Professional MBA Curriculum
Program Outline
The Professional MBA is a 39-credit program that includes Essentials, Focus Areas, Skills Workshops, Tech Labs and a Global Business Experience. You can explore the different course types and titles below.
The program is made up of:
- Five on-campus immersion weekends a year
- Weeks where you complete online coursework entirely on your own time (asynchronous learning)
- Weeks where you log into online classes at specified evening times (live, synchronous classes)
- One 7-10 day global immersion experience
The Professional MBA is structured to accommodate the demanding schedules of busy professionals, allowing you to maintain a balance between your professional and personal lives. The program schedule is strategically crafted to enhance your learning experience so you can complete your degree in two years while also developing a strong community with your classmates. See below for information on the types of courses you'll take at Bentley and for more information about each course, visit the Academic Catalog.
essentials
focus areas
skills workshops
tech workshops
global business experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in this program are busy working professionals for whom having a predictable and structured schedule is crucial prior to committing. The schedule for each entering class is provided well in advance of each admission cycle, ensuring each applicant can make informed decisions.
Each delivery modality contributes to an enriched student experience. The two immersion weekends each semester offer intensive face-to-face learning opportunities, as well as in-person networking and community-building. These weekends are followed by asynchronous weeks, enabling students to balance coursework with other responsibilities. Synchronous online sessions in all other weeks facilitate full engagement with peers and faculty through live virtual classes, without the need to travel to campus.
The Professional MBA is a cohort-based program. All students adhere to the same modality at any given time, which ensures consistency and maximizes the strengths of each approach. This multimodal design not only fosters innovative learning experiences with interactive technologies but also maintains scheduling flexibility, facilitating the involvement of external partners and speakers through remote access.
Students will take Harvard’s asynchronous Certificate of Readiness (CORe) which is made up of three modules: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers and Financial Accounting. The CORe provides a shared business foundation with the cohort. Students can take these foundational courses before enrolling at Bentley, which allows them to hit the ground running during the two years. The CORe program is included in their cost of attendance.
Students can choose from the following Spring 2025 dates (depending on when they apply/are admitted):
February 4 (17-week program)
March 25 (17-week program)
May 20 (10-week program)
Does the MBA have themes?
Yes, the MBA is focused on Organizational Sustainability and Emerging Technologies, which are woven throughout all coursework.
- Organizational Sustainability: Organizational sustainability means a business or institution can thrive long-term while minimizing harm to the environment, society, and economy. It involves strategic practices balancing profit with social and environmental responsibility. Such organizations integrate ethical governance, social equity, and ecological consciousness into their operations, aiming to meet current needs without compromising future generations.
- Emerging Technologies: Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, machine learning, robotics, AR/VR, surveillance technologies and more will transform all businesses across all industries. Graduates of this program will learn how to use these technologies to improve their organizations and drive innovation while considering sustainable solutions that best interest their employees, consumers and the planet.
Integrating organizational sustainability and emerging technologies into the program's curriculum is crucial for preparing graduates to navigate today's complex business world. By understanding sustainability principles, they can drive ethical and profitable practices. Familiarity with emerging technologies enables them to innovate, be savvy decision makers and cross-functional leaders, and stay competitive in the continually evolving marketplace. This holistic approach equips Professional MBA graduates to tackle diverse challenges and lead responsibly.