The Black School of Business MBA at Penn State Behrend has many distinct advantages:

• The power and prestige of a Penn State degree
• Faculty who engage you in learning
• A highly-interactive environment due to small class sizes
• A technologically-advanced new facility
• A diverse group of peers who challenge you to become more thoughtful

The Penn State Behrend MBA emphasizes development of the planning and problem-solving skills crucial in middle and upper management. Our course work creates a bridge between business theory and business practice by emphasizing practical application of theory to workplace challenges.

The Sam and Irene Black School of Business is accredited by AACSB International.

AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.  Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.  AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. 

Click on the AACSB logo to the left to view how you'll benefit from this important designation; one that only 15% of colleges and universities worldwide have obtained.

MBA students can be assured that accreditation ultimately makes them more globally marketable in today's competitive marketplace.  Accreditation by AACSB International places Penn State Behrend in the company of other world-class business schools like Harvard, Wharton, Stanford and Yale.

The program is directed by Dr. Al Warner, Associate Professor of Management.  For additional program details, also visit the Black School of Business section of this site, which includes student testimonials.

• 18 credits of Foundation Core course work,
• 18 credits of Advanced Required course work, and
• 12 credits of electives which allow students to pursue more in-depth study in areas of special interest. 

Part-time students can complete the 48 credit program in approximately three years and one semester. Typically, part-time students take one to two classes each semester and one class in the summer.

Full-time students, who are exempt from the Foundation Core courses, can earn the required 30 credits, or 10 courses, in approximately three semesters.  Full-time study at the graduate level is 9 credits per semester. 

Three credit courses are offered once a week for three hours; summer session classes typically meet twice a week. The majority of MBA students are fully employed professionals who are pursuing the MBA on a part-time basis.

Career Opportunities: Students prepare themselves for professional advancement by learning from faculty who have significant experience in the business world as well as academic credentials. They consult with cutting-edge businesses and travel the world to share their expertise.  The knowledge and experience brought to the classroom creates a dynamic, interactive learning environment. The program draws students from a wide range of fields, including management, banking, insurance, engineering, nursing, the sciences, and liberal arts.