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MPS in Management Degree

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Expand Your Potential with a STEM-Designated Graduate Degree

Where practical experience and Ivy League rigor intersect.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Management from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University combines rigorous academics with real-world learning experiences. 

Designed for students with undergraduate degrees in areas other than business, this unique master’s in management program can be tailored to meet your professional interests.

Earning Your MPS in Management: Degree Overview

If you’re a driven professional, a Master of Professional Studies could be right for you. In less than a year, you can boost your business acumen and earn a graduate management degree.

Degree Awarded

MPS in Management

Location

Ithaca, NY

Program Format

Full-time residential and STEM-designated

Program Schedule

10 months starting in August

The Cornell Difference: Immersive. Innovative. International.

Part of the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, the MPS in Management program offers unparalleled academics, faculty expertise, and support. As one of three schools in the renowned Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, our students also benefit from the broader learning community at the Johnson School.

Two people in business attire sitting in front of desktop computers.

Innovative Research and Publications

The Johnson School is home to Administrative Science Quarterly, an internationally recognized academic journal that publishes cutting-edge management research from scholars around the world. Additionally, our research centers produce original knowledge that furthers the science of management.

Woman smiling sitting at a table at a formal dinner.

International Alumni Network

As a student in the MPS in Management program, you’ll have access to alumni from across the Johnson School (and all of Cornell) through a range of events and mentoring opportunities. Once you graduate, you’ll become part of this diverse, accomplished, and highly connected network.

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Our STEM Designation: The Science and Technology of Management

No matter what role you play in your organization, technology is likely a big part of your workday, from how you interact with others to how you make important decisions. That’s why you’ll find a heavy emphasis on technology in most top master’s in management programs.

Our STEM designation means you’ll find analytics, databases, machine learning, and other technologically driven tools and practices covered throughout the MPS in Management curriculum. The benefits of this designation extend beyond high-quality academics.

International students with an F-1 visa who are enrolled in a STEM-designated program become eligible for a two-year extension, allowing them to work in the United States in an approved STEM field for up to 36 months. This extends training opportunities and increases hireability.

MBA vs. MPS: Graduate Management Degrees Explained

As you explore business management graduate degrees, you might be wondering about the difference between an MBA and MPS. Here’s a brief explanation:

Two women sitting in soft seating.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program typically requires prior academic and professional business experience.

Four people standing around a hightop table smiling and pointing at a laptop.

A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is ideal for students who earned undergraduate degrees in non-business fields.

If your undergraduate major was in a field outside of business, earning your MPS in Management will allow you to build those core business skills at the graduate level.

(If you majored in business administration, accounting, marketing, or another related field, you may wish to explore the Johnson School’s MBA options.)

Learning to Lead With Confidence

The MPS Management program provides our students with the foundational business education needed to pivot into the industry while providing a close-knit community and hands-on faculty mentorship. While you’re here, you’ll build meaningful, lasting relationships with your classmates and professors. Hear directly from our students why they chose Cornell.



Lead with Confidence: The Cornell MPS in Management

Professor Mark Nelson teaching in front of a classroom.

Our Faculty: Learn from Leading Scholars and Practitioners

As an MPS in Management student, you’ll learn from dedicated scholars and practitioners with a diverse range of academic and industry experience in asset management, edtech, decision making, behavioral research, machine learning, management communication, compensation, and other fields.

Learning and mentorship extend beyond our core MPS in Management faculty; the nature of our program encourages you to engage with subject matter experts from across the college of business, some of whom may even specialize in your area of interest.

Meet our Faculty
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Program Leadership: Meet Dr. Eric E. Lewis

Eric. E Lewis, PhD, brings a wealth of management and consulting experience to Cornell. As founding director of the MPS in Management program, he oversees day-to-day operations and works closely with program faculty and staff on student recruitment, advising, and career planning. Also a professor of practice within the college of business, Lewis teaches a variety of accounting-related courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Here’s a brief snapshot of his academic and professional career:

Educational Background

Lewis earned an MBA in accounting and a PhD in engineering systems from Union College and a BS in finance from Siena College.

Industry Expertise

Prior to academia, Lewis was managing director for a boutique consulting agency and specialized in litigation support.

Research Interests

Lewis’s professional and academic research focuses primarily on business valuation and cryptocurrencies

Professional Affiliations

A member of the American Accounting Association, Lewis has served in committee and leadership roles within the organization

Close-Knit Community: The Student Experience at the Johnson School

From Sage Socials to study sessions to student organizations, you’ll find many ways to engage with your classmates, make meaningful connections, and build lasting friendships during your 10 months at the Johnson School.

At the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management and throughout the college of business, you’ll find a strong sense of community, from the classroom to the boardroom. You’ll be surrounded by bright and ambitious peers and a compassionate, dedicated faculty and staff—and plenty of resources for academic and professional support.

Two people walking across green grass with Sage Hall in the background.

All of this learning and growing happens on one of the most beautiful and historic college campuses in the United States. Learning spaces at the Johnson School include Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building built in 1875, and the sleek and modern Breazzano Family Center for Business Education.

The vibrant college town of Ithaca, NY, has much to see and do near campus. Beyond city limits, you’ll find stunning scenery throughout the Finger Lakes Region.

Our MPS in Management Curriculum

Cornell’s MPS in Management starts with a core business curriculum. Then, you can build upon that foundation with electives and immersive experiences that match your professional interests.

The master’s in management program allows you to take classes and engage with faculty experts in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration.

MPS in Management Core

Build your business acumen and develop key technical skills through foundational classes such as:

  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Managerial Economics
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Data Modeling
  • Investments
  • Strategy

Management Electives

Broaden your skills and develop specialized expertise with a vast array of electives from across the college of business, including:

  • Global Strategy
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Innovation & Corporate Renewal
  • Principles of Real Estate
  • Valuation Principles
  • AI for Marketing Strategy

EXPLORE COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Admissions Criteria: Is the MPS in Management a Good Fit for Me?

The MPS in Management is best suited for students looking to gain core business skills or who are early in their careers and looking to advance. An undergraduate degree in business is not required, and candidates looking to pursue graduate-level business education are encouraged to apply.

Applying to the MPS: Admission Details, Dates, and Deadlines

Interested in applying to the Johnson School’s MPS in Management program? The application period opens on September 15, and you’ll have a few rounds of deadlines to consider.

The MPS in Management admissions page has more details about the process, including a deeper dive into selection criteria and a checklist of materials you’ll need to submit with your application.

  • December 1 Round One
  • January 15 Round Two
  • March 1 Round Three
  • April 15 Round Four

After round deadlines, applications will be received and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

GET MORE ADMISSION DETAILS

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Need More Details? Connect with Our Admissions Team

If you have questions about our MPS in Management program or want to explore the benefits of pursuing a master’s in business administration or a related graduate degree, our friendly and knowledgeable admissions team can help.

Request More Info

An Investment in You: Financing Your MPS in Management

Scholarships for Graduate Students

All MPS in Management applicants are automatically considered* for merit-based scholarships. These awards range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are made possible by generous Johnson School alumni and friends.
*We encourage you to apply during early rounds to ensure consideration.

Fellowships for Cornell Undergraduates

Reisch Fellowships sponsor a select number of undergraduate business students at Cornell who wish to pursue an MPS in Management at the Johnson School.

These need-based awards require a separate application.

EXPLORE FINANCING OPTIONS

MPS in Management Questions

What is an MPS in Management degree, and what can you do with it? What is the program like? We’ve gathered answers to some of our most common questions:

Next Steps: Start Your Application Today

Is a master’s in management degree from the Johnson School the right next step for your career? We encourage you to start your application today!

The first step is to register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.

Apply Now