Highlights from the Girard School of Business and the School of Science and Engineering

Earning a Master of Science in Management degree prepares students for an advanced career in leadership and management. Employment opportunities available to graduates with an MSM degree are found in the areas of management consulting and analysis, business operations management, project management, business analytics, and organizational leadership, and span across many sectors of the economy.

How does an MSM degree set itself apart from other options – particularly an MBA?

Unlike an MBA program that requires prior work experience, focuses primarily in general management, often takes 2 or more years to complete, and can be costly, an MS in Management is shorter in length, ideal for both working professionals and recent college graduates, provides an opportunity to integrate multiple areas of concentration, is available to business and non-business majors, and is more cost effective. An MSM degree provides the management skills of an MBA in a more time efficient and cost effective manner, and is the logical next step for young professionals looking to pave a path into leadership and management.

Master of Science in Management Degree Career Options

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for graduates holding an MSM degree is $75,000. Depending on the job and sector, earnings can be substantially higher.

As we’ve mentioned, the sweep of career choices is broad enough to cover many interests and passions. Here we name a few, but earning an MSM degree allows professionals to apply their management and leadership skills wherever they are needed:

Project Manager

As the name implies, the job of a project manager is to oversee specific projects within an organization. Project managers are responsible for strategic planning, goal setting, determining timelines and schedules, assigning tasks, overseeing resources and budgets, and shepherding the projects to completion.

Project managers earn an average annual salary of $73,763.

Management Analyst and Consultant

Management analysts and consultants study the standard operating procedures and internal processes within an organization. With their analysis, they propose ways to increase efficiency and profitability. Typically, management analysts don’t work for the companies they analyze, instead working as a freelance consultant or within a large consultancy firm. The work is varied depending on the needs and type of organization.

The average annual salary for management analysts is $83,610.

Operations Manager

Operations managers maintain a high-level perspective on the various and interrelated functions of an organization. Duties include oversite of finance and budgets, daily operational procedures, inventory and supply chains, strategic planning, and human resources.

Operations manager is usually a top-level management position, commanding an average annual salary of $123,880

Human Resources Manager

Nearly every business or organization of any size requires professionals to manage and coordinate its human resources. Functions include overseeing employee hiring, managing employee services, administering compensation and benefits packages, and serving as a liaison between employees and management.

Human resource managers command an average annual salary of $113,300.

Sports Manager

Sports managers administer the business operations of an athletic team at the college and professional levels. Their duties can include hiring coaches, recruiting or hiring athletes, arranging equipment and travel requirements, and overseeing budgets. Their management and leadership skills allow coaches and athletes to focus on winning games.

Salaries vary widely depending on the organization. The average salary for a professional sports manager is $55,000

Entertainment Manager

Entertainment managers work with artists, theatrical companies, performance venues, and other entertainment organizations. Depending on the position, operations managers may handle booking, public relations, travel, contracts, and budgets. Entertainment managers may also be responsible for preparing equipment riders, hiring artistic and technical staff, and maintaining order in an often hectic and stressful environment.

As with sports managers, salaries for entertainment managers vary widely. The U.S. average annual salary is $132,605.

Industrial Production Manager

Most industrial production managers, some 80 percent, work in manufacturing. They are responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising daily operations, ensuring a plant (or section of a large facility) runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

On average, the annual salary for industrial production managers is $72,014.

Earning a Master of Science in Management Degree

The online MSM degree program from Merrimack College gives students the skills and knowledge for a varied, rewarding career in management, leadership, and analytics.

Features of the online Master of Science in Management Degree program include:

  • Flexible format: Study 100% online
  • No GRE or GMAT required
  • 16-month or less degree completion timeline
  • Concentrations in analytics or leadership

Students gain a broad perspective on the interrelationship of business disciplines, and  learn the advanced analytical skills they’ll need to interpret diverse streams of information for making strategic managerial decisions.

Graduates of the Merrimack MSM program are prepared to assume leadership roles across a variety of sectors.