Martin Tuchman School of Management Sharpens Tech MBA Degree

Current and future MBA students are in for good news at NJIT's Martin Tuchman School of Management, with the degree requirements being shortened from 48 credits to 36, and with an even stronger emphasis on their forward-looking, technology-focused curriculum.

The changes streamline the program into the nationwide trend of shorter, more affordable paths to graduation, while doubling down on the uniqueness of being part of a public polytechnic institution.

"This is a significant upgrade of our current program, and quite different from a traditional MBA," said Benjamin Manyindo, director of masters programs at MTSM.

In the new program, called the Tech MBA, students will be required to take two concentrations. Established options are finance; innovation and entrepreneurship; management information systems; and marketing. Students may pursue custom concentrations from courses in business analytics, financial technology, project management and many graduate courses in other fields.

"The students who come through this program walk away as technology-savvy business leaders," whether they study on campus or online, Manyindo said.

Existing students will automatically be placed into the new program. Students can also opt to stay in the existing program. Either way, they'll have access to unique courses such as Big Data Analytics for Accounting, Design and Development of High-Technology Products, Information Technology and Competitive Advantage, and Marketing Strategy for Technology-Based Organizations.

Manyindo added that the Tech MBA will soon receive official STEM designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is an important option for international students seeking to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Daniel Cerone, a second-semester MBA student, said he's excited about the decreased credit requirements. Cerone earned a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the NJIT class of 2013 and now works as a systems architect at Schneider Electric. He helps design energy infrastructure for major facilities such as airports and colleges, but decided on an MBA to better prepare for management responsibilities.

Cerone chose to return to Newark because of the program's focus on real-world skills, not just traditional management courses. "I kind of need to continue to step it up. I really didn't have the acumen," for business and marketing, Cerone said. "My long-term vision is to run the company, quite literally. In order to get to that position, I really want to get my ducks in a row."

The program also helps with Cerone's side role, which is real estate investing. He would eventually like to become a venture capital investor.