The Master of Science in Advanced Management (MSAM) is an innovative degree program that is designed for students who already have completed an MBA and are seeking additional study in a custom-designed advanced management degree program. It is ideal for students who wish to develop a competitive advantage in a focused area of management, such as strategy, leadership, marketing, or finance, and for senior-level executives who received their MBAs early in their careers, but desire additional education to match their changing responsibilities. 
 
In the MSAM program you will work with an advisor to design a program of study that ventures beyond theory—spirited interaction with faculty and peers is a key aspect of the educational process, with benefits for both participants and their organizations.  Students generally will take courses offered in our management program, however those with significant management or professional work experience may be eligible to participate in classes offered by our executive program. 
 
Because an MBA degree is a required prerequisite for admission to the program, there is a high level of flexibility to the degree requirements.  As a Master of Science degree, the program has a significant research component and will include at least 12 units of research methods courses that can be taken in areas that are directly relevant to your advanced management objectives.  In addition, you will complete 20 units of coursework in your chosen area of concentration.  As part of the MSAM program you will be able to participate in management seminar courses along with Ph.D. students in management.  In the event that you are interested in seeking a Ph.D. from the Drucker School, you can apply for admission to that program as you approach completion of the MSAM, and your coursework in the MSAM will count towards the unit requirement of the Ph.D.  However, keep in mind that the Drucker Ph.D. program is small by design and that few students are admitted and then only after a careful assessment of fit with the research orientations of our faculty and our assessment of the student’s potential to be successful in our Ph.D. program.
 
If you are a senior-level manager looking for personal and professional growth, stimulating interaction, and valuable insights on leadership and strategy, or if you are earlier in your career and are seeking a focused degree that can enable you to move ahead professionally or as an entrée to a Ph.D. program, you should consider this degree program.  Also, if you are an international student who already holds an MBA, and you are looking for the opportunity to study in the U.S., this program is a great opportunity to gain additional leadership and strategic skills at a school that prides itself on its innovative approach to both subjects.  The MSAM can be completed on two semesters of full-time coursework or over a longer period on a part-time/fully-employed basis. 
 
For more information about the MSAM degree, please contact Christina Wassenaar at MSAM@cgu.edu.