Online Strategy Training Programs with Course Information

Individuals who are interested in strategy training may find the education they're seeking in an online master's degree in strategic management. A popular option is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Online programs in this field offer students strategy training in areas ranging from marketing to financial planning.

Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Strategic Management

Master's degree programs in strategic management are designed for those with business experience who want to advance their careers as well as individuals who have just completed undergraduate degree programs and want to continue their education before entering the workforce. Online programs this field cover a broad spectrum of topics, such as organizational design, strategic planning, competitive analysis, strategic financial planning, technology, policy development and marketing strategies. Graduates are prepared for job titles including market research analyst, policy advisor, consultant or entrepreneur.

Information About the Program and Its Requirements

While specific requirements vary between degree programs, individuals who are planning on pursuing an advanced degree in strategic management may need to have a certain number of years of experience in the field as well as recent GRE or GMAT scores. Online master's degree programs take approximately two years to complete and may offer students the opportunity to complete an internship prior to graduation.
Students need to have a computer with a reliable, high-speed Internet connection. Most online degree programs support both Macintosh and Windows operating systems, but may require students to have certain software, such as Microsoft Office, Flash or a specific media player in addition to a current Web browser.

Common Master-Level Courses

Master's degree programs in strategic management cover topics that prepare graduates to analyze problems and design strategies for growth in different areas of business. Coursework examines the leadership roles, strategic planning, marketing, technology financial planning and international strategies used in multinational corporations.
Online students have access to most of the same resources as campus-based students, including online libraries, technical help and student services. Depending on the specific program, they may complete their coursework synchronously by watching live lectures and participating in real-time chats, or they may complete work entirely at their own pace by using e-mail and message boards to work with instructors and participate in discussions with classmates.

Strategic Marketing Management Course

Students examine case studies and conduct research on effective strategies for creating market-driven businesses. Topics cover market research, product development, pricing, promotion and marketing strategies.

Strategic Capabilities Development Course

This course introduces students to common practices used in strategic management and how to create long-term strategies. Lessons examine the influence of competitors and how competitive interactions can shape the direction strategy development.

Organizational Design Strategies Course

This class examines the various factors that influence organizations, such as organizational structure and administration, in addition to the changes needed to implement beneficial strategies. It also explores the types of changes that organizations need in order to adapt to different design conditions.

Information Strategy Course

Students learn about decision-making strategies, new products and e-commerce. They also study various perspectives on problems that arise with technology in order to adequately prevent or curtail them.

Continuing Education Information

Some graduates may find opportunities for career advancement via on-the-job training, while others may choose to pursue additional education past the master's degree level, such as a Ph.D. in Strategic Management. Stand-alone classes in various advanced topics, such as leadership and management, are also available from schools throughout the country. Those who are working in certain areas, such as consulting, may also find opportunities to attend seminars and workshops offered by leading executives and professional organizations.

Career Information

Those who hold a master's degree such as the MBA in Strategic Management may wish to work as consultants, considering that career opportunities in consulting services are expected to grow faster than other industries at a rate of 83% between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Median annual salaries for those working as management consultants ranged from $68,119 to $133,437 as of 2010, according to Payscale.com.