What will I study?
Students in the MSIM program progress through the curriculum as a cohort, taking all courses in Jabs Hall 207—the Risa K. Scott Collaboration Lab. This STEM-designated degree is completed over two semesters, each comprising 15 graduate-level credits. Courses focus on experiential learning, networking opportunities, and practical application of the material.
Fall Semester: 15 credits
BGEN 510 Innovation Sprint I, 1 credit
Students are introduced to a dynamic real-world business challenge that must be addressed by a cross-functional team within a compressed timeframe. During five consecutive days, students engage in introductory modules, problem briefings from organizational leaders, research, ideation, coaching sessions, progress reviews, analysis, pitch preparation, and formal presentations to senior leadership. The course concludes with structured after-action reviews and individual reflection focused on lessons learned, team performance, and professional growth.
BMKT 580 New Product Innovation, 3 credits
Students explore market research, customer discovery, and consumer behavior as the foundation for innovation. Interdisciplinary teams integrate learning from concurrent first-semester courses to develop a new product concept, identify target markets, evaluate competing products, and assess distribution strategies. Teams formally present their concepts at the end of the semester while strengthening communication and persuasive pitching skills for organizational leaders and potential investors.
BMGT 535 Applied Data Analytics, 3 credits
This course emphasizes the practical application of data analytics and information technology to improve organizational effectiveness and decision making. Students gain experience analyzing raw data and using common business analytics platforms. Topics include descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, supported by hands-on exercises and real-world business applications.
BMGT 570 Business Law, Government, Society, and Ethics, 3 credits
This interdisciplinary course examines the legal, ethical, and societal dimensions of business decision making. Students are introduced to foundational principles of business law while exploring corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, stakeholder management, and government regulation. The course considers the impact of business decisions on shareholders, customers, employees, communities, and broader society within a market-based economy.
BFIN 530 Accounting and Finance for the Entrepreneur, 3 credits
This course focuses on the financial dimensions of entrepreneurial ventures and innovation-driven organizations. Emphasis is placed on financial forecasting, funding strategies, venture valuation, cash flow analysis, capital budgeting, and risk management. Through case-based learning and applied projects, students develop financial decision-making skills and complete a capstone business plan for an innovative product or service.
BGEN 520 Life Design and Career Development, 2 credits
This course supports students in developing personal and professional goals while building the skills necessary for long-term career growth. Students examine core values, leadership development, career aspirations, networking strategies, and lifelong learning practices. The course encourages intentional reflection on industries, organizations, and opportunities that align with individual strengths and interests. Students gain hands-on experience through either a service project or internship experience.
Spring Semester: 15 credits
BGEN 515 Innovation Sprint II, 1 credit
Building upon Innovation Sprint I and first-semester coursework, students engage in a second intensive business challenge requiring advanced collaboration, strategic thinking, and professional communication. Cross-functional teams work directly with organizational leaders to analyze complex problems and deliver actionable recommendations through formal presentations. Students conclude the experience with structured reflection and after-action reviews focused on performance, adaptability, and continued professional development.
BMKT 585 New Product Introduction, 3 credits
Students continue refining the product concepts developed during the first semester with an emphasis on commercialization and market introduction strategies. Topics include branding, positioning, go-to-market planning, and investor communication. Student teams formally present their final concepts in a pitch competition designed to simulate presentations to organizational leaders and prospective investors.
BMGT 565 Operations and Supply Chain Management, 3 credits
This course introduces students to contemporary approaches for designing, managing, and improving operations and supply chain systems. Students learn how organizations apply quantitative, analytical, and statistical methods to support strategic decision making in operations, logistics, forecasting, and process improvement.
BMGT 570 Leading for Influence, 3 credits
Students examine foundational concepts in leadership, management, and teamwork. Topics include motivation, organizational design, diversity, emotional intelligence, personality styles, leadership approaches, and cognitive bias. The course emphasizes self-awareness, communication, creativity, and the practical skills needed to provide feedback, foster collaboration, and influence others without formal authority.
BGEN 525 Life Design and Career Development II , 2 credits
This course builds upon the principles introduced in Life Design and Career Development I by helping students translate personal values and professional goals into actionable career strategies. Using design-thinking principles, students identify strengths, explore career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and prepare for career transitions. Through the continuation of an internship or service project, students apply reflective practices and professional development strategies to align their personal and professional aspirations.