Innovation at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business means continually evaluating and refining programs so students receive a relevant, flexible and career-focused education.
Recent updates to undergraduate and graduate programs reflect the School’s commitment to preparing students for a changing business landscape through ethical decision-making, hands-on learning and stronger connections to industry needs.
Undergraduate Updates
The Information Systems and Technology program has been significantly updated to integrate rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Beginning in fall 2026, the Management program also will introduce a redesigned curriculum with greater emphasis on ethical decision-making, responsible AI use and experiential learning.
At the center of the redesign are six core management competencies: problem-solving, collaboration, communication, professionalism, ethics as practice and leadership. The program also will add a Cornerstone-to-Capstone experiential journey, giving students opportunities to work on course-embedded projects with real corporate clients.
The number of required Management courses will be reduced from six to four, giving Management majors more flexibility to choose electives, pursue double majors or add minors that support their professional goals.
Graduate Program Growth
The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program also has been redesigned to better reflect student needs and industry trends.
The updated curriculum offers greater flexibility and customization. Two required courses were combined into one, creating space for an additional elective. Several course titles also were revised to better reflect industry language and help students understand how the program connects to supply chain careers.
The program now offers both fall and spring starts, with students able to earn their degrees in as little as one year.
The School also redesigned its One-Year MBA program. Building on its reputation as a top-ranked “Better World MBA” by Corporate Knights magazine, the full-time, 39-credit, cohort-based program retains its sustainability focus while placing greater emphasis on career readiness, experiential learning and flexibility through elective coursework.
One-Year MBA students complete four consulting experiences, working directly with firms to address real-world sustainability challenges while developing practical leadership skills. The Global Business Study Abroad experience gives students additional opportunities to work with international companies, with recent cohorts traveling to Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Portugal, Denmark, Italy and Croatia.
Leadership for What’s Next
Two leadership appointments further strengthen the redesigned MBA experience. Michael Corcoran MBA’95, former global director of operational sustainability at PPG Industries, joined the School as associate director of MBA experiential learning and sustainability.
Afshan Khan B’85 joined as director of professional development and executive education. As a Duquesne alumni, entreprenuer-in-residence and adjunt professor, Khan brings leadership experience in venture investing, advanced manufacturing and global operations to support graduate students, corporate partners, and executive education opportunities.
Together, these updates help students build the knowledge, experience and confidence to lead with purpose in a changing business world.
