MBA with Applied Management Option
Build Practical Business Leadership Skills Online or In Person
The MBA with Applied Management Option at Eastern Illinois University is designed for students who want broad, practical business knowledge they can apply across industries.
This flexible MBA option helps students build skills in management, strategy, finance, marketing, operations, information systems and organizational leadership.
Students may complete the Applied Management option fully online or in person, making it a strong fit for working professionals, career changers, recent graduates and students who want a flexible path to an AACSB-accredited MBA.
Applied Management MBA at a Glance
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Why Choose the Applied Management MBA?
The Applied Management option is a strong choice for students who want an MBA with broad career flexibility.
Instead of focusing on one narrow business area, this option helps students develop practical leadership, analytical and decision-making skills that can be used in many types of organizations.
- Strategic thinking and business planning
- Leadership and team management
- Financial and data-informed decision-making
- Innovation, entrepreneurship and organizational growth
- Marketing and customer-focused strategy
- Operations and process improvement
- Information systems and technology-driven business decisions
Who Should Choose the Applied Management MBA?
✓ Working Professionals & Managers
Build advanced business and leadership skills while continuing to work or preparing for your next career move.
✓ Career Changers & Recent Graduates
Strengthen your business knowledge and prepare for roles in management, operations, finance, analytics, human resources or other business-focused areas.
✓ ENTRepreneurs & Broad Business Thinkers
Develop practical skills in strategy, decision-making, operations and organizational leadership that can support business ownership or leadership across industries.
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Program Coordinator
Dr. Candra Chahyadi
mba@eiu.edu | 217-581-6367
Curriculum Requirements
The Applied Management MBA option requires 11 courses, totaling 33 credit hours.
Some students may also need to complete one prerequisite course, depending on their academic background.
Prerequisite Course
- MBA 5002: Fundamentals of Graduate Business Study
This requirement may be waived for applicants with an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution. MBA 5002 may be taken during a student’s first semester with other MBA courses.
MBA Core Courses
Students complete six core courses that provide a foundation in key areas of business:
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
Applied Management Required Courses
Students complete three required courses focused on applied management principles and practice:
- MBA 5000: Strategic Management
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
Elective Courses
Students complete two approved elective courses. Electives allow students to customize the MBA based on their interests and career goals.
Approved electives may include courses in areas such as:
- Leadership and human resources
- Business analytics and data-driven decision-making
- Supply chain, logistics and project management
- Accounting, auditing and finance
- Information systems and cybersecurity
- International business and business law
- Special topics, independent study or study abroad
Elective courses must be approved by the MBA coordinator before the course is taken. Other business or related graduate-level courses may be considered with approval. Courses must be numbered 4750 or higher to be eligible for graduate credit.
Complete Course Listing
Tentative Applied Management Schedule
The Applied Management option can be completed fully online or in person. A tentative three-semester schedule is available for students starting in either the fall or spring semester. The schedule is provided for reference only and does not need to be followed exactly. Students should work with their academic advisor to develop an individualized plan based on start term, course availability and program requirements.
On-Campus Option
In Person Fall Semester Start
Fall Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
Spring Semester
- MBA 5000: Strategic Management
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
Summer Semester
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
- Elective Course
In Person Spring Semester Start
Spring Semester
- MBA 5000: Strategic Management
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
Summer Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- Elective Course
Fall Semester
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
Online Option
Online Fall Semester Start
Fall Semester
- MBA 5000: Strategic Management
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
Spring Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
Summer Semester
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
- Elective Course
Online Spring Semester Start
Spring Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
Summer Semester
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
Fall Semester
- MBA 5000: Strategic Management
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- Elective Course
Where EIU's Applied Management MBA Skills Can Take You
The Applied Management option helps students build flexible business skills that can support many career paths. Graduates may apply their MBA training in management, operations, finance, human resources, analytics, entrepreneurship, project management, business development or executive leadership.
Management & Leadership
Operations & Project Work
Business Growth & Strategy
Ready to Build Practical Business Leadership Skills?
Take the next step toward an AACSB-accredited MBA that can be completed online or in person.