MiM Programs Gain Traction in the USA

Young professionals hoping to kick-start their career with a Masters in Management degree can now pursue one in the USA, the world’s biggest economy, thanks to a slew of new MiM program launches by elite American business schools.

In the past couple of years, there’s been a significant shift in the global business education market. Traditionally renowned for their MBA programs catering to seasoned professionals, top business schools in the US are now diversifying their offerings to MiM programs. 

This move is aimed at tapping into a blossoming market of younger professionals who are eager to launch their careers with advanced business education, a trend that has long been popular in Europe.

MiM programs, pioneered by European business schools as long ago as the 19th century, have gained traction around the world. The degrees are tailored for recent graduates or those with limited work experience – typically under two years. 

Expanding horizons: American business schools embrace MiM

The Indiana University Kelley School of Business is offering a new residential MiM degree for recent college graduates who want to add management skills to their undergraduate education.

“The Master of Science in Management degree opens up opportunities for students who have pursued both business or non-business undergraduate degrees, and now, want to add management, leadership, communications and business strategy to their resume,” says Ash Soni, dean of the Kelley School. 

The Master of Science in Management is 30 credits (over 10 months) for current Kelley students, including those minoring in business, and 36 credits (over 12 months) for non-Kelley students, who are required to take a six-credit business foundations course.

Kelley is among a fresh wave of top US business schools offering these MiM degrees, marking a shift. Historically, European business schools such as HEC Paris, London Business School, and ESADE Business School have been at the forefront of MiM education, attracting a diverse cohort of students from around the world. 

These programs typically offer a comprehensive curriculum covering essential business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, coupled with practical learning experiences through internships and consulting projects.

Responding to market demands: courses for younger clientele 

Recognizing the success and popularity of MiM programs in Europe, top US business schools are now launching their own MiM programs to meet the needs of younger students aspiring to build a strong foundation in business management. 

Many recent college graduates want to jumpstart their careers by learning critical management skills but don’t yet have the necessary professional background to qualify for an MBA program. In fact, 49 percent of undergraduates believe they were unprepared for jobs after leaving college, according to a 2022 survey by Cengage, a global education technology company. 

In response, the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis, is launching a fully online Master of Management degree program this year. The MiM program is designed to be shorter and priced less than a typical MBA degree, and would expand access to graduate business education to recent college graduates as well as working professionals. 

“The Master of Management is emerging as a solid graduate management degree for those who have an undergraduate degree in a non-business field,” says Rao Unnava, dean of the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. “It is a versatile degree that fits the needs of a wide audience, from those who are finishing their undergrad degree to those who are entering the management field within their companies.” 

This part-time, 15-month online program allows students the time to continue building their professional experience while still benefiting from the interactive live online classes and self-paced coursework.

Courses will be taught by the same faculty that also teach in the UC Davis MBA program. The MiM is being launched in partnership with 2U, the company behind leading global online learning platform edX. 

Embracing change: more options for prospective students 

For many American schools, the rationale lies in filling a gap in business education. While MBA programs cater to mid-career professionals seeking to advance their careers or switch industries, MiM programs cater to a different demographic - recent graduates or those with minimal work experience who are looking to accelerate their career trajectory. 

Some of the highest ranked institutions in the USA are jumping on the bandwagon. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business recently created a new 10-month Master in Management program, with the first cohort of students set to begin their studies in the latter half of 2024. 

Nita Swinsick, associate dean for graduate program admissions at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, in Washington D.C, says that US schools are finally coming around to the appeal of the MiM degree, reflecting a demand for this credential from students and employers alike. “The MiM degree gives students a solid grounding in global business, which is appealing to students coming from a liberal arts educational background,” she says. 

Georgetown launched its Master of Science in Management back in 2019. “We saw a gap in the marketplace,” adds Swinsick. “We saw not many US business schools were offering this and helping to train students from that non-business background in particular.” 

However, competition is now intensifying as more American business schools enter the market. While Europe may have pioneered the MiM degree, the US is quickly catching up.