Overview
Focus on the Human Aspects of Leadership and Management
The fully online Master of Science in Management and Organization, also known as a Master’s in Management or MIM, is a degree program that prepares you for leadership roles in both public and private sector organizations. The program teaches students how to effectively motivate people, develop organizational strategies, and navigate change at all levels of management.
Tailored to working professionals, the 100% online format allows you to earn an AACSB-accredited master’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver Business School — on your own schedule from anywhere you have an internet connection. Courses are offered in eight-week formats, allowing you to graduate in as few as 24 months. Once you’ve enrolled in our program, you'll have the opportunity to choose one of our three specializations: Business Strategy and Innovation, Leadership and Change Management, or Managing for Sustainability. You can also customize the degree to fit your career goals by taking the general track.
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start terms: fall, spring, summer
- 8-week courses designed to keep you engaged
- 30 total credit hours
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- GMAT waivers available to those who qualify
See Admissions Requirements
below for more information.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Master of Science in Management and Organization
Offered By:
Tuition:
Cost Per Credit:
$720
Cost Per Credit:
$839
Credit Hours:
30
Online Master’s in Management Program Details
The online MS in Management is designed to be a highly flexible degree that prepares ambitious professionals for executive, leadership, and managerial roles in any number of different industries. Whether you’re an established leader looking to take your career to new heights or a newcomer to management, the online Master’s in Management curriculum can be customized to align with your career aspirations.
The program is made for people who want to make an impact in their workplace. It’s designed for the Senior Recruiter who wants to build a more diverse employee population. It’s for the Operations Manager who wants to slash their company’s carbon footprint. It teaches students how to merge data-driven decision making with the social and emotional intelligence required to be an effective leader.
Upon finishing the program, you will be able to:
- Collaborate effectively, leverage teamwork, and demonstrate leadership skills within diverse business teams and different business settings.
- Develop human resources and make managerial decisions that support employee development and organizational success.
- Evaluate external and internal environmental characteristics and their impact on organizational design and management decisions.
- Analyze how management decisions and organizational design align with an organization’s goals and strategy.
- Analyze how to lead in various organizational contexts to meet organizational and stakeholder goals, including organizational change.
- Analyze ethical dilemmas within their legal and social contexts and make decisions in the best interest of employees, the organization, and other key stakeholders.
- Apply effective professional communication skills to business situations.
How is a Master’s in Management different from an MBA?
While an MBA generally focuses on a wide variety of business functions like finance, accounting, operations, and marketing, the MS in Management is geared towards leading people and teams. Whatever path you choose, you’ll receive a quality education from the University of Colorado and be well-positioned for future leadership roles.
MS in Management
As an MS in Management student, you’ll learn about the social, strategic, and organizational aspects of leadership. Core classes focus on the fundamental skills every manager needs: leading individuals, leading teams, designing effective organizations, and acquiring competitive advantages.
If you decide to pursue a specialization, you’ll be able to develop your expertise in specific management topics like sustainability, change management, or strategy and innovation. These elective courses give you the opportunity to carve out a niche for yourself in the professional world by teaching you specific managerial skills.
MS in Management consists of 30 credit hours of coursework compared to 45 credit hours for an MBA. Many students are able to complete the MS in Management more quickly and at less cost compared to an MBA.
Examples of course topics you’ll study as an MS in Management student include:
- Change management
- Organizational strategy
- Negotiation techniques
- Business ethics
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
CU Denver also offers a fully online MBA that focuses on building a traditional business foundation. In an MBA program, you’ll study key business topics like economics, finance, marketing, and operations — all of which will help you run a more efficient, productive business.
The MBA program offers a specialization in Management, which covers topics that are similar to what one might learn in the MS in Management program, but also covers essential business functions outside of management. With an MBA in Management, you’ll gain a broader background in business systems as well as management, whereas with a MS in Management you’ll focus specifically on personnel management and organizational leadership. Overall an MBA is designed to prepare you with a broad skill set focused on advanced business principles.
Examples of course topics you’ll study as an MBA student include:
- Applied economics
- Strategic management
- Accounting
- Information systems
- Marketing dynamics
AACSB Accreditation
The CU Denver Business School is accredited by AACSB International, a global nonprofit association that is committed to providing excellence in education for future business leaders. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, with less than five percent of the world’s business programs obtaining AACSB accreditation. As an AACSB accredited degree, the Master’s in Marketing program must meet rigorous academic standards and commit to providing high-quality education through strategic curriculum design and dynamic thought leadership.
The reason that I ultimately chose to study at CU Denver was threefold; flexibility, customizability of the curriculum, and the Business School’s focus on sustainability and ethical business. I knew I wanted a program that allowed me to continue working full time and spend time with my wife and daughter without compromising on the quality of my education.
– Alex W. | MS in Management, Class of 2020
Specializations
There are three specializations within the MIM degree and students can graduate with up to two specializations, if desired. Students are not required to choose a specialization and can instead elect to pursue a general track.
Specializations require 9 hours of related coursework each. No matter which path you choose, the total number of credit hours required for graduation is 30. No additional coursework/time is required in order to graduate with a specialization.
Business Strategy and Innovation
This specialization hones a leader’s ability to think critically about the structures of organizations and industries. Students will learn to analyze competition, create business models, and become better negotiators while driving a culture of innovation in their workplace.
Course topics include:
- Strategic Management
- Business Strategy
- Sustainable Change Leadership
- Bargaining and Negotiation
- Business Model Development and Planning
Leadership and Change Management
Strong leaders know how to motivate their teams through times of change and, ideally, ensure those changes benefit their organization. Learn the art of overseeing successful organizational change and become a champion for progress in your area of expertise.
Course topics include:
- Visionary Leadership
- Leadership Development
- Bargaining and Negotiation
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Business Strategy
- Sustainable Change Leadership
Managing for Sustainability
Leaders in both the public and private sectors are expected to embrace social and environmental responsibility as essential to their operations. In the Managing for Sustainability specialization, you’ll focus on ethical business practices, learn about the science behind climate change, and find new ways to implement sustainability-minded policies wherever your career takes you.
Course topics include:
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Marketing and Sustainability
- Supply Chain Management
- Global Climate Change
General Track
One of the MS in Management program’s greatest benefits is that it can be customized to meet your own specific career goals. Aside from four core management classes, students are welcome to customize their curriculum. They can explore all three of the specializations above or pursue a self-directed degree that incorporates six elective courses of their choosing.
Probably the most powerful impact of completing the MS was the feeling of confidence that it gave me to be able to put myself forward for roles that I would not have felt I was prepared for prior to graduation.
– Christine D. | MS in Management and Organization | Graduate
Master's in Management Curriculum Overview
The core classes in the MS in Management curriculum are designed to impart students with the foundational knowledge every leader needs to motivate their team, navigate change, and build stronger organizations. From there, students are invited to choose up to two specializations or pursue a General Track curriculum that aligns with their own professional interests.
Core Courses (12 hours)
Begin your degree by building a strong foundation of leadership and organizational structure and change.
- Leading Individuals and Teams (BUSN 6520)
- Leading Organizational Change (MGMT 6320)
- Designing Effective Organizations (MGMT 6360)
- Managing People for Competitive Advantage (MGMT 6380)
Specializations and Management Electives (18 hours)
Business Strategy and Innovation
Select 3 of the following:
- Business Strategy Lab (MGMT 6610), or Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good (MGMT 6825)
- Strategic Management (MGMT 6620)
- Negotiation and Conflict Management (MGMT 6804)
- Business Model Development & Planning (ENTP 6020), or New Venture Operations and Project Management (ENTP 6620)
- Introduction to International Business (INTB 6000)
Leadership and Change Management
Select 3 of the following:
- Visionary Leadership (MGMT 6803)
- Negotiation and Conflict Management (MGMT 6804)
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (MGMT 6822)
- Business Strategy Lab (MGMT 6610), or Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good (MGMT 6825)
Managing for Sustainability
Select 3 of the following:
- Managing for Sustainability (MGMT 6821)
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (MGMT 6822)
- Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good (MGMT 6825)
- Business for a Better World (MGMT 6826)
- Global Climate Change (MGMT 6827)
General Track & Electives
Support your MIM degree with other business and management courses relevant to your success. If you do not choose a specialization, you will complete 18 hours of electives.
Career Outlook
Pursuing an online master’s in management can set you up for leadership roles in virtually any industry. Our program is designed for the serious professional looking to thrive at the executive or managerial level. Throughout your educational journey and professional career, you’ll have access to the CU Denver Business School’s world-class alumni network and career services team.
Recruiting and Career Coaching
You'll have full access to our Business Career Connections team for life. With over 10 years of recruiting and advising experience, they'll help you navigate your way through the corporate recruiting process. Our connections to over 300 business partners provide exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders. Their services include:
- Career Workshops – Perfect your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search process
- Individual Appointments – Explore what your personal career path looks like, review your resume, or schedule a mock interview
- Career Events – Hone your networking skills and meet hiring managers from top companies
- Job Announcements – Monthly emails with the latest job and internship opportunities specific to your degree
Possible Career Paths
Professionals with a Master's Degree in Management and Organization will be prepared for many leadership and management roles across the spectrum of business and industry. Where you choose to focus is up to you but here are some example of different career paths.
- Training and Development Manager – Training and Development Managers are responsible for bringing out the best in people. They generally work on Human Resources teams and oversee employee training, performance management, and employee recognition. They create broad strategies to foster a culture of learning at an organizational level and also work with individuals to develop marketable skills.
- Human Resources Manager – Human Resources Managers are in charge of driving personnel decisions for companies and organizations of every shape and size. They recruit and interview professionals, resolve employee conflicts, administer performance review cycles, coordinate benefits, and much more. The people-centric approach of the MS in Management program makes it a perfect segue for leadership roles for rising HR professionals.
- Public Relations and Fundraising Manager – Public Relations and Fundraising Managers act as the public face and promoter-in-chief for non-profit organizations. Some of their responsibilities include hosting press conferences, charitable events, and donation drives to raise funds for a specific cause. They also manage an organization's relationship with key donors and ensure that the press stays abreast of the organization’s positive impact on their community.
- Administrative Services and Facilities Manager – Administrative Services and Facilities Managers ensure that businesses, and the campuses on which they do business, are operating smoothly. They oversee official records and clerical personnel and typically help make sure an organization has the supplies and inventory it needs to do business. Facilities-heavy managerial roles involve managing building maintenance, landscape teams, and an organization’s transition towards more environmentally-sustainable operations.
- Medical and Health Services Manager – Medical and Health Services Managers make sure hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare groups are serving patients and employees to the best of their abilities. Some Medical and Health Services Managers work in a clinical setting while others take on administrative roles. They work with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and the government to deliver high-quality medical care to their communities. Whatever your goals and passions may be, an MS in Management and Organization can help you stand out in virtually any job market.
Tuition and Fees
At CU Denver, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Our CU Denver Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your CU Denver degree.
- In state tuition: $720 per credit hour
- Out of state tuition: $839 per credit hour
- Estimated total tuition (in state): $21,600
- Estimated total tuition (out of state): $25,170
- One-time application fee: $50 ($75 for international students)
Fees are determined by each student’s residency status, desired coursework, and the modality in which they choose to pursue their degree. For detailed information on applicable fees, we recommend filling out the form at the top of this page or speaking with our CU Denver Enrollment Team.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a CU Denver program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
Scholarships
Once you are admitted to the University of Colorado, you’ll have access to our internal scholarship portal where you can view and apply to many funding opportunities offered by the university. Scholarship opportunities typically require an application and may have specific eligibility requirements related to a student's academic merit, financial need, community service, work experience, and more. Unlike financial aid loans, scholarships are gift aid that does not have to be repaid. As a student, you will be able to apply for scholarships every semester.
Transfer Credits
If you are applying as a transfer student, your coursework from other colleges and universities could count toward your University of Colorado degree requirements. Transferring credits to your CU Denver degree program may help you save on tuition costs and complete your degree sooner. Once you are admitted to the university, you may request a transfer credit evaluation to determine how many transfer credits are eligible to apply to your degree.
Veteran & Military Student Benefits
CU Denver is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a CU Denver student, you will have access to the Office of Veteran & Military Student Services (VMSS), which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success.
Our veteran and military students may use both veterans benefits and financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with CU Denver include:
- Waived application fee
- GI Bill benefits
- Potential to be awarded credit hours for military training and experience
- Free tutoring and academic support
Connect with the CU Denver Enrollment Team to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
Admissions
Our online MS in Management degree is designed for people from any academic background who are looking to build their career as a leader and manager, so students from all undergraduate majors are welcome to apply. As you take the first step toward earning your graduate degree, our CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to guide you through the application process. We’re here to help answer your questions about admission requirements, application deadlines, start dates, financial aid, international student support and resources, and more.
Prerequisites
In order to apply to the Master of Science in Management and Organization program, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution. No prerequisite courses are needed to join the program.
Admission Requirements
Once you’re ready to apply to the Master’s in Management program, you’ll need to submit the following application materials by the deadline:
- $50 application fee for domestic applicants; $75 fee for international applicants
- Online application
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Essay responses
- Resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation, if applicable
- GRE or GMAT test scores, if required
- English Language Proficiency scores (international applicants only)
When you’re ready to apply to the MS in Management program, our CU Denver Enrollment Team will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admission status and enrolling in CU Denver. After you submit your completed application and required materials, you will be able to check your admission status online. You’ll receive a final admission decision by email within two to three weeks of completing your application.
If you have additional questions about admission requirements for the online MS in Management program or would like help starting an application, connect with our CU Denver Enrollment Team for more details.
GMAT/GRE Optional
Applicants who meet the following criteria are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores for admission to the MS in Management program:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better from a US accredited four-year undergraduate institution -OR- the successful completion of a graduate degree program
- 5+ years of full-time professional work experience
If you received your bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of less than 3.25 or have less than 5 years of professional work experience, you will be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores. You may also be asked to clarify your relevant professional experience or provide additional information not evident in your application that may qualify you for admission.
Graduate Events
- Sign up for a one-on-one informational meetings via phone and Zoom.
- Check out upcoming virtual Business School events, including program information sessions.
Apply Now
As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible online education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why our CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.
Whether you want to talk through your degree plans, learn more about a specific program, or start your application, our CU Denver Enrollment Team will provide friendly support as you decide if CU Denver is the right fit for your future.
Ready to get started? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.