Table of Contents
As the business world advances into the future, the intersection of business and technology is expanding to affect, if not encompass, the majority of business careers.
In other words, every company is now a technology company.
More than ever, professionals must understand the evolving realm of business and technology to drive innovation and remain competitive in today’s world.
Chapter 1
According to Forbes, 5 out of the 10 most in-demand skills are related to technology — and not just any technology. The skills needed to succeed in the workplace involve cutting-edge innovations shaping how we live and work, like generative AI, digital transformation and automation.
Evolving with the future of business innovation and technology means embracing AI and other advancements for their efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. Those seeking a successful career in business must now be more well-versed in these technologies and the ethical considerations surrounding them.
Business and technology are no longer separate entities but together form the foundation of a modern economy. These two interwoven fields work together to address needs at every level, from individual customers to society as a whole. Companies and employees that effectively integrate technology will lead in innovation, resilience and market relevance, reshaping the way businesses operate.
Below are some of the prominent trends shaping the field of business and technology.
Businesses today are leveraging scientific and engineering breakthroughs to address market demands, creating a dynamic environment where innovation meets consumer needs. This strategy, known as tech commercialization, refers to the process of taking new technologies developed in research settings and transforming them into marketable products or services. These advancements can range from biotechnology and renewable energy to diagnostic testing.
Companies that are first to market with products based on advanced technologies command higher margins and gain share. Possessing exceptional commercialization capabilities will be vital for maintaining a competitive edge. The integration of new technologies and the seamless transition from concept to commercial product will be key differentiators in the business landscape of the future.
Discover the Office of Technology Commercialization at Purdue
Utilizing digital technology transforms operations and customer service across all sectors. This trend, known as digital transformation, is reshaping conventional business models, fostering agility and enhancing customer experiences through innovative tech solutions.
Digital transformation solutions aim to deploy new technologies at scale to redefine how a business continuously improves and changes. By deploying modern technologies like automation, data analytics tools and sophisticated cybersecurity solutions, organizations can adapt to market trends, drive efficiency and propel business growth.
One of the most impactful new technologies today is artificial intelligence (AI). From enhancing customer interactions through chatbots to AI-driven supply chain optimization, businesses that embrace and innovate with AI set themselves apart in the marketplace. The rise of generative AI is changing how businesses think about creativity and problem-solving. This shift is also driving an increased demand for professionals with skills in AI.
Engineering plays a crucial role at the intersection of business and technology, acting as the bridge between conceptual innovation and practical implementation. Whether creating algorithms for AI applications or designing infrastructure for technologies like robotics and automation, engineering drives innovation from theory to practice.
Through an engineering lens, professionals bring a systems-oriented mindset, assessing the feasibility, viability and desirability of tech-driven solutions. Professionals grounded in engineering principles will be key differentiators in the growing field of business and technology.
With new technologies shaping this field, leaders can position themselves for success by earning an advanced business degree oriented toward the future for the future.
Chapter 2
The best way for professionals to lead at the intersection of business and technology is by earning a relevant and adaptive tech-focused master’s degree in business. Acquiring a blend of both technical and business skills is crucial in today’s job market.
Programs such as an MBA, a master’s in technology, or a master’s in business analytics all integrate technology skills to varying degrees. And while many business master’s degrees offer specializations in technology, not all programs are designed to adequately prepare you for our technology-first world.
What if a degree could prepare you to lead at the C-suite level while also equipping you with the technical expertise to create innovative solutions?
The Master of Business Technology (MBT) program addresses the demand for a degree that prioritizes the cohesive integration of both.
In this section, we will take a closer look at how a traditional MBA compares to the MBT.
While an MBA and an MBT share some similarities, they differ significantly in several key areas, including core curriculum, areas of focus and the specific career paths they prepare students for.
MBA
A traditional MBA covers a broad spectrum of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources and strategy. For those aiming to develop a high-level understanding of technology along with key skills in other areas, an MBA serves this purpose well. However, the core curriculum of an MBA remains embedded in traditional functionalities, keeping it from branching out into truly adaptable skill sets. The MBA has yet to update its curriculum with technological solutions to fit the current demand.
MBT
A Master’s in Business and Technology seeks to integrate technological solutions in the myriad functionalities of any business, including financing systems, global supply chain problems, data engineering to track performances, automation and AI implementations. Unlike an MBA the MBT curriculum covers advanced computing and the societal and economic implications of technology-driven decision-making. An MBT stays on top of innovation trends in each aspect of business to ensure your career is future-forward.
A technology MBA degree is an advanced business degree that integrates traditional MBA coursework with tech-focused studies. While a tech MBA retrofits the traditional MBA program for engineers and technologists, an MBT builds upon students’ backgrounds, elevating processes in the development, adoption and commercialization process of business.
The MBT establishes technology as the foundation of its curriculum, setting it apart from the business-first approach of an MBA. This distinction would allow students to pursue both an MBT and an MBA, as each program offers unique curricula and outcomes.
| Core Curriculum | |
| Better understand a broad spectrum of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources and strategy. | Better understand the integration of business and technology by delving deep into areas such as advanced computing, emerging technological trends, technology driven business models, innovation and the societal implications of technology in business. |
| Strategy | |
| Formulate business strategies by utilizing knowledge of the key disciplines of business. | Formulate technology solutions tailored to unique business contexts by assessing the viability, feasibility and desirability of technology-driven business models. |
| Ethics | |
| Evaluate ethical implications in decision-making and recognize ethical societal challenges. | Evaluate economic and societal implications of technology-driven business decisions, advocating for ethically sound practices in technology adoption and business transformation. |
| Product Development | |
| Ability to identify market opportunities, conduct market research, develop an idea for a sustainable business, source investors and build a team. | Ability to ideate, plan, design and bring technology products to market - understanding user needs, leveraging technological advancements, iterating based on feedback and ensuring a product's viability and scalability. |
| Professional Skills | |
| Formulate business strategies by utilizing knowledge of the key disciplines of business. | Hone professional skills encompassing communication, leadership, change management, negotiations and project management. |
Chapter 3
The Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University offers a STEM-designated Master of Business and Technology degree that bridges the gap between business strategy and technological innovation. This program is specifically designed for individual contributors aspiring to leadership roles in tech-driven industries, equipping them to ideate, innovate and develop groundbreaking business models.
With a focus on taking technology products from concept to market, the program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset while building expertise in leveraging advanced technologies like AI, automation and data-driven tools. Beyond mastering technical and business skills, you’ll explore the ethical implications of emerging technologies, preparing you to lead responsibly in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
What sets this program apart is its foundation at Purdue University, home to the #4 engineering school in the nation and a hub of continuous innovation. Students will build upon their STEM backgrounds to not only optimize operations through technology but also develop the skills to design and implement transformative new solutions. This comprehensive approach empowers graduates to drive progress and shape the intersection of business and technology, preparing them to lead in an evolving digital landscape.
Purdue’s Master of Business and Technology (MBT) program prepares you for a lucrative, future-focused career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fields like project management, IT management, and management analysis are projected to see 6-10% job growth through 2032. Below are a few of the most sought-after positions in business and technology.
Coordinates, strategizes and carries out projects while maintaining budgets and timelines. Project managers oversee teams, establish project objectives and ensure the completion of projects.
Defines the technology objectives of an organization and oversees the implementation of computer systems to achieve the outlined goals.
Analyzes an organization’s existing business systems and processes to identify opportunities for enhancement, contributing to operational efficiency.
Organizes and implements the necessary cybersecurity procedures to protect a business’ digital information systems.
Oversees the development and optimization of digital products, guiding the product lifecycle from conception to launch.
Chapter 4
Traditionally, the core MBA education prepares individuals to lead in a variety of industries. Today, the Master of Business and Technology exists not only to bridge the gap between business strategy and technological expertise but also to prepare graduates to lead dynamic teams and build upon their field of knowledge.
Areas of focus for the MBT allow students the opportunity to become experts in and create new technologies that will become the future of business. This 36-credit hour program leverages Purdue’s strengths in STEM in partnership with Purdue’s world-class College of Engineering and our vibrant ecosystem of technological ventures. Students applying to the MBT program must hold a STEM bachelor’s degree.
MBT Core Classes
all courses are three credits
Capstone
Accounting for Managers
Computational Business Intelligence
Digital Product Design
Economic Analysis of Technology Markets
Emerging Technologies and Business Models
DevOps and Technology Solutions
Marketing Management
Technology-Driven Business
Technology Governance and Regulations
Technology Strategy
Financial Management
Leadership
Negotiations in Organizations
In addition to 26 credits, students may take 10 credits in elective courses with specializations in areas including robotics and automation, AI innovations, computational finance, tech commercialization or a unique blend tailored to their interests and goals
The Corporate Advisory Council for the Purdue Daniels MBT program guides faculty to develop relevant and future-focused courses to continually increase the marketability of graduates. This council plays a dual role by advising faculty on course development and creating internships, real-world projects, and a pathway for job placements for graduating classes.
Members of the Corporate Advisory Council represent various industries, providing a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, such as:
Chapter 5
When investing in a graduate degree for your career, it’s vital to ensure you get the most effective results for your time and money. The Mitch Daniels School of Business’ MBT degree is among the best ROI master’s degrees in the nation.
Our residential MBT’s return on investment is exceptional due to its relevance to the job market, higher salary potential and low cost of living while earning your degree. Living in the Lafayette area while pursuing your master’s degree reduces the cost of living typically associated with pursuing higher education. Our flexible, fully- online MBT’s return on investment is also extraordinary. You can continue employment and work on your degree simultaneously.
Graduates with an MBT degree command high salaries with their valuable blend of business acumen and technical skills, thus increasing their earning potential and ROI. Moreover, the relevance of the MBT degree to the job market ensures career sustainability, as professionals with interwoven knowledge of these fields will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.
In 2023, nearly 31,000 employers competed to fill more than 420,000 positions that require versatile candidates who possess core business skills with STEM training and experience.
West Lafayette 9% less than national average
The combination of low cost of living, high earning potential and career sustainability makes pursuing an MBT degree a strategically sound investment in your future.
Chapter 6
Pursuing your Master of Business and Technology (MBT) degree at Purdue enhances your skills and elevates your career to the forefront of business and technology.
By acquiring a blend of business acumen and technical expertise, you will be well-equipped to take on leadership roles, help bring products to market and make strategic decisions within the most sought-after sectors in the business world. With an MBT degree, you can confidently navigate today’s business environment and emerge as a valuable asset and innovator.
