The Master of Business Administration at NC State emphasizes the management of technology. Students take an integrated core curriculum, with a focus on technology, business processes, and practical applications in a collaborative learning environment. In addition, students choose a specialized concentration and open electives to strengthen their skill set. Through simulations, case studies, and projects, students learn from real world examples and experiences. Both full and part-time students take a course in managerial effectiveness, which emphasizes communication skills, networking, negotiations, team skills, ethics, and social responsibility.
The technology focus of the program comes from three sources. First, all students take core courses related to technology, including strategy, operations, and managing people in a high-tech environment. Even courses in traditional management subjects, such as economics and marketing, have a technology slant through the choice of cases and projects used in the course. Second, in most of the concentrations, students can take courses in technical fields, such as industrial engineering and computer science. Third, most students have a strong technology background and seek careers with high-tech companies.
Management education is highly interactive. The program challenges students to become active participants in their education through interaction with faculty, peers, and the business community. Many professors formulate their courses around case discussions, which give students an opportunity to confront real business problems and practice the art of business communication. Class simulations and team projects also create realistic environments for decision making. During the first semester, students are assigned to a peer group of four to five people who will collaborate for a large portion of assignments, class projects, and outside study. The team environment exposes students to a wealth of contrasting experiences and perspectives and helps build relationships.