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The foundation of the Auburn MBA is built upon a rigorous academic curriculum designed to build brilliant skills in all core functional business areas including finance, quantitative analysis, strategy, management, consumer theory, cost systems, and operations. Upon this foundation is a principled program that emphasizes leadership development across multiple planes:

Leadership in the Field

The Auburn MBA recognizes the importance of learning both in and out of the classroom. In keeping with this, a vital component of the program’s leadership training is the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership held each fall in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This four day conference was founded in 1920 and focuses on developing leadership skills via a host of keynote speakers from various industries, breakout sessions and networking with other participants. Each MBA student travels to and participates in this conference alongside roughly 500 business professionals from across the United States.

Leadership in the Community

Responsible leadership differentiates managers from truly outstanding leaders. The Auburn MBA recognizes this and includes components that build relationships with and serve the community in which we learn and work. For example, in the Organizational Leadership and Change course student teams apply leadership fundamentals to complete relevant community services projects in the Auburn area.

Leadership in the Peer Group

Community is a keystone of the Auburn MBA. Not only do social interactions make for a more rewarding experience throughout the program, but they allow for opportunities to develop leadership skills as well. Peer-to-Peer contact is emphasized throughout the program. Examples include: a daylong high adventure outdoor ropes training course, seminars such as a professional business etiquette training course, and opportunities for self initiated leadership such as involvement in the Auburn Association of Graduate Business Students.

Leadership in the Classroom

Strong academics have earned the Auburn MBA significant recognition. By design, leadership development training is woven throughout the curriculum. Strategic leadership case studies allow students to apply theory to business applications in mutual exchange with classmates and professors. Collaborative team projects are a strong component of many courses and allow students to identify emerging leadership roles in group settings as well as explore effective ways of working in the team setting that is increasingly common in today’s workplace. A Foundations in Leadership Certificate program is available to MBA students at no additional cost.

Leadership on the Job

The Auburn MBA prepares students to be leaders within organizations. Between the first and second year, a summer internship allows students to put leadership skills gained in the program to practical application in the workplace. Internships are completed at a company and location chosen by the student.

International Experience for a Global Economy

At an ever accelerating pace the United States economy is expanding with trading partners around the world to create a global economy that stretches to nearly every corner of the globe. The Auburn MBA recognizes the increasing role that the international economy plays in the workplace of today and tomorrow. To engage students in this new economic environment, the program sponsors a required international component that takes participants to several nation-states around the world allowing students to experience different cultures, economic systems, and ways of doing business.