The MBA at NC State emphasizes the management of technology.  Students take a core curriculum, with a focus on technology, business processes, and practical applications in a collaborative learning environment.  Through simulations, case studies, and projects, students learn from real world examples and experiences.  All students take a course in managerial effectiveness, which emphasizes communication skills, networking, negotiation, team skills, ethics, and social responsibility.  

Students begin the program with core courses, then choose a concentration from Biosciences Management, Finance, Marketing, Innovation Management, Services Management and Consulting, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization.    

The technology focus of the program comes from three sources. All students take core courses related to technology, including strategy and managing people in a high-tech environment. Even courses in traditional management subjects, such as economics and marketing, have a technology slant through the choice of cases and projects used in the course. In most of the concentrations, students can take courses in technical fields, such as industrial engineering. Most students have a strong technology background and seek careers with high-tech companies.

The program challenges students to become active participants in their education through interaction with faculty, peers, and the business community. Many professors formulate their courses around case discussions, which give students an opportunity to confront real business problems. Class simulations and team projects also create realistic environments for decision making. Students are assigned to a peer group that will collaborate for a large portion of assignments, class projects, and outside study. The team environment exposes students to different experiences and perspectives and helps build relationships.