CURRENT STUDENTS
Trying to find a link? Or key dates?
In this section, find everything you need to successfully navigate the program.
OMBA Link
Current students can access OMBA Link here: http://questromworld.bu.edu/ombalink.
OMBA Link is the OMBA specific program portal where students can find the following information and resources:
- OMBA Help Center, where you can reach out to your assigned Learning Facilitator and Success Specialist, set up appointments, and view submitted cases.
- Engage, where you can see all our upcoming program events and RSVP.
- OMBA Student Directory, where you can connect with your peers across the program.
- OMBA Resources and Forms, where you can find program specific resources, including the OMBA Student Handbook and recordings of past webinars and events.
- Course Registration, where you can find information on upcoming terms and submit your Intent to Register form.
OMBA Semester Calendars
Date | Details |
1/5/2024 | Mod 0 Launches |
1/15/2024 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day (US Holiday: BU Closed) |
1/19/2024 | All Spring Mods launch (1, 2, 4, 5) |
1/20/2024 | Mod 0 ends |
1/23/2024 | Spring 2023 Tuition Payment Deadline |
1/31/2024 | Last day to drop a course with a full refund |
2/19/2024 | President’s Day (US Holiday: BU Closed) |
2/20/2024 | Last day to drop a course without a “W” |
Early March – Be on the lookout for registration information! | |
3/9/2024 – 3/17/2024 | Spring recess (No course material released for Mods) |
3/27/2024 | Last day to drop a Spring course with a “W” |
4/15/2024 | Patriot’s Day (Massachusetts Holiday: BU Closed) |
5/4/2024 | All Mods end |
5/17/2024 – 5/19/2024 | Commencement Weekend (check your email for updates and information beginning in March!) |
Course Planning & Scheduling
If you have questions about course planning, please contact your Success Specialist.
Mod Descriptions & Offering Schedule
MX 700 Online MBA Launch (0 cr.)
Module 0 is a required, non-credit (pass/fail) introduction to the resources and overarching learning principles of the Online MBA. Students will be exposed to the underlying technology utilized to deliver the experience as well as learn communication techniques for managers as well as teaming process in the business.
- Introduction to the Online MBA learning platforms
- Orientation to BU and Questrom School of Business
- How to be successful in an online learning environment
Semesters Offered: August, January
MX 710 Creating Value for Business & Society (7.5 cr.)
Module 1 focuses on the purpose of the corporation and the role of the manager in creating and capturing value for their business. In this module, we introduce you to foundational concepts in micro-economics as well as the emerging ideas of information economics that dominate digital business models. This will help you recognize that today’s business world is a nexus of traditional physical products and digital services and platforms. You will apply these core foundational ideas in a capstone project focused on the automotive industry, where physical products and digital services are coming together in new ways for a business to create and capture value.
- Role of business in society
- Global business trends shaping the role of the manager
- Economic principles of how corporations create and capture
- Impact of information and digital transformation
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
MX 720 Managing Performance with Data (7.5 cr.)
Module 2 emphasizes the use of data in decision making, performance measurement, and system evaluation. Introductory financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, microeconomics, statistics and operations will be highlighted. Because of the advances in data collection, we now have more access than ever to nearly every type of data imaginable. Module 2 will teach students how to better understand and analyze both financial and non-financial data and use the information in improved decision making. In Module 2 we will follow the story of Questrom Bakeries, a fictional company that competes in the ready-to-eat cookie market. We will use the ongoing Questrom Bakeries case to apply and assemble the concepts and measurements being introduced each week. After module 2, managers will be able to make better use of data in framing important decisions and approaching them quantitatively.
- Find data for your business or organization
- Build a dashboard to monitor any business or organization
- Analyze financial statements and accounting metrics
- Use statistics and data to drive business decisions
- Understand basic ideas in operations like process analysis and improving quality
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
MX 730 Leading with Integrity (7.5 cr.)
The focus of Module 3 is to equip you with ways of thinking about and behaving effectively in situations that call for formal or informal leadership. Module 3 challenges you to step into a leadership role, regardless of the formal position you hold in an organization. Leadership requires us to demonstrate behaviors such as empathy, establishing trusting relationships, and bringing out the best in others. It also requires us to refine and strengthen skills such as leading new initiatives, managing a global team, and rebuilding an organizational culture. In Module 3 we pay particular attention to the processes by which leaders proactively engage others in pursuit of organizational and societal goals. You will gain the tools, skills, and frameworks you need to accurately diagnose a situation, develop a deep understanding of the forces at play and take effective action based on your own personal values, the needs of your organization, and the needs of society.
- Clarify and enact individual purposes, intentions, and values
- Build interpersonal leader-follower relationships
- Develop, change, and maintain thriving organizations
- Position organizations as ethical actors within society
Semesters Offered: Summer, Fall
MX 740 Assessing & Managing Risks (7.5 cr.)
The Covid pandemic reminded us what an uncertain world we live in. The crisis has impacted every organization. But dealing with risk is not just about dealing with crises. In fact, it is an issue that needs constant attention. Failure to do so can destroy value and even threaten the very survival of an enterprise. Managed well, it can be a valuable source of competitive advantage. Module 4 introduces you to the diverse set of tools managers need to measure, manage, and monitor different types of risks appropriate to all managers. Risks can arise from various sources. Some external to the company like interest rates or demand fluctuations, or systemic forces like climate change. Others internal – like technology innovations, model error, brand crisis or cyberattacks. Managers from different departments may perceive risks differently, or deal with different risks, but they all must manage risk. In Module 4 we will bring multiple functional perspectives and expertise together to view risk from all angles of the business and will introduce a framework to integrate the different perspectives in a holistic way.
- Assess environmental, social, political, and regulatory risk
- Financial risk management
- Develop processes for measuring and monitoring risk
- Manage operational risk
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
MX 750 Leveraging Global Opportunities (7.5 cr.)
In Module 5, we will continue and, in many ways, will culminate one of the program’s theme of being, “The MBA for a Connected World.” We will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with conducting business globally with different regions and environments. Specifically, we will examine the tools of Marketing in order to ensure that firms know what the best mix of products and services is to meet current and future customer interests. We will explore a firm’s global supply chains and introduce tools of Operations that help us optimize such chains to meet customer demands. We will also explore the tools of Strategy that help us analyze the external environments in which firms compete to develop a firm’s capabilities so that it matches its strategy with external demands.
- Understand the challenges of a global business
- Manage the marketing mix for various customer segments
- Source and optimize supply chains globally
- Develop competitive strategies in a global context
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
MX 760 Fostering an Innovative Mindset (7.5 cr.)
Module 6 explores how you can create not just an innovative mindset but also offers a toolkit that can help accelerate innovation outcomes at the individual, team, and organization level. What is an innovation mindset? It is a constant search for new ways to deliver value that meet a true need, coupled with the ability to mobilize the resources to experiment and put those ideas into practice. It is after all, mindsets, not devices, that are the driving source behind new innovations. Mindsets are powerful because they create frames for what we experience, and they both inform and limit the way we think and act – thus they define the landscape of opportunities. But we also view toolkits as important as innovation is inherently uncertain, risky and resource intense. We have carefully curated toolkits to advance idea generation and concept development that should help you both create and claim value while balancing the need to maintain existing operations.
- Apply principles of design thinking to reframe innovation challenges
- Source and generate new ideas that create value
- Align organizational capabilities to develop and test those ideas
- Manage the innovation portfolio
Semesters Offered: Summer, Fall
Upcoming Semester Dates
Semester | Dates |
---|---|
Spring 2024 | 1/19/24 – 5/4/24 |
Summer 2024 | 5/10/24 – 8/15/24 |
Fall 2024 | TBA |
Spring 2025 | TBA |
Mod Live Dates
If you have questions about course planning, please contact your Success Specialist.
Module | Required Dates of Attendance |
---|---|
Mod 0 | January 11, January 18 |
Mod 1 | January 25, February 1, February 8, March 7, April 18, April 25, and May 2. |
Mod 2 | Students must attend any seven (7) of the live sessions. |
Mod 4 | January 24, February 7, February 21, March 6, April 10, April 17, and May 1 |
Mod 5 | January 25, February 1, February 22, March 21, and May 2 |
Module | Required Dates of Attendance |
---|---|
Mod 2 | TBD |
Mod 3 | TBD |
Mod 5 | TBD |
Mod 6 | TBD |
Intent to Register Dates & Process (ITR)
Students in the OMBA program will work with their Student Success Specialist to register for courses. Each semester, students must complete the Intent to Register (ITR) form to indicate their plans for the upcoming semester (continuing to the next module or taking a leave of absence). From there, the Student Success Specialist will process the student’s registration. It is essential that students complete the Intent to Register form by the deadline indicated to avoid a delay in registration. Students should contact ombasuccess@bu.edu with questions or concerns about their academic plans or to change their registration.
To be eligible to register each term, all OMBA students must be in compliance with University policies, including having their financial account in good standing and completing the required University training on sexual misconduct. Students can check their compliance status via the BU Student Link and are responsible for maintaining their own compliance standing.
The following policies apply to students in the OMBA program:
- OMBA students will be registered for one module per semester.
- OMBA students are expected to follow a standard progression through the program, which requires completing one 7.5-credit module each semester (except during leaves of absence) and maintaining part-time student status.
- Students who wish to enroll in a non-Questrom course must receive approval from their Student Success Specialist. Please note that registration for additional courses will impact tuition rates and financial aid.
- Students may only enroll in the OMBA module courses in the Questrom School of Business.
- Students who do not enroll in a given term should request a Leave of Absence to indicate their desire to maintain their student status but not enroll in a given term. Students may be on a Leave of Absence up to 1 year (3 semesters).
Intent to Register Form Launch Dates
- Registration for Spring – ITR Form Launch Mid-October
- Registration for Summer & Fall – ITR Form Launch Mid-March
Withdrawal/Dropping a Course
If an OMBA student wishes to drop a course or withdraw from a semester, they must indicate this intent on their ITR or put their request in writing to ombasuccess@bu.edu. Students should refer to the University Class Schedule in the MyBU Student Portal for the last day to drop a course. They will work with their Student Success Specialist to determine future academic plans. If a student submitted their request in writing before the start of the semester for which they had previously registered, the charges for that semester will be canceled. If the semester has already started, the student may be entitled to a refund. If a student takes a leave after the last day to Add a Standard Class according to the BU Academic Calendar, they will not receive any tuition refund for the term.
Tuition & Financials
Spring 2024 tuition payments are due by January 23, 2024. For more detailed information about tuition payments, including payment plans, please visit Student Accounting Services at https://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/payment-deadlines/.
Students should refer to “Online Courses – Full Semester Programs” for the correct billing deadline.
Connect to Other BU Resources
Looking to reach out to another office on campus, or have questions about the services they provide? Here are some of the offices you may work with the most.
- MyBU Student Portal
The MyBU Student Portal is your one-stop shop for all your BU records. Here’s where you can see your schedule and course grades, access and pay your tuition bill each semester, check your compliance and graduation status, and order a copy of your transcript. - Questrom Graduate Financial Aid
If you currently receive financial aid or are interested in applying for financial aid, you can find more information on the Questrom Financial Aid website. - Student Accounting Services
Student Accounting Services is the University’s central offices that support all student accounts. You can find information on paying your bill and payment due dates, signing up for a payment plan, and more. - BU Registrar
The BU Registrar’s website can provide information on general semester dates, diplomas and transcripts, and updating your student record. - BU Center for Career Development
The BU Center for Career Development offers several resources and services for online students. - Boston University Commencement
You can find detailed information about the University’s annual commencement weekend here, including specific dates, cap and gown ordering information, and visitor information. - Questrom Convocation
You can find detailed information about Questrom specific Convocation events here.
Our Team
Leadership Team
Faculty
See the complete list of faculty members who teach in OMBA, along with their bios, here: https://www.bu.edu/questrom/degree-programs/online-mba/faculty/
Learning Facilitators
Current students can see their assigned Learning Facilitator in OMBA Link and should reach out to their LF by emailing ombamodhelp@bu.edu.
- Jocelyn Williams, Mod 1 Lead Learning Facilitator
- Jaime Klein
- Ed Martin
- Brandon Simmons
- Stephanie Vander Els
- Charlotte Wang, Mod 2 Lead Learning Facilitator
- Pedro Arce
- David Carrey
- Carlos Ponce
- Alan Williams
TBA Summer 2024
- Kim Richards, Mod 4 Lead Learning Facilitator
- Jamie Birdwell
- Joyce Boyd
- Jamiel Vadell
- Julie Lord, Mod 6 Lead Learning Facilitator
- Courtney Jane
- Jodi Kriner
- Aimee Phelps
TBA Summer 2024
Success Specialists
Current students can see their assigned Success Specialist in OMBA Link and should reach out to their SS by emailing ombasuccess@bu.edu.
Connect with Us
Looking to connect with a member of the OMBA Team?
- For program information, questions about course planning, or general support, please contact your Success Specialist at ombasuccess@bu.edu
- For questions regarding course content, course materials, assignments, and grading, please reach out to your Learning Facilitator at ombamodhelp@bu.edu
- Your SS and LF assignments, appointment availability, and contact information is also available in the Help Center on OMBA Link
Join our LinkedIn group and be sure to register your account with BU Connects to join our OMBA Faculty, Staff, Students, & Alumni group!
For Distance Education Programs, Boston University’s State Authorization Information & supporting information for students may be found here: https://www.bu.edu/state-authorization/