What Is Competency-Based Education?
Designed to leverage your previous knowledge, college coursework, and work experience, competency-based education enables you to earn your degree at your pace as you demonstrate mastery of relevant academic content.
How Our YourPace Online Programs Save You Time and Money:
- Prove your knowledge, move ahead—the faster you advance, the more you save
- Flat tuition rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete
- With no weekly deadlines, you control the speed of completion*
*Time to completion varies by student and is based on several factors including prior college coursework, relevant work experience, amount of time dedicated to studying, and the number of courses completed each session.
Upcoming Session Dates
The Dates YourPace Students Need to Know
There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. UMPI must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received by UMPI, please plan accordingly.
Master of Science in Business
UMPI’s YourPace Master of Science in Business (MSB) program offers a flexible, fully online pathway for professionals seeking to elevate their business acumen and leadership capabilities. This program emphasizes core business competencies such as strategic management, data-informed decision-making, operations optimization, and ethical leadership, preparing graduates to thrive in complex, fast-paced business environments.
Built on UMPI’s YourPace model, the MSB program allows students to progress at their own speed by leveraging existing knowledge and work experience. With fully asynchronous coursework and six start dates per year, this graduate degree provides both the freedom and structure to balance career advancement with life’s other priorities. Gain the skills to lead, the insight to strategize, and the confidence to make impactful decisions through UMPI’s innovative online YourPace MSB program.
Program Objective and Content
- Core Business Competencies:
- All students in the MSB program will complete a core curriculum that covers essential business disciplines, including:
- Strategic Management
- Financial Analysis
- Marketing Strategies
- Organizational Behavior
- Operations Management
- Business Ethics
- All students in the MSB program will complete a core curriculum that covers essential business disciplines, including:
- Specialized Concentrations:
- In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose from the following concentrations to gain targeted expertise (see below for additional details):
- Business Intelligence
- Finance
- Supply Chain Management
- Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Global Business Management
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management
- In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose from the following concentrations to gain targeted expertise (see below for additional details):
Each concentration is designed to address specific industry needs, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills that are directly applicable to the respective fields.
YourPace Master of Science in Business Program Offerings with Concentrations
The Master of Science in Business (MSB) modular program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is designed to meet the diverse professional aspirations of future business leaders. Distinguished by its flexible structure and specialized concentrations, the MSB program offers a comprehensive education that combines core business principles with targeted expertise in key areas of business practices that ensures business leaders are equipped with strategic business acumen, effective leadership skills, and a strong foundation in ethical practices. The program emphasizes data-driven decision-making and provides specialized knowledge through 10 distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals and industry needs.
Career Preparation
UMPI regularly meets with employers in each sector to learn what skills they are looking for in current and new hires to ensure what you learn is relevant to workforce needs.

YourPace Tuition
Learn More About Our Affordable Tuition
The YourPace MSB Program offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans on the FAFSA website. UMPI school code 002033
**Tuition and fees are subject to change
Tuition breakdown:
$2,450** per session
Flat-Rate Tuition
More Information
Have questions or need more information about competency-based education?
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from UMPI?
UMPI is ranked as one of the top 10 Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt—UMPI is the top institution in Maine and all of New England to appear on this list. – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
EXPECT to Finish at YourPace
YourPace Admissions
Requirements for These Master of Science in Business Program Offerings
We’ve made the admission process simple and streamlined so it’s easier for you to get started. Those interested in earning their competency-based MSB degree should have the equivalent of a college degree and/or work experience.
Admission Requirements:
No Application Fee
Minimum 3.0 GPA
YourPace Master of Science in Business Courses
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace Master of Science in Business Program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic business landscape. Select the tab below to explore the degree option that aligns with your goals and start building a strong foundation for your future success.
Master of Science in Business
UMPI’s YourPace Master of Science in Business (MSB) program offers a flexible, fully online pathway for professionals seeking to elevate their business acumen and leadership capabilities. This program emphasizes core business competencies such as strategic management, data-informed decision-making, operations optimization, and ethical leadership, preparing graduates to thrive in complex, fast-paced business environments.
Built on UMPI’s YourPace model, the MSB program allows students to progress at their own speed by leveraging existing knowledge and work experience. With fully asynchronous coursework and six start dates per year, this graduate degree provides both the freedom and structure to balance career advancement with life’s other priorities. Gain the skills to lead, the insight to strategize, and the confidence to make impactful decisions through UMPI’s innovative online MSB program.
Program Objective and Content:
Upon completion of this program, our graduates will demonstrate the following:
PLO#1 – Effective Leadership and Management
Graduates will exhibit strong foundational elements in leadership and management skills, capable of inspiring teams, fostering innovation, and driving performance to achieve business objectives in dynamic and diverse organizational environments.
PLO#2 – Strategic Business Acumen
Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of strategic business management concepts, including change management, finance and accounting, competitive positioning, and strategic decision-making, all focused to drive organizational success and sustainable growth.
PLO#3 – Data-Informed Decision-Making
Graduates will be proficient in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform strategic decision-making processes, utilizing relevant tools and technologies to drive data-informed decisions and enhance organizational performance.
PLO#4 – Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Graduates will excel in communicating complex ideas and analytical insights to diverse stakeholders, fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and alignment towards organizational goals.
PLO#5 – Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Graduates will cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, applying creative thinking and problem-solving skills to drive organizational agility, resilience, and competitive advantage.
PLO#6 – Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility
Graduates will demonstrate ethical leadership practices and a commitment to corporate social responsibility, integrating ethical considerations and sustainability principles into decision-making processes and organizational practices.
A look at the Core Business Courses for all MSB Concentations
Managerial Accounting and Finance
Course Description: This course examines the principles and practices of managerial accounting and finance within the context of today’s technology-driven business environments. Topics include financial statement analysis, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, and capital budgeting, with a focus on leveraging financial data to support strategic decision-making and optimize business performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply financial management techniques to evaluate investment opportunities and optimize resource allocation (PLO#2, PLO#3)
- Analyze financial statements and performance metrics to assess organizational health and inform strategic decision-making (PLO#3)
- Utilize accounting information systems and financial models to support data-driven decision-making processes (PLO#3)
- Evaluate the impact of AI technologies on financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management practices (PLO#3, PLO#6)
- Demonstrate ethical and responsible financial management practices in compliance with regulatory standards and organizational values (PLO#6)
Strategic Leadership
Course Description: This course explores the principles of strategic leadership and effective communication in the context of today’s technology-enabled business environments. Topics include leadership styles, communication strategies, team dynamics, and organizational culture, with an emphasis on fostering innovation, driving change, and achieving strategic objectives.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills to inspire teams, foster innovation, and drive organizational performance (PLO#1)
- Communicate strategic visions and goals clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders (PLO#4)
- Lead change initiatives effectively by anticipating challenges, mobilizing resources, and managing resistance (PLO#1, PLO#2)
- Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning to adapt to evolving business landscapes (PLO#1)
- Employ AI-driven communication tools and platforms to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness (PLO#6)
Corporate Strategy
Course Description: This course examines the formulation and implementation of corporate strategy in the era of AI and business intelligence. Topics include industry analysis, competitive positioning, strategic alignment, and performance measurement, with a focus on leveraging AI technologies to gain competitive advantage and drive sustainable growth.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze internal and external business environments to identify strategic opportunities and threats (PLO#2)
- Develop and evaluate corporate strategies that leverage AI and business intelligence to enhance organizational performance (PLO#2, PLO#3)
- Implement strategic initiatives effectively by aligning resources, capabilities, and organizational culture with strategic objectives (PLO#1)
- Monitor and evaluate strategic performance using key performance indicators and data analytics tools (PLO#3)
- Integrate ethical considerations and sustainability principles into corporate strategy formulation and implementation processes (PLO#6)
Business Analytics and Decision Support Systems
Course Description: This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of business analytics and decision support systems in the context of AI-driven organizations. Topics include data collection, preprocessing, analysis, visualization, and interpretation, with an emphasis on using analytics to drive informed decision-making and achieve competitive advantage.
Learning Outcomes:
- Collect, preprocess, and analyze data from various sources to generate actionable insights for decision-making (PLO#3)
- Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to extract patterns, trends, and correlations from complex datasets (PLO#3)
- Utilize data visualization tools and techniques to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders (PLO#4)
- Design and develop decision support systems that leverage AI and business intelligence to optimize business processes and outcomes (PLO#5)
- Evaluate the ethical implications of data-driven decision-making and implement appropriate governance frameworks (PLO#6)
Sustainability, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Course Description: This course examines the principles and practices of sustainability, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of AI-enabled business environments. Topics include sustainability frameworks, ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and CSR reporting, with a focus on integrating social and environmental considerations into business strategies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate the social, environmental, and economic impacts of AI technologies and business practices on sustainability and CSR (PLO#6)
- Apply ethical frameworks and principles to resolve moral dilemmas and make responsible business decisions (PLO#6)
- Engage stakeholders effectively and build partnerships to address sustainability challenges and promote social responsibility (PLO#1)
- Develop and implement CSR strategies that align with organizational values, stakeholder expectations, and societal needs (PLO#1, PLO#2)
- Assess and report on sustainability performance using relevant indicators and reporting standards to enhance transparency and accountability (PLO#1, PLO#4)
Change Management and Organizational Adaptation
Course Description: This course explores theories, models, and strategies for managing organizational change in the context of AI adoption and digital transformation. Topics include change theories, resistance management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational culture, with an emphasis on leading successful change initiatives and ensuring organizational readiness.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify drivers and barriers of organizational change in the context of AI adoption and digital transformation (PLO#1)
- Develop change management plans that address resistance, mitigate risks, and maximize stakeholder engagement (PLO#1)
- Implement change initiatives effectively by communicating vision, aligning resources, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility (PLO#1)
- Evaluate the impact of AI technologies on organizational structure, processes, and culture, and adapt change strategies accordingly (PLO#1)
- Monitor and measure change progress using appropriate metrics and feedback mechanisms to ensure desired outcomes (PLO#1)
YourPace Master of Science in Business with a Concentration in Communication (MSB-Com)
UMPI’s Communications Concentration in the MSB is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills in the business context. This concentration equips graduates with the ability to effectively convey complex information, lead successful communication strategies, and navigate the evolving landscape of business communications.
Course: Strategic Business Communication
Description: This course focuses on developing strategic communication skills, including message development, audience analysis, and communication planning.
Learning Outcomes:
- Craft clear and compelling messages for diverse business audiences. (PLO#4)
- Analyze audience needs and tailor communication strategies accordingly. (PLO#4, PLO#5)
- Develop and implement strategic communication plans for organizations. (PLO#4)
- Utilize technology for effective business communication. (PLO#3)
- Evaluate the impact of cultural and global factors on business communication. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
Course: Digital and Social Media Marketing
Description: This course explores the use of digital and social media for marketing and communication purposes, including social media strategies, content creation, and online brand management.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop effective digital marketing strategies for business communication. (PLO#4)
- Create compelling content for various digital platforms. (PLO#4)
- Manage online brand presence and reputation. (PLO#4)
- Utilize social media analytics for data-informed decision-making. (PLO#3)
- Implement ethical considerations in digital and social media marketing. (PLO#6)
Course: Crisis Communication and Management
Description: This course focuses on developing skills in crisis communication, including crisis response planning, message development, and reputation management.
Learning Outcomes:
- Formulate crisis communication plans for organizations. (PLO#4)
- Develop clear and timely crisis communication messages. (PLO#4)
- Implement crisis response strategies to mitigate reputational damage. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Utilize technology for effective crisis communication. (PLO#3)
- Assess the ethical implications of crisis communication decisions. (PLO#6)
Course: Cross-Cultural Communication in Business
Description: This course explores the complexities of cross-cultural communication in the business context, including cultural awareness, diversity, and effective communication strategies in global settings.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity in business communication. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Tailor communication strategies for diverse and global audiences. (PLO#4, PLO#5)
- Manage cross-cultural communication challenges in the workplace. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Evaluate the impact of cultural factors on business negotiations and relationships. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Implement inclusive communication practices. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
Course: Internal Communication Strategies
Description: This course focuses on developing effective internal communication strategies within organizations, including employee engagement, change communication, and internal branding.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop and implement internal communication plans to enhance employee engagement. (PLO#4)
- Communicate organizational changes effectively to internal stakeholders. (PLO#4)
- Utilize technology for internal communication and collaboration. (PLO#3)
- Evaluate the impact of internal communication on organizational culture. (PLO#4, PLO#5)
- Formulate strategies for building a strong internal brand. (PLO#4)
Course: Business Presentation and Public Speaking
Description: This course explores the art of effective business presentations and public speaking, including presentation design, delivery techniques, and audience engagement.
Learning Outcomes:
- Create engaging and informative business presentations. (PLO#4)
- Develop effective public speaking and presentation delivery skills. (PLO#4)
- Utilize visual aids and technology for impactful presentations. (PLO#3)
- Manage and respond to audience questions and feedback. (PLO#4)
- Evaluate and improve presentation skills through constructive feedback. (PLO#4)
YourPace Master of Science in Business with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship (MSB-Ent)
UMPI’s Entrepreneurship Concentration within the MSB is tailored for individuals aspiring to launch and manage their own ventures or lead entrepreneurial initiatives within existing organizations. This concentration provides the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, from idea generation to sustainable growth.
Course: Entrepreneurial Strategy and Innovation
Description: This course focuses on developing entrepreneurial strategies, fostering innovation, and navigating the early stages of venture creation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Formulate entrepreneurial strategies aligned with market opportunities. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Foster a culture of innovation within entrepreneurial ventures. (PLO#5)
- Assess and mitigate risks associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Develop and communicate business plans for new ventures. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Utilize technology for entrepreneurial innovation. (PLO#3, PLO#5)
Course: Startup Financing and Funding
Description: This course explores various methods of startup financing, including venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, and bootstrapping.
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate different sources of startup funding and financing models. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Develop effective pitches for attracting investors and securing funding. (PLO#4)
- Formulate financial plans and projections for startup ventures. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of startup financing. (PLO#6)
- Assess the impact of funding decisions on the growth of entrepreneurial ventures. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
Course: Lean Startup Methodology
Description: This course introduces the principles of the lean startup methodology, emphasizing iterative development, customer feedback, and rapid prototyping.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply lean startup principles to validate business ideas and minimize risks. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Develop and test prototypes to gather customer feedback. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Pivot and iterate business models based on customer insights. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Utilize technology for rapid product development and testing. (PLO#3, PLO#5)
- Implement agile and lean principles in entrepreneurial ventures. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
Course: Marketing and Branding for Entrepreneurs
Description: This course focuses on developing effective marketing and branding strategies for entrepreneurial ventures, including market analysis, brand positioning, and digital marketing.
Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct market analysis to identify target audiences and market opportunities. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Develop and implement marketing strategies for new ventures. (PLO#4)
- Create and manage brands that resonate with target customers. (PLO#4)
- Utilize digital marketing tools for effective online presence. (PLO#3)
- Assess the impact of marketing decisions on venture success. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
Course: Entrepreneurial Leadership and Team Building
Description: This course explores leadership and team-building skills essential for entrepreneurial success, including team dynamics, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop effective leadership skills for entrepreneurial ventures. (PLO#1, PLO#5)
- Build and lead high-performing teams in startup environments. (PLO#1, PLO#5)
- Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. (PLO#1, PLO#5)
- Implement conflict resolution strategies within entrepreneurial teams. (PLO#1, PLO#4)
- Evaluate the impact of leadership decisions on team dynamics and venture success. (PLO#1, PLO#5)
Course: Scaling and Managing Growth
Description: This course focuses on the challenges and strategies associated with scaling and managing the growth of entrepreneurial ventures.
Learning Outcomes:
- Formulate strategies for scaling ventures while maintaining organizational integrity. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Implement systems and processes to support sustainable growth. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Evaluate the financial implications of scaling and managing growth. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Navigate challenges associated with expanding into new markets. (PLO#2, PLO#5)
- Utilize technology for efficient scaling and growth management. (PLO#3, PLO#5)
YourPace Master of Science in Business with a Concentration in Human Resource Management (MSB-HRM)
UMPI’s Human Resource Management concentration within the Master of Science in Business program is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in human resources. Students will gain expertise in talent acquisition, employee development, and strategic human resource management.
Course: Talent Management and Acquisition:
Description: This course focuses on talent acquisition and management strategies. Topics include recruitment techniques, talent retention, and workforce planning.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop effective talent acquisition strategies. (PLO#1, PLO#4)
- Analyze workforce planning for organizational success. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Implement techniques for talent retention and development. (PLO#1, PLO#4)
- Assess the impact of talent management on organizational performance. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Formulate strategies for diversity and inclusion in talent management. (PLO#1, PLO#6)
Course: Strategic Human Resource Management:
Description: This course explores the strategic role of human resource management in organizations. Topics include HR planning, strategic alignment, and the integration of HR practices with organizational goals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Formulate HR strategies aligned with organizational objectives. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Analyze the impact of HR practices on organizational performance. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Implement strategic HR planning for organizational success. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Evaluate the role of HR in fostering organizational culture. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Assess the ethical considerations in strategic HR management. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
Course: Employee Development and Training:
Description: This course focuses on employee development and training programs. Topics include needs analysis, training design, and the evaluation of training effectiveness.
Learning Outcomes:
- Design and implement effective employee development programs. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#5)
- Analyze training needs and align programs with organizational goals. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#5)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of employee training initiatives. (PLO#3, PLO#5)
- Develop strategies for continuous learning and professional development. (PLO#5)
- Assess the impact of employee development on organizational performance. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#5)
Course: Performance Management and Appraisal:
Description: This course examines performance management and appraisal systems. Topics include goal setting, feedback mechanisms, and strategies for improving employee performance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Implement effective performance management systems. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Develop performance appraisal tools and processes. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Analyze the impact of performance management on employee motivation. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Evaluate strategies for providing constructive feedback. (PLO#4)
- Assess the ethical considerations in performance appraisal. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
Course: Employment Law and Ethics:
Description: This course explores employment law and ethical considerations in human resource management. Topics include legal compliance, employee rights, and ethical decision-making in HR.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze employment laws and regulations affecting HR practices. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Develop strategies for legal compliance in HR management. (PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas in HR decision-making. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Implement ethical guidelines for HR professionals. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Assess the impact of legal and ethical considerations on HR policies. (PLO#4, PLO#6)
Course: Organizational Change and Development (OCD 606):
Description: This course focuses on managing organizational change and development. Topics include change models, organizational culture, and strategies for leading change initiatives.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze the factors influencing organizational change. (PLO#1, PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Develop strategies for managing resistance to change. (PLO#1, PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Implement change management processes in organizations. (PLO#1, PLO#2, PLO#4)
- Assess the impact of change on organizational culture. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#6)
- Evaluate the role of HR in facilitating organizational development. (PLO#2, PLO#4, PLO#6)
NECHE
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
University of Maine System
UMPI is a respected member of the University of Maine System.
C-BEN
UMPI is proud to be a member institution in the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).
What can you do with a Master of Science in Business Degree?
Next Step: Admissions
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