Mount Mercy University has updated its Master of Business Administration program, thanks to the input of several leading employers throughout the Corridor.
Starting this August, five new tracks will be offered within the MBA program — business
administration, strategic human resource management, health care, leadership, and
supply chain management, according to a news release.
“We’re being very intentional in our paths,” said Rogan Stoops, business and leadership graduate programs director.
“There are five main industries in the Corridor — manufacturing, distribution, health care, banking and insurance, and public administration,” he said. “Those industries are driving what we’re doing.”
Each track’s curriculum was created with direct input from a steering committee of
industry leaders from various sectors. The goal, Mr. Stoops said, is to ensure students
graduate with in-demand skills, giving them a powerful edge in an evolving workforce.
“The question was this: ‘If you’re going to hire an MBA, what do you expect of them?
What do you want these people to know?’” he said. “We’re pulling specialists to
tell us exactly what they expect graduates to know by the time they hit their door.”
The tracks are also designed to help students pass standard certification tests in their specific field.
“My goal is to get people hired and promoted,” Mr. Stoops said. “And we’re going to give
employers exactly what they want.”
Comparing the classroom to a practice environment, Mr. Stoops said it’s imperative to
provide an opportunity for people of every industry, role, and working generation to
come together, share perspectives, and learn to work effectively as a team.
The MBA students in different tracks will still have the opportunity to take classes together, ensuring they can network and make valuable connections with other professionals. This was important to Mr. Stoops, who wanted to protect students’ ability to network and leverage everything they can out of the program.
“Our purpose is to deliver a graduate program that is relevant, efficient, and intentional,”
Mr. Stoops said. “Plans are in development to launch additional MBA tracks in the future.”
For more information about Mount Mercy’s Business and Leadership programs, visit
mtmercy.edu/business-leadership.
