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Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the OTM program?
For what types of jobs does the OTM program prepare me?
What is the average starting salary for graduates of the OTM program?
How do I know the OTM program is right for me?
Can I take this degree as a part-time student?
Do I have to take all courses on the UW-Madison campus?

What is unique about the OTM program?

The OTM program is built on the notion that managers involved with operations and/or technology need to have a broad understanding of business. It provides an education where comprehensive management training complements previous knowledge and skills.

The OTM program differs from traditional MBA programs in that the curriculum focuses on course work relevant to the management of operations and technology. Some of program's unique features include:

• Flexibility: Courses can be taken outside of the School of Business (e.g., in engineering, law, science, etc.). Our intention is to tailor your MBA based on your unique knowledge, skills and career aspirations.
• Breadth: Students are presented with many opportunities to work directly with business and non-business graduates and professionals on class assignments and during professional development activities.
• Applicability: Since theory and practice are addressed through required and elective project-based courses where students work in teams on industry problems, our OTM MBAs are ready to be out in front on day one.

The Operations and Technology Management program is administered by the Erdman Center . Through this center, students get exposure to industry leadership and are provided a home within the Wisconsin MBA .

A multi-disciplinary Academic Advisory Board consisting of faculty from both business and engineering governs the Erdman Center. The Industrial Advisory Board provides guidance and assistance with professional development programming, curriculum development, internships, paid project assistantships, and other matters. Its members commonly serve as mentors, participate in mock interviews and lead monthly roundtable discussions. The Board meets formally twice a year. These meetings are also opportunities for OTM students to meet board members, alumni, faculty, and school staff.

The Erdman Center community fosters the development of a strong network and a comfortable and inviting work environment. Work space, computers and other office equipment are readily available and individual attention in matters involving career, study plans, campus life, contacts, etc., are offered and shared.

For what types of jobs does the OTM program prepare me?

It is clearly very difficult to predict the path that a person's career will take. However, the thread that unites students in the OTM program is the interest in operations and the application of technology. This is true regardless of whether past degrees are in business, engineering, computer sciences or biotechnology (to name a few). Some students may be more interested in the technology side, and will select course work accordingly, while other are more interested in manufacturing or service operations. Quite a few students have as their goal to start their own company and want a comprehensive degree that prepares them for this entrepreneurial career. Starting positions are naturally dependent on previous work experience, and may range from an analyst/staff position to a management trainee program to an upper-level management position (see Jobs).

What is the average starting salary for graduates of the OTM program?

For more information please see placement statistics.

How do I know if the OTM program is right for me?

This program is primarily designed for those who entered the workforce with an engineering, science or business undergraduate degree, and have spent a 3-6 years on the job. The following scenario is common:

"Through my work experience I have been exposed to many problems for which my technical background has not adequately prepared me. These problems tend to be of a managerial nature, involving issues such as organizing and leading teams, estimating financial impact of a new product line, outlining new manufacturing strategies, achieving excellence in quality to maintain the customer base, and planning for the implementation of new information technology. It has become clear to me that any further career advancements require formal managerial training from a graduate business school."

Although one may have different experience and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, the challenging managerial issues related to process and/or technology implementations and improvements are shared. The OTM program equips one to face those leadership challenges and deliver business value. Feel free to consult the Student Views page for additional comments by students.

Can I take this degree as a part-time student?

The OTM degree program is only offered in the full-time MBA program. However, there are part-time options to pursue a Wisconsin MBA through our Evening and Executive MBA programs.

Do I have to take all courses on the UW-Madison campus?

The full-time MBA program is not available through distance education. There are no waivers or transfers of coursework for the MBA core classes from other universities. If you have questions about transfer of elective courses, please contact the Erdman Center or the school’s MBA Office.