Curriculum

The Part-Time Hybrid MBA program at Penn State Smeal, comprising 35 credits, provides an immersive virtual classroom learning experience with on-campus residency components at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. This part-time, 2-year program starts in the fall and consists of five consecutive semesters, with each semester building on the previous one, creating a laddered educational approach. This structure promotes student success, regardless of their background or experience.

The 35-credit Part-Time Hybrid MBA offers an immersive virtual classroom experience, complemented by on-campus residencies at the start of the fall and spring semesters. This part-time, 2-year program begins in the fall and spans five consecutive semesters, with each semester building on the previous one, creating a laddered educational approach. This structure promotes student success, regardless of their background or experience.

Required Courses

  • BA 512: Quantitative Analysis for Managerial Decision Making
  • BA 533: Economics for Managers
  • BA 571: Strategic Management
  • BA 800: Marketing Management
  • BA 801: Management
  • BA 802: Team Process and Performance
  • BA 804: Ethical Leadership
  • BA 805: Negotiation Theory and Skills
  • BA 810: Supply Chain and Operations Management
  • BA 811: Financial Accounting
  • BA 815: Business Statistics for Contemporary Decision Making
  • BA 817: Communication Skills for Management
  • BA 821: Foundation in Managerial Accounting
  • BA 830: Emerging Technology Trends in Business
  • BA 831: Foundations in Finance
  • BA 832: Global Business Environment
  • BA 880: Leadership Immersion
  • BA 835: Global Perspectives
  • BA 836: Global Immersion*


*Global Immersion, a one-week experience abroad, is a one-credit course offered in the spring of year 2.

Class Schedule

Each Hybrid MBA semester begins with an in-person residency at Penn State's University Park campus. Following the residency, classes are delivered in a live remote fashion, typically on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, allowing you to balance work, life, and your education.

Note: dates are subject to change. 

2025-2026 Academic Calendar - Year 1
Courses Start Date End Date
Fall 2025 in-person residency Aug. 18 Aug. 20
Module 1 courses Aug. 18 Oct. 15
Module 2 courses Oct. 16 Dec. 19
Spring 2026 in-person residency Jan. 9 Jan. 11
Module 3 courses Jan. 9 March 25
Module 4 courses March 26 May 8
Summer courses May 28 Aug. 8

2026-2027 Academic Calendar - Year 2
Courses Start Date End Date
Fall 2026 in-person residency Aug. 17 Aug. 19
Module 5 courses Aug. 17 Sept. 30
Module 6 courses Oct. 1 Dec. 18
Spring 2027 in-person residency Jan. 8 Jan. 10
Module 7 courses Jan. 8 March 19
Module 8 courses March 20 May 7

For a detailed schedule for the Class of 2027, please contact the program's interim managing director, Stacey Dorang Peeler.

In-Person Residency

Students are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and associated costs. To explore accommodations, visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau website.