Philosophically, the program assumes that excellence in managerial decision making requires an understanding of both the internal aspects of the modern business enterprise and the external environment in which it functions. To acquire this understanding, students in the program are exposed to both quantitative and non-quantitative problem solving techniques within the context of broad economic and business principles. At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to analyze problems in business situations, to communicate proposed solutions clearly in both written and oral form, and to utilize specific techniques in the areas of economics, finance, marketing, and management. The program consists of thirteen core courses and two elective courses. However, students with appropriate academic background may be permitted to waive up to five courses without replacement.
Waived courses are limited to the five foundation courses listed below.
Courses waived beyond five must be replaced with advisor approved electives. Further, no course having prerequisites may be waived unless prerequisite courses are also waived. Waivers are not granted for non-academic prior learning, and are determined solely on the basis of the student's undergraduate and graduate record. Electives require written advisor approval, except for those on the list below. Students must complete a course in statistics before completing 12.976 Quantitative Analysis.