Frequently Asked Questions About the MPPM

Why do people choose the MPPM at Birmingham-Southern College?

Students select the MPPM program because of the reputation for excellence associated with graduate management education at Birmingham-Southern College. The quality of the faculty (all faculty teaching in the program hold a doctoral degree, and almost all have had professional work experience in their field of expertise), small class size, program flexibility, and the personal, individualized approach to each student are the other key reasons cited most often by alumni and current students.

"After 20-plus years in corporate America, I successfully made the transition to entrepreneur. I could not have done it had I not been in the MPPM program. I know I can successfully face and conquer any challenge set before me." —Patricia F. Redmond, Writer, Teacher, Entrepreneur, Class of 1996

How common is the MPPM degree?

The MPPM at Birmingham-Southern College is distinctive and unique. The MPPM degree prepares leaders for the organizations of tomorrow–it does more than designate managers for the businesses of today.

How does the MPPM differ from the MBA?

Traditional MBA programs offer in-depth immersion in business disciplines and emphasize quantitative approaches to management. While providing the essential foundation for effective management, the MPPM also provides a program enriched by the integration of themes, which foster development of leadership potential. The MPPM curriculum is based upon a rich liberal arts tradition—widely considered the best preparation for meeting the challenges of our global society. The MPPM enables the development of holistic perspectives that balance quantitative and humanistic approaches to solving complex problems.

I’ve thought about going back to school, but will a graduate degree like the MPPM from Birmingham-Southern really benefit me?

Graduates of the program have had their careers enhanced both while in the program and after graduating from the program. Students credit the MPPM degree for position changes and promotions within their organizations. It has fostered an understanding of a variety of organizational cultures. Some students say the practical knowledge gained in the program enabled them to make the transition from a specialized employee to a valued generalist, able to manage many different specialized departments. Some MPPM graduates say the degree enabled them to successfully make the transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur.

"My goal was to be a part of a program that would provide me with professional growth and prepare me personally to function as a leader in a rapidly changing and challenging business environment." —Regina Yarbrough, Director of Nursing, Medical and Emergency Services, Birmingham Baptist Medical

My undergraduate degree was not in business or public administration. Will I need to take any prerequisite courses before I begin?

There are no specific prerequisite courses for the MPPM.

Two groups of students benefit from the MPPM:

Those with business or technical backgrounds who need the breadth that the liberal arts provides for fostering leadership potential.
Those who never took a class in business or public administration. MPPM faculty are experts in teaching to the individual needs of each student

Considering the demands of my personal and professional life, how can I possibly go to graduate school now?

The most difficult part of any graduate education is getting started. That holds true for beginning the MPPM program. The reality is that it is never a convenient time to begin a major undertaking such as graduate school. However, the sooner you begin, the sooner you reap the personal and professional rewards of having completed your graduate management education.