OTM is an MBA specialization suited for those seeking advanced positions as consultants, analysts, product or service managers, project leaders, business developers, or operations, information technology and supply chain managers - while priming themselves for senior leadership roles. With OTM you gain critical business skills applicable to both service organizations and manufacturing firms. The OTM MBA is supported by the Erdman Center for Operations and Technology Management.

OTM is a degree that provides students with the decision-making skills and comprehensive knowledge of planning, designing, implementing, managing, evaluating, and improving the processes, resources and information systems an organization uses to create and deliver products and services.  

Some of the OTM program’s unique features, which make it different from traditional MBA programs, include

Student support

All students receive one-on-one attention from Center staff for academic counseling, career advising, and professional development, and benefit from small class sizes and faculty access.  Most students also receive financial aid – in the form of project/teaching assistantships or scholarships – during their course of study.

Curriculum flexibility 

Besides core MBA courses, OTM students have required course work in managerial accounting, decision-making models, and managing change, and can take electives in ERP, lean organizations, entrepreneurship, negotiation, logistics/supply chain management, service operations, service/product design, e-business, systems analysis and design, as well as in traditional business areas like finance, accounting, and marketing. Some elective courses can be taken outside the School of Business, e.g., in engineering, law, or science.

Industry connections

individually assigned mentors and participation in the Center’s Executive Advisory Board meetings. Internships or industry-focused independent studies, industry guest speakers, applied learning sessions, and company site visits provide additional opportunities to learn and apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.