MBA - Concentration in Innovation
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Concentration in Innovation
Attend Full-Time or Part-Time, in a Hybrid Format
A 36-credit or 48-credit degree program
The MBA degree prepares students, who may or may not have a background in business, for careers in strategic management of businesses, health care organizations, government agencies, and non-profit enterprises. The degree will equip students with the theories, methods and systems needed for the strategic analysis, development, execution and measurement of various enterprises. It will also include broad skills and knowledge in business, accounting, finance, marketing, operations, management, and leadership.
The Innovation concentration focuses on entrepreneurship, new business development, and joining invention and innovation with strategic business planning. Innovation is an emerging area in both large and startup businesses. Large firms now have VPs of Innovation that oversee Research & Development, and Marketing. Innovation is also a significant part of startup businesses in biotechnology, wireless, and alternative energies. SBU has Centers in these technologies and supports the development of technologies that lead to new products and businesses. MBA students, particularly those in joint MBA/Science degrees, with the Innovation concentration, may find a position in a growing firm or entrepreneurial opportunities in startup businesses developed on campus as part of the Technology Centers or the Technology Licensing Office.
Applicants with a previous bachelors in business management or business administration qualify for the 36 credit program.
Application deadlines
SUMMER 2025 (Domestic): March 15, 2025 | FALL 2025 (Domestic): July 15, 2025 | FALL 2025 (International): July 1, 2025
MBA with Concentraction in Innovation At-a-Glance
- 36-48 credits
- Attend full- or part-time
- Choose a fully online or hybrid program
- Classes offered in Fall and Spring semesters as well as 3-week Winter term and two 6-week summer sessions
- Time to completion for full time students is typically 12-18 months
- Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business management may qualify for a 36-credit track program
- No work experience is required
- GMAT optional
36-Credit MBA Program
Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business are eligible to apply for a 36 credit track. Students will take 12 three-credit courses, which includes six required core courses and six elective courses. Five of the six elective courses must be taken in the respective degree subject area or from one of the concentrations.
*Students will not take the following core courses: MBA 502, 504, 505, 589, or 592.
48-Credit MBA Program
Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in a non-business disipline are eligible to apply for the 48 credit track. The curriculum includes 16 three-credit courses which includes eleven required core classes and five electives, which must be in the area of your degree program or from one of the areas of concentration.
CURRICULUM - Innovation concentration
Admitted students will take 36 to 48 credits.
Required Courses - All 3 Credits
* Students in the 48-credit track program must take these core classes.
- MBA 502: Finance*
- MBA 503: Data Analysis and Decision Making
- MBA 504: Financial Accounting*
- MBA 505: Marketing*
- MBA 592: Organizational Behavior*
- MBA 506: Leadership, Team Effectiveness and Communications
- MBA 507: Ethics in Management
- MBA 511: Technological Innovations OR BUS 510: Biotechnology Enterprises 1: Finance & Operations
- MBA 543: Business Analytics
- MBA 589: Operations Management*
- MBA 512: Business Planning and Strategic Management (Capstone)
Electives
- FIN 552: Mergers & Acquisitions
- MBA 509: Continuous Quality Improvement
- MBA 522: Business Project/ MBA 599: Internship
- MBA 530: Employee Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
- MBA/HRM 538: Organizational Development and Change
- MBA 540: Data Mining
- MBA 570: Entrepreneurship
- MBA 571: Social Entrepreneurship
- MBA 574: Project Management
- MBA 544: Supply Chain Management and Analytics
- MBA 566: Business Law
- MKT 565: Consumer Insights
- MKT 535: New Product Marketing
- BUS 554: The Lean Launch Pad
- MKT 567: Integrated Marketing Management

“When I first started, the finish line felt impossible to reach. But now, looking back after successfully completing the program, it feels like it happened in the blink of an eye. This is a testament to the professionals at Stony Brook who were truly invested in my success and growth. Courses like Leadership, Change Management, Innovation, and Organizational Change not only enhanced my skills but also provided valuable techniques and insights that make me more effective in my role at Citi. More importantly, they have empowered me with the confidence and expertise to pursue career advancement."
Ilona Pluschau, MBA '24
LEAD THE FUTURE WITH INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATEGY
Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and drive real-world change with the MBA - Concentration in Innovation from the Stony Brook University College of Business. Designed for future-focused leaders, this program combines foundational business knowledge with an emphasis on creative problem-solving, new venture development, and strategic innovation management. Explore how to transform ideas into impactful business strategies across industries including biotechnology, wireless, and alternative energy.
Whether you're launching a startup, joining a fast-growing tech firm, or leading innovation within an established organization, this concentration equips you with the tools to turn cutting-edge ideas into sustainable success.
Entrepreneurship
Learn to launch, scale, and manage innovative ventures
Creative Strategy
Develop forward-thinking solutions to complex business challenges
Technology Integration
Bridge business and innovation through cutting-edge tech applications
Tuition & Fees
Visit the Student Financial Services website for details on tuition rates and fees for New York State residents and non-residents, both for full-time and per credit rates. Tuition and fee billing rates are subject to change.
Financial Services
Admissions Criteria
Visit the College of Business Graduate Admissions page to learn about criterial required for admissions consideration to the MBA - Concentration in Innovation program.
Apply Now!
Take the first step toward advancing your career by starting your application for the MBA - Concentration in Innovation. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to turn ideas into impact through strategic innovation and entrepreneurship.
Apply Now
Have More Questions?
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for applicants. If you need academic guidance and assistance with the application process, reach out to our Office of Student Services (OSS). For questions about which graduate program is the best for you, please contact us to schedule a meetingwith our graduate admissions and advising team.