Our Approach

Every day, corporations face strategic decisions. The same is true with MBA programs. Entering into the most recent strategic planning process, the Broad MBA Program used the following "Keys to Success" to guide the development of our innovative, team-based curriculum.

Team-Based Learning
To succeed in business, managers must leverage the synergistic talents, diverse business experiences and multiple opinions and viewpoints of a global workforce. Few corporate decisions are made by a single person; thus team skills are highly valued by major corporations and consulting firms. Team skills are developed in our leading-edge Team Effectiveness Research Lab, as well as by studying and learning in a team-based MBA program.

As a Broad student, you will have constant exposure to collaboration, cooperation and leadership opportunities through your participation in team-based learning. Through group work on projects and exam preparation, you will learn skills that you can use in on-the-job situations after graduation.

Cohorts
Cohorts are groups of no more than 40 MBA students who take the same schedule of classes. One cohort might take classes from 9 a.m-1 p.m.; another would have the same courses from 11 a.m -3 pm. During the second semester of the MBA, new cohorts are formed so that students learn with a new group, gaining additional perspectives.

Study teams
Study teams of four to six diverse first-year students work on case studies, class projects and presentations together. Teams lend themselves to establishing the kinds of friendships, networks and colleagues that extend throughout a professional lifetime.

Involvement of Business Executives
Real-world corporate managers work with our MBAs in applying the fundamental concepts of business to real-world situations. Through the Professional Development Seminar, Broad Career Coach Program, corporate presentations, case competitions and informal discussion opportunities, Broad MBAs learn how successful managers think, act and do business.

Integration of Business Concepts
Integration of topics within and across semesters is crucial to the success of The Broad School curriculum. Students must be able to recognize and deal effectively with the cross-functionality of business topics and issues present in every business case. Faculty meet regularly to insure this integration takes place.

Internationalization
Every business operates in a global environment, faces international competitors and must assess the impacts of developments worldwide. The Broad School integrates international topics into the classroom, recruits an internationally diverse student body, and offers to study abroad or to earn a dual degree in international management from the Thunderbird School.

Block Tuition
Block tuition gives Broad MBAs an opportunity to take additional coursework, including electives from other MSU colleges, under a one-price structure. This structure also allows The Broad School to be more competitive in our out-of-state tuition. As a result, Broad is one of Business Week's "Best Buys" for an MBA education.