Formulate and execute strategy to achieve goals through visionary and inspiring leadership.
In the MBA Program, you can expect to:
- Engage, involve, motivate, and lead others to reach their fullest potential
- Employ data analytics as a decision augmentation tool in every course to ensure desired results are obtained
- Master the ability to lead, plan, and execute strategy through real, lived scenarios
MBA for Professionals Video Introduction
Take a project-based approach to advance your leadership abilities through graduate study and customize your experience through courses with workplace application.
This 3-minute video introduces you to the MBA for Professionals.
Advance Your Leadership and Business Career Goals
Learn to lead from every aspect of an organization with a real-world MBA experience. The program is designed to give you the abilities – and the experience – of making executive-level decisions in real-time under today’s market conditions. In this program, you are not just taking courses or reviewing case studies; you’re honing your abilities to solve real-world problems within the context of your organization.
Other Program Highlights
- Data analytics as a decision augmentation framework is embedded in every course
- Real-world projects incorporate strategic decision-making, planning and execution
- Appropriate for professionals from all backgrounds and industries
- 15 hours per week on average time commitment
- 2 years on average to complete - go at the speed that fits your life
MBA Curriculum and Online Courses
Deepen capacity as a leader by planning and executing strategy to achieve organizational goals. Build frameworks for decision making that enhance the value creation process. Demonstrate full commitment to ethical decisions and outcomes while deploying mentorship as a tool to lead and inspire others. In preparation for the third project in this course, attend a two-day intensive Rensselaer Leadership Experience (RLE). Start with an individualized leadership assessment. Participate in choreographed individual and group scenarios. Complete a benchmark analysis of effective leadership types and explore how leaders make things happen at work.
View the BUSN 6300: Leaders and Strategy Course Preview Sheet
Analyze markets and client needs using quantitative and qualitative frameworks. Develop market strategies for an organization that communicate value using effective messaging and channels. Formulate an approach that anticipates the future state of end user needs. Build budget and sales forecasts that accurately reflect market conditions.
View the BUSN 6305: Leaders in Dynamic Markets Course Preview Sheet
Evaluate financial reports and metrics to draw recommendations for improvement using intertemporal and cross-competition analysis. Practice optimization and simulation techniques to model the impact recommended changes can make on an organization’s performance. Develop budgets for new products and ventures while evaluating capital sourcing options and costs.
View the BUSN 6310: Leaders Making Financial Decisions Course Preview Sheet
Set, evaluate, and improve achievement of key performance indicators. Use benchmarking and analytic techniques to determine how performance can be optimized. Evaluate and transform operational paradigms to improve performance, planning, and execution to ensure the organization performs on time, on budget, and on scope.
View the BUSN 6315: Leaders Planning and Executing Course Preview Sheet
Influence hierarchies and cultures in an organization by coaching and mentoring others. Create employee evaluation frameworks and develop programs to improve an organization’s performance. Lead strategic plans and policies that value the human element as the catalyst to attain an organization’s desired goals.
View the BUSN 6320: Leaders Leading People Course Preview Sheet
Forge a plan that optimizes people, platforms, and products for a new venture or opportunity in a specific market. The final version includes strategies for budget, operations, and marketing. Prepare and present the plan to a panel of evaluators for viability and fundability.
View the BUSN 6325: Leaders Charting the Course Course Preview Sheet
MBA for Professionals Degree Structure
| Courses | Credits | |
| BUSN 6300 | Leaders and Strategy | 6 |
| BUSN 6305 | Leaders in Dynamic Markets | 6 |
| BUSN 6310 | Leaders Making Financial Decisions | 6 |
| BUSN 6315 | Leaders Planning and Executing | 6 |
| BUSN 6320 | Leaders Leading People | 6 |
| BUSN 6325 | Leaders Charting the Course | 6 |
| Six fundamental courses (6 credit hours each) | 36 | |
Rensselaer Leadership Experience (RLE)
During the first semester of the program, students are required to attend a 2-day Leadership Seminar which is held in the sixth or seventh week of the first course. RLEs are scheduled to be held at convenient major cities. RLEs are scheduled to be held on Fridays/Saturdays, allowing for optimal personal arrangements around work and other commitments. Participants pay for their own travel/hotel accommodations for the RLE. The recommended plan is to arrive Thursday and depart on Sunday. All participants are provided with travel information and schedules 30-45 days in advance of the RLE.
View a two-minute highlight video of a recent RLE
View a 30-minute Q&A with Dr. Aric Krause around the MBA for Professionals experience.
MBA Program FAQs
Most MBA programs take one to two years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. Programs that are designed for working professionals like RPI’s are often structured to be completed in about 2 years, with flexible pacing that allows students to balance coursework with full-time employment.
An MBA program typically covers core business and leadership competencies, including strategy, finance, data analytics, marketing, operations, and organizational leadership. Many programs emphasize practical, real-world application through projects and case studies, helping students build the skills needed to lead teams, make data-informed decisions, and drive organizational success.
Choosing the right MBA program depends on your career goals, schedule, and learning preferences. Prospective students should consider program format (online vs. in-person), curriculum focus, time commitment, and flexibility. For working professionals, programs that offer online delivery and structured pacing can make it easier to advance academically without stepping away from a career.
While traditional MBA programs are often full-time and campus-based, an MBA for working professionals is designed for students who want to continue working while earning their degree. Our program offers digital-only coursework, flexible scheduling, and a two-year structure, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn in real-world professional settings.
An MBA can prepare graduates for a wide range of business careers across industries, including management, consulting, finance, operations, marketing, and leadership roles. Many professionals use an MBA to advance into supervisory or executive positions, pivot into new fields, or strengthen their strategic and analytical skill sets for long-term career growth.
Student Testimonial
Making the time for this investment in yourself is so key. I love how the MBA for Professionals program is virtual now – the flexibility allows you to manage your personal and professional life. It is just a matter of making a commitment to it all.
Faculty Spotlight: Rebecca Bompiedi
"The MBA for Professionals program is a real opportunity for professionals to acquire new skills, take risks with what they learn, and become prepared to make the most challenging leadership decisions to come."
Learn More About Rebecca BompiediAdmission Requirements
Applications to the MBA for Professionals program are reviewed on a holistic basis, considering previous academics, work experience, program alignment, and references. At least three years of professional experience are required. To view required documents, please visit the apply page here. To review details of your professional background with the team, consider scheduling time to connect with an expert.