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Master’s in Management and Organization

Discover your leadership potential and drive organizational success with CU Denver’s online management degree.

Program at a Glance

The fully online MS in Management and Organization equips you with the skills needed to lead people and organizations. This degree program focuses on developing human-centric leadership abilities while helping you implement data-driven strategies and navigate organizational change.

  • Fully online format designed for working professionals.
  • Graduate in as few as 24 months with full-time study.
  • Specialize in Business Strategy and Innovation, Leadership and Change Management, or Managing for Sustainability—or customize your program with a general track.
  • Flexible eight-week course formats to fit your schedule. 
  • Degree Level
    Master's
  • School & College
    Business School
  • Total Credit Hours
    30
  • Class Type
    100% Online
  • Time Commitment
    Full-Time or Part-Time
  • Start Term(s)
    Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview

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. 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. 

Business professionals discussing notes during operations meeting

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.

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.
  • Apply effective professional communication skills to business situations.
  • 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.

Tuition Breakdown

Credit Cost for Residents and Non-Residents
ResidentNon-Resident
$750 per credit$875* per credit

*Out-of-state students may qualify for discounted tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. 
 

Courses

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

Begin your degree by building a strong foundation of leadership and organizational structure and change. 

MS in Management Core Courses
Course NumberCourse Description
BUSN 6520Leading Individuals and Teams
MGMT 6320Leading Organizational Change
MGMT 6360Designing Effective Organizations
MGMT 6380Managing People for Competitive Advantage

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. 

    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 

    Business Strategy and Innovation Specialization Courses

    Select 3 of the following: 

    Course NumberCourse Title
    MGMT 6610
    OR
    MGMT 6825
    Business Strategy Lab
    OR
    Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good
    MGMT 6620Strategic Management
    MGMT 6804Negotiation and Conflict Management
    ENTP 6020Business Model Development & Planning
    ENTP 6020
    OR
    ENTP 6620
    Business Model Development & Planning
    OR
    New Venture Operations and Project Management
    INTB 6000Introduction to International Business

     

    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 
       

    Leadership and Change Management Specialization Courses

    Select 3 of the following: 

    Leadership and Change Management Specialization Sample Courses
    Course NumberCourse Description
    MGMT 6803Visionary Leadership
    MGMT 6804Negotiation and Conflict Management
    MGMT 6822Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
    MGMT 6610
    OR
    MGMT 6825
    Business Strategy Lab
    OR
    Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good

    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 

    Managing for Sustainability Specialization Courses

    Select 3 of the following:

    Managing for Sustainability Specialization Sample Courses
    Course NumberCourse Title
    MGMT 6821Managing for Sustainability
    MGMT 6822Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
    MGMT 6825Sustainable Change Leadership: Turning Business Into a Force for Good
    MGMT 6826Business for a Better World
    MGMT 6827Global Climate Change

    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. 

    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

What is the Projected Salary of an Individual Working in Management and Organization?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals working in management and organization earned annual median salaries of the following in 2023:  

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Management and Organization?  

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. 

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 career 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 
Professionals looking at laptop during career workshop

Our connections to over 300 business partners provide exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders in the Denver metro area and beyond.

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. 

Student in coffee shop
What You'll Need to Apply

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) 
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Guidance Every Step of the Way

Get Personalized Support for Your Application

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. 

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. 

Testimonial

  • 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 Waters
    MS in Management '20
Alex Waters

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.

    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 such as 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) 

    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

Tuition and Financial Aid

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: $750 per credit hour
  • Out of state tuition: $875 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. 

AACSB Accredited logo

This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, with less than six percent of the world’s business programs obtaining 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.  As an AACSB accredited degree, the Master’s in Management and Organization program must meet rigorous academic standards and commit to providing high-quality education through strategic curriculum design and dynamic thought leadership. 

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Take The Next Step

Ready to make a difference in the lives of families and communities? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.