Master of Science in Management Studies
Master of Science in Management Studies
Why Earn a Master of Science in Management Studies at the Smith School?
Build a Strong Foundation in Business
The Master of Science in Management Studies is designed for early-career professionals who want to build business acumen, expand their career opportunities and develop the confidence to lead.
Develop the communication, leadership and strategic thinking skills employers value while learning how organizations operate and make decisions. Learn how to use AI to improve productivity and decision-making, preparing you to become a strong contributor from day one.
Learn from expert faculty, apply your knowledge through consulting and experiential learning projects, and graduate with practical experience that helps you make an impact.
Why Smith?
- Develop foundational business knowledge through a comprehensive graduate curriculum.
- Apply what you learn through experiential consulting projects with organizations.
- Learn from faculty and advisory council members with experience across multiple industries.
- Collaborate with peers through team-based projects and applied learning experiences.
Who Is the Master of Science in Management Studies For?
Recent Graduates Ready to Build Business Acumen
The Master of Science in Management Studies is designed for recent graduates, early-career professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their business acumen, expand their career opportunities and gain clarity about their next step.
Students come from diverse backgrounds and bring valuable transferable skills such as:
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
If you want to build business expertise on top of your current education or experience, this degree is designed to help you do exactly that.
What Will You Learn in the Master of Science in Management Studies program?
How to Make Informed Decisions and Lead With Confidence
Build broad business knowledge through courses in strategy, leadership, teamwork, negotiation and data-informed decision-making. The curriculum helps you understand how business functions work together so you can make more informed decisions and work with clarity across industries.
You will also learn how AI and analytics can improve business strategy, productivity and creativity while reinforcing the value of human judgment and organizational insight. Through consulting projects and electives, you will develop the adaptability and business fluency employers want.
With a Master of Science in Management Studies, you'll be able to:
- Apply business strategy to real organizational challenges.
- Build leadership skills that support team performance.
- Use AI and analytics to support better decisions.
- Communicate ideas clearly and confidently.
- Strengthen your consulting skills through hands-on projects.
- Understand organizational behavior and workplace dynamics.
- Develop marketing and brand management insight.
- Explore specialized themes such as innovation, consulting and sports management.
- Practice ethical, data-informed problem-solving.
How Is AI Integrated Throughout the Curriculum?
Supporting Stronger Business Decisions
AI is introduced through electives and through experiential learning opportunities that expose you to AI concepts and tools. These experiences help you understand how emerging technologies can support business strategy and decision-making while reinforcing the importance of human leadership, communication and critical thinking.
Apply What You Learn
You will apply classroom concepts through a hands-on consulting project that includes weekly talks from industry leaders and a real-world client project. Past partner organizations have included Google, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Major League Baseball and more, giving you direct exposure to business challenges and practical problem-solving. Smith’s MiM Advisory Council also provides mentorship and learning opportunities that can help you build connections and career momentum.
I was the first cohort to enroll in AI education. I received basic knowledge and acceptance of this technology. There was no fear and also an emphasis on using these platforms to better ourselves.
Brett Makar
MS Management Studies Graduate
Associate at Jones Lang LaSalle
Career Outcomes
Build the Skills Employers Want
More than 4 in 5 recent graduates of Smith’s Master of Science in Management Studies program secured employment within six months of graduation. Recent business master’s graduates from Smith report a median starting salary of $83K.
Source: Smith Office of Career Services, Class of 2025.
Career Paths
- Arts management
- Business intelligence and analytics
- Consulting
- Marketing management
- Project management
- Strategy and innovation
- Sports management
Career Value
- Broad business knowledge
- Data-informed decision-making
- Leadership and teamwork experience
- Strategic thinking
- Consulting experience through applied projects
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Adaptability
- Human-centered problem-solving
Learn From Faculty Shaping the Future of Management
Faculty Supporting Your Career Growth
You will learn from expert faculty who bring real-world insight, research and classroom experience to your program, helping you connect business concepts to practical decisions and leadership.
Roy Thomason is the academic director of the program.
Roy Thomason
Organizational Effectiveness Expert
Leadership
Organizational Behavior
Strategic Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is worth it if you want to build the business, leadership and critical-thinking skills that help you stand out in the job market and move toward a wider range of career opportunities.
The Smith School is known for combining rigorous business education with real-world experience. Students learn from internationally recognized faculty, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and apply their knowledge through consulting projects, employer engagement and experiential learning opportunities.
No. The Master of Science in Management Studies is designed for students and professionals from any academic background who want to build business acumen and strengthen skills.
Have More Questions?
The Smith School's Graduate Admissions Office is here to help. Whether you have questions about the curriculum, admissions requirements, application process or student experience, our team can help you determine if the Master of Science in Management Studies is the right fit for your goals.
Graduate Admissions
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
Email: smithmasters@umd.edu
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Connect With Us
Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.