Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by MBA Gateway Team

What is an MBA Specialty Stream?

An MBA specialty stream is a focused area of study within an MBA program that allows students to specialize in a particular subject or industry. Specialty streams are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a specific field or industry, such as finance, marketing, or healthcare management.

MBA programs typically offer a range of specialty streams to choose from, and students may be able to select one or more streams based on their career goals and interests. Many MBA programs also offer the option to customize a specialty stream by choosing a combination of coursework from different areas of study.

Specialty streams may require students to complete a set number of courses in their area of focus and may include coursework in topics such as business strategy, financial analysis, market research, and leadership. Some MBA programs may also offer experiential learning opportunities, such as internships or capstone projects, as part of their specialty stream requirements.

Overall, an MBA specialty stream is a way for students to specialize in their MBA education and gain expertise in a specific area of business, which can be beneficial for those who have a clear career goal in mind or who want to gain a competitive edge in a particular industry.

What is an MBA Concentration?

An MBA concentration is a focused area of study within an MBA program that allows students to specialize in a particular subject or industry. MBA concentrations are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a specific field or industry, such as finance, marketing, or healthcare management.

MBA programs typically offer a range of concentrations to choose from, and students may be able to select one or more concentrations based on their career goals and interests. Many MBA programs also offer the option to customize a concentration by choosing a combination of coursework from different areas of study.

Concentrations may require students to complete a set number of courses in their area of focus and may include coursework in topics such as business strategy, financial analysis, market research, and leadership. Some MBA programs may also offer experiential learning opportunities, such as internships or capstone projects, as part of their concentration requirements.

Overall, an MBA concentration is a way for students to specialize in their MBA education and gain expertise in a specific area of business, which can be beneficial for those who have a clear career goal in mind or who want to gain a competitive edge in a particular industry.

 

What is the difference between MBA Specialty Streams and MBA Concentrations?

MBA Specialty Streams and MBA Concentrations are similar in that they both refer to focused areas of study within an MBA program that allow students to specialize in a particular subject or industry. Both types of specialized study are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a specific field or industry, such as finance, marketing, or healthcare management.

The main difference between MBA Specialty Streams and MBA Concentrations is the terminology used to describe them. Some MBA programs may refer to specialized areas of study as “concentrations,” while others may use the term “specialty streams.” Essentially, these terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same thing: a focused area of study within an MBA program that allows students to specialize in a particular subject or industry.

MBA Specialty Streams and MBA Concentrations may require students to complete a set number of courses in their area of focus, and may include coursework in topics such as business strategy, financial analysis, market research, and leadership. Some MBA programs may also offer experiential learning opportunities, such as internships or capstone projects, as part of their specialty stream or concentration requirements.

Overall, both MBA Specialty Streams and MBA Concentrations are ways for students to specialize their MBA education and gain expertise in a specific area of business, which can be beneficial for those who have a clear career goal in mind or who want to gain a competitive edge in a particular industry.

 

SPECIALTY STREAMS – MBA LEADERSHIP

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

INNOVATION LEADERSHIP

HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP

PROFESSIONAL SELLING & LEADERSHIP

BUSINESS ANALYTICS LEADERSHIP

CONSULTING LEADERSHIP

HUMAN RESOURCE LEADERSHIP

 

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP – SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for improving performance on a global level

Business, today more than ever, is conducted globally in a multicultural context. The complexity of operating within a global network of suppliers, competitors, partners, and customers offers an immense challenge.

With all of the risks and opportunities present, it is imperative that leadership teams recognize the true scope of their operations. Embracing this reality means organizations are committed to educating and preparing our leadership and management teams.

This program is designed for professionals aspiring to lead their companies towards much higher performance in their global networks. You will succeed by focusing on leadership techniques, especially collaborative leadership in the cross-boundary global context, both within the company and between companies.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING – MBA 6000 This contemporary topic of study lends an important level of understanding the challenges; and, in developing the strategy skills that are important for business leaders and managers facing the pressures to meet higher accountability levels of responsibilities regarding social, economic, and environmental sustainability in their operational policies and practices. 1) This course will provide students with the opportunity to assemble “briefing materials” that can make the case for sustainability in a business organizational perspective. 2) This course will strengthen skills in the management of strategic program planning processes. 3) This course will contribute to an objective understanding of contemporary needs and responsive methodologies that stakeholders in business communities must consider within the context of their corporate responsibilities.   LEADING EFFECTIVE GLOBAL TEAMS – MBA 6011

Managerial roles and responsibilities are becoming increasingly global in nature. In many companies, the ability to manage in a global environment has become an important criteria (if not the most important criterion) for both promotion to top management levels and concomitant business success in the corporate world. This course begins with an orientation on global management, and ends with perspectives on career pursuits for global managers. In between, the course will focus on important conditional topics like the understanding of cultural differences, cross- cultural ethics, business communication in a global context, skills for avoidance/dealing with conflict, and personnel negotiations; topics relevant to the key subject of “global collaborative teams.”

 

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Marc Medas, MBA

Global Leadership Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

REGISTRY OFFICER, FEDERAL COURT OF CANADA

 

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in law, Marc immediately began working as a public servant for the Governmentof Canada with the Federal Court.

He had ambitions of furthering his education, yet like many early career professionals, Marc was unable to be away from work to attend a traditional campus. He decided that online learning was the answer.

With a background in law, this program helped me learn about fundamental management essentials that will be of great use in the future. The Global Leadership program had exactly what I was looking for as I wanted to turn my attention to business.

 

 

 

 

 

INNOVATION LEADERSHIP

SPECIALTY STREAM

 

 

The choice for professionals trying to get ahead of the curve

 

 

 

 

The business environment is competitive, and a diligent leadership team needs to understand that their global competitors are relentless. Every part of an organization must run in perfect alignment and at peak efficiency to stay ahead. However, that same organization must also be able to regenerate itself: to seek bold new directions that

 

 

 

CAREER AT A GLANCE

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

$115,375

median salary

3/3

StatCan Job Outlook

EXPERIENCE & DEGREE

RECOMMENDED

*payscale.com Canadian data

 

offer new opportunities for motivation and growth, be they new product categories, new markets, new partnerships, new processes, or new organizational structures.

This program focuses on developing managers and leaders who are ready and able to identify a bold new venture. You will acquire the ability to successfully promote the merits of such initiatives, securing the commitment necessary to complete innovative ventures.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

 

 

 

  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

INNOVATION BEST PRACTICE I (EXECUTIVE) – MBA 6020

As essential as new ventures are for long-term health of a corporation, it remains a profound challenge for the corporate executive team to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of an ongoing operation while trying to cultivate and integrate potentially disruptive products and processes, or any requisite mergers, acquisitions and/or spinouts.

In this course, we will examine the theoretical foundations and field-tested best practices for organizing new venture units (NVUs), evaluating and selecting new ventures, implementing mergers, acquisitions and/or spinouts, managing corporate conflict and change, and rewarding success (or failure). Readings, videos and case studies will be drawn from diverse fields such as Innovation Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Change Management, and students will be expected to share personal experiences during the seminars.

 

INNOVATION BEST PRACTICE II (INTRAPRENEUR) – MBA 6021

A corporation depends on intrapreneurs to conceive and champion significant new avenues for the corporation to continuously revitalize itself, be they major new product categories, new technologies, new markets, new operational processes, new IS/IT technologies, new HRM initiatives, and/or new partnerships.

In this course, we will examine the theoretical foundations and field-tested best practices for formulating new venture ideas, developing the business case, gaining senior management and resource commitment, minimizing resistance, and ensuring successful execution. Readings, videos and case studies will be drawn from diverse fields such as Intrapreneurship, Innovation Management, Change Management, and/or Technology Management, and students will be expected to share personal experiences during the seminars.

 

LEADING EFFECTIVE GLOBAL TEAMS – MBA 6011

Managerial roles and responsibilities are becoming increasingly global in nature. In many companies, the ability to manage in a global environment has become an important criteria (if not the most important criterion) for both promotion to top management levels and concomitant business success in the corporate world.

This course begins with an orientation on global management, and ends with perspectives on career pursuits for global managers. In between, the course will focus on important conditional topics like the understanding of cultural differences, cross- cultural ethics, business communication in a global context, skills for avoidance/dealing with conflict, and personnel negotiations; topics relevant to the key subject of “global collaborative teams.”

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

 

 

Brandon Tupper, MBA

Innovation Leadership Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

BUSINESS OWNER

 

Already holding a Natural Resource Technology Diploma and BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Brandon knew that he already possessed many marketable skills, but wanted to make them applicable to business.

While studying with UFred, Brandon began to “see business through a new set of eyeglasses” and found the courage he needed to make a career change and start his own business.

 

Get involved in your community and start applying your MBA skills as you are learning them. It’s been just over a year since I started my company and I feel fantastic, and my family would agree.

The course[s] gave me the confidence that I needed.

 

 

 

 

HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY STREAM

 The choice for executives in Occupational

Health & Safety

Well-designed and well-managed health and safety programs contribute to a much healthier, more satisfied and more productive workforce.

Many, if not most, managers of health and safety units have risen to their management positions without any prior post-secondary education in management, and face the dual challenges of a potential performance deficit, and reduced probability of promotion into executive ranks.

Jointly supported by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), this visionary new program compliments the rising prominence of organizational health and safety units.

 

 

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

 

 

  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR OHS CHANGE – HSL 8040

A business case attempts to answer the question “Why should my organization invest the proposed resources (both time and money) to implement the proposed action or set of actions?” And typically, the answer incorporates the considerations of alignment with the organization’s strategic direction and goals, resource availability, affordability, financial value (i.e., profitability), social value, and acceptability of risk.

In this course we attempt to identify which systemic approaches deliver the greatest financial and social value while maximizing alignment with organizational goals, resource availability, and appetite for risk. And to wrap up, we review Communication Strategies for presenting the business case to the Board of Directors / Executive Management to maximize the probability of approval.

 

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT – HSL 8041

This course begins with the identification and definition of OHS and OHS-relevant risks, including a discussion of how such enterprise-wide risks are interrelated. We then analyze these risks, especially the downside severity of the outcomes, the organization’s short-term and long-term costs, and the variability and/or statistical uncertainty associated with the different outcomes.

We follow with a discussion of best practices in risk mitigation, determined by a measurable reduction of frequency and severity of the negative outcomes, and/

or measurable increase in organizational performance, illustrated with several case studies. This course lays the foundation for our subsequent discussion of how the entire organization’s risk management efforts can contribute to the creation and protection of the organization’s financial and social value.

 

ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERS – HSL 8042

In the significant majority of today’s organizations, leaders cannot be effective using an autocratic leadership style. It is widely accepted and endorsed by practitioners and academics alike that a collaborative leadership style has proven to be most effective, which requires leaders to possess and exhibit a very large array of leadership and

interpersonal skills that encourage organizations, and the people within them, to want to move forward.

In this course we will focus on enhancing the student’s understanding and skill regarding an essential subset comprising communication (verbal, written and physical), conflict management, negotiation, and change management. In addition to classic

pedagogical tools, we will engage a wide variety of complementary tools such as videos, case studies, simulations and role plays. Students of the Essential Communication

and Interpersonal Skills for Leaders will be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills valued by management and colleagues to motivate self-awareness and growth within an organization’s stakeholders.

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Ryan Fabi, EMBA

Health & Safety Leadership Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

SENIOR DIRECTOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Over the last 20 years, Ryan has developed a robust portfolio working in a health and safey capacity across various sectors.

Ryan holds a CRSP designation, and as a member of senior leadership, he would regularly attends meetings with executives. It was during these meetings that he realized the need for further education, as he often felt ill-prepared to discuss advanced business concepts.

 

Meetings had safety as part of the agenda, but most of the discussion focused on business results, forecasts, strategy, budget, and financial targets. These were areas I wanted more exposure to, so I could be an active participant.

 

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for professionals looking for a blended bottom line

The most immediate roadblock for organizations seeking to take on more social responsibility is their bottom line. It can be an immense challenge for leaders to align social and commercial goals in a way that is good for business, and the rise of the Social Enterprise model combats this difficulty.

Seeking to balance sustainable profitability with a social mission, Social Enterprise leaders must focus on delivering blended value results that minimize the need to compromise on their social mission.

It takes a skilled individual to navigate these complexities, and the Social Enterprise Leadership specialty stream prepares professionals to communicate the effectiveness of a triple bottom line.

 

 

 

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISE – SEL 8030 This course introduces the foundational characteristics of the social enterprise, beginning with the core concept of “blended value”, which comprises both financial value and social value. Followed by a detailed examination of: a range of evolving legal frameworks and performance measures; financial and social value forecasting; and important analytic decision-aiding concepts used for feasibility assessment and strategic business planning. This course concludes with discussion of appropriate organizational structures, and how to effectively manage internal cultural change and internal and external stakeholder communications.   CURRENT AND EMERGING TOOLS FOR FINANCING THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE – SEL 8031 The establishment and growth of a social enterprise requires substantial finance investment which must come from sources other than charitable donations. This course undertakes detailed examinations of which current and emerging financial tools are appropriate for which types of social enterprises at which stage of the enterprise’s life cycle, and an analysis of how the investor may conduct a risk-return assessment of the social enterprise seeking financing. Included in this examination will be a review of social impact bonds, and managing social enterprise investor relations.   SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND PUBLIC POLICY – SEL 8032

This case-based course examines key examples of the socioeconomic results that social enterprises have directly generated through their operations, as well as the enterprises’ strategically planned communications and public relations campaigns. Observing and measuring such social impacts, we can begin to better understand how governments might view social enterprises as valuable instruments of public policy, and how governments have in fact behaved, and how they might behave. This course will also address topics of special interest such as Social Impact Purchasing Policy, and the financial and social effects of free trade policies.

 

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Whitney Keyes, MBA

Social Enterprise Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

FOUNDER & CEO, WK PRODUCTIONS

 

During her early career at Microsoft, Whitney never felt she never had enough time to get her MBA. She “got entrepreneurialism in [her] blood at a young age”, and focused her early education on the “science of trying to figure out how to communicate about a product or service; how to connect with customers.”

Whitney’s goals were centred around wanting to do good in a community, in society, and around the world.

I [met] people that were in the oil industry, and working in the Prime Minister’s office, and social entrepreneurs running their own businesses … and, because Canada is such an inclusive country, many different people from all around the world.

 

PROFESSIONAL SELLING & LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for ambitious sales management professionals

Higher education in sales has always been scarce. The dynamic landscape of modern selling has made harmonizing sales theory and sales practice a difficult academic task. UFred has overcome this issue by bringing prominent Sales Management Executives to the table.

The profession of sales has evolved dramatically towards using data and business knowledge to drive success. By delivering an online program influenced by a contingent of industry sales leaders, UFred faculty understands the nuances present in today’s always-changing sales environment.

This program has been designed to allow students to move into senior or executive roles while they obtain and apply the business acumen needed to drive success.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

The mantra has been that to be successful in sales, you need experience. Methods and secrets learned in the field; intricacies that are difficult to extract as a science. To achieve a career goal in sales, an individual also requires robust professional development, training, and education.

Advanced post-secondary education has had trouble conveying these concepts in an academic context, as many curriculum developers and instructors are not actively working in a sales role. This stream is designed to help sales professionals blend business concepts with sales experience.

The Professional Selling & Leadership specialty stream at UFred addresses the need for a Masters degree for sales professionals looking to progress into leadership positions.

Created and taught by a faculty of professors still active in senior sales roles, you will be given a platform to harmonize field experience with navigating business structures, increasingly technical and mature procurement departments, multichannel approaches, relationship building, and developing complex solutions that are effective in the ever- changing marketplace.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for professionals who want to leverage the power of data

In virtually every sector, data production continues to increase at a staggering pace. Data-driven decisions exist at every level, and reliability on analytic systems is high.

It is crucial that managers and analysts not only understand business analytics and key metrics, but also are able to leverage that information to capture a competitive advantage.

Leaders need to learn how to best approach and present big data solutions for the benefit of their organizations.

In addition to mastering core business fundamentals, by understanding of data accuracy, acquisition, context, predictability, and simulation you will be enabled to approach and solve the right problems with the right information on a professional level.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICS – BAL 8060

This course is the first in the Business Analytics Leadership stream. The course is designed to familiarize students with both the concepts and processes of the analytics world.

There is no mathematical content included in this course. The content is theory-based and will focus on what analytics is, and how it can be used as a means to develop an organization’s intelligence, develop solutions, and improve competitiveness.

 

INTRODUCTION TO PRESCRIPTIVE AND PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS – BAL 8061

This course is the second in the Business Analytics Leadership stream, and is designed to familiarize students with the concepts and processes of analytics, as well as with

the advanced techniques and tools to support decision-making processes (including Regression Analysis, Forecasting Techniques, Simulation and Risk Analysis), as well as introducing the subject of Data Mining.

 

ADVANCED TOPICS IN ANALYTICS AND BIG DATA – BAL 8062

This course is the third in the Business Analytics Leadership stream; topics covered in this course will complement those already covered in the previous two courses.

In this course, students will be involved in the understanding of technology, types of solutions, and attributes of Big Data. All of these aspects will be positioned around business objectives, the impact potential of Analytics work, identification, and description of analytics opportunities for matching problems with solutions. It will be important to learn how to differentiate what is possible (or not possible) with Big Data.

 

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Ryan Topp, MBA Student

Business Analytics Leadership Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST & LEAD QUALITY CONTROLS

 

Having gained significant experience working in a variety of finance roles, Ryan identified his ambition to move into a Chief Financial Officer position. To fulfill his career goal, he knew he would need an MBA.

Ryan also runs a music business consisting of four teachers and approximately 65 students, and appreciates the combination of flexibility and interaction he has experienced in his classes.

 

The online approach at UFred has been excellent [since] classes foster a great amount of interaction with faculty and other students. I have been exposed to a vast number of professional establishments through my peers in discussions, debates, and projects.

CONSULTING LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for ambitious consulting professionals

This stream is aimed at professionals who either want to transition to a career as a consultant or those who want to further develop their capacity in the profession. The topics covered are critical for entry into the consulting profession whether that be as an independent consultant or with a large firm. Managers will also find it useful for dealing with outside consultants.

This stream helps prepare students for the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) professional designation administered by the Canadian Association of Management Consultants. Management consultants

will benefit from banks and firms seeking their services throughout 2018-2023 as financial services is a key driver of industry demand.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Consulting, like leadership, is really about influencing. As such, consultants are knowledgeable, skilled, and trusted persons who are in a position to influence their client. Like leadership, consulting is about change through improved organizational performance.

A consultant provides objective advice and supports the implementation of business solutions. It is not “telling” a client what to do; but guiding the client to make decisions and then supports the execution of those decisions which ultimately adds value to the organization.

Consulting Leadership is comprised of three courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills for successful consulting.

The first two courses use a complex progressive case where students can apply their specific area of expertise to address organizational problems.

The third course provides the opportunity to apply the new knowledge and skills to an actual consulting opportunity. Built by experienced consultants, the course provides proven concepts plus actual “tools” used in real-world consulting projects.

HUMAN RESOURCE LEADERSHIP – SPECIALTY STREAM

The choice for tightening the gap between HR and business

A well-executed Human Resource initiative can have a significant impact on the bottom line and overall success of an organization.

When strategically integrated with an understanding of business practices and motivations, HR programs are proven to be powerful tools.

This program focuses on core management principles, compensation management, training, development, selection, and performance management. Professionals will learn how to refine their knowledge and effectively collaborate with similarly motivated professionals. HR managers can now advance the strategic success of their companies completely online, without disruption to their careers or personal lives.

Going back to school is a big life decision, and we’d like to help you through that. If you have any questions or would just like to look over some additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let us know how we can help you get ahead in your career.

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

WHAT KIND OF LEADER WILL YOU BE?

Amanda Van Haaften, Master Certificate

Human Resource Leadership Specialty Stream · University of Fredericton

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Amanda is a passionate Human Resources professional with over 7-years of highly diversified experience. She has worked in the fields of postsecondary education, oil-well servicing, mining, manufacturing, casinos, supply chain, and not-for-profit in many HR roles.

The course structure delivered by UFred allowed for amplified learning by sharing human resource perspectives with others.

The HR Leadership Certificate has supported my previous education and … I have also introduced case-study methodology and online discussions to my teaching practice that my students have indicated that they have appreciated and enjoyed.