Business Administration, MBA

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Clark University is designed for aspiring managers, experienced professionals, and career changers who want to strengthen their business expertise and develop the skills needed to lead organizations effectively. The program combines core business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, and analytics, with an emphasis on ethical leadership, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and innovation, while offering flexible full-time and part-time study options and specialized concentrations aligned with different career goals.

Curriculum Structure

Clark University's MBA requires 12 course units, comprising nine core courses and three electives, along with a professional internship for students following the traditional track. As students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment and customize their studies through concentrations, the curriculum is best described in learning stages rather than fixed academic years.

Stage 1: Business Foundations and Core Management

Students establish a strong foundation in business through courses such as Foundations of Financial Accounting (ACCT 4101), Financial Management (FIN 4200), Marketing Management (MKT 4400), and Operations and Supply Chain Management (OM 4600). These subjects help students understand financial performance, evaluate investment and funding decisions, develop marketing strategies, and improve operational efficiency. Information Systems for Analytics (BAN 4500) and Data Driven Decision Making (STAT 4300) further develop students' ability to use information systems, interpret data, and make evidence-based business decisions.

Stage 2: Leadership, Ethics, and Strategic Decision-Making

Students develop their leadership and strategic thinking through Organizational Leadership (MGMT 4302) and Responsible Management in a Global Economy (MGMT 4053), which emphasize effective team leadership, responsible management practices, and an understanding of global business environments. They also learn to evaluate organizational challenges, consider the social and environmental consequences of business decisions, and communicate recommendations effectively. These skills are reinforced through Strategic Decision-Making (MGMT 4800), the MBA capstone course, which brings together business knowledge to address complex management problems.

Stage 3: Specialization, Practical Experience, and Career Development

In the final stage, students complete three elective course units that allow them to focus on areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, management, healthcare analytics, information management and business analytics, or social change and sustainability. Students following the traditional MBA track also complete a professional internship, applying classroom learning to real-world business challenges and gaining valuable workplace experience. Experienced professionals with at least three years of managerial experience may qualify for the Professional Track, which can include an internship waiver and an eligible course waiver, subject to university approval.

Focus Areas

Accounting, finance, marketing management, organizational leadership, strategic decision-making, business analytics, information systems, operations and supply chain management, healthcare analytics, management, social change, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and ethical business practices. Students can customize their MBA through concentrations in accounting, expanded accounting, finance, healthcare analytics, information management and business analytics, management, marketing, and social change and sustainability. Finance, healthcare analytics, and information management and business analytics are designated STEM concentrations.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to analyze business problems, interpret financial and operational information, evaluate strategic alternatives, and make informed managerial decisions. The program also strengthens critical thinking, communication, teamwork, ethical reasoning, and an understanding of social responsibility and sustainability. Through specialized coursework and practical learning opportunities, students prepare to lead teams, manage organizational change, assess business risks, and contribute to responsible and effective organizational performance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Clark University's School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a globally recognized accrediting organization for business education. The school reports that it belongs to approximately the top 5% of business schools worldwide holding this accreditation. Its MBA curriculum combines core business competencies with ethical management, sustainability, analytics, and leadership development, supporting preparation for management and leadership roles across industries.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Clark University's School of Business reports that 98% of respondents across its programs had plans within six months of graduation. For the class of 2025, its graduate employment outcomes indicate that 90% were working full-time, 1% were enrolled in another degree program, and 4% were starting their own businesses. The reported average graduate salary was $72,778, with a highest reported salary of $125,000. These are School of Business graduate outcomes, not MBA-specific figures, and individual results may vary.

The university also highlights recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review, including recognition as a top business school and among the best online MBA programs. Clark's business alumni have pursued careers with organizations such as Apple, PwC, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting the range of professional pathways available to graduates.