Also known as the “Steel City" and the “City of Bridges", Pittsburgh is regarded for its innovations and industries in aluminum, glass, shipbuilding, petroleum, foods, appliances, computing, cars, and electronics. A number of the nation's largest banks, Fortune 500 companies, and top law firms have their global headquarters in the Pittsburgh area as well. The city also offers a number of opportunities for higher education due to the amount and diversity of its colleges and universities where they prepare students for the workforce. Students who wish to set up their own business or those who want to study business and management will find numerous educational paths to acquire skills and knowledge in business. Pursuing a MBA in Pittsburgh may be suitable for these students as these degrees allow them to develop advanced business and leadership skills. The program may be useful for business professionals who seek to upgrade their skills as well as students who wish to make their resume stand out from their peers. According to information from O*NET OnLine, demand for a number of business related occupations including chief executive officers, finance, as well as human resources managers is expected to increase in future.
MBA Programs in Pittsburgh
Students from the Pittsburgh area or who would like to move to Pittsburgh could pursue MBA degrees from a number of colleges and universities. The business schools in the city cater to the needs of students as well as professionals from all industries, and they offer multiple MBA program options: full time, part time, executive programs, evening and night classes, and online programs. These options allow students to study at a schedule that suits their individual lifestyle. In addition to helping students explore various business areas, these programs allow students to participate in internships to gain hands on experience in the field.
Full time MBA programs may be suitable for those who have no issues attending a typical on-campus class schedule, but students who have personal or professional commitments may consider enrolling in the part time or online Pittsburgh MBA programs. The executive MBA programs are also available for working professionals who have work experience and wish to acquire advanced credentials to build upon their knowledge and skills.
MBA programs develop problem solving skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and leadership qualities. Students will learn practical, applicable skills that will improve their ability to identify and implement strategic and tactical solutions.
What are the Requirements for Admissions?
To enroll in MBA programs, students typically must:
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Hold a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited institute
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Submit GRE or GMAT scores
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Provide official transcripts
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Submit letters of recommendation and an essay
Students may also have to appear for interview or have prior work experience. Other requirements for admissions may vary by type of program and school.
MBA Coursework
MBA degree programs instruct students in a range of areas allowing them to explore advanced business and management concepts and acquire an insight into the corporate world. Some of the topics of study may include:
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Financial Management
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Marketing,
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Global Strategy
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Informatics
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Human Resources
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Leadership
Students may also be able to custom-design a program to fit their particular interests, with electives in areas such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, sport management, taxation, or information systems.
Areas of Specialization
MBA students could choose a particular area in which to focus their degree. Some of the options are:
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Global Business
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Human Resources
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Accounting
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Real Estate
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Global Business
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Entrepreneurship
Can I get financial assistance?
Financial aid programs are available for MBA students who qualify. Students who cannot pay for the cost of their education on their own may explore federal, state, and private award options in order to get funding for their tuition, school supplies, and living expenses. Some of the financial assistance programs students may apply for include:
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Pell grants
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Federal loans
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Parent PLUS loans
Merit based scholarships as well as private student loans are also available for eligible students.
Career Opportunities for Pittsburgh MBA Graduates
Information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that a number of business professionals such as finance managers, management analysts, and some human resources managers hold MBA degrees. These professionals may work in:
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Management of companies and enterprises
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Professional, scientific, and technical services
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Healthcare
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Social assistance
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Manufacturing
According to O*NET OnLine, demand for human resources managers as well as finance managers in the state of Pennsylvania are likely to grow in the coming years (2012-2022). Opportunities for chief executives in the state are also expected to grow during the same timeline.