Cornell University Registrar

Program Description

Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Management

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Management program provides students who have a non-business undergraduate degree and a business minor, or its equivalent, with the rigorous business management education of a top Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree.

The one-year degree will provide students with the business acumen necessary to make a mark and move forward in their career. Johnson's MPS in Management program provides a core business curriculum with the flexibility to tailor their experience to match their interest with electives.

Full time status for the program is defined as a minimum of 12 graduate-level credits per term.

MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization

The MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization program prepares students for a successful accounting career and the CPA exam. Admission to the one-year degree requires an undergraduate degree and specific business and accounting courses.

The one-year, STEM designated degree will provide students with the accounting knowledge necessary to make a mark and move forward in their career. Students interested in this specialization must possess, at a minimum, a business minor or its equivalent including six business-related courses (18 credits) that must include Financial Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management and Statistics and complete an undergraduate degree involving 120 credits or more. Students must also take Business Law (3 credits) and Intermediate Accounting I (3 credits) before matriculation. For additional information see the MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization website.

Full time status for the program is defined as a minimum of 12 graduate-level credits per term.

Program Information

• Instruction Mode: In Person
• Location: Ithaca, NY
• Minimum Credits for Degree: 30

Program Requirements: Management Specialization

¹

Students must take at least one 1.5 credit elective, and may choose to take more. The course must be graduate level and can be in any of the three schools in the College of Business.

Program Requirements: Accounting Specialization

¹

Students must take 6 credits of accounting electives as defined by the Program Director and Registrar’s Office.

²

Students must take 6 credits of graduate level coursework.

University Graduation Requirements

Requirements for All Students

In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.

Academic Requirements

A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.

Non-academic Requirements

Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.

Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.

Learning Outcomes

Management (MPS)

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
  - Develop the ability to analyze complex business situations.
  - Formulate strategic plans based on data and market trends.
  - Apply critical thinking to solve organizational problems.
• Leadership and Team Management
  - Demonstrate effective leadership skills in managing diverse teams.
  - Understand and apply leadership theories in real-world contexts.
  - Enhance communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Financial and Business Acumen
  - Interpret financial statements and use financial data for decision-making.
  - Understand budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
  - Evaluate business performance using financial metrics.
• Ethical and Global Perspectives
  - Recognize and respond to ethical issues in management practices.
  - Understand the impact of global and cultural factors on business decisions.
  - Promote sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
• Project and Operations Management
  - Apply project management principles to lead initiatives effectively.
  - Understand supply chain and operational workflows.
  - Use tools and methodologies to improve efficiency and quality.
• Marketing and Customer Insight
  - Analyze market research and consumer behavior.
  - Develop and execute effective marketing strategies.
  - Leverage digital tools for branding and outreach.
• Data-Driven Management
  - Utilize data analytics to support business decisions.
  - Understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards.
  - Apply statistical tools to interpret and present data insights.
• Professional Development and Communication
  - Exhibit strong written and oral communication tailored to various audiences.
  - Develop personal leadership style and career management strategies.
  - Network and build relationships with industry professionals.

Management (MPS) - Accounting Specialization

• Advanced Accounting Knowledge
  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing.
  • Analyze and apply accounting principles (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) to real-world scenarios.
• Regulatory and Ethical Standards
  • Understand and apply ethical principles and professional standards in accounting.
  • Navigate the regulatory environment, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC regulations, and IRS codes.
• Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
  • Use financial data to evaluate business performance and support strategic decision-making.
  • Interpret complex financial statements and reports to guide managerial and investment decisions.
• Technological Proficiency
  • Utilize accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) and data analytics tools (Excel, SQL, Tableau) to support accounting functions.
  • Leverage emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in the accounting domain.
• Research and Communication Skills
  • Conduct accounting research using authoritative sources such as FASB Codification or IRS publications.
  • Communicate complex financial information effectively in both written and verbal formats to stakeholders.
• Global and Strategic Perspective
  • Understand international accounting standards and how global markets influence accounting practices.
  • Assess the strategic role of accounting in organizational planning and governance.
• Preparation for Professional Certification
  • Fulfill educational requirements and develop the knowledge base necessary to pursue CPA or other accounting certifications (e.g., CMA, CIA).