Chatham University’s Business & Entrepreneurship Department is pleased to launch not one, but two, new MBA concentrations beginning Fall 2016!  The new concentrations will be in Information Management and Food & Agriculture.

MBA Information Management (IM) Concentration

As one of the fastest growing fields in management, information management is ideal for business professionals who enjoy creative applications of both technical and soft skills.  Chatham’s MBA concentration on Information Management cultivates leadership and expertise on managing complex information environments in the digital age. The innovative curriculum allows students to translate theory into practice through simulations, case analyses, and experiential projects. Students in the Information Management concentration will gain theoretical understanding of information architecture, as well as hands-on experience with information management systems and innovations essential to diverse industries, such as healthcare, banking, food, and architecture.

The MBA curriculum for IM students will provide opportunities for networking and professional development through mixers, guest speakers in classes, company tours, on-campus recruiting events, and direct links to internships, mentors, and jobs.  Through these avenues, students will interface with information management professionals at Google, Management Science Associates, Mylan, BNY Mellon, UPMC, and more!  Below, see the comments that leading IM professionals in Pittsburgh have made about the potential value of a Chatham MBA degree with a concentration in Information Management.

“Corporate digitization requires a firm grasp on technology, business, information and analytics.  Therefore, an MBA with a concentration in Information Management is indispensable for anyone who wants to transform an enterprise through digital strategy.” Karl Herleman, Sr. Vice President at Management Science Associates and Co-Organizer for the Association for Computerized Machinery (ACM)-Pittsburgh.  Mr. Herelman is a frequent guest speaker in IM classes at Chatham and has provided student tours of MSA, just down the street from Chatham’s Shadyside campus and part of Chatham’s Eastside campus.

“Today in IT, it is not only critical to have technical skills but even more imperative to pair these skills with industry knowledge and strong leadership capabilities. Chatham’s new MBA with an Information Management concentration will provide students key differentiators they need to be successful and to edge out their peers during job recruitment.” Frank Tallarico, Director, Enterprise Business Intelligence at UPMC.  Mr. Tallerico participated in a committee tasked with brainstorming ways to deliver a high-quality MBA IM curriculum at Chatham.  He attends networking mixers with students and judges student IM presentations.

“Information management in today’s digital world, is complex and multi-disciplinary.  One must consider organizational, cultural and strategic factors in addition to the technology to improve the management of information within organizations which lead to effective decision making. The exponential growth of data in every industry requires new knowledge workers who are skilled in information management in addition to other general management principles. Chatham’s MBA program with focus in information management is the right solution at the right time to address this growing need.” Jay Srini, Chief Strategist at SCS Ventures and Consultant at KEW Group.  Dr. Srini is active on the B&E Department Advisory Board.  She helps guide the curricular direction of B&E’s programming, is a mentoring resource for students, and attends networking events on campus.

MBA Food and Agriculture Concentration

Thanks to the strength of the Master of Arts in Food Studies program in the world-renowned Chatham University Falk School of Sustainability, and the innovative programming in the Business & Entrepreneurship Department, Chatham will offer one of the first and only MBA concentrations in Food and Agriculture! Food and agriculture are critical industries that present unique challenges and opportunities. Specialized expertise in food and agriculture prepares MBA students for leadership positions as well as entrepreneurial ventures in both public and private sectors. Food and agriculture organizations need MBA-educated professionals to help them make strategic decisions, innovate, and grow, while creating value for the well-being of people, animals, plants, in addition to shareholders. Chatham’s MBA concentration on Food and Agriculture develops future professionals in the food and agriculture industries with a practical, application-focused education in collaboration with Chatham’s Food Studies Program. Students in the Food and Agriculture concentration gain theoretical understanding and hands-on experience with food and agriculture systems, innovations, and regulations.

Chatham’s MBA in Food and Agriculture students will network with food industry professionals from Parkhurst, Giant Eagle, Harvest Valley Farms, Wigle Whiskey, A.J. Silberman & Company, Inc., and more!  See what some of Pittsburgh’s leading food industry professionals have to say about the potential value of a Chatham MBA degree with a concentration in Food and Agriculture —

“As regions such as Pittsburgh rediscover and redefine their regional food and drink systems, a new frontier is opening up for entrepreneurs and the business-minded. The food and beverage industry in America is at a precipice as new makers, funders and visionaries chart our collective course. This degree will allow students interested in food and drink to learn the fundamentals of marketing, innovation, and financials in the context of regional food systems–a truly unique professional opportunity at a critical time in the industry, in one of the most dynamic food cities in the country.”– Meredith Grelli, Co-Founder & Owner, Wigle Whiskey; Founder & Chair, Three Day Blow Festival; Adjunct Faculty, Chatham University Falk School of Sustainability & Center For Women’s Entrepreneurship.  Ms. Grelli has been a featured guest speaker at CWE’s Women’s Business leaders Breakfast Lecture Series, and has facilitated business startup classes for CWE.

“Many of the issues of our modern food systems can be traced back to the ways in which we buy and sell food. These problems can be overcome, but to do so, it’s imperative that we develop professionals who understand the intricacies of food and agricultural supply

chains, how products get to market, and where there are gaps and inefficiencies that lead to problems and unsustainability. We must be conscientious about the way we conduct business, and cultivate new models for commerce that benefit our health and well-being, protect the natural environment, and build economic prosperity for all.”–Nicole Muise-Kielkucki, Director of Social Enterprise at Idea Foundry.  Ms. Muise-Kielkucki has been a frequent guest speaker in Chatham’s B&E classes and attends networking events with students.

Chatham University’s Business & Entrepreneurship Department’s innovative programming meets the demands of today’s workplace and anticipates the demands of the future. Chatham MBA courses are offered in evenings and online to accommodate busy professionals seeking to strengthen their portfolio of knowledge, skills, and credentials.  Most students complete the MBA program in two years.  Full-time students may complete the MBA in four terms (one year plus one term).  To see a listing of MBA Core courses and all the concentration courses, click here.  Contact the Business & Entrepreneurship Department at busprograms@chatham.edu for more information about these exciting new concentrations!