MBA with a major in Public Governance and Management

The MBA with a major in Public Governance and Management is a unique program combining traditional business subjects with understanding and training in contemporary practices of good governance and effective public management. The program is intended for those with 3 years of professional experience who are seeking to improve their public management skills and to provide innovative leadership for government, non-profit, or mixed public-private organizations. All courses are taught in English.

The program

This is an internationally focused two-year program with a strong focus on good governance practices of insti-tutions and organizations operating within a larger set of regional, national and international frameworks. The shift from hierarchic government to collaborative and cooperative forms of governance requires actors to be able to design, lead, and manage programs, processes, and organizations in more efficient, effective, accounta-ble, and responsive ways. The study program conveys theoretical knowledge about economic, social, and polit-ical behavior with practical skills in management, leadership, innovation, and analysis. An international faculty that combines years of research within their respective areas of expertise with professional experience in man-agement or consulting provides students with understanding not only of current best-practice but also insights into emerging practice. Graduates will leave the program with a firm foundation for lifelong professional learn-ing in order to continue to advance their careers. The curriculum includes business core courses, required courses in public governance and management and electives.

Core courses

The business core focuses on fundamental business knowledge, management techniques and leadership strategies. Core business courses include accounting, financial management, leadership, managing organizations, managing people, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Required enrichment courses include Public-Private Partnerships, Dispute Resolution, Negotiation and Collaborative Processes, Program Evaluation Methods, Public Administration and the Rule of Law, and e-Government.

Enrichment courses

Suggested enrichment courses cover topics such as Environmental Management and Sustainability, Green Business Strategies, Economic Development Strategies, Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment, and Social Entrepreneurship.

Program structure

The MBA program offers courses on a monthly basis throughout the entire academic year starting in October thru September. Each course involves 2-3 days of interactive seminars led by internationally recognized scholars who convey their expertise and encourage participation through a variety of innovative teaching methods. The schedule is convenient for working professionals with blocked courses taking place on 4-5 consecutive weekdays and weekend-days. MBA students who finish all required courses in the first 12 months of the program can complete their degree in 18 months, with 4 months dedicated entirely to writing the master’s thesis. An extended format also gives participants the option to increase their study time to 24 months, allowing even more scheduling flexibility and additional time to work on an independent, applied research project that becomes the master’s thesis.