who want to pursue advanced study in Supply Chain operations.

The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, which includes six credits of foundational core courses 21 credits to required coursework, and three credits of electives. Foundational core courses may be waived if the student has completed a prior study in that area. Those students will be required to complete 21 credits of required coursework and nine credits of electives.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes graduates of this program residing on student visas as eligible for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. While regular international students are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months, students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program, such as our MSM in Information Systems program, may be eligible for an additional 24 months on an OPT STEM extension.

Information on the standard OPT and STEM OPT extension can be found on the Office of International Programs (OIP) website for OIP-STEM.

Additional Information

The University of Akron is proud to announce that the Master of Science in Management (MSM) in Supply Chain Management has been approved as a federal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.

MSM Program Components

Foundation Courses

MSM Foundation courses provide fundamental business knowledge for students who do not have undergraduate degrees in business. However, some students with undergraduate business coursework could be required to take Foundation courses if the courses are previously taken are not comparable to CBA classes, if the classes were taken more than six years ago, or if the student received grades in the courses that were below “B.”

CBA Graduate Programs advisers can assess your transcript before you submit the application so that you can determine what classes you will need to take. This will involve a review of transcripts or grade reports for all previous universities attended. We also offer waiver examinations so that you have the opportunity to prove your knowledge of a particular subject. If you pass the waiver exam the course will be waived, reducing your program requirements. If there is doubt about the academic equivalence of courses, we will require the waiver exam.

Management Core Courses

Management Core courses build on the Foundation coursework to provide students with in-depth exposure to the management field.

Concentration Courses

These courses are designed to give the student specialized skills in Information Systems Management or Technological Innovation.