Concentrations and Options

Overview of the concentrations and options available in the Penn State Smeal MBA program.

Adapt your Penn State Smeal MBA experience to suit your aspirations. After focusing on business fundamentals throughout your first year, take advantage of enhanced flexibility in the second via our concentration and option opportunities. A concentration is a specialization that represents a comprehensive study of a particular area of business, while options provide the opportunity for a briefer, yet targeted, study in additional areas of interest. 

While only one concentration is required to complete the program, most students typically complete two concentrations and two to three options. This flexibility allows you to truly customize your academic experience and maximize your potential to achieve your post-MBA goals.

*Concentrations and options as of Fall 2021.

STEM Concurrent Degree Option

The Penn State Smeal MBA now offers the option to earn a STEM master's degree in the second year of your MBA. Emerge with the advanced analytics knowledge and skills to solve today’s real-world corporate problems with a Business Analytics concurrent degree. This STEM-designated degree will replace your second-year concentration, allowing you to earn two degrees in five semesters. Students who are interested in pursuing Business Analytics must apply and be accepted prior to beginning their second year in the Smeal MBA. Additional tuition fees may apply.

For more information, speak to our admissions team.

Concentrations

Finance

The Finance Concentration builds expertise in financial analysis and planning, management of financial assets, and capital markets and prepares for a career in corporate finance.

Management Consulting

The Management Consulting Concentration builds expertise in organizational assessment and design, solution development and implementation, and prepares for functional consulting careers.

Marketing

The Marketing Concentration builds expertise in product development and market expansion with specialization tracks in consumer or business-to-business marketing.

Supply Chain Management

The Supply Chain Management Concentration builds expertise in sourcing, procurement, conversion and logistics management, and collaboration with channel partners. 

Options

  • Applied Leadership
  • Capital Markets
  • Consulting and Project Management
  • Corporate Finance
  • Corporate Innovation
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global Business
  • Healthcare
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Negotiations and Influence
  • Product and Brand Management
  • Risk Management
  • Six Sigma
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Sustainability