MBA in Strategic Management

Become a strategic leader with an MBA in strategic management

Master of Business Administration - Strategic Management Concentration (39 credits)

Gain an advanced understanding of and expertise in managing strategic processes while integrating the key leadership strategies necessary for individual and corporate growth and development with Davenport's Master of Business Administration in strategic management. This MBA program focuses on strategic decision-making skills essential to corporate success in both the private and public sectors. Students will examine the analysis and implementation of strategy while integrating key leadership characteristics necessary for success as business leaders.

By earning a master’s degree in strategic management at Davenport, you'll also develop systemic and strategic problem-solving skills. These skills will amplify your résumé and help you lead more effectively in your career in business. Our online MBA program is available through our pioneering Global Campus, one of Michigan’s first online learning communities. You can also pursue your master's in business administration in-seat — full-time or part-time — on Davenport’s Michigan campuses in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Whether you choose Davenport’s online "MBA no GMAT" program or our on-campus option, you’ll learn from expert faculty who will give you the knowledge and skills you need to run your own company or excel as a strategic leader at leading companies and organizations around the world.

Move forward with an MBA in strategic management

If you’re looking to launch or advance your career in business, an MBA is a great choice. What is an MBA degree? MBA stands for “master of business administration.” This well-respected business administration degree helps you develop the skills you need to excel as a business executive, such as the ability to quickly analyze information, develop creative solutions to business problems and inspire and manage teams.

With an MBA in strategic management, students will explore the development and implementation of strategy using case analysis and interactive technologies via four interdisciplinary methodologies — global, ethical, quality and humanistic.

Explore courses for Davenport’s master’s degree in strategic management

Depending on your business background, your business administration degree starts with foundational MBA courses, such as fundamentals of accounting principles and concepts, management and marketing, foundations of financial management and statistics for business. Students will study everything from game theory to the techniques of strategic thinking. Develop the skills needed to strategically implement plans for leading companies and organizations around the world.

Students who want to take the Certified Professional Manager (CM) exams from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) should enroll in MGMT699 as part of DU’s MBA Strategic Management Concentration. In addition, students who want to sit for the Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification exam developed and conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI®) should complete GPMT699 as one of their course options in this concentration.

See Full Course List

Core Courses		18 Credits
ACCT640	Managerial Accounting Most of the information required to plan and control business operations, and the data required to create and sustain a competitive advantage, come from the accounting system and the reports that are generated. This course analyzes the management structure and process in which this information is generated, the construction and application of managerial accounting data, cost behavior and cost assignment. Students will also examine product cost within activity based costing, job order costing, and process costing. Controlling cost through the use of standard cost system and budgeting are explored. In addition, this course covers business decision-making using relevant information from activity costing, variable/fixed analysis, cost-volume-profit analysis, quality costing, and productivity analysis. Students will analyze and evaluate managerial accounting functions and decision cases in light of managing a business, making financing decisions, and generating growth and income within the	3
BUSN688	Quantitative Business Analysis This course provides the student with an understanding of quantitative analysis methods used in contemporary business to effectively determine business situations, prescribe needed data and develop decision-support data. Students apply regression and time-series analysis to develop business forecasts and develop probability assessments related to decision-making in a variety of business disciplines including marketing, finance, production, and human resources management. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): BUSN520 and STAT500	3
ECON625	Managerial Economics This course is an exploration of microeconomic theory and practices, which explain real-world behavior in a firm and society. A practical, problem-solving approach to decision-making is used to learn how economic concepts serve as the basis for many challenges and decisions that confront today’s managers. Topics to be covered include an overview of supply and demand, forecasting demand, production and cost analysis, statistical analysis of economic relationships, market structure and organization, the role of government in a market economy, pricing a firm’s output, risk analysis, and capital budgeting. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): STAT500	3
FINC620	Corporate Finance This course focuses on the application of financial theory and concepts for management decision making with emphasis on the practical aspects of finance. Students learn how to analyze a company’s financial information and practice financial planning. Students evaluate the capital investment process, the corporate restructuring process, as well as bankruptcy analysis. In addition, students explore the financial decision-making process relating to working capital management and international finance. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): FINC510	3
MGMT653	Leading Organizations This course is designed to provide new ways of thinking about leadership philosophies and strategies to influence the behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations. Students begin with an exploration of the nature of effective leadership and leadership theories. Understanding power, creating change, developing teams, and guiding group decisions are examined in the context of the roles of a leader. Students learn how to recognize leadership traits and approaches so they can develop their own leadership style. Case studies involving real-world situations that confront leaders are used so that students can formulate strategies to improve the performance of followers through effective leadership. A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): BUSN520	3
MKTG610	Marketing Strategies This course focuses on marketing strategies and tactics, which are the tools that managers use to increase sales and profits of products and services. Identifying and employing the most effective strategies are critical to the success of any firm. In this course, students explore market segmentation, product, price, distribution, promotion, international, and strategic marketing strategies and tactics. Case studies are used to provide an opportunity to conduct situation analysis, identify SWOTs (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), and recommend appropriate strategies and tactics that will attract, satisfy, and retain customers. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): BUSN520	3

Concentration Courses - Choose six of the following courses:		18 Credits
GPMT699* or MGMT735	Certified Project Manager Professional (PMP)® or Managing Projects *GPMT699 Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) Preparation** This course prepares students for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification examination developed and conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI®). This exam-prep course provides a focused review of all subject matter for the Project Management Certification. It uses questions from prior certification exams to help students become familiar with the format, content and nature of the exam. Notes: Successful completion of this preparatory course does not guarantee the passing exam. Students who completed GPMT499 are not eligible to complete this course and may not use the undergraduate course as a substitution within their graduate program. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. MGMT735 Managing Projects This course analyzes the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful project leader. Methods of planning, executing, managing, and evaluating complex projects are studied in detail. Topics include project selection, project organizational structures, project scheduling and budgeting, workflow analysis, adhering to timelines, forming teams, negotiations and communications with team members, monitoring progress, and project auditing. This course utilizes MSProject software. Access to a PC platform is strongly recommended for this portion of the course. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Additional course fee(s) apply. Prerequisite(s): ACCT640 or FINC610	3
HRMG700	Managing Human Resources This course is designed to introduce the graduate student to the whole spectrum of human resources’ responsibilities and major functions. Topics include staffing, compensation, training, organizational development, employee and labor relations, human resources information systems, and global HR management. An emphasis will be placed upon learning the specific human resources’ disciplines and how to strategically apply that knowledge to solve organization-wide issues. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MGMT699*	Certified Manager (CM) Examination Students analyze the management functions of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling and apply these functions to situations managers encounter as they achieve organizational objectives. This certification course emphasizes the application of real-world, practical management skills and techniques over theories, critical thinking and decision-making over rote knowledge. This course requires a course fee of $635.00 for the Certified Manager (CM) Bundle that includes three textbooks, three exams administered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) and access to CM on-lines services. Note: Students are responsible to determine if they meet the professional requirements to take the CM exam at the ICPM website www icpm.biz. Successful completion of this course does not guarantee the passing of the Certified Manager exam. *Students who completed MGMT399 are not eligible to complete MGMT699 and may not use the undergraduate class as a substitute for MGMT699.	3
MGMT747	Sustainable Business Strategie This course studies sustainable business frameworks including the three-part bottom line; environmental, social and economic capital as drivers of business value creation and innovation. Sustainability best practices are explored at the national and global levels along with their implementation by businesses. The role of business and government sectors in fostering sustainability is examined. Disruptive innovation associated with clean technology and serving the poor at the base of the pyramid is also studied. Natural ecosystems processes and change are explored, along with human influences on climate change, land use, and resource extraction. Sustainability is examined from the perspective of one of the biggest business opportunities for present day companies. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fe	3
MGMT757	Operations & Supply Chain Mgt This course is the study of how external influences and internal capabilities affect organizational strategies, tactics, and execution. This course covers topics surrounding supply chain management, process design, capacity planning and scheduling, inventory control, statistical process control, and quality assurance. Additionally, operations management's role in organizational performance is explored. Students will examine organizational challenges and opportunities in order to formulate strategies that sustain competitive advantage. In this course, students learn to apply the concepts by conducting a supply management simulation. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ACCT640, BUSN688, ECON625, and FINC620	3
MGMT760	Organizational Design/Develop An interdisciplinary approach to organization design and development serves as the foundation to evaluate organization performance at many levels. This class emphasizes the alignment of organizational design objectives, which focus on structure and systems to improve efficiency, with organizational development objectives to improve individual performance, group effectiveness and organizational culture. Within the context of an organization’s mission and stakeholder set, the influence of different structures and systems on organizational culture and communication are evaluated to identify the optimum design that will support long term performance and development goals. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HRMG700 or MGMT653	3
MGMT775	Leading Transformationl Change The nature of the global economy and constantly changing environments results in organizations that must be adaptable to be successful. Nothing changes until people’s behaviors change. This course will focus on the role a transformational leader plays in creating a culture of change and managing change. Transformational leaders direct change by creating a compelling shared vision and effectively communicating this vision to all stakeholders. The full range of transformational leadership behaviors and strategies to build and sustain a culture that embraces change will be explored. Case studies and real-life scenarios will be used to better understand resistance to change, change obstacles, ethical ramifications, and how a leader can anticipate and overcome these challenges. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): MGMT653 or MGMT760	3
MGMT780	Global Business Strategies This course reinforces concepts from previous courses and introduces new concepts for managing organizations in the short and long term. Students learn that managing effectively requires that leaders be aware of, adjust for, and anticipate changing internal and competitive conditions. Concepts such as global competition, strategic planning, international trading alliances, quality and ethical considerations are integrated into the coursework. Skills relating to negotiating, technology, human resources and operations management are simultaneously developed. Students strengthen their decision-making skills utilizing current financial data, economic indicators, and tracking of stock market activity and interest rates to enhance their organization’s performance. Students present their results in a final format using financial statements and management reports. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Cours	3

Capstone		3 Credits
CAPS794	Business Integration Capstone This course provides the summative and integrative experience that serves as the capstone of the MBA program. Conducted in the form of an interactive business simulation, the student applies their knowledge of business principles and practices as they analyze conditions, develop appropriate strategies and make implementation decisions. In addition, comprehensive case studies are used to apply the strategic management process to a variety of business settings. Finally, this course serves as the student’s final assessment of overall program learning. A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. A grade of B or better must be earned to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): This class must be taken as the last class in the MBA program	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

Deep dive into strategic management with our 39-credit strategic management MBA

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Why get a master’s degree in business with a strategic management concentration at Davenport?

The in-seat and online strategic management MBA program at Davenport was designed for working professionals just like you. In addition to online, on-campus or hybrid options, you can also take your MBA strategic management courses full time or part-time. Apply relevant work experience or certifications to earn credit toward your master in business administration degree, saving you time and money. And with a 96% graduate satisfaction rate, you can trust Davenport’s master's in business administration with a strategic management concentration is worth your time, energy and effort.

Experience the Davenport difference:

No GMAT required

Get started on your master’s degree in business with a concentration in strategic management on one of our Michigan campuses and through our Michigan online MBA – with no GMAT requirement.

Learn from leaders

Take MBA strategic management courses from industry-experienced leaders so you’re prepared for MBA jobs in any industry, anywhere in the world.

Hands-on MBA course

Build real business skills through hands-on MBA courses and experiences, like a real-world capstone simulation project.

Six start dates

Begin your in-seat or online MBA strategic management program whenever it’s best for you with Davenport’s six start dates.

Get started on your MBA in strategic management concentration

Take the next step toward earning your MBA in strategic management degree at Davenport.

Talk to a graduate admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

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Davenport programs related to the master’s degree in strategic management

Strategic Management Graduate Certificate

Master of Management

Master of Business Administration

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses