Business Administration (MBA)

NA On Campus Masters Program

Oregon State University

Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Oregon State University is designed for students and professionals who want to develop the business knowledge, leadership abilities and strategic thinking needed to manage organisations in a competitive global environment. The programme brings together key business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, technology and organisational management, while allowing students to specialise in an area that matches their career interests.

Curriculum Structure

The MBA requires 60 credit hours, divided into 15 credits of Core 1 courses, 27 credits of Core 2 courses and 18 credits of option-specific coursework. The university does not prescribe one universal year-by-year sequence for every student; course planning depends on the chosen option, study format and academic background.

Core 1 – Business Foundations: Students build a foundation in the main functional areas of business, developing an understanding of how organisations operate and create value. Courses include Business Legal Environment (BA 513), Operations Management (BA 514), Managerial Decision Tools (BA 515), Creating Value in Exchange (BA 516) and Markets and Valuation (BA 517).

Core 2 – Advanced Business Management: Students develop more advanced knowledge of financial management, organisational leadership, business analysis, marketing and strategic decision-making. Courses include Financial and Cost Analysis (BA 528), Corporate Finance (BA 540), Leadership and Teams in Organizations (BA 550), Practical Business Analysis (BA 555), Supply Chain Management (BA 561), Advanced Strategic Management (BA 569), Advanced Information Systems (BA 572), Marketing Management (BA 590) and Managing Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (MGMT 559).

Option-Specific Coursework – Specialisation: Students complete 18 credits of coursework in their selected MBA option. Depending on the specialisation, this may involve business analytics, financial analysis, cybersecurity management, human resource strategy, marketing, organisational leadership, supply chain operations or wine business management.

Available Specialisations

The university's MBA programme offers the following options:

Business Analytics
Corporate Finance
Cybersecurity Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Organizational Leadership
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Wine Business Management

These options allow students to tailor their MBA towards specific professional interests while completing the shared business core. The university catalogue also lists Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation as an option; confirm its current availability with the College of Business before including it as an active specialisation.

Focus Areas

Business Administration, Strategic Management, Business Law, Corporate Finance, Financial Analysis, Managerial Accounting, Business Analytics, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Organisational Leadership, Human Resource Management, Cybersecurity Management, Information Systems, Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Global Business.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to understand complex business challenges, evaluate organisational performance and make informed management decisions. They learn to apply financial and analytical tools, develop business strategies, manage operations, lead teams and communicate effectively with different stakeholders. The programme also encourages ethical leadership and an understanding of how businesses can balance economic performance with social and environmental responsibilities.

Experiential Learning

Applied business projects: Students work on practical projects that connect classroom learning with challenges faced by businesses and organisations.
Collaborative learning: Team-based activities help students develop communication, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Industry engagement: The College of Business connects students with industry partners and professionals, helping them understand current business practices.
Flexible study formats: Students can choose on-campus study in Corvallis, fully online learning through Ecampus or the Portland hybrid format, which combines online coursework with in-person sessions.
Professional networking: Students learn alongside peers from varied professional and academic backgrounds and can access the university's business alumni network.

Professional Alignment and Accreditation

AACSB accreditation: Oregon State University's College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a recognised accreditation body for business education. This is college-level accreditation, not a separate accreditation specifically awarded to the MBA programme.
Ethical business leadership: Coursework in managing ethics and corporate social responsibility develops awareness of responsible business practices.
Strategic management: Advanced strategic management and leadership courses prepare students to evaluate organisational challenges and guide business decisions.
Industry-relevant specialisations: The MBA options are developed with input from industry partners to reflect changing business and workforce needs.

Reputation and Employability

Flexible programme structure: Students can complete the MBA online, on campus or through the Portland hybrid format, making it suitable for different study and professional circumstances.
Programme duration: The 60-credit MBA can typically be completed in approximately two years of part-time study.
Alumni network: The College of Business has a global network of more than 40,000 alumni, providing opportunities for professional connections and networking.
Employer connections: The university identifies organisations where its MBA and specialised master's graduates have been hired or promoted, including KPMG, Intel, Oracle, Nike, Boeing, Deloitte, Adidas, PwC, Daimler and Columbia Sportswear.
Career development: Students can access career resources and professional support through the College of Business.
Employment context: The university's MBA webpage quotes GMAC's 2025 figures of a USD 125,000 median salary reported by US companies for MBA graduates and 72% of US employers planning to hire MBA candidates. These are broader MBA market figures, not Oregon State MBA graduate employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Oregon State University, the MBA program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through a combination of innovative coursework, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, students develop the practical skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in real-world challenges and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MBA program at Oregon State University:

- Capstone Projects: Engage in team-based projects that tackle real business problems for local companies, providing valuable insights and solutions while enhancing teamwork and leadership skills.

- Internships: Gain practical experience through internships with leading organizations, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting and build your network.

- Business Analytics Software: Utilize industry-standard tools such as Tableau and R for data analysis, enabling you to make data-driven decisions and enhance your analytical skills.

- Field Trips: Participate in visits to local businesses and organizations, offering firsthand insights into various industries and operational practices.

- Research Labs: Access dedicated research facilities where you can collaborate on projects that explore innovative business strategies and practices.

- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including databases and journals, that support your research and learning needs.

- Institute for Business Research: Engage with faculty and peers in research initiatives that contribute to the advancement of business knowledge and practices.

- Networking Events: Attend workshops and seminars featuring industry leaders, providing opportunities to connect with professionals and gain insights into current trends.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for a successful career in business. For more information on the facilities and resources available to MBA students, you can explore the full list here: [Oregon State University Facilities](https://facilities.oregonstate.edu).

Consider applying to the MBA program at Oregon State University to take advantage of these enriching experiences that will set you apart in the competitive business landscape!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing an MBA in Business Administration at Oregon State University opens doors to a wealth of career opportunities. Graduates often find themselves in roles such as Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, and Operations Director, equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in various sectors. The program not only enhances your business acumen but also prepares you for leadership positions in a competitive job market.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: The Career Development Center offers personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events to connect you with potential employers. Additionally, the Graduate Business Programs office provides resources for internships and job placements.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of MBA graduates from Oregon State secure employment within six months of graduation, with average starting salaries around $80,000, depending on the industry and role.

- University–Industry Partnerships: Oregon State has established partnerships with leading companies such as Intel, Nike, and Boeing, providing students with unique internship opportunities and real-world projects that enhance learning and employability.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by only 5% of business schools worldwide, ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.

- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the program have gone on to achieve remarkable success, with many taking on executive roles and contributing to innovative projects in their fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. in a specialized area of business. This can lead to opportunities in academia, research, or high-level consultancy roles, allowing you to deepen your expertise and expand your career horizons even further.

Choosing Oregon State University for your MBA is not just about earning a degree; it's about investing in your future and setting yourself up for success in the dynamic world of business.