Five Ways to Excel with a Chatham MBA

Chatham’s Masters of Business Administration is a highly flexible, highly applicable graduate program that aims to equip graduates with vital business skills, including entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, effective communication, and leadership ability. Whether you’re curious about the possibilities of a Chatham MBA or you’re already ready to apply, below we cover some of the unique opportunities presented by our MBA programs. Check them out—

1) Go at Your Own Pace

Did you know that many people earn their MBAs after having gained years of experience in their industry of choice? An MBA has the potential to add crucial business knowledge and leadership skills to an already successful career. The Chatham MBA program is specifically geared towards working professionals who are established in their field and looking to add an additional layer of expertise and acumen. If you’re someone who is already working in a field you love, an MBA from Chatham might be the key to helping you reach the next level in your career or to starting a business that inspires you.

2) Become a Leader in Your Field (Even if it Isn’t Business)

Despite having the word “business” in their title, MBAs are not solely designed for finance experts and future CFOs. Chatham MBA alumni have gone on to work at institutions including BNY Mellon, PNC, Oracle, Giant Eagle, Mylan, MAYA Design, RAND Corporation, Citizens Savings Bank, and plenty more. U.S. News & World Report has outlined some of the more non-traditional positions that MBA graduates have taken the helm at, including leadership roles in the food & beverage industry and corporate jobs emphasizing environmental sustainability.

P.S. Did you know we offer a MBA + MSUS dual degree track?

3) Choose Between Online and In-Person Learning

Fear not, remote learners and workers! Chatham offers a fully online MBA program powered by Brightspace by D2L, where you can experience interactive class activities and discussions held asynchronously. You’ll also have the ability to meet with your professors during virtual office hours. But if you prefer in-person learning in the city of Pittsburgh, our on-campus MBA program is also available to you. Both programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working adults and as a result, you have the ability to tailor your schedule towards what makes sense for you. If you’re interested in a more hybridized strategy, some of our on-campus MBA courses are offered online as well.

4) Identify the Industry-Specific Specialty that Suits You

As part of our MBA program, you are granted the option to specialize your degree with a track that best suites your learning objectives. Choose from the following tracks: Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and Accounting, or pursue a self-designed track. In addition to these specialized tracks, you’ll also gain access to The Center for Women's Entrepreneurship (CWE) at Chatham University. The CWE creates economic opportunities for people of all genders through entrepreneurial education and training, mentoring, and networking. Attending CWE events, trainings, and networking opportunities will allow you the chance to further develop your skills and learn hands-on strategies from industry experts.

5) Gain Real-Word Experience Alongside Academic Credit

If the process of becoming a student again after years as a professional sounds daunting to you, check this out—qualified MBA students can earn graduate credits through credit transfer, the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), or test out of the college-level pre-requisites through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

If you’re looking to further hone your resume while securing financial assistance, you can work as a graduate assistant while pursuing your full-time MBA studies. In addition to providing funding towards your degree, these positions offer valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development. Check out these two current graduate assistantship options:

Faculty Assistant - Business & Entrepreneurship Department

This position will focus on supporting the faculty in both research and teaching. Tasks may include data entry, data collection, data management, manuscript preparation and editing, and instructional materials building in the Brightspace environment.

Promotions Assistant

This position will work with the B&E team for Social Media management (WordPress, Facebook, LinkedIn, weekly newsletter, Moodle, Trello, bulletin boards). The job involves developing content; interviewing and following up with students, faculty, alumni, etc.; researching, formatting, editing, posting, and tracking progress; and assisting with events.

If you’re ready to learn more about these programs, we encourage you to reach out to our Office of Graduate Admission today!