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YourPace Master of Science in Business (MSB)

Discover Our 100% Online Master’s Degrees


The Master of Science in Business (MSB) at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is designed to prepare working professionals for leadership roles across a wide range of industries. This graduate program develops forward-thinking business leaders with specialized knowledge in key areas such as Business Intelligence, Finance, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Project Management. Each concentration provides targeted expertise to address specific industry needs, while the core curriculum emphasizes strategic business acumen, effective leadership, data-driven decision-making, and ethical practices. Delivered in a flexible, fully online format, our MSB allows you to complete your degree on your schedule from anywhere. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills in organizational behavior, operations management, or business ethics, this affordable and accessible program equips you with the tools to lead with confidence.

You could earn your Master’s degree in as soon as 1 year for $14,700 or less and there’s no fee to apply!

Not sure how an MSB differs from an MBA? Check out this comparison to learn more.

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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

TermAPP DEADLINE
(4:00 PM ET)
DOCUMENT DEADLINECONFIRMATION DEADLINE
(4:00 PM ET)
REGISTRATION DEADLINETUITION DEADLINESTART DATECLASS END DATETerm Length
Fall 108/01/2508/12/2508/19/2508/26/2508/28/2509/02/2510/24/258 weeks
Fall 209/26/2510/07/2510/14/2510/21/2510/23/2510/27/2512/19/258 weeks
Spring 112/12/2512/23/2512/30/2501/06/2601/08/2601/12/2603/06/268 weeks
Spring 202/06/2602/17/2602/24/2603/03/2603/05/2603/09/2605/01/268 weeks
Summer 104/10/2604/21/2604/28/2605/05/2605/07/2605/11/2607/03/268 weeks
Summer 206/05/2606/16/2606/23/2606/30/2607/02/2607/07/2608/28/268 weeks

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
  • Specialized Concentrations:
    • In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose from the following concentrations to gain targeted expertise (see below for additional details):
      • Communication
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resource Management

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 a planned 10 distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals and industry needs.

For individuals looking to elevate their communication skills in the business context, the Communications Concentration in the MSB program is the ideal choice. Focusing on strategic business communication, digital marketing, crisis communication, and cross-cultural communication, this concentration ensures graduates are well-equipped to lead successful communication strategies in diverse business settings.

The Entrepreneurship Concentration within the MSB program is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in leading entrepreneurial initiatives. With a focus on entrepreneurial strategy, startup financing, lean startup methodology, marketing, leadership, and scaling ventures, this concentration provides the knowledge and skills needed to launch and sustain successful entrepreneurial ventures.

The HRM 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.

The Supply Chain Management Concentration in the MSB program is tailored for professionals aiming to optimize supply chain operations. Providing a comprehensive understanding of logistics, supplier relationships, and sustainable practices, this concentration empowers graduates to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strategically manage supply chains in a global business environment.

The Finance Concentration within the MSB program equips business leaders with advanced financial management skills. Designed for those seeking expertise in risk management, investment strategies, and sustainable financial decision-making, this concentration prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and drive organizational success through sound financial practices.

The PM concentration within the Master of Science in Business program prepares students for leadership roles in project management across various industries. Students will develop the skills needed to plan, execute, and monitor projects successfully.

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 teacher Stacey

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 breakdown:

$2,450 per session

Flat-Rate Tuition

More Information

YourPace is a personalized learning model developed by faculty who understand the challenges busy adults face when balancing work, family, and school. Delivered on a digital platform, our competency-based online courses are designed to leverage your previous knowledge and experience as you complete course modules aligned with a list of competencies. You advance to the next course module by demonstrating your mastery of the content—giving you the ability to earn your degree on your time, at your pace.

Six credits of appropriate graduate-level coursework may be transferred from an accredited institution, if the grades earned in such course work are “B” or better, and an official transcript is received.

An MS in Business is ideal if you want specialized, in-depth knowledge in a specific field like finance, data analytics, or marketing, especially to fast-track a career in that area. In contrast, an MBA provides a broader overview of business functions, better suited for those aiming for leadership roles or industry shifts.

Key Differences:

  • MS in Business: Specialized focus, ideal for recent grads or those with a clear career path in a specific domain or have a non-business undergrad degree looking to gain a strong foundation in business principles.
  • MBA: Broad business education, suited for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles or career transitions who already have professional work experience.


Choose an MS in Business if you aim to deepen expertise in a particular area and move quickly into a technical or specialized role.

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.

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

We’ve streamlined the admission process so it’s easy for you to get started. Here is the information you need to apply:

Admission Requirements (Graduate)

  1. The University requirement for admission to any master’s degree program is the demonstration of the completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or from a recognized foreign institution. Matriculation into the program will be granted upon receipt of their officially conferred degree. Once matriculated, students will be eligible to enroll in classes.
  2. Applicants must submit an official transcript from the college or university from which their bachelor’s degree or equivalency was granted, excluding the University of Maine System (UMS) campuses. (UMS transcripts are accessible to UMPI.)
  3. Official transcripts from any institution from which you have earned graduate credit are required for credit transfer evaluation. A maximum of six credits can be applied to graduate programs. Graduate-level credit may be evaluated provided the credits were earned from a regionally accredited U.S. university or a comparable international university.
  4. Official transcripts must be sent by the institution directly to edocs@maine.edu or an institution-approved transcript service (Parchment and the National Student Clearing House).
  5. Applicants whose GPAs are less than 3.0 are required to submit a personal statement. The personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) should reflect the applicant’s ability to write at the graduate level, with attention to appropriate grammar, spelling, form, and structure in preparing the statement. Applicants are asked to respond to the following:
    • Explain how you will ensure your academic success in this graduate program and overcome challenges you may have experienced with your undergraduate program of studies.

International students are eligible to apply and enroll; however, an I-20 will NOT be provided as this is a fully online degree program. In addition to the standard admissions requirements, international students must also meet the additional requirements specific to international applicants.

Specific Requirements for International Students

Students from around the world are eligible and welcome to apply. Please note that additional requirements related to English Proficiency and international transcripts may be applicable. For full International Students YourPace Admissions requirments, please use the botton below.

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 Cources 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:
  1. Apply financial management techniques to evaluate investment opportunities and optimize resource allocation (PLO#2, PLO#3)
  2. Analyze financial statements and performance metrics to assess organizational health and inform strategic decision-making (PLO#3)
  3. Utilize accounting information systems and financial models to support data-driven decision-making processes (PLO#3)
  4. Evaluate the impact of AI technologies on financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management practices (PLO#3, PLO#6)
  5. 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:
  1. Demonstrate effective leadership skills to inspire teams, foster innovation, and drive organizational performance (PLO#1)
  2. Communicate strategic visions and goals clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders (PLO#4)
  3. Lead change initiatives effectively by anticipating challenges, mobilizing resources, and managing resistance (PLO#1, PLO#2)
  4. Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning to adapt to evolving business landscapes (PLO#1)
  5. 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:
  1. Analyze internal and external business environments to identify strategic opportunities and threats (PLO#2)
  2. Develop and evaluate corporate strategies that leverage AI and business intelligence to enhance organizational performance (PLO#2, PLO#3)
  3. Implement strategic initiatives effectively by aligning resources, capabilities, and organizational culture with strategic objectives (PLO#1)
  4. Monitor and evaluate strategic performance using key performance indicators and data analytics tools (PLO#3)
  5. 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:
  1. Collect, preprocess, and analyze data from various sources to generate actionable insights for decision-making (PLO#3)
  2. Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to extract patterns, trends, and correlations from complex datasets (PLO#3)
  3. Utilize data visualization tools and techniques to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders (PLO#4)
  4. Design and develop decision support systems that leverage AI and business intelligence to optimize business processes and outcomes (PLO#5)
  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:
  1. Evaluate the social, environmental, and economic impacts of AI technologies and business practices on sustainability and CSR (PLO#6)
  2. Apply ethical frameworks and principles to resolve moral dilemmas and make responsible business decisions (PLO#6)
  3. Engage stakeholders effectively and build partnerships to address sustainability challenges and promote social responsibility (PLO#1)
  4. Develop and implement CSR strategies that align with organizational values, stakeholder expectations, and societal needs (PLO#1, PLO#2)
  5. 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:
  1. Identify drivers and barriers of organizational change in the context of AI adoption and digital transformation (PLO#1)
  2. Develop change management plans that address resistance, mitigate risks, and maximize stakeholder engagement (PLO#1)
  3. Implement change initiatives effectively by communicating vision, aligning resources, and fostering a culture of innovation and agility (PLO#1)
  4. Evaluate the impact of AI technologies on organizational structure, processes, and culture, and adapt change strategies accordingly (PLO#1)
  5. 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 Finance (MSB-Fin)

UMPI’s Finance Concentration within the Master of Science in Business (MSB) is designed for individuals aspiring to excel in financial management roles. This concentration provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management. Graduates will be well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of finance, making strategic financial decisions that drive organizational success.


YourPace Master of Science in Business with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management (MSB-SCM)

UMPI’s Supply Chain Management Concentration in the MSB is designed for professionals seeking expertise in optimizing supply chain operations. This concentration equips graduates with the skills to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall organizational competitiveness through effective supply chain strategies.


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.


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.


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.


YourPace Master of Science in Business with a Concentration in Project Management (MSB-PM)

UMPI’s Project Management concentration within the Master of Science in Business program prepares students for leadership roles in project management across various industries. Students will develop the skills needed to plan, execute, and monitor projects successfully.


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?