Overview
Overview
Academics
“Shortly after I graduated from the SOM, I was recruited to manage a large relocation project for a Boston law firm and my relocation management career was launched. I never doubted myself because I learned at the SOM that I could be a good leader.”
Gretchen P. Fox '87, president and founder, FOX Relocation Management, Corp.
A hallmark of a Simmons education is the integration of theory and practice. Learning takes place through case study discussions, team projects, collaborative research and consultations on projects for organizations of all sizes. Students also expand their practical experience through internships, independent study and study abroad opportunities.
Through hands-on coursework, the Simmons MBA challenges students to develop the analytical skills required to address complex management issues, such as how to leverage technology for strategic advantage or align profitability and social responsibility.
Case Analysis: The Simmons Way
The Simmons MBA uses the best-practice case study method developed by the Harvard Business School. But there's a key difference: at Simmons, our teaching cases often feature women leaders so that students can understand how gender shapes women's leadership opportunities and develop effective strategies to ensure their success in today's business environment. We also invite high-performing women executives to the classroom to serve as "live cases." Discussions focus on specific challenges they face and their personal experiences in building successful businesses and influential careers. Case analyses address real-life business issues from diverse disciplinary perspectives. Developing recommendations to improve operational efficiencies in the printer division of a technology company and analyzing investment opportunities for a new venture in the United Arab Emirates are just two examples of how SOM students hone their skills as they apply theory to practice within the framework of the case study.
Collaborative Competition
The SOM's inclusive community encourages "collaborative competition." We push students to excel beyond their highest expectations and challenge them to engage in the collective learning of the class. The wide use of study groups reinforces collaboration, while also ensuring that each student contributes quality work to her team's effort.