Online MBA Programs in Product Management
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Product management is the process of managing, planning, developing, and launching a product or service. This can encompass physical goods such as a new kind of hot sauce or a better mousetrap. It can also be a virtual or in-person service such as a new online software platform or a home grocery delivery service.
Companies and founders will hire product managers to help manage the complicated and often lengthy process of getting products to market efficiently. While most MBA programs offer some classes in product management, it is possible to complete an MBA with a concentration in product management. Many of these specialized MBAs will focus on footwear and apparel or software.
Completing an MBA in product management can give candidates a leg up when applying for product management roles. They have studied this field and often completed extensive projects as part of their program and have robust portfolios to showcase their expertise.
Instead of a product management-specific MBA, aspiring product managers can complete an MBA in marketing with supplemental classes in this field. Internships and capstone projects, specifically in product management, can help round out a graduate’s resume to make them competitive job applicants.
Below are some online MBA programs in product management and marketing that can be a great fit for someone looking to pursue this career. The online nature of these degrees will allow students the flexibility to complete their studies without having to relocate. Many of these programs can also be completed while employed full-time.
Featured Online MBA Programs in Product Management
Regent University’s School of Business and Leadership online MBA in product management students will learn to develop and grow new products. Students will learn to think strategically about products from a customer’s perspective to be relevant in a global marketplace and help companies achieve financial success. This degree is taught from a Christian worldview and has a base MBA curriculum with targeted product management courses.
As part of this program, students will gain skills that include prototyping, understanding consumer behavior, planning campaigns, marketing, and raising capital. At the end of this program, students will participate in the Shark Tank-style presentation where they will bring their new product, service, or idea to a panel of judges. Product design-specific courses that all students must take include prototyping methods, new product development, and design strategy.
| Location: Virginia Beach, VA |
| Duration: 27 months |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
| Tuition: $695 per credit |
At Lasell University Longe School of Business, students can earn an MBA with a concentration in product management for Footwear and apparel. This online degree has a highly interactive format that will help connect students to the fashion industry while acquiring the skills necessary to excel in this field.
The capstone project at the end of the program will help students gain professional experience through an internship with an apparel or footwear partner. Many of the assignments in this program are project-based, allowing students to develop a portfolio while still completing their studies.
In total, students must complete 42 credits to learn this degree. There are ten core MBA courses, and an additional three courses are footwear- and apparel-specific classes. To be considered for admission to this program, students must already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis with September, October, January, March, May, and July start dates.
| Location: Newton, MA |
| Duration: 12 to 24 months |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
| Tuition: $649 per credit |
While the University of North Alabama College of Business and Technology does not have a product management-specific concentration, they offer students the ability to choose their own path for their online MBA program. Students can choose any three elective classes in Leo of a concentration to create their own MBA degree. They must complete the 25-credit MBA core classes in addition to these electives.
To be considered for admission to this program, students must submit an online application and provide their official transcripts from their undergraduate degrees. Currently, GMAT scores are waived for all students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher, or three years of professional or entrepreneurial work experience.
| Location: Florence, AL |
| Duration: 12 to 18 months |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| Tuition: $525 per credit |
Innovation is at the center of the online MBA at the University of California Davis Graduate School of Management. This program has nine concentrations, including one in product management. All students must complete core courses and financial accounting, group dynamics, organizational strategy, data analysis, and marketing management.
Two in-person residencies are included in this program to help online students experience some of the same benefits that on-campus students may have. These residencies are held at technology hubs in Silicon Valley and beyond.
This is a competitive program that has high admission standards. This program is looking for motivated professionals who are looking for a challenge. Requirements to be considered for admission include either GRE or GMAT test scores, official transcripts, at least 2 years of professional work experience, two letters of recommendation, and three essays.
| Location: Davis, CA |
| Duration: 24 months |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| Tuition: $1,465 per credit |
While the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School online MBA doesn’t offer a specific product management concentration, they offer one in marketing that can help prepare students for a career in this field.
As part of this concentration, students will learn to identify consumer purchasing patterns and behavioral trends. With this information, they can develop new technologies and tools to reach potential customers. They will also learn how to analyze data to develop comprehensive marketing strategies.
Required Classes that will help prepare graduates for a career in product management include brand management, market research, product marketing, and sales. As with many MBA programs, admission to this one is highly competitive. To be considered for admission, students must provide official GMAT or GRE test scores, two essays, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an up-to-date resume. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE academic exam.
| Location: Chapel Hill, NC |
| Duration: 18 to 36 months |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| Tuition: $133,691.58 for the entire program |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Is a private research university with an online MBA program. As part of this degree, students can choose to complete a Specialty Series on several topics, including one in brand, products, and consumers. Classes in this Specialty Series include brand and product management, digital marketing, and consumer behavior and analytics. There are over 50 elective classes students can choose from to further specialize in this field.
The project-based curriculum model in this program prepares graduates for real-world work by mimicking what they may expect from future employers. The capstone project that must be completed at the end of this program will provide students with strong portfolio work they can use when applying for jobs.
| Location: Worcester, MA |
| Duration: Two years |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| Tuition: $1,250 per credit |
Admissions Requirements – Online MBA Programs
Several factors come into play when looking at admission requirements for online MBA programs. The program’s competitiveness and the number and quality of applications influence what schools may require from applicants. While admission requirements will vary from school to school, they typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited Institution
- GMAT or GRE test score. Although, increasingly this requirement is waived by many schools
- Professional work experience
- Personal statement and go
- A current resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Prerequisite coursework in some cases
MBA Program & Business School Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary step that Business Schools can undergo to assure students and employers that the program has met a high quality in facilities, faculty, student outcomes, and curriculum. Becoming accredited is an involved and lengthy process that includes interviewing faculty, analyzing outcomes, and often an in-depth campus visit. Schools must recertify their accreditation on a schedule and continue to demonstrate they meet the strict standards.
Business school accreditation is done by two major accrediting bodies. The first is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The second is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). While both accrediting bodies assure students that the program is quality, AACSB-accredited universities are generally more desirable.
Professors to Know in Product Management
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Soussan Djamasbi, PhD Worcester Polytechnic Institute Business School
Dr. Soussan Djamasbi teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in her role as a professor at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Business School.
Her research work is centered around two areas: decision science and user experience. She uses subjective measures to determine how people use technology and to gain insight as to how to be more effective and successful in product design and marketing. She completed her PhD at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and her master's of science at the University of New Mexico. -
William Putsis, PhD University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School
Dr. William Putsis is a professor of marketing at the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School. His PhD and master’s of science are from Cornell University, and his bachelor’s of arts is from the State University of New York at Binghamton. His primary areas of expertise include competitive strategy, consumer behavior, sports business, and private label marketing. Is the author of two books and numerous journal articles.
When not teaching, he works in his consulting business that includes clients such as the Boeing Company, Sony Ericsson, Hines, DHL worldwide, BBC World Service, and Barclays Bank. -
H. Rao Unnava, PhD University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management
Dr. H. Rao Unnava is the Michael and Joelle Hurlston Dean and Professor at the University of California Davis Graduate School of Management.
His teaching experience encompasses both undergraduate and graduate classes, including marketing management, research, consumer behavior, human memory process, promotional strategy, and international marketing. The American Marketing Association Student Chapter named him “Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher” seven times. He completed his PhD in business administration from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business.
