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Management: Operational Excellence

  • Master of Science
Management: Operational Excellence Graduate Program professor coaching two students

Lead with Efficiency and Innovation

The Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence (MSMOE) is a flexible program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in any organization or industry. Students gain skills and knowledge that help them develop and enhance organizational leadership, problem-solving, and waste reduction skills. The MSMOE program elevates students' business knowledge by preparing future and current managers to tackle major challenges. By learning Operational Excellence (OE) principles, tools, and processes, students are equipped to minimize waste, enhance quality, improve efficiency, and foster employee commitment. Managers with OE skills are among the top salary earners nationally, with career paths in manufacturing, healthcare, supply chain, retail, project management, and finance. The program also emphasizes the well-being of people within organizations.

Students may also be interested in our Management: Operational Excellence Certificate or the Project Management Certificate.

Graduate Programs
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    US News and World Report

    For the seventh year in a row, Saint Vincent College’s Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence (MSMOE) is rated among the best online master’s in business (non-MBA) programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

    MSMOE is ranked No. 13 nationally, No. 1 in Pennsylvania and No. 2 in the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia) in production and operations management.

    MSMOE is ranked No. 3 in Pennsylvania and No. 4 in the tri-state area in general management.

Program Highlights

Program Flexibility

We offer courses in a hyflex format, which means students can physically come to the classroom or attend remotely. We also have completely online synchronous courses, and courses that are delivered online asynchronously in an 8-week format

Diverse and Experienced Faculty

Faculty in the MSMOE program include leaders in their respective areas with experience as managers, executives, researchers, and consultants. They are experts at assisting students with learning and applying solid management techniques.

Outcomes

MSMOE graduates have transitioned into successful professional careers in various industries, including fields that span from operations management, supply chain management, logistics, project management, and process engineering.

Yellow Ribbon Program

At Saint Vincent College, we proudly support our nation's heroes through the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering additional funding for military service members, veterans, and their families. Our MSMOE program, with its focus on leadership and engineering management, is an excellent fit for those who have served our country.

Careers After Saint Vincent

The possible career paths after completing the MSMOE program are endless. Students gain knowledge with a specific focus on People, Processes, and Organizations. This focus equips graduates with versatile skills, enabling employers to place them in various roles within the organization and see positive results. MSMOE graduates gain an understanding of how to lead and manage others in such a way that employers increase their ability to achieve organizational objectives whether they are in healthcare, warehouse operations, or automotive manufacturing.

Alumni may transition into a number of successful careers, including:

  • Administrative supervisors
  • Associate directors of human resources
  • Business analyst consultants
  • Digital sales specialists
  • Directors of operations
  • Marketing and advertising coordinators
  • Process engineers
  • Senior architect small business owners
  • Technical sales apprentices (electrical engineering)

Our students have secured jobs and internships at a variety of companies, including:

  • Eaton Corporation
  • Giant Eagle
  • Highmark
  • Kennametal
  • Norma Group
  • PNC Bank
  • Republic
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • UPMC

Student Success Stories

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    Barb Bobula, G’17

    "The MSMOE degree has been a game-changer for my career. Coming from a finance and economics background, I sought an advanced degree that would set me apart from the traditional MBA. After a period of raising my children, I needed a credential that would highlight my unique skills and experience. While some might associate this degree solely with manufacturing, I've found its principles to be incredibly valuable in the healthcare industry and beyond. The program's focus on change management, organizational development, and operational excellence has equipped me with skills that are universally applicable.  I've been able to leverage these tools to drive process improvement and achieve tangible results in my work."

    Vice President, Patient Experience
    Allegheny Health Network
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    Luke Mulloy, G’18

    "The Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence at Saint Vincent College gave me the skills to engage in discussions of strategy with the international leadership of my clientele. The classroom discourse that centered around an organization's people, processes, and culture has proven to be incredibly relevant for my career in client management roles. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a comprehensive program to enhance their understanding of leadership and organizational behavior."

    Signavio Customer Success Partner
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    Zack Good, G’21

    "As an SAP sales engineer and program manager specializing in process improvement and bridging the gap between business and technology, I found the MSMOE program’s emphasis on collaboration, ethical leadership, and real-world application invaluable. The curriculum not only provided me with the tools to guide organizations through complex transformations but also reinforced the importance of aligning solutions with the needs and values of the people involved. This approach has enabled me to successfully modernize processes and implement sustainable improvements while maintaining a focus on ethical and community-driven outcomes. Saint Vincent’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence has empowered me to deliver high-quality solutions that support both business objectives and broader societal impact."

    Sr. Solution Advisor Specialist
    Navigator Business Solutions 

Curriculum Requirements

The MSMOE program is part of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government. The 36-credit curriculum includes 8 required courses including topics such as Leadership and Ethics, Operations Management, and Advanced Accounting and Finance in Operational Excellence. There is a 12-credit requirement for electives with courses to choose from that range from Six Sigma Lean Green Belt Certification Prep to Management Information Systems and Agile Project Management.

  • Master of Science - Course Requirements

    Master of Science - 36 Credits

    Required Courses (24 credits)

    • GCBA 607 Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
    • GCBA 630 Advanced Accounting and Finance in Operational Excellence
    • GCBA 686 Organizational Culture
    • GCBA 690 Quantitative Analysis
    • GCBA 695 Strategic Management of Complex Organizations
    • GCBA 697 Leadership and Ethics
    • GCBA 703 Operations Management
    • GCBA 704 Management Science

    Elective Courses - Choose 4 of the following courses (12 Credits)

    • GCBA 665 Management Information Systems
    • GCBA 693 Supply Chain Management
    • GCBA 698 Agile Project Management
    • GCBA 705 Change Management
    • GCBA 711 Team Dynamics and Organizational Planning
    • GCBA 720 Project Management
    • GCBA 725 Six Sigma Lean Green Belt Certification Prep Course
    • GCBA 730 Graduate SAP Business One Program
    • GCBA 730 Graduate SAP Business One Program
    • GCBA 750 Independent Study (only available with approval of faculty mentor and Graduate Director; only allowed one for the duration of the program)
    • GCBA 751 Graduate Level Internship in Management or OE (only available with approval of Graduate Director)

  • Key Courses

    Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management This course explores key organizational behavior concepts related to managing human resources, such as job satisfaction, motivation, and communication. Students will apply these concepts to practical HR processes to create and sustain a productive workforce. Additionally, the course covers the HR regulatory environment and its integration with business strategy.

    Advanced Accounting and Finance In Operational Excellence This course examines how management accountants can support Lean environments by eliminating waste and providing timely, relevant information. It focuses on integrating accounting practices with Lean principles to enhance operational excellence.

    Organizational Culture This course examines the cultural characteristics essential for successful and sustainable organizations, with a focus on implementing Operational Excellence. Students will explore the components of culture, how it can be modified, and the three levels of culture: assumptions, values, and artifacts.

Facilities and Resources

Gary Quinlivan Operational Excellence Lab

The Gary Quinlivan Operational Excellence Lab is a micro-manufacturing simulation platform with a notebook assembly "factory" and SAP Business One ERP. Participants use lean tools and Operational Excellence (OE) methods to improve quality and productivity in a live production environment. The lab offers hands-on OE training, helping learners document processes, identify problems, and develop solutions, applicable across various industries.

Program Distinctives

Admission Requirements

Please see Graduate Admission Requirements for more information.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Must have a degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts.
  • GPA Requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. If below 3.0, provisional acceptance may be possible with exceptional application materials or a GMAT score of at least 550 overall and 44 in Quantitative.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three required; one from a professional contact and one from an academic contact.
  • Work Experience: At least one year of relevant experience is preferred.
  • Personal Statement: Explain why you want to join the MSMOE program.
  • Résumé/CV: Include work experience, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
  • International Applicants: TOEFL-ibt score of 90-91, 232 on the CBT, or 6.5 on IELTS. Exceptions for English-speaking countries or US degree holders.
  • Submission: Submit application electronically and all application materials to the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education.
  • Admission Decisions: Made by the graduate director. Provisional acceptance may be granted with additional GPA requirements in the first semester, allowing for financial aid eligibility.
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