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Online Business Curriculum
Syracuse University’s online business graduate programs feature the same curriculum content as the full-time, on-campus programs, and graduates earn the same Syracuse University diploma.
In addition, if you are interested in combining our online degrees and earning two master’s degrees for fewer credits, visit our second master’s page to learn more.
Explore Our Online Business Degrees
To learn more about courses, credit requirements, or to see sample course schedules, select your program of interest below:
Master of Business Administration
The online MBA program features a strong foundation in core business principles and allows students the flexibility to choose a specialization to focus their studies on an area relevant to their careers and personal interests.
The program consists of 54 credit hours and is designed to prepare students to:
- understand how to effectively manage organizational resources;
- communicate effectively and persuasively;
- demonstrate skills in inquiry, critically think and problem solve;
- think strategically about business issues;
- function with an entrepreneurial spirit
Core Courses (36 Credits)
- Data Analysis and Decision Making
- Global Entrepreneurial Management
- Financial Accounting
- Leadership in Organizations
- Managerial Accounting
- Managerial Finance
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Management
- Microeconomics
- Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
- Introduction to IT and E-Commerce
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Sample Elective Courses (15 Credits)
- Strategic Brand Management
- Corporate Entrepreneurship
- Derivatives
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Foundations of Entrepreneurship
- Investment Analysis
- Introduction to Python for Business
- Managing Sustainability: Purpose, Principles, and Practice
- Marketing Research
- Principles of Management Science
- Project Management
- Taxes and Business Strategy
- Lean Six Sigma
- Venture Capital
MBA Sample Course Schedule
Students should expect to take a minimum of two courses each 12-week term to complete the online MBA program in as little as two years. However, to allow for maximum flexibility, students can work with their academic advisor if a more flexible plan of study is needed. Students must complete 12 core courses, five electives and attend three residencies (one credit each) during the course of their program.
For a more complete look at the MBA curriculum, explore our sample MBA course schedule of a possible course arrangement that would take a student 24 months to complete.
M.S. in Professional Accounting
The accounting program equips graduates with the tools to lead accounting, audit and tax processes at a range of functional career levels. Students with an academic foundation in accounting can complete the 30-credit online master’s in accounting program in 12 to 15 months.
Students who have not completed accounting coursework will be placed into an individualized program of study that can be completed in 24 months or less. Students graduate with the educational requirements needed to take the CPA exam in New York and many other states.
Accelerated Accounting Schedule – 12 Months
Designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting, the program of study foregoes foundational accounting and business courses and focuses on helping students develop the specialized skills to succeed as professional accountants. The accelerated course of study allows students to complete the program in as little as 12 months by taking two terms of three courses and two terms of two courses.
Professional Accounting Schedule – 15 Months
Students who are continuing to work full time while completing the program are encouraged to take two courses per 12-week term as a part-time student, allowing them to complete the program in as little as 15 months.
Foundational Accounting Schedule – 24 Months
Students who have little or no academic experience in accounting will work with an academic advisor after being admitted to the program in order to identify the appropriate coursework needed to successfully complete the online MSA degree. It is common for an additional two to six courses to be required to build this foundation of accounting knowledge. The program can typically be completed in 24 months or less. Students with an undergraduate degree in business will often take fewer additional courses than a student without a business foundation.
Foundational Accounting Courses
Core Courses
Selectives
Electives
- Any business electives such as Foundations of Entrepreneurship, Marketing Analytics, Financial Analytics, and Lean Six Sigma. Selectives can also be taken as elective courses.
Professional Accounting Sample Schedules
For a complete look at the MSA curriculum, explore sample schedules for the three plans of study. While these schedules are only examples of a possible course arrangement, it should serve as a useful guide as you explore the online program. Your individual plan may vary based on course availability in the term that you start your program.
M.S. in Business Analytics
The business analytics program equips graduates with informed decision-making skills and the ability to use analytic tools to drive positive outcomes for businesses.
The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Students have the opportunity to choose electives based on their unique professional goals and academic pursuits. The program culminates in a comprehensive exam during the student’s final term.
Core Courses (6 credits)
Core Application Courses (6 credits)
Analytics Depth Core (6 credits)
Students may take two additional application courses or technical elective courses, such as Introduction to Data Science, Big Data Analytics, Data Analytics, Information Visualization and others.
Electives (18 credits)
Technical Electives
Sample Business Electives
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Finance
- Taxes and Business Strategy
- Project Management
- Managing Sustainability: Purpose, Principles, and Practice
- Marketing Research
- Strategic Brand Management
- Marketing Management
- Derivatives
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Management
- Investment Analysis
- Introduction to Python for Business
- Lean Six Sigma
Business Analytics Sample Schedule
Students typically complete two courses per 12-week term while maintaining full-time employment. For a complete look at the Business Analytics curriculum, explore our sample schedule of a possible course arrangement that would take a student 18 months to complete.
M.S. in Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurship program prepares students with the critical skills to start or grow a business. The 30-credit program, which includes some strategically selected courses from Whitman’s online MBA program, is composed of 10 courses that provide the knowledge that entrepreneurs need to turn their innovative ideas into business success.
The electives allow students to customize their program to their own entrepreneurial goals, which may include launching a new venture, running a family business, innovating within the corporate environment or engaging in social entrepreneurship.
Business Foundation Courses (15 credits)
Entrepreneurship Core (12 credits)
Capstone (3 credits)
Entrepreneurship Sample Schedule
Students typically complete two courses per 12-week term while maintaining full-time employment. For a complete look at the Entrepreneurship curriculum, explore our sample schedule of a possible course arrangement that would take a student 15 months to complete.
M.S. in Supply Chain Management
The supply chain management program prepares graduates to use supply chain design and analysis expertise to make meaningful distribution and manufacturing decisions for their organization.
The curriculum consists of 30 credits and is designed to teach students how to structure problems and perform logical analysis for the supply chain field. Students will complete management and supply chain core coursework, selectives, and a capstone course in Lean Six Sigma.
Supply Chain Core Courses (15 Credits)
Selectives (12 Credits)
Capstone (3 credits)
Supply Chain Sample Schedule
Students typically complete two courses per 12-week term while maintaining full-time employment. For a complete look at the Supply Chain curriculum, explore our sample schedule of a possible course arrangement that would take a student 15 months to complete.