Curriculum
Foundational Core
With its focus on Strategic Leadership, the curriculum of the Penn State Smeal EMBA concentrates on three fundamental areas:
Principled Leadership
Develop and communicate a sound strategic vision, lead with integrity, and establish partnerships and alliances to guide teams and entire organizations. Courses include:
- Team Processes and Performance
- Managing People
- Ethical Leadership
- Leadership Communications
- Strategic Leadership
Strategic Analysis
Evaluate and deploy effective strategic approaches for specific functions of the business and the overall organization. Courses include:
- Supply Chain & Operations Management
- Marketing Management
- Business Strategy
Financial Management
Harness financial resources to fund operations and increase corporate value. Courses include:
- Financial Accounting
- Economics for Managers
- Risk and Decisions
- Financial Management
- Management Accounting
Concentration in Executive Leadership & Strategy
As the program continues, faculty from our Department of Management and Organization, which ranks among the top five worldwide for research excellence, will help you further develop the business skills critical to the success of a senior leader. Core courses include strategy implementation and change management.
Elective Experiences
Following the required 17-month program, you may choose to extend your Smeal EMBA experience by participating in one or both electives. Both options take place in the spring of the second year.
Entrepreneurship Elective
Learn the critical skills necessary to start a business, or a new business division, from the ground up with the entrepreneurship elective. Work with your team to put your idea together in real time and get personalized advice from your classroom colleagues and faculty as well.
Global Immersion Elective
Sharpen your international focus and gain a unique perspective on a range of critical business topics. This option includes a weeklong immersion at an overseas destination.