In 1991, Dean Joe White and Associate Dean Paul Danos introduced the groundbreaking Multidisciplinary Action Projects course to the MBA curriculum. The initial full-time, seven-week project established a team of MBA students to work on a real-world business challenge for a sponsor company. After a pilot run, the course became part of the MBA core curriculum in 1993. In the coming years, MAP would be added to other MBA programs and eventually to most of the school’s degree programs.

Since its inception, many other schools have incorporated project-based opportunities into their degree programs. However, Michigan Ross remains the leader in the space, and MAP has stood as a beacon of innovation and impact within the realm of graduate studies. What has truly set the MAP program apart is its unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice. Instead of confining students to lecture halls, the program enables students to venture into the field, partnering with corporations, nonprofits, and startups to address genuine business challenges and exposing students to the intricacies of various industries while cultivating their ability to think critically, adapt swiftly, and communicate effectively.

Over the years, more than 3,200 MAP projects have been completed by Michigan Ross students. Today, more than 1,000 students participate annually in a MAP project as a required component of their degree program. The organizations they work with range from Fortune 100 multinational corporations to start-ups and non-profits, developing impactful products and addressing some of society's biggest challenges.