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. 

Our live, virtual classes are designed to mirror the energy of an in-person classroom. To maximize that experience for the entire cohort, we expect students to attend at least 70% of live (synchronous) sessions with cameras on for interactive, discussion-driven learning.

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.