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Real Humans of Current Students: The Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA – Eric Williams

School and Program:

UC Irvine Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA

Hometown:

Pasadena, California

Undergraduate Institution and Major:

Northern Arizona University with a dual bachelor’s in chemistry and exercise science.

Pre-MBA Work Experience:

I spent 2 years in the transportation industry before joining a Japanese pharmaceutical company as a sales territory manager where I worked for 3 years.

Why business school? Why now?

I grew up in a very entrepreneurial household where my father owned a small business and have always had an affinity for business. In undergrad, I took several business classes to help round out my science background and found the material fascinating. After graduating, I knew deep down that one day I would probably get an MBA. When I ended up being included in a company-wide downsizing at my last job, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to go back to school. I love the healthcare industry and it is something I see myself doing long-term. I just wanted a way to accelerate my career and saw an MBA as the right tool to achieve that.

Why did you pick your The UC Irvine Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?

When considering what programs to apply to, I did some deep reflection and had some honest conversations with myself. I knew that I would flourish best in a program that was more intimate in size and where I would have the opportunity to stand out as a leader. The other major factor was that when I moved back to California after undergrad, I found that my network wasn’t as strong as my friends who had stayed in Arizona. Knowing I would be in California for the foreseeable future, I wanted to develop a strong network that would be able to support me here. UCI has an incredible alumni network that I’ve already been able to leverage to help with internship opportunities and provide mentorship on how to build a successful career in healthcare.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?

Coming from a sales background, interpersonal communication and presentations are something that I have had the opportunity to continually practice. I’ve learned that being able to sell yourself effectively is often far more important than the business content that its being shared. Being an MBA candidate involves quite a bit of networking with alumni and employers where we must pitch ourselves. For some people this can be a difficult obstacle. I’ve made it one of my main efforts to help classmates who may struggle with this so that they can be better salespersons of themselves and their opportunities aren’t limited by this factor.

Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?

I picked up photography about two years ago and it’s been one of my favorite hobbies since. I’ve uploaded some of my favorite shots to stock photo websites where they have over 500 combined downloads!

What are your post-MBA career interests?

I plan to stay in the healthcare industry and become a product or marketing manager for a major biotech or medical device company.

Advice to current prospective applicants?

One of the best decisions I made was to visit UCI in person. I attended one of their Preview Days and it gave me a good sense of academics, student life, and career services beyond what you read on the website. It was also another great opportunity to sell myself to the admissions office and show them who I was beyond the application and outside of a formal interview. Getting an MBA is a huge investment, so it really makes sense to go and actually see the place where you’ll spend the next two years of your life.

What is your initial impression of the school’s students/culture/community?

So far UCI has checked every box on the list I made of things I wanted in an MBA program. We are an incredibly tight knit group of students who truly support and rally behind one another when the going gets tough. For us, it’s not a zero-sum game where only some students can be the winners; when we all succeed, we all win. Faculty also care about our success and take a personal interest in helping students reach their goals. In fact, just before COVID-19 happened, I had plans to go grab a beer with one of my professors to share some personal developments. Overall, if I had to summarize my experience at UCI with one word, it would be “personalized”.

Online MBA

Program Structure

The Smith online MBA offers flexibility while providing the same academic rigor as our internationally recognized on-campus MBA programs. Hone your leadership abilities and develop high-level communication and analytical skills. Gain valuable expertise in essential areas of business operations, such as accounting, marketing, finance, supply chain management and information systems. Explore the ethical and financial challenges of doing business in the global marketplace. The Smith online MBA focuses on modern, data-centric strategies and skills to create an educational experience with real-world value.

Curriculum

The Smith online MBA consists of 54 credit hours, which breaks down into 24 credits Foundation One, 24 credits Foundation Two, a Global Study (4 credits) or International Business (2 credits) course, and 4 credits Residency: 2 credits Opening Residency and 2 credits Capstone Residency.  The program can be completed in as few as 24 months.

Foundation I Courses

• Corporate Finance I
• Data Analysis
• Decision Modeling
• Entrepreneurship
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics and Public Policy
• Marketing Management
• Strategic Information Systems

Foundation II Courses

• Action Learning Projects (I & II)
• Corporate Finance (II)
• Ethical Leadership
• Operations Management
• Organizational Change

Residencies

• Opening Residency: Introduction of Business
• Capstone Residency: Integrative Business Simulation

Foundation II Selectives

• Corporate Venturing
• International Business
• Global Study (4 credits)

Foundation II Accounting Selectives

• Fraud Examination, Detection and Deterrence in the Business Environment
• The Impact of Taxation on Business Entities
• Financial Planning and Control Systems for Managers and Consultants

Foundation II Finance Selectives

• Commercial Bank Management
• Applied Equity Analysis
• Financial Restructuring

Foundation II Information Systems & Business Analytics Selectives

• Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
• Managing Digital Businesses and Platforms
• Social Media and Web Analytics

Foundation II Marketing Selectives

• Consumer Behavior
• Customer Equity Management

Foundation II Supply Chain Management Selectives

• Global Trade Logistics
• Supply Chain Risk Management

The Smith online MBA offers five highly relevant specializations focused on the most important aspects of modern business — Accounting, Finance, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management — in addition to a general track for those looking for the broadest MBA experience.

Career Statistics

The Smith MBA programs place a heavy emphasis on student success, both in the virtual classroom and in professional settings. This relates to your career search, as they offer a wide range of services to help you grow as a professional – the same invaluable services that are provided to their on-campus students, including:

• Career development curriculum
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Leadership assessments
• On-campus and virtual career coaching
• Automated job search system
• Workshops (resume building, personal branding, case interviewing and networking strategies)
• Mock interviews
• Networking opportunities
• Online recruiting system

Average base compensation for Smith Online MBA graduates is roughly $99,000 based on a 2018 graduate data survey.  Additionally, the following data illustrates what function Smith online MBA graduates are employed.

• General Management: 27.27%
• Finance / Accounting: 18.18%
• Marketing / Sales: 15.15%
• Consulting / 12.12%
• Operations / Production: 6.06%
• Other: 21.21%

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The Maryland Smith School of Business online MBA tuition is $1,644 per credit hour.  There are a total of 54 credit hours in the online MBA program with an estimated tuition of $88,776.  In addition to the tuition, there is also a $75 application fee and $76.50 technology fee for 8 credits or less and $153.00 for 9 credits or more.  In order to reserve your placement a $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit is needed.  Please note, there is no tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state students for the online MBA program at Smith.

There is a multitude of financial awards and financial aid options available to help eligible students in paying some or all of the cost of their online MBA. Be sure to carefully review all financial aid resources to gain an understanding of what options may be available to you.

Merit Based Awards

The Smith School of Business bestows financial awards to a select number of applicants based on scholastic merit, professional accomplishment and evidence of leadership. All applicants whose applications are complete by the application deadline receive automatic consideration.

Double Terp Financial Award

A Double Terp Financial Award is available to alumni of the University of Maryland, College Park who are newly-admitted into the Smith Online MBA program. Be sure to indicate that you are a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park on your application for admission.

Corporate Partnerships

The Smith School of Business has partnered with specific organizations to offer reduced tuition and no application fee or enrollment deposit for their full-time employees and their immediate family members who enroll in the online MBA program. If you are employed by a partner organization and would like to learn more about this benefit, or would like to confirm if your organization has a partnership with Smith, please contact an enrollment advisor.

Federal Student Loans

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for Federal Student Loans through the Office of Student Financial Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

After the FAFSA is received by the Office of Student Financial Aid, additional information specific to the individual student may be requested. When all application materials are received Federal loans are certified, and the student is notified. This notification process typically begins mid to late June. An application for aid has no bearing on the application for admittance to the program.

US Military Members and Veterans

The University of Maryland has a Veterans Program Office to assist military service members and veterans in their educational pursuits.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

All students receiving financial aid must maintain certain academic standards during the program or else risk losing eligibility for funding. 

Admissions

The following requirements are needed for admission to the Smith Online MBA program.

• Professional Work Experience: Multiple years of professional experience strengthen an applicant’s profile and provide an important edge in the admissions process. A minimum of two years of work experience is highly recommended for consideration. An application is not considered complete unless it contains the applicant’s resume.

• Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation should be solicited from an individual who can objectively comment on an applicant’s performance in a professional environment. Only one recommendation letter is required with your application.

• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. Please pay by credit card as you submit your application online. The application Fee is waived for UMD Terp alumni and Military students.

• Essays: There is one essay question and one optional question on the application. The Admissions Committee looks for well-written essays that clearly and thoughtfully answer each question.

• GMAT/GRE Exam: Although cut-off scores are not implemented in the admissions process, it is expected the applicant will show a good deal of promise through their GMAT or GRE test scores. GMAT scores typically range from the mid-500s through the upper-700s. To convert your GRE scores, use this online tool. A waiver may be considered if an applicant has demonstrated excellent quantitative and analytical skills through academic records and/or a successful career trajectory. Please contact an enrollment advisor for additional information.

• Academic History: The online application allows you to upload a scanned official transcript(s) for each college or university attended. If the official transcript where you received your degree does not state the degree was conferred, please also upload an official diploma or official copy of your degree received (most schools already list the conferred degree on the transcript). If you are formally admitted to the University of Maryland, you will be required to submit an official transcript to the graduate school. If your transcript is not in English, please also an official transcript translated into English.  The University of Maryland Graduate School requires all admitted students to have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80/4.00. Applicants who have a grade point average below 2.80 are encouraged to use the optional essay to address this point.

Deadlines

We welcome ambitious, highly motivated professionals who seek a rigorous academic program taught by our world-renowned faculty. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, with three start dates offered per year — January, May and August.

Spring 2022 Important Dates:

Application Deadline: November 8, 2021  |  Start date: January 24, 2022

International Students 

The University of Maryland, College Park, requires any applicant who has not completed a university degree in a country in which English is the principal language (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand) to take the TOEFL. You are strongly encouraged to include a photocopy of your TOEFL report with the application materials. The Admissions Committee will not review your file without the TOEFL. To view a list of countries exempt from taking the TOEFL exam please click here.

Note: All students, including international students, are required to attend two three day residencies scheduled at the beginning and the end of the program on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland. The University of Maryland, College Park, cannot issue a Form I-20 or Form IAP-66 to students enrolled in the online MBA program for the attendance of the residencies.

5 Questions with MBA Admissions: #1 Ranked Kelley Direct Online.

In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Sarah Wanger, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Kelley Direct Online, the top-ranked online MBA program according to U.S. News & World Report. Wanger discusses Kelley’s innovation in the online space, their family-oriented view of alumni and job placement. Wanger also discusses ‘insider tips’ for applicants.

How does this program differ from other offerings at your school and other programs in the GME space?

At Kelley Direct, we’re leading innovation in the online MBA space. Having recently updated our entire 54-credit online MBA curriculum, we continue to offer a flexible online learning model, now with enhanced specialization opportunities unique to the Kelley School of Business. Our highly customizable curriculum is comprised of 50% elective coursework and offers seven majors or dual degree options in areas such as finance, business analytics, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Our online MBA offers a variety of supplemental experiences in parallel to our academic curriculum, such as leadership and networking opportunities within our highly active Student Leadership Association. The global and domestic immersion courses provide exceptional live case competitions on location, providing hands-on, real-life business cases to solve across the United States as well as in a variety of countries abroad.

The reputation of the Kelley School of Business and our world-renowned faculty add significant value to our graduates’ career outcomes and ensure the highest quality learning takes place both on- and offline. Even while participating from across the globe, students feel connected to one another and supported by faculty during weekly online classes and extracurricular group sessions. This virtual face-to-face interaction adds significant value to the student experience by increasing opportunities for networking and one-on-one peer and faculty support. Networking is a key component of the program, particularly during each of two Kelley Connect Weeks, our immersive week-long residencies. A hallmark of the Kelley Direct experience, Kelley Connect Weeks are often heralded by students as the best academic experience of their lives. They enable students to work directly with domestic and international clients, solving intense business cases while fostering deep connections among faculty and student teams.

What is the typical profile of a student who would benefit most from this program and what characteristics are your admissions team looking for?

We look for students who have the same characteristics as all of our Kelley School of Business alumni: talented, high-achieving individuals who contribute to their communities, organizations, and society as a whole. We look for professionals who persevere in the face of challenging business problems and model transformational leadership. They demonstrate ethical decision-making and the humility necessary to redefine what they are capable of by accepting continuous feedback and guidance. Of course, we are also looking at academic capabilities such as undergraduate and graduate GPA, strong standardized test scores on the GMAT or GRE, and quantitative and analytical skills honed through coursework or on-the-job success.

What types of financial aid are available to students?

Our students are pleased to hear that our #1-ranked Online MBA is one of the more affordable top-ranked programs in the market, while maintaining the quality, rigor, and reputation of the Kelley School of Business. In order to finance their education, students often take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement policies as well as government and private loan options. Many of our students also qualify for merit-based scholarships, which do not require a separate application and are awarded at the time of admission into the program.

How does your school assist in finding job opportunities and how does your program enhance a student’s profile as a job applicant?

We believe that when you join Kelley, you join our family–for life. We provide a plethora of career services for both current students and alumni, giving you access to our highly ranked Graduate Career Services (GCS) throughout your whole career journey. Unlike other programs who simply repackage undergraduate or full-time focused services, we have spent a great deal of time conceptualizing and delivering graduate-level career and professional development specifically for Online MBA students. Our GCS team has accumulated specialized knowledge about online students, their employment situations, and professional goals, ensuring that we offer career support uniquely tailored to you and your circumstances.

GCS staff provide one-on-one career coaching plus access to additional resources, such as job boards; tutorials on writing cover letters and resumes, negotiation techniques, and LinkedIn networking best practices; as well as access to company research databases. In addition, our curriculum has built-in career development courses, which are six-week, career-focused courses that allow you to explore opportunities, develop a career plan, and prepare for case interviews. Courses are taught by the same highly experienced career coaches who provide Kelley students and alumni career guidance throughout the program and beyond graduation.

In addition to these top-notch services, our GCS office has a business development team with regionally-based Kelley staff, focused on attracting employer listings specifically for our Online MBA students. Employers value the opportunity to hire online MBA students who have an average of nine years of professional experience and may be ready to move to a new region of the country for the right position–even while continuing to earn their MBA. Top companies employing students at the time of their admission to Kelley Direct include Cummins, General Electric, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed, Martin, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Pepsico, and Target.

Many of our students aspire to move within their current organizations, often from a technical function into a management role. But about half of our students tell us that they wish to change jobs entirely, either during or after attaining their MBA. Bain, Amazon, FedEx, Toyota, and American Express are among the many companies hiring Kelley Direct Online MBA students.

What is one insider tip you can provide prospective applicants about applying to this program?

Don’t discount the interview. All of our applicants undergo an interview with a member of the admissions team during the application process. Although the interview is held over the phone or Zoom, don’t underestimate how important this call is for your application to the program. Our admissions staff members want you to do your best during the call and will walk you through a variety of questions regarding your academic and professional background. However, they are vetting your experience thus far and your potential for success. Put your best foot forward by brushing up on your elevator speech, preparing examples of your quantitative and analytical capabilities, and showcase your leadership experiences and potential.

BONUS Questions:

What is one restaurant every student must visit and why?

Nick’s English Hut is an iconic Bloomington pub and restaurant. Established in 1927, this hangout has facilitated some of the best networking that happens during our Kelley Connect Weeks. Students love the campus atmosphere and are always excited to return later in the program for their second Kelley Connect Week.

Where is the best cup of coffee on campus?

Our students aren’t usually grabbing a drink on campus, but they are grabbing a drink at Kelley Direct Global Connect Nights! The Kelley Direct Student Leadership Association hosts regular gatherings, known as Global Connect Nights, at locations across the globe. Although our students aren’t on campus in Bloomington, many network face-to-face in their hometowns, getting to know one another in a relaxed setting, meeting other students and alumni, and enjoying an in-person opportunity not typically afforded to online students.

What is the best ‘hidden secret’ on campus?

The pinnacle of the Kelley Direct Online MBA program are our week-long in-residence courses, called Kelley Connect Weeks. During these two required weeks (one in the first year, and one in the second year of the program), our online MBA students come to the IU Bloomington campus to take part in an intense, live business case competition. Aside from these weeks providing the perfect platform to put our students’ tenacity, leadership, and business acumen to the test, they also offer ample opportunity for networking, rapport building, and that face-to-face connection highly sought after by many MBA students. Each evening during Kelley Connect Weeks, a different venue is chosen to host students for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. One particular favorite destination is the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, home to the Indiana Hoosiers women and men’s basketball teams. Completely renovated in 2015, this hidden gem attracts tens of thousands of fans each season to cheer on college basketball teams, and it provides the perfect location for a special networking event for our online MBA students.

Online MBA

Ole Miss Online MBA Program Structure

The Ole Miss online MBA program is geared toward working professionals. The online MBA is a 36-hour comprehensive program that can be completed in as little as two years or extended to accommodate any work schedule.

The Ole Miss MBA’s comprehensive format offers a broad base of knowledge in business and management. You learn the basics across all specialties and develop skills that can be applied in any field. The program also focuses on strengthening leadership, creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills, which are imperative to success.

Courses are delivered 100 percent online — giving you the most flexibility possible. The challenging curriculum is taught by the same Ole Miss faculty who teach it on the Oxford campus and focuses on developing the analytical skills and breadth of judgment that are essential elements in effective decision making for any organization. A thorough understanding of the functional areas of business is built from the required courses.

In only four semesters and two summer sessions, you can earn an affordable MBA online from an AACSB-accredited business school at the nationally respected University of Mississippi.

Curriculum

Students may start the online program at any term. In only four regular semesters and two summer sessions, you can complete your degree. While the program is designed to be completed in two years, a student may choose to enroll in one course per semester, which will expand the duration of the degree.

The following courses are to be completed during the Online MBA; Leadership and Ethics, Managerial Economics, Financial Analysis, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Business Planning and Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Marketing Management, Project Analysis, Strategic Management, Management of Technology and Innovation and Statistics

Online MBA Rankings

2020 — U.S. News and World Report – Ranked “Top 5 Online MBA Programs in the Nation”
2020 — Online MBA Report – Ranked #1 in Mississippi Online MBA Program
2019 — U.S. News and World Report – Ranked Online MBA Program “Top 10 in the Nation”
2019 — Bloomberg Businessweek – Ranked Campus Program # 34 among Public Institutions
2016 — Bloomberg Businessweek – Ranked Campus Program #36 among Public Institutions
2016, 2017, 2018 — U.S. News and World Report – Ranked the Online MBA program “Top 25 in the Nation”
2016 — College Choice – Ranked the Online Program #1 in the Country

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The Ole Miss Online MBA charges one flat tuition rate regardless of state/country of residence and a per-credit hour technology fee in addition to tuition. Tuition for the Ole Miss Online MBA program is $894.50 per credit hour. Over the course of 36 credits, that total comes to an estimated $33,000 with fees.

Online programs are NOT eligible for fellowships, scholarships, or assistantships at this time. However, several types of loans are available to graduate students. For information on loans for MBA students, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs as a way to pay back employees for education expenses. Although employees who choose to participate must pay out of pocket for the courses they take, when the course is completed, the employee can get back a portion or all of their tuition expenses. Check with your Human Resources Officer to ascertain whether your company offers a tuition reimbursement benefit.

Admissions

Along with a $75 application fee, applicants to the Kelley School of Business Online MBA program must submit GMAT or GRE scores, although these may be waived under special circumstances. As well, students must submit official school transcripts of academic records, one letter of recommendation, a 500-word personal statement, and a resume. Students may be invited to take part in a 30-minute phone interview with the school admissions team.

International students who were either born in a non-native English speaking country or have not earned an undergraduate or graduate degree at an English-speaking institution may have to provide either TOEFL or IELTS test scores to prove English fluency.

Please note that the admissions requirements listed below are the minimum required for consideration for admission. Admission is competitive.

• Transcripts: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates must have a 3.0+ overall GPA or on the most recent 60 semester hours of course work.
• GMAT/GRE Scores: Candidates must submit an official GMAT or GRE score that is no more than five years old. Candidates must have a 500 minimum on the GMAT or the equivalent GRE score of a 302. (Please note: due to Covid-19, GMAT/GRE scores have been waived for all applicants. Please go to the Ole Miss Online MBA official school site to monitor additional deadline GMAT/GRE requirements.
• TOEFL Scores: International candidates must submit an official TOEFL score of at least 600 or an equivalent score of 99-100 on the IBT.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• RESUME- Minimum of two years of work experience required for online program.
  Candidates must submit a current resume via the online application and there is no preferred template.
• Statement of Purpose: A candidate must submit a Statement of Purpose with his or her name included via the online application. The Statement of Purpose is a short essay in which an applicant reflects on the contribution the MBA degree will make to his or her future success and the special characteristics that he or she brings to the MBA program.
  The typed Statement of Purpose (about 400 words) should address the following questions:

• Why have you chosen to pursue the MBA?
• How will these studies help you attain your career goals?
• Is there anything you wish us to know that is not reflected in the other application materials?

* Please be sure that your name is included on your Statement of Purpose.

– Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of two prerequisite undergraduate courses is required prior to enrolling in MBA courses: Principles of Accounting (UM ACCY 201 or ACCY 202) and Business Finance (UM FIN 331), or their equivalencies. Courses must be completed with a “C” or higher.

It is possible that applicants have completed the above courses or their equivalencies in undergraduate coursework, particularly if a degree has been awarded in a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Admission decisions are not based on successful completion of these courses. However, admitted students are not permitted to enroll in MBA courses until the prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. These courses can be completed as part of an undergraduate program or they can be taken at any accredited institution.

Admissions

Please note that the admissions requirements listed below are the minimum required for consideration for admission. Admission is competitive.

• Transcripts: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates must have a 3.0+ overall GPA or on the most recent 60 semester hours of course work.
• GMAT/GRE Scores: Candidates must submit an official GMAT or GRE score that is no more than five years old. Candidates must have a 500 minimum on the GMAT or the equivalent GRE score of a 302. (Please note: due to Covid-19, GMAT/GRE scores have been waived for all applicants. Please go to the Ole Miss Online MBA official school site to monitor additional deadline GMAT/GRE requirements.
• TOEFL Scores: International candidates must submit an official TOEFL score of at least 600 or an equivalent score of 99-100 on the IBT.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Resume: Minimum of two years of work experience required for online program.
  Candidates must submit a current resume via the online application and there is no preferred template.
• Statement of Purpose: A candidate must submit a Statement of Purpose with his or her name included via the online application. The Statement of Purpose is a short essay in which an applicant reflects on the contribution the MBA degree will make to his or her future success and the special characteristics that he or she brings to the MBA program.
  The typed Statement of Purpose (about 400 words) should address the following questions:
  • Why have you chosen to pursue the MBA?
  • How will these studies help you attain your career goals?
  • Is there anything you wish us to know that is not reflected in the other application materials?
• Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of two prerequisite undergraduate courses is required prior to enrolling in MBA courses: Principles of Accounting (UM ACCY 201 or ACCY 202) and Business Finance (UM FIN 331), or their equivalencies. Courses must be completed with a “C” or higher. It is possible that applicants have completed the above courses or their equivalencies in undergraduate coursework, particularly if a degree has been awarded in a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Admission decisions are not based on successful completion of these courses. However, admitted students are not permitted to enroll in MBA courses until the prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. These courses can be completed as part of an undergraduate program or they can be taken at any accredited institution.

5 Questions with MBA Admissions: UCI Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA

In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Lindsay Haberman, Assistant Director, MBA Recruitment and Admissions for the full-time MBA at UCI Paul Merage School of Business. Haberman discusses Merage’s recent STEM-designation, what types of students they are seeking for their program and ‘insider tips’ on applying to their program.

How does this program differ from other offerings at your school and other programs in the GME space?

At The Paul Merage School of Business we have specifically redesigned our curricula, course content, delivery modes, and co-curricular programs to create unparalleled learning experiences with a single goal: preparing you to propel your career and lead your organization to success in our digitally driven world. Our FTMBA degree is now fully STEM-designated, dedicated to deepening students’ knowledge and leadership of Management Science and Quantitative Methods. We are also proud to announce our new Analytics in Digital Leadership concentration, built to be directly aligned with specific target functions such as Python, sequel and managing large data sets.

What is the typical profile of a student who would benefit most from this program and what characteristics are your admissions team looking for?

We are looking for a well-rounded student, one that has strong leadership and clear communication skills. It is important for any prospective student interested in our program to do their research on the school, and understand how an MBA from the Merage school will help them obtain their short-term goals. We look for how effectively the individual can tell their story as it relates to the career outcome they are seeking. We also love to hear about any extra circular, volunteer, or other organization a student is a part of, because during your time in the program it is so important to get involved in activities outside of the classroom.

What types of financial aid are available to students?

Over 80% of students receive some type of merit-based scholarships. The MBA Admissions Committee awards merit-based scholarships based on a holistic evaluation of your potential, taking into consideration your overall application including academic achievement, quality of work experience, demonstrated leadership and extracurricular activities. All completed applications are automatically considered for scholarship, no additional application is needed. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be notified upon admission.

How does your school assist in finding job opportunities and how does your program enhance a student’s profile as a job applicant?

Our MBA Career Center’s unique personalized approach to career planning prepares you with the tools to not only land your ideal job, but to make the right decisions throughout the lifetime of your career. They are personalized in their approach, and focus on three pillars: explore, prepare, and execute. Within the Career Center we have an external relations team, and their main priority is to connect companies to our school through internship opportunities and career jobs. A signature event that is hosted by our Career Center is our Merage First Networking Mixer. For this event, we invite our alumni to engage with our current students, and each alum brings a current job opening at their company.

What is one insider tip you can provide prospective applicants about applying to this program?

I always tell prospective students to do their due diligence on the school, reach out to students, schedule a consultation, do a campus visit, and come to an event. Getting an MBA is a huge investment in yourself, and it is a time for you to focus on building your network and sharpening your leadership skills. At the end of the day you want to be in an environment that you can thrive in and somewhere that has the resources to get you to the next step in your career. I think the community that you surround yourself with should be the one that best fits your strengths. At the Merage School we pride ourselves on our tight knit, supportive, and collaborative community of students, and they want to share their experience with prospective students.

To learn more about the UCI Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA: Click Here.

Leavey Launches New Online MSFA and Webinars Dates

The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University announced the launch of a dynamic Online Master of Science in Finance and Analytics (MSFA) program, which will begin offering classes in September 2020. Drawing on Leavey’s strong ties to Silicon Valley, the flexible and customizable program is designed to develop the cutting-edge quantitative skills that define success in finance today and to prepare students for careers in corporate finance, investments, commercial banking, or capital markets. View the Leavey Launch of new Online MSFA profile here.

“The new MS in Finance and Analytics is an exciting addition to our prestigious portfolio of online graduate business programs,” said Dean of the Leavey School of Business Caryn Beck-Dudley. “This program provides a unique opportunity for students to craft their own curriculum with 16 units of elective credit and also allows them to expand their knowledge in specific subject areas like valuation and financial engineering to best prepare them to become future finance leaders.”

“The workplace is rapidly evolving and the financial sector as a whole is expected to grow exponentially over the next nine years. Our Online MSFA can prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to take you to the next level and has evolved from our existing MSFA program  ranked #27 by TFE Times 2020 Best Master of Finance Programs.” shares Toby McChesney, Sr. Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs.

“We are exceptionally proud of our partnership with the Leavey School of Business, and what we are able to create together,” said Beth Hollenberg, President of Everspring, an innovative online program support provider. “The MS in Finance and Analytics created by the Leavey faculty and administration is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, market-relevant program needed to meet the needs of a now disrupted workforce, who need these valuable skills to move their careers and the economy forward.”

Applications for admission are now being accepted for the September 2020 class start. Click here for more information about the program.

Join the Leavey School of Business webinar in partnership with Ivy Exec

Moving an organization from where it is today to where it needs to go is rarely easy. The novel, dynamic and unpredictable nature of our current context adds another layer of urgency and complexity. 

Join Leavey for this webinar with Tammy L. Madsen and Jo-Ellen Pozner from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business as we discuss: 

• What are some of the typical organizational and strategic constraints in navigating uncertainty? 
• How can organizations overcome challenges in executing strategic change? 
• What matters for strategy and culture?

About Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education

About Leavey School of Business

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the most dynamic business environments in the world, the Leavey School of Business combines academic excellence in the 450-year Jesuit tradition, with an energetic, innovative spirit that typifies the region. Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business offers one of the nation’s best graduate business programs ranked No. 11 Executive MBA by U.S News & World Report, No. 25 ranked Evening MBA by U.S News & World Report and No. 25 ranked Online MBA by The Princeton Review. 

For more information, visit www.scu.edu/business.

Online Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics

Santa Clara University Online Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics Program Structure

Created by the world-renowned faculty, the Santa Clara University Online Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics’ innovative curriculum, flexible STEM program duration, and hands-on learning experience deliver the essential knowledge, skills, and analytical tools to advance your finance career to the next level. The vast alumni network and the central location in the Silicon Valley provide premier career opportunities in sought-after corporations, financial institutions, consulting firms, and FinTech.

• Program duration: intensive 12-month part-time option available.
• Time/schedule: Courses can be completed in an asynchronous online format (Mandatory three-day residency is required at the beginning of the first term)
• Course delivery: Cohort style with elective options.
• STEM-approved

Integrated courses cover the business fundamentals in a cohort format. There are two intakes per year, with classes beginning in the fall or the spring.

Curriculum

The Santa Clara University Online Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics program requires the completion of 36-semester units of coursework. Courses in the MS Finance & Analytics degree are arrayed in core foundational courses and elective options.

Core:

• Financial Forecasting & Analysis (pre-Fall; course starts ahead of the Fall quarter)
• Math for Finance & Analytics with R
• Database Management Systems – Fundamentals of SQL
• Econometrics
• Data Analytics with Python
• Investments

Electives: Courses are subject to change and availability in a given quarter is not guaranteed.

• Introduction to Time Series Analysis
• Analytics for FNCE (Panel Data)
• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Restructuring
• Introduction to Fin Tech
• Machine Learning
• Alternative Investments
• Financial Engineering
• Valuation
• Marketing Analytics

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Santa Clara Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics costs $1,312 per unit, with students completing a minimum of 36 units for the program. Most student loans are based on either financial need or creditworthiness and are available only to US citizens and permanent residents. Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. Scholarship recipients are awarded at the time of admission. Scholarships awarded are conditioned upon a cumulative 3.3 GPA throughout the first academic year of enrollment.

Admissions

Applicants to the Santa Clara Masters of Science in Finance & Analytics program must have completed a Baccalaureate degree or recognized qualifications equivalent to a degree.

To apply to the Finance & Analytics program, applicants must submit a completed application form, official transcripts from each institution attended (domestic degrees) or WES course-by-course (international degrees), personal statement, current résumé, and two letters of recommendation. Official GMAT scores or GRE scores must also be sent in by applicants, along with a $148 application fee. International students from non-native English-speaking countries must provide a recent TOEFL score in order to prove English fluency.

Deadlines: 
Fall: September 4
Spring: March 13

Online MBA

Northern Illinois Online MBA Program Structure

The Northern Illinois online MBA is delivered 100% online with a flexible format for students.  Northern Illinois allows you to study on your schedule with eight-week courses and full or part-time enrollment options.  Full-time students graduate in 18 months while part-time students can complete the program in about three years.

Curriculum

The Northern Illinois online MBA provides a career-focused curriculum blending hands-on learning and practical application, so you graduate ready to succeed in your chosen career path.  The faculty consists of real-world business leaders who bring their interdisciplinary experience into the classroom.

Core Courses
ACCY 640 Financial Statement Analysis
OMIS 680 Global Supply Chain Management
MGMT 635 Leading Individuals, teams and organizations
MKTG 654 Marketing Management
OMIS 697 Digital Transformation Strategy
FINA 607 Financial Analysis
MGMT 672 Strategic Management and Policy

Electives
MGMT 647 International Management
MGMT 615 Managerial Leadership
MGMT 627 Entrepreneurial Creativity and Innovation

Class Profile

The average student in the Northern Illinois is between 25-28 years of age and has a 50/50 split on male/female class percentage.  The GMAT/GRE class score is not reported since it is an optional requirement for the admissions process. The class averages 2.5 years of work experience before joining the program an the average undergraduate GPA for undergraduates is 2.75.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Norther Illinoins online MBA program is $895.72 per credit hour. Over the course of 30 credits, that total comes to $26,850. The average cost of material per course is $100, and there is an additional $30 per credit hour fee.

Financial Aid

Degree-seeking graduate students who are U.S. citizens may be eligible for Federal Direct Loans, private loans, and Federal Direct Plus Loans for Graduate and Professional Students.

Non-degree students (students-at-large) are usually not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, though in certain restricted instances they may be.

Graduate students who receive federal aid are subject to regulations governing Satisfactory Academic Progress. To remain eligible for federal aid, graduate students must maintain good academic standing, complete coursework for which they sign up and not accumulate an excessive number of hours more than required by the Graduate Catalog to complete their degrees.

Graduate Assistant Positions

Graduate assistantships provide degree-seeking students an opportunity to engage in important mentored research, teaching or service while enrolled full-time. Typically, graduate assistants perform assigned duties in their home department, but assistantships may be available in administrative units on campus, too.

To be eligible for an assistantship, you must complete and submit an application to the department in which you seek an assistantship.

Admissions

The following is required for admissions to the Northern Illinois online MBA program:

Domestic Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. College or University
• Strong record of academic achievement, demonstrated by cumulative GPA
• Official transcripts
• GMAT/GRE scores are optional (but may be submitted to supplement the academic record if GPA does not full demonstrate academic ability.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Resume

International Admissions Requirement:

• International applicants must take GMAT or GRE and TOEFL or IELTS
• Strong record of academic potential, demonstrated by GMAT or GRE score. Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required.
• An official IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) or TOEFL (minimum 80) score must be sent directly from the testing agency.
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Completed application and fee

Application deadlines are as follows:

Spring

UPDATE: July 1, 2020

Online Master of Accountancy

Northern Illinois University College of Business Online Master of Accountancy Program Structure

The Master of Accountancy (MAC) is designed to provide graduate students who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than accounting with a set of courses focused on the foundational areas within the accountancy discipline, enhancing students’ understanding of the role of accounting in business and other organizations. The MAC degree is designed to prepare candidates for a professional accountancy career and qualify them to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination in Illinois.

Curriculum

The courses in this program are designed to provide graduate students with foundational knowledge for success in the accounting field. The MAC will help you develop industry-standard skill sets and enhance your understanding of accounting’s role in successful organizations. The curriculum was created alongside expert faculty to help students meet CPA exam requirements.

Required Courses (27)
ACCY 510 – Accounting Information Systems Credits: 3
ACCY 531 – Financial Reporting I Credits: 3
ACCY 532 – Financial Reporting II Credits: 3
ACCY 550 – Principles of Taxation Credits: 3
ACCY 560 – Assurance Services Credits: 3
ACCY 622 – Managerial Accounting Information Systems Credits: 3
ACCY 633 – Advanced Financial Reporting Credits: 3
ACCY 650 – Advanced Issues in Taxation Credits: 3
ACCY 670 – Accounting Research Credits: 3

Electives (6)
Electives totaling six semester credit hours to be selected from the following course offerings or from among relevant graduate offerings within the College of Business with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies (6)
ACCY 664 – Financial Statement Auditing Credits: 3
ACCY 675 – Data Analytics and Decision Making in Accounting Credits: 3
ACCY 679 – Seminar in Accounting Credits: 3

Class Profile

The Northern Illinois College of Business Online Master of Accountancy program has an average age range between 25-28 years of age.  In addition, the program has an even 50/50 percentage split of male to female students.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The current estimated tuition for the Northern Illinois College of Business MS in Data Analytics program is $30,500 ($895 per credit). Students are eligible for the following sources of financial aid or tuition assistance:

Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and financial need. They do not need to be repaid. Many scholarships are awarded by NIU as well as private organizations.

Grants: Grants are offered by the federal and state governments, as well as by NIU, based on financial need. You need to file a FASFA to be considered for most grants. In general, grants do not need to be repaid.

Loans: You may choose to take out a federal loan and/or a private loan. To be considered for a federal loan you must file a FAFSA each year. Private loans may require a separate application and credit check. Loans must be repaid.

Admissions

Applicants must complete an online application and provide the following:

Domestic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. College or University
• Strong record of academic achievement, demonstrated by cumulative GPA
• Official transcripts
• GMAT / GRE scores (optional, but may be submitted to supplement the academic record if GPA does not fully demonstrate academic ability)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Completed application and fee

International Requirements:

• International applicants must take GMAT or GRE and TOEFL or IELTS
• Strong record of academic potential, demonstrated by GMAT or GRE score. Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required.
• An official IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) or TOEFL (minimum 80) score must be sent directly from the testing agency.
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

The next application deadlines is August 14, 2020.

Executive MBA

Eccles School of Business Professional MBA Program Structure

The Eccles ExecutiveMBA is held in person and on campus. Classes are held on Friday and Saturday every other week (class from 8-12 and then 1-5). The program is 21-month in length with five semesters and three offsite learning experiences, two of which are international learning experiences. Lockstep curriculum with 48 credits.

Curriculum

The Executive MBA program is meant for candidates with more expertise than the average MBA applicant, which enhances the overall MBA experience. With the weekend class schedule and focus on service, students can focus on learning while maintaining their careers.  The EMBA program presents a high-level general management curriculum designed for experienced managers. The courses deliver in-depth knowledge of business fundamentals, analytical skills, creative solutions, and vision that extends beyond current employment, industry, and region. Students balance problem-solving with broad perspectives and conceptual skills.

The following classes are core components of the EMBA program at Eccles:

• Team Effectiveness
• Ethics
• Financial Accounting
• Leadership and Management
• Communications
• Statistics
• Corporate Finance
• Marketing Management
• Negotiations
• Operations Management
• Economics
• Managing in the Global Economy
• Business Strategy
• Advanced Marketing
• Corporate Strategy
• Cost Accounting
• Advanced Leadership
• Organizational Economics
• Human Resources
• Advanced Finance
• International Field Study

Class Profile

The typical student at the Eccles Executive MBA program has 14 years of average work experience, is 39 years of age and 22% possess prior management degrees. 31% of the program consists of women, while 10% are Veterans.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The total tuition for the Eccless Business School Executive MBA is $85,000 or $17,000 per semester with 5 semesters in total.

The following need and merit-based scholarships are available to newly admitted Executive MBA students:
• Advancing Women in Business Scholarship: $2,500-$10,000
• Community Impact Scholarship: $2,500-$10,000
• Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship: $2,500-$10,000
• Merit Scholarship: $2,500-$6,000
• Out-of-State Admit Scholarship: $2,500-$10,000

Financial Aid is also available for our students as they meet the credit requirements to apply (Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, Private Education Loan).

Admissions

The following components are needed for admission into the Eccles Executive MBA program:

• Online application
• College transcripts from each institution attended regardless of length of attendance (Must have earned a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from a regionally-accredited college or university.)
• Essay – statement of purpose
• Updated resume
• Letter of recommendation from direct boss
• Interview

This program does not require the GMAT or GRE, however it does require at least six years of full-time work experience post undergraduate. The cost of an application is $55 if submitted between August 1 – March 1, and is $85 if submitted after March 1 until the end of the application.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall 2020 (August Start)

Below are the deadlines for the Eccles Executive MBA program.

• October 1
• November 15
• January 7
• February 15
• April 1
• May 15
• July 1
• August 1

*Please review deadlines with official school site to ensure there have not been any changes made.

Full-Time MBA

Eccles Full-Time MBA Program Structure

The Eccles full-time MBA program is intended to be completed across two years of study. The program is 21 months in length and consists of four semesters and one summer internship.  In total, full-time MBA students at Eccles will complete 36.5 core credits and 25.5 elective credits.

Curriculum

The University of Utah MBA curriculum focuses on a multidisciplinary foundation in management, accounting, finance, data analytics, strategy, communications, and operations. In addition, their two-year curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, communication skills, and professionalism. This coursework is combined with the experiential options beyond the classroom to provide ‘real world’ experience.

The following classes create the curriculum for the Eccles full-time MBA: Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations, Information Systems, Strategy in core curriculum. Ten concentration options: Business Strategy, Marketing Strategy & Analytics, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Finance, Engineering, Entertainment Arts, Law, Medicine, Healthcare Administration.

Class Profile

The average student in the Eccles full-time class of 2021 program had 4 years of post-undergraduate work experience.  The average GMAT score was 651, while the average GRE score was 316 and the average undergraduate GPA class was 3.49.

The admit rate for the class of 2021 was 46%.  The class consisted of 46% out-of-state or International students. Also, 62% of the class consisted of non-business undergraduates.

Career Statistics

The Eccles Business School has strong corporate relationships with Amazon, Delta, GE Healthcare, Kalypso, Savage Services, T-Mobile, USAA.  These partnerships enable their students to earn internships during the program and careers post-graduation.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The tuition for the Eccles Business School full-time MBA is approximately $62,500. However, the total expected cost of attendance is roughly $96,000 after taking into account living expenses, books and supplies, health services and insurance, and personal expenses.

All applicants considered for admissions are considered for an MBA merit based scholarship. Awards range from $10,000 to full MBA tuition. Not a resident? Not a problem. All non-residents who are admitted received scholarship dollars to bring their tuition to the resident rate.

Admissions

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the core requirements for all applicants include a resume showcasing at least one year of post-undergraduate work experience, two professional letters of recommendation, three essays, undergraduate degree transcripts, GMAT or GRE score report, and TOEFL or IELTS score report for international students.

The GMAT is required for this program and waivers are not accepted.  At least one year of work experience is required for admissions consideration.

The cost of an application is $55 if sent between August 1 and March 1, and $85 if sent from March 2 through the end of the application season.

Application deadlines typically fall on the same date annually and are as follows:

November 15th

January 15th

March 1st

May 1st

Online MBA

David Eccles School of Business Online MBA Program Structure

The MBA Online program is delivered by the Eccles world-renowned faculty in a high-quality, interactive, on-demand format. The program provides in-depth discussions between team members, as well as with faculty. While all content in the online courses is available 24/7, students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and other students in a weekly live web conferencing session. By using web conferencing, online forums, and multimedia resources, MBA Online students get the MBA experience on more personalized terms.

The Eccles Online MBA typically takes 24-26 months to complete all 48 credits.  Courses are held in 5 and 10 week blocks – 1.5 credit classes are 5 weeks and 3.0 credit classes are 10 weeks.  Students take two classes at a time to balance their degree.  In addition, the program provides flexible, on-demand learning with weekly live webinars and allows you to customize your degree with elective options.

Curriculum

The Eccles Online MBA consist of 48 credits and a 3-day on-campus residency. Students also can complete 15 credits of elective including financial accounting, managing and leading, data analysis, financial management, marketing management, managerial economics, operations management, business communication, information technology, competitive strategy, business ethics, and managerial accounting.

Class Profile

The average student in the Eccles online MBA has 10 years of work experience and is 34 years of age.  The program is 29% female and 71% male.  In terms of academic experience, 33% of current students hold an undergraduate degree while 67% hold a non-business undergraduate degree.

Career Statistics

The most recent class’ reported average salary after graduation was just north of $107,000, representing a 28 percent average salary increase over pre-MBA salary. Around 65 percent of graduates earned promotions while earning their Online MBA.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The total cost of the Eccles online MBA program is $58,000 or $1,225 per credit.

Students pursuing graduate degrees have the opportunity to use FAFSA including Federal Stafford Unsubsidized loan and Graduate Plus Loan. Limited scholarships are available for merit, diversity & Inclusion, Advancing women, community impact, and Double Ute in the amounts of $2,500-$10,000 total.

Admissions

The following information is needed for admissions requirements: transcripts, essay (statement of purpose), resume, two letters of recommendation, GMAT/GRE or appropriate waiver, interview. All MBA Online prospects need to also be working full time and maintain full time work status through the entirety of the program.

The GMAT is required for the Eccles Online MBA program. However, the MBA Online program offers GMAT/GRE substitutions for those applicants who can demonstrate sufficient quantitative capabilities, academic achievement, and professional experience. These capabilities will be evaluated through a review of the complete admissions application and, most specifically, through an applicant’s professional work experience, academic transcripts, certifications, post-undergraduate coursework or degrees, other standardized exam scores, and the admissions interview.

To apply for a GMAT/GRE substitution, students must meet the following qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time professional and/or managerial work experience

Prospective students should submit their full admissions application along with a second essay formally requesting the GMAT/GRE substitution and detailing his or her qualifications based on the above requirements. In particular, the applicant should include his or her professional, academic, and/or quantitative capabilities. The admissions committee makes the final decision of whether or not a substitution will be granted at the time the full application is finalized and reviewed. The committee may ultimately request the applicant to submit a GMAT or GRE score.

The Eccles Online MBA also requires work experience. There are no alternatives, all students who apply to theprogram should have at least one year of full time work experience.

The cost of an application is $55 if submitted before April 1st and $85 if submitted after April 1st

Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall 2020 deadlines are as follows:

Round 4 May 15

Round 5, June 15

Final round July 15

Top Business Schools in California

If you are searching for the top business schools in California, look no further. MetroMBA has provided a list of the best graduate business programs that prospective applicants should consider. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego offer diverse industry opportunities for someone attempting to re-locate, researching or expanding their career opportunities or developing their entrepreneurial skill-set to become the next Silicon Valley start-up. You can also utilize the MetroMBA Program Search Tool if you are looking to compare these schools and programs side-by-side, sorting by categories that include tuition , whether or not the GMAT/GRE is required and more.

This article is sponsored by our partner Santa Clara University: Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business offers one of the nation’s best graduate business programs and is ranked No. 11 Executive MBA by U.S News & World Report, No. 25 Evening MBA by US News & World Report,  #10 MBA Speciality in Finance , #20 MBA Specialty in Entrepreneurship according to U.S. News & World Report and No. 25 ranked Online MBA by The Princeton Review. Click here to learn more.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

The Stanford School of Business is routinely atop many major rankings lists and is known as one of the elite MBA programs in the world.  The school is situated just off El Camino Real, on the eastern side of Stanford University’s campus in Palo Alto, California.  Stanford’s MBA program is known for its small size, which creates an intimate academic setting. Due in part to its close proximity to Silicon Valley, the school is also well recognized for its strengths in entrepreneurship and the technology industry. Stanford University enrolls around 800 students in its MBA program at a given time. Most recently, 419 students enrolled in the Class of 2020. The one important factor to consider is that Stanford only offers a full-time, two-year residential MBA program.  If you are not ready to drop everything to attend a full-time MBA program, this school might not make your list.

UC Berkeley – Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business also routinely ranks among the top business schools in the world. However, if you are looking for a prestigious MBA program and do not want to drop everything to attend a full-time program, the Haas School of Business also has a top-ranked part-time program to consider.  The accredited, rigorous, three-year Berkeley Haas part-time MBA program, also known as the Evening & Weekend MBA, is specifically designed to support working professionals by providing the opportunity to earn a graduate business degree on a part-time basis while accelerating their careers. While most students finish the program in three years, it can be completed in as little as 2.5 years.

University of California Los Angeles – Anderson School of Management

The Anderson School of Business falls within the top 20 in most business school rankings. Their last full-time MBA class saw roughly 76 percent of their graduates securing job offers before graduation, while that number increased to 90 percent three months after graduation.  Another strength for the Anderson School of Management is their highly-touted part-time MBA ranking, which is consistently a top 5 ranked program. UCLA alumni are heavily integrated in many industries throughout Los Angeles, making their part-time MBA program a highly sought out program for students not looking to sacrifice their ability to earn an income for a full-time program.

University of Southern California- Marshall School of Business

Like the Anderson School of Management, the Marshall School of Business is consistently a top 20 business school globally. Southern California is an ideal destination for full-time students who are looking to re-locate to the west coast.  In addition, an estimated 93.6 percent of USC Marshall 2018 grads were employed within three months of graduation, earning an average starting salary of $122,634. The average signing bonus, for graduates that earned one, was $33,065. 

Another strength the Marshall School of Business has as a business school, is their top-ranked online MBA program.  A defining element of the Marshall Online MBA is its use of a full range of technological learning tools to create an engaging online learning experience and provide students with practical skills, such as virtual collaboration, that apply to today’s global, digitally-driven business environments.

Live online class meetings take place two to three times per week, on any day of the week, and last between one and two hours. The schedule accommodates working professionals and varies each semester.

San Diego State University – Fowler College of Business Administration

Although the San Diego State business school does not have a top 25 ranked MBA in the major publication rankings, they do have a strong MBA in Sport Management.  The San Diego State University Sports Management MBA program is generally completed in 18 months. Students spend the first year completing academic coursework, and then they work on a six-month consulting project. Additionally, it is the only Sports MBA in California fully accredited by the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

Pepperdine University – Graziado Business School

If you are a veteran and considering an MBA program, one of the top business schools to immediately research is the Pepperdine Business School.  Their MBA focuses on serving veterans by being a Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) allows institutions of higher learning to enter into a voluntary agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contribute funds to a veteran’s unmet tuition and certifiable fee charges (student health insurance fees) when those charges exceed the amount payable under Chapter 33.  The Pepperdine Business School also offers the Ahmanson Veteran Scholarship Initiative, which provides funding to twenty-four private colleges and institutions in California with a goal toward enrolling, supporting and graduating more student veterans.

University of California San Diego – Rady School of Management

The Rady School of Management is best known for their Executive MBA program and Flex MBA program among the major publication rankings. In 2018, the Economist ranked Rady as the best school in California for overall faculty and student rating of teaching quality. Both of these part-time programs enable students to meet goals they and their organizations have set for their educational and professional development, making this a program to consider for workers who are looking to balance their current career and their MBA.

Santa Clara University – Leavey School of Business

The Leavey School, based in San Francisco, should be highly considered for anyone looking to relocate to Silicon Valley. They continue to increase their rankings among numerous publications including U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. Their executive MBA program, ranked 11th by U.S. News & World Report has an entrepreneurial focus that has a focus on C-Suite foundations. Additionally, they are ranked the 20th best MBA specializing in entrepreneurship by U.S. News & World Report. Both of these programs should be highly considered for anyone looking at Silicon Valley to continue or pursue their career or begin a billion dollar start-up known to exist in the heart of San Francisco.

University of California Irvine – Merage School of Business

The Merage School of Business finds itself as one of the mid-tier MBA programs according to major publications, with the U.S. News most recently ranking is the 67^th best business school in the United States.  Strengthening its position is their part-time MBA program, which is ranked 27^th on U.S. News.  The Merage School of Business location is a strength but, also a weakness depending on your perspective since it is located between Los Angeles (about an hour drive) and San Diego (about 75 minute drive).  Full-time and international students who are looking to move to the West Coast should target UC Irvine due to its professional relationships in both Los Angeles and San Diego.

UC Davis Graduate School of Management

The UC Davis online MBA recently partnered with 2U, an educational technology company that contracts with non-profit colleges and universities to offer online degree programs. The company also partners with MBA@UNC (#2 ranked online MBA according to U.S. News) and other high-caliber online programs. Additionally, U.S. News recently ranked the UC Davis business school as the 48^th best in the United States.  As the third largest public university in California, trailing only UCLA and UC Berkeley, the UC Davis Business School should be highly considered for both applicants interested in pursuing a climbing online MBA or looking to relocate via a full-time MBA program.

Holy Family University

History

Holy Family has been delivering a high-quality business education in an uniquely supportive environment that fosters leadership, global awareness, and social responsibility. Their approach to career development and career advancement equips students to overcome the challenges they are sure to face when they enter the workforce, or if they are planning on career advancement or a change of a career.

Location(s)

Holy Family University is located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. In addition, Holy Family now provides their GME fully online.

Facilities

Classrooms, conference rooms, computer labs, faculty office space.

Faculty

The Holy Family Business School is made up of 8 full-time faculty and over 100 part-time faculty who are working in their chosen professional field.

Student Body

Holy Family is made up of 300 students currently enrolled in various programs in the School of Business Administration

Robinson College of Business Programs See Jump in U.S. News ’21 Rankings

With U.S. News publishing their 2021 MBA rankings on March 17th, we typically see certain programs take significant jumps in their annual ranking.  This year was no different as the part-time MBA at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business jumped to 28th overall, up 20 spots compared to 2020.  In addition, the part-time MBA jumped to 16th overall among programs at public universities, making this a program to watch in the Atlanta metro for prospective applicants seeking a flexible part-time program.

Robinson also is ranked in two graduate specialties included for the first time by U.S. News. The college’s real estate program is 7th overall and 1st in the South. Among real estate programs at public universities, it is 4th in the nation. Robinson’s business analytics program is 33rd overall and 11th among public university programs.  To learn more about how U.S. news methodology click here.

 “The significant surge of Robinson’s part-time MBA and CIS programs in the U.S. News rankings reflects our steadfast commitment to providing a relevant and responsive program for working professionals, the quality of our students and the respect of our peer institutions,” said Richard Phillips, dean of the college. “We are pleased and proud of the recognition of our real estate and business analytics programs in the first-ever rankings of these programs.”

“Multiple factors contributed to the jump in rankings of Robinson’s CIS and part-time MBA programs, including the college’s investment in data science and analytics, and hiring of faculty typically not found in business schools (e.g., computer and data scientists, software engineers, and academics from other STEM fields),” Phillips said. “We added data analytics courses to both programs and revamped their curricula – including adding seven interdisciplinary MBA career pathways focused on high demand skills (e.g. analytics consulting, commercializing innovation, and fintech) and introducing three concentrations to the M.S. in Information Systems (big data management and analytics, digital innovation and cybersecurity).

5 Questions with MBA Admissions: Kellogg School of Management Evening & Weekend MBA Program

In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Emily Haydon, the Senior Director of Admissions, Executive and Evening & Weekend MBA at Northwestern University-Kellogg School of Management.  Haydon discusses the flexibility and fast-track options for their Evening & Weekend program, how they are adapting to the Coronavirus outbreak and how their Career Center helps their students with experienced advisers.

How does this program differentiate from other offerings at your school and other programs in the graduate management education space?

Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend program is a top-ranked part-time MBA program that offers flexible options to working professionals. Kellogg Evening & Weekend MBAs simultaneously take a core curriculum that focuses on foundational management skills along with optional majors and pathways that fit with their interests and career goals.

Emily Haydon, Sr. Director of Admissions, Executive and Evening & Weekend MBA at Northwestern University-Kellogg School of Management

We’ve launched an Accelerated Option to allow E&W students to complete an MBA in as quickly as one year (this option also provides tremendous cost savings), and made it possible for all students to enroll at any quarter throughout the year.

What is the typical profile of a student who would benefit most from this program and what characteristics are your admissions team looking for?

Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend program attracts the same ambitious leaders that apply to our full-time and executive MBA programs. Our students are high impact, low ego who want an MBA experience where they can collaborate, get involved and learn from each other. E&W students want to propel their professional development and leadership capabilities without putting their careers on hold.

We describe our students as working professionals who want to apply what they learn in the classroom in their work real-time and are seeking flexibility in a part-time MBA program. We work with students to customize and tailor their experience to meet their goals and pre-existing commitments.

What types of financial aid is available to students?

We strongly encourage all Evening & Weekend MBA students to apply for financial aid. The process is simple, and all students — regardless of need — are eligible to apply for assistance.

How does your school assist in finding job opportunities and how does your program enhance a student’s profile as a job applicant?

Within the Career Management Center (CMC), Evening &Weekend students have a team of career coaches specifically dedicated to their program. There are six coaches with an average of 20-25 years of experiences in industries including technology, finance, consulting, marketing and CPG. The coaching team is uniquely equipped to support students who might want to shift careers, amplify their current paths or launch a new venture. Within one year of graduating 77% of alumni changed industry/ function 78% were promoted, 9% joined or founded a startup and the average compensation increase was 43%(based on classes 2014-2016).  

For recruiting, top employers from across industries and geographies regularly visit Kellogg to meet with and recruit students from the Evening & Weekend MBA Program. E&W students may participate in the on-campus recruiting process with Full-Time student participants as well as access resources like self-assessment tools and career development workshops. Recruiters also frequently host events at the Chicago campus to hire E&W students throughout the year, not just during Fall on campus recruiting.

Additionally, many students prefer to pursue a more customized and targeted approach, working closely with their Kellogg career coach to identify opportunities better suited to their individual needs and aspirations.

Students can always turn to their network of fellow students who are currently employed across a variety of fields and prominent companies.

What is one insider tip you can provide prospective applicants about applying to this program?

We are in unprecedented times with the impact of COVID-19. It is at times like this that we need brave leaders. Kellogg thrives in times that demand innovation. We are working hard at new and inventive ways to continue to deliver the Kellogg best-in-class experience.

While we can’t meet in person, Kellogg has created several virtual and on-demand virtual events to introduce prospective students to Kellogg and answer any application questions.

Online MBA Homepage

The 5 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Florida Online MBA

The University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business offers three Online MBA options through its Hough Graduate School of Business. The Hybrid One Year Online MBA program is designed for students who have earned a business undergraduate degree in the past seven years. The Hybrid Two Year Online MBA is offered to candidates from any academic background or those who earned a bachelor’s in business more than seven years ago. UF recently introduced its 100 percent fully-online 24 month traditional Online MBA, recommended for students that prioritize schedule flexibility.

Kelley School of Business – Indiana University – Online MBA

The 51-credit Kelley School of Business Online MBA features 39 credits worth of required courses, with the remaining 12 credits allocated toward electives related to students’ career focuses. Classes are offered starting in fall and spring.

The online program also offers a unique in-person AGILE (Accelerating Global Immersion Leadership Education) course each quarter, which provides students a chance to travel to international business destinations in countries like Brazil, China, and more

University of North Carolina – MBA@UNC – Online MBA

MBA@UNC blends top-20 ranked UNC Kenan-Flagler’s world-class curriculum, faculty and resources with the flexibility of online learning. Students network face-to-face with accomplished leaders, develop the insights to lead top organizations and earn the same degree as on-campus students.

MBA@UNC, offers ambitious working professionals from anywhere in the world the opportunity to earn an elite MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler. Through the use of innovative technologies and real-world immersive experiences, MBA@UNC blends the flexibility of a global online program with the rigor, quality and classroom interaction of an on-campus experience

Tepper School of Business – Carnegie Mellon University – Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA

MBA@UNC blends top-20 ranked UNC Kenan-Flagler’s world-class curriculum, faculty and resources with the flexibility of online learning. Students network face-to-face with accomplished leaders, develop the insights to lead top organizations and earn the same degree as on-campus students.

MBA@UNC, offers ambitious working professionals from anywhere in the world the opportunity to earn an elite MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler. Through the use of innovative technologies and real-world immersive experiences, MBA@UNC blends the flexibility of a global online program with the rigor, quality and classroom interaction of an on-campus experience

Online MBA Resources

Online MBA Programs that do not Require the GMAT/GRE

One of the main reasons applicants should consider pursuing an online MBA program that does not require the GMAT/GRE is because it allows applicants to receive an admissions decision without having to study for and take the GMAT/GRE.  Learn more about online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT or GRE.Read more

Online MBA Programs that do not Require Work Experience

There are MBA programs that do not require work experience or offer waivers if you meet other select criteria such as military experience.Read more

Real Humans Series: Ross School of Business

The Michigan Ross Online MBA offers potential students one of the most personable options among the world’s elite business schools. Unlike many online programs, Ross Online MBAs have the choice to attend elective courses at the school’s official Ann Arbor, Michigan campus. In addition, the time to complete the degree is also flexible, with students finishing the program between two and three-and-a-half years.Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

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Online MBA

Cox School of Business Online MBA Program Structure

The Southern Methodist University Online MBA program at the Cox School of Business is a 27-month (52 credit) program designed for working professionals with a minimum of two years work experience. Classes for this program are held in the evenings to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

Curriculum

The Southern Methodist Online MBA program offers a lock-step, cohort model with live courses twice per week (90 minutes each) to allow for meaningful interactions with faculty and classmates. Experiential learning is integrated into each course allowing students to put their learning into practice.

Through seven 14-week semesters, students will cover critical business topics that prepare them to lead in a constantly changing world. The first six semesters will be class based, and in the seventh semester, students will work on a consulting project where they will apply all their learnings over the course of the program to a real business or organization.

As part of the Online MBA program, students will participate in at least two in-person immersions, offered in domestic and international locations. These immersions include four days of engagement with corporate executives, faculty, and student peers. Students will explore and apply leadership skills and analytical knowledge and lead real-world consulting projects managed in the local market.

Class Profile

There are currently 71 students in the SMU Cox Online MBA program.  The average age of the class is 34 years of age.  The gender breakdown is 61% male and 39% female.  In addition, 8% of the student body consists of international students, while 41% are minority students.  Lastly, the average years of work experience for the SMU Cox Online MBA is 9 years.

Career Information

Since this is the first year in existence, the SMU Cox Online MBA program statistics such as job placement percentage and average starting salary are not yet available. However, SMU Cox Online MBA has the following corporate partners for job placement: Amazon, At&T, Capital One, Deloitte.

Tuition, Scholarship and Financial Aid

The total cost for the Southern Methodist Online MBA program is $90,740.  The cost per credit is $1,745. The Southern Methodist Online MBA offers merit based scholarships up to $15,000. The Cox School accepts all forms of financial aid: scholarships, private loans, grants and veterans benefit programs. Cox participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides funding for veterans.

The Admissions and Financial Aid representatives at the school are available to help students to move through the process of securing all necessary funding to attend the Cox PMBA program.

Admissions

Submit the application forms found in the online application, provide a copy of their professional résumé, complete two essays (topics available online), submit GMAT or GRE scores (unless you qualify for a waiver), provide copies of degreed undergraduate transcripts and provide two professional references (names and contact information only).

Is the GMAT/GRE require for the SMU Cox Online MBA program:

Yes

Are GMAT/GRE waivers available for the SMU Cox Online MBA:

To be considered for the waiver, you must meet one or more of the following:
– Six or more years of professional work experience demonstrating quantitative ability
– A terminal degree (eg. JD, PhD or MD) or a Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as engineering
– A Bachelor of Business Administration and six years of professional work experience

To determine if you qualify, please send your unofficial transcripts and resume to cox.mbaonline@smu.edu for consideration

Does the SMU Cox Online MBA require work experience?

Yes, they require candidates with at least two years of post-undergraduate work experience. Candidates with Military experience prior to their undergraduate degree may still apply.

Application deadlines are as follows: