OIM Specializations for MBA Degree
Our department offers two of the many specializations available as part of Scranton's MBA degree -- business analytics and operations management. They are available both on campus and online, and each is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Both the business analytics and operations management specializations require the completion of 3-4 advanced electives in the subject area, as part of the total 36 credit-hours required for the MBA degree.
Our Business Analytics specialization supplements the rigorous curriculum of our MBA program with an in-depth knowledge of business analytics functions. Course work includes classes in data mining, business forecasting models, predictive analytics, database management, business intelligence, and simulation.
You'll learn to leverage big data techniques and develop an understanding of key analytics concepts. By the time you complete the program, you'll be able to harness your organization's data to extract better insights and recommend solutions to business problems.
MBA graduates with a business analytics specialization are well positioned for increased career opportunities and higher salaries, as well as a higher chance of creating an executive-level career path. They are hired as:
- management analysts
- data analysts
- business intelligence analysts
- data science managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual median pay for a career in data analytics can range from $82,000 to $114,000. Marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $132,230.
The bureau projects double-digit employment growth for management analysts and market research analysts from 2016 to 2026. For operations research analysts, employment growth projections are expected to reach as high as 27 percent between 2016 and 2026.
The Operations Management specialization develops students' ability to integrate technical knowledge with exceptional planning and communications skills. The operations management field involves wide-ranging responsibilities and tasks, including the effective and efficient use of resources, managing quality, and improving processes. Our curriculum teaches the analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a manufacturing or service sector.
Courses focus on production planning and control, supply chain management and other topics related to project management and quality management.
This specialization gives students a competitive advantage in pursuing job opportunities - including executive-level positions -- and higher salaries.
Graduates go on to such jobs as:
- chief operations officer
- operations manager
- plant manager
- service operations director
- quality manager
- supply chain manager
- business consultant
Salaries in the operations management discipline can vary widely -- depending on the industry, geographical location and other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average annual wages of general and operations managers in May 2016 was $122,090, with salaries as high as $204,870.