The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business is redefining graduate education with its Flex MBA and One-Year MBA programs.
Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s professionals and future business leaders, both programs emphasize flexibility, experiential learning, and values-driven leadership. Whether advancing a current career or pivoting to a new path, students will gain the knowledge, credentials, and confidence to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Reimagined Flex MBA
For the Modern Professional
The School has transformed its Flex MBA program into a bold, forward-looking degree designed for ambitious professionals ready to take the next big step in their careers—without putting their lives on pause. This 33-credit program delivers more than just an MBA. Students can pair their degree with a Specialized Certificate, giving them the freedom to personalize their path and sharpen their expertise in areas that will set them apart in a competitive marketplace.
Built for Balance
Flexibility is at the core of the program. With courses offered online or in a flexible
hybrid format, the Flex MBA provides an impactful, hands-on education with immediate
relevance and application in the workplace.
Courses include:
- 6 Required Courses (18 credits)
- 2 Electives (6 credits)
- 3 Specialized Certificate Courses (9 credits)
Specialized Certificate concentrations are:
- Analytics and Information Management (STEM)
- Entrepreneurship*
- Executive Leadership*
- Finance (STEM)
- Supply Chain Management (STEM)
*Online only courses.
Learn by Doing
One of the program’s signature experiences is its capstone course. Students step into the role of a business strategist, tackling real-world challenges that deliver measurable impact for client organizations.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
For Iziah Waugh (MBA ’26), the Flex MBA has been a game-changer. With a background in chemistry, Iziah enrolled to expand his business acumen and strengthen his executive presence. His certification of Executive Leadership has already begun preparing him for future roles in senior management.
“Having these leadership skills will really help highlight and advance me in the marketplace and prepare me for positions like director or vice president of sales,” shared Iziah.
While continuing to work full-time, Iziah is thriving while balancing his part-time studies with his role as a technical sales manager. “I chose to study part-time because my career is still the highlight of my life. I wanted something that would fit my schedule so I could balance a full-time role with an MBA program. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to balance work and school, and then I got a 4.0 GPA in my first semester. Don’t let fear stop you.”
Your Future. Your Flex.
The revamped Flex MBA equips students with the skills, confidence, and professional
network to accelerate their careers on their schedule.
News Information
Refreshed One-Year MBA Program
Educating High-Impact Sustainable Business Leaders
The School has officially launched its refreshed One-Year MBA (OYMBA) program. Running June through May, the full-time, 39-credit, cohort-based program builds on its long-standing reputation as a top-ranked “Better World MBA” by Corporate Knights magazine. The OYMBA program is known for educating leaders who integrate sustainability, ethics, and innovation into business practice.
The new curriculum responds to the evolving needs of today’s graduate students and employers, providing a sharper focus on career readiness, customization, and experiential learning.
Core sustainable business concepts have been expanded to include ethics, corporate governance, social and environmental reporting, strategic sustainability models, and impact investing. Sustainability continues to be integrated into required and elective courses.
Consulting Experiences
Students in the program complete four consulting projects: Human-Centered Design Experience,
Sustainability Consulting Experience, Strategic Consulting Experience, and Global
Business.
Career and Life Design
The Career and Life Design class ensures every student graduates with not only a clear
understanding of their strengths, values, and career goals, but also with a future
plan supported by actionable strategies.
Flexibility Through Electives
One-Year MBA students can customize their MBA experience by selecting two electives,
allowing students to target the skills most aligned with their career goals.
Added Support for Non-Business Backgrounds
The School offers online resource modules in business fundamentals that are accessible
before the start of the program, allowing students to enter the program confident
and prepared.
After just three semesters, One-Year MBA students are truly prepared for anything. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of sustainable business leaders in Summer 2026.