School vs. School: Florida Hough vs. FSU College of Business
In the Sunshine State, the MBA continues to flourish. Yet, even among the state’s ever-expanding number of AACSB-accredited business schools, two giants stand out: The University of Florida and Florida State University. And while the MBA rivalry may not be as stoic as its football rivalry, there is a lot to consider before potentially enrolling in either school.
Below, we break down Florida vs FSU and what you need to know about the business schools.
UC Davis Launches Online MBA, Author Sam Walker Speaks at Fisher, and More
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from this week, including the a new Online MBA at UC Davis.
UC Davis Graduate School of Management to Offer Online MBA – UC Davis News
The University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management recently announced its new Online MBA, the first of its kind across the school’s ten campuses. Now accepting applications, MBA@Davis will welcome its inaugural class on September 30, 2019.
The online MBA will offer opportunities for working professionals and other students to earn their degree at their own pace with virtual meetings and interactive courses. Faculty and lecturers from the traditional full and part-time programs will lead classes, each of which will have a live weekly session.
A culminating residential session will allow students to experience campus life, along with the chance to connect with one another and their professors. Members of the startup community and executives from Fortune 500 companies will also visit for networking and mentoring opportunities. The duration of the program will be two years, and four cohorts will start each September.
The online MBA will open the top 50 ranked UC Davis degree to students worldwide. For more on the new Online MBA at UC Davis, click here.
Simple, Not Easy: Talking Leadership with Bestselling Author Sam Walker – Fisher Newsroom
Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business recently welcomed Wall Street Journal columnist and author Sam Walker to the school’s Leading Through Excellence summit last month.
Walker’s book, The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership, which explores the essential qualities of successful leaders, has been voted one of the year’s best business books by the New York Times and CNBC. Walker focuses upon the commonalities between great sports teams and great project teams, in particular how their coaches, captains and managers led them to success.
Sam Walker, author of the celebrated The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership / Photo via fisher.osu.edu
As the book’s website notes, “The seventeen most dominant teams in sports history had one thing in common: Each employed the same type of captain—a singular leader with an unconventional set of skills and tendencies.” Members of the so-called “Captain Class”, according to Walker, all possess the qualities of courage to stand apart from the crowd, doggedness, and emotional control.
Walker says that another quality of captains is that while natural talent is helpful in advancing through the ranks of leadership, it is not vital.
“We’re all realizing that management … is really the key to everything, and so many challenges can be addressed by building better teams and being smarter about how you promote,” Walker says.
For more on the book and Sam Walker, click here.
Adtalem Global Education and Northeastern University Form Strategic Partnership – Northeastern University News
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business has announced a new partnership with Adtalem, a leader in financial services education.
D’Amore-McKim and Adtalem will work to provide training on a global scale, beginning with the Certificate in AI for Financial Services. With this, managers and team leaders will be at the forefront of their organizations’ adoption of AI, and they will also be able to gauge their companies’ readiness for adoption.
Designed to be completed in eight-to-ten hours over two-to-four weeks, the course will begin this summer. Lisa Wardell, President and CEO of Adtalem, says, “We are pleased to partner with Northeastern University as a major thought leader consistently at the forefront of AI, and to expand this partnership into other academic areas and industries.”
The banking and financial services industries are particularly well served by the use of AI, with such applications as improving the accuracy of credit scoring, algorithmic stock trading, and fraud detection. “Breakthrough technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer the promise of higher productivity, enhanced efficiencies, and economic growth,” says Raj Echambadi, the D’Amore-McKim Dunton Family Dean at Northeastern University of the new certificate.
For more on the AI for Financial Services certificate, contact AIFinancialServices@adtalem.com.
Cryptocurrencies in the Classroom – Lebow College of Business News
Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business has become a leader in education on FinTech with help from the school’s TD Bank Endowed Professor of Finance Michelle Lowry. The school’s course, entitled Cryptocurrency and FinTech, was introduced this quarter with positive feedback from students and guest lecturers.
“It’s important for students to have the knowledge of what is going on in the [cryptocurrency] space, but also to have the academic framework so they can understand the bigger picture … In order to understand Bitcoin, you need a bit of historical perspective about what money is,” says Lowry.
In order to understand Bitcoin, you need a bit of historical perspective about what money is,” Lebow Professor Michelle Lowry says.
Lowry welcomed Chris Carroll, Associate Teaching Professor of information science in Drexel’s College of Computing and Informatics along with Edwin Handschuh, co-founder and CEO of 1Konto, a broker/dealer startup focused on cryptocurrency exchanges to speak to students.
Handschuh says, “A lot of top-tier, leading-edge schools are approaching this topic… I’m glad to see Drexel is one of them.”
For more on the course and other Lebow curriculum offerings, click here.
Women in Business Conference Focuses on Personal Branding, Inclusion – Lehigh College of Business and Economics News
The Lehigh University College of Business and Economics recently hosted its annual Women in Business Conference, welcoming various experts on personal branding, workplace assertiveness, and ways in which to make oneself valuable as a new hire.
Maria Chrin ’87, managing partner of Circle Wealth Management; Dipti Gulati ’90, Senior Audit Partner at Deloitte; and Hayward Bell ’78G, retired Chief Diversity Officer at Raytheon, all served as panelists for the Personal Branding discussion. Adjunct professor Jacquelyn Febbo served as moderator.
Gulati offered some advice to students regarding how to handle conflict in the workplace: be prepared with facts to make your point, but do so calmly. “Being prepared is important … I want disagreements, I want people to challenge. It’s the only way we can get better.”
Magda Yrizarry, Chief Talent and Diversity officer at Verizon, delivered the keynote speech. On the topic of inclusion, she says, “Diversity is counting heads. Inclusion is making those heads count.”
You can read more about the recent conference here.
The 5 Best Northeast Part-Time MBA Programs
As applications to full-time MBA programs have waxed and waned in recent years, there is understandably quite a bit of speculation about the future of the degree. While full-time applicants might be dipping in the U.S., the explosion of part-time programs making the business school experience more accessible to a whole new swath of people.
We’ve already taken a look at the best part-time offerings in the Midwest and DC metro, but which programs come out on top when it comes to the Northeastern U.S.?
The 5 Best Northeast Part-Time MBA Programs
The NYU Stern School of Business’s Langone part-time MBA rates as the fourth best part-time MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
The program features an accelerated option allowing students to opt for a flexible class schedule, as well as evening and weekend courses to complete their MBA in two years without interrupting their work schedule. Current Langone students, faculty, and alumni have access to the Langone Speaker Series, which “… provides a unique platform to deepen conversations about timely events with the decision-makers that are helping shape today’s industries.”
Students can also expect the Langone LAB, a concentrated one-day orientation program that connects incoming participants with classmates, professors, clubs and other opportunities.
The current tuition rate for the NYU Stern part-time MBA is $2,228 per credit. Over the course of the required 60 credits, this total comes to $133,680; which does not include the cost of living on campus for those opting to live near the university.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management, one of the more underrated business schools in the crowded academic metro, offers a customizable part-time MBA to fit the student’s preferred focus, available in one of six areas: business analytics; entrepreneurship; finance; healthcare administration; marketing; and sports management.
Classes can be taken either completely online (Isenberg’s online MBA was first in the country, founded in 2001) or in-person at the Amherst campus. To help expedite the education process, part-time MBA applicants can even choose to take up to two courses during the application process. In addition, the UMass Amherst part-time MBA tuition is among the most affordable in the entire Northeast, at a total cost of just $35,100 ($900 per credit). For the 17th highest ranked part-time MBA program in the entire U.S., the cost saving is hard to ignore.
The Boston College Carroll School of Management’s part-time MBA program, ranked 28th overall by U.S. News & World Report, operates much like the aforementioned Amherst part-time program, with the option to take classes both in person or online. However, the entire program cannot be completed remote, with a maximum of 30 percent of classes available online.
A staggering number of electives are available in the program: over 150 overall. Students can complete the program on a fairly flexible schedule, with the option to complete it in two, three, or four years. In addition, the BC Carroll part-time program is one of the only ones on the list that does not require GMAT/GRE scores for entry.
The part-time FLEX MBA program at Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics is geared toward working professionals who want more control over the pace of their MBA learning experience. Program formats include part-time, accelerated, and online. The ClassroomLIVE feature offers students the option to attend classes in-person, on campus, or in real-time online.
Students can also opt to get their feet wet with an Executive Certificate as part of the part-time MBA track. Tuition for Lehigh’s Flex MBA program $38,700 for the full 36-credit program, with the current cost per credit hour at $1,075.
Villanova School of Business, the 35th ranked part-time program in the country, offers part-time MBA students two distinct format options: The accelerated “Fast Track” program, and the “Flex Track” program, which offers evening, weekend, half-semester, and online course choices so students can work at their own pace.
Tuition and the length of time to complete Villanova’s various part-time programs varies. The Fast Track program costs $1,190 per credit and takes 24 months to complete, while the Flex Track costs $1,065 per credit and typically takes three years to complete. However, the Flex Track can last as long as seven years.
A Look at the Midwest’s Best Accelerated MBAs
Finding the time to complete an MBA is of foremost concern to many students. Taking any time out of a work schedule to commit to earning the degree can seem like an unrealistic prospect for those already in the process of advancing in their careers. Luckily, accelerated programs are becoming more and more prevalent. Online, in person, and hybrid delivery methods are available at large at well-known business programs and at smaller, more affordable schools alike. Here is a look at the midwest region, which possesses a solid cross section of each of these accelerated program types.
The Top Midwest Accelerated MBA Programs
One of the forerunners of the accelerated MBA trend is available at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. The program begins and ends in June. Students take three to five courses during the summer and then join the two-year MBA class in the fall to complete the elective portion of the degree.
Before enrolling, students must complete coursework in statistics, economics, marketing, and operations. These courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to application submission. Kellogg’s one-year MBA consists of 15.5 credits, and students may choose from one of seven majors: accounting; economics; finance; marketing; operations; strategy; and managing organizations. Graduates may also receive a General Management designation. Kellogg’s one-year program costs $98,720.
The University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business’ one-year program’s motto is “Get in, get out, get back to work.” Like Kellogg, Mendoza’s one-year students join with their two-year peers in the second portion of their studies. The program begins and ends in May. The school’s site emphasizes that one-year classes are closely aligned with the broader student population, and with an average class size of around 43, individual attention is a priority.
The program’s 46 credit hours encompasses an intensive nine week summer session, along with majors in business analytics, business leadership, consulting, corporate finance, innovation & entrepreneurship, investments, and marketing. Tuition is currently $75,768.
Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology in Macomb, IL is among the most affordable programs in the region at less than $15,000. A hybrid one-year MBA, the degree is comprised of 33 credits and begins and ends in the summer. Core courses include Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis, Economics for Managers, Corporate Information Systems, and Decision Making for Global Markets. Majors are general management, business analytics, supply chain management, corporate security, accounting, international business, and information systems.
Applications to WIU’s hybrid MBA are accepted on a rolling basis.
University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business has one of the fastest possible completion times—as little as nine months. Lindner’s MBA begins in the fall, consisting of 35-48 credits that break down into 10 foundation courses, 26 core classes, and 12 credits worth of electives. Students with recent undergraduate work in business administration or those with relevant work experience may waive the foundation course requirement. In state tuition is $20,958 and $28,796 for out of state students.
The accelerated MBA at the Dayton University School of Business Administration is a highly ranked program open to recent recipients of an undergrad business degree and those with eight or more years of work experience, preferably in senior or mid-level management positions. It can be completed in 12 months with 7.5 credits for the first three terms, 6 credits in the fourth term, and an optional 3 credits of electives in the fifth term.
The accelerated MBA at Dayton takes place online, with available concentrations in marketing and businessa analytics. Admissions decisions are on a rolling basis, and tuition is $41,422.50–$51,285, based upon the number of credits.
Northern Illinois University’s College of Business‘ 12 Month MBA is geared toward those in management positions who wish to advance or shift in their current careers. Applications for admission are due on December 10 for a January start date. The program consists of 48 credits though some of these may be waived based upon prior studies and experience.
Tuition for the one year program at Northern Illinois is $39,000.
The Accelerated MBA at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Liautaud Graduate School of Business consists of 26 core credits and 28 electives. Ranked among the top 25 percent of business schools in the country, Liataud offers a high quality education at a relatively affordable price: $13,900 for in-state students and $22,068 for non-Illinois residents. Among the available concentrations are accounting, business analytics, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and real estate.
Walsh University in Canton, Ohio offers a one-year MBA in management, healthcare, or marketing. Boasting small classes and a flexible schedule, the Walsh MBA is offered online, consisting of 42 credits. Tuition is $705 per credit hour, or $29,610 for the one year MBA.
Walsh does not require a GMAT scores for admission, and students from non-business backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There are six intakes for the program per year.
An MBA from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana is another great value at less than $20,000 per year. St. Francis offers both a generalized MBA and a specialty degree in Sustainability. Each degree is offered entirely online.
Michigan Ross’ Associate Admissions Director Answers 5 Questions
In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Anne Schoen, the Associate Admissions Director of Part-Time MBA Programs at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Schoen talks about the newest Ross MBA program, changing the Online MBA game, and what this means for the future of business schools.
1. Why do you believe the Ross School of Business elected to start offering an online MBA now?
“More and more companies are operating on a global scale, and professionals need to be able to effectively interact with and manage teams across those global boundaries. Managing a project with team members in four different locations presents a different challenge than if those team members all work in the same building. We see educational value in preparing our students to work and engage through primarily virtual channels. Professionals who possess this unique skill set can differentiate themselves in the career marketplace.
In addition, technology (connectivity, learning platforms, virtual tools, etc.) today is at a place where we feel comfortable that an online experience can rival what we offer in our on-campus programs.
Finally, we are answering a demand in the market. For years, we have heard prospective students tell us they really wanted a top-tier MBA experience but require more flexibility in course scheduling and graduation pace. There are amazing working professionals out there desiring a premier educational experience whom this program can serve.”
2. What do you believe are the integral differences between this online program and others currently available at other schools?
“One of the signature features of a Michigan Ross MBA is an emphasis on action-based learning, and our Part-Time MBA: Online is no exception. Our three required on-campus residential experiences and required Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) course set us apart from other online programs. Our students will enjoy the flexibility of an online program, but also will benefit from engaging in-person with faculty and fellow students during these fully immersive experiential learning projects. These experiences will require that students take the theories they learn in class and apply them to real-world business scenarios. We also will offer our online students full access to our Career Development Office resources, including assistance with on-campus and off-campus recruiting, and individualized career development planning.”
3. What do you believe other online programs may be missing?
“We have been very intentional in the development of the online MBA program to ensure that students in this program have the same access and a similar experience to those students enrolled in our on-campus MBA programs. We are holding applicants to the same rigorous admissions standards, keeping the class size fairly small, providing them with the resources needed to advance their careers or make a career switch, giving them a connection to campus and the vast Ross network through residencies, and offering lifelong learning opportunities through our AlumniAdvantage program.”
The all-new Part-Time MBA: Online at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business offers students a flexible, online schedule, coupled with the business school’s hands-on curriculum approach, featuring on-campus residencies and the Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) course.
4. If someone couldn’t decide between Ross’ part-time online MBA and the other options at the school, what factors do you think should push them to the online program?
“I think the two major factors students should consider when choosing between program options at Ross are geography and flexibility. Our Part-Time MBA: Evening program, while flexible in nature, is really only an option for people living in the region because class meetings take place primarily on weeknights. Our Part-Time MBA: Weekend program attracts student from across the country looking for a lockstep, cohort-based program. The Part-Time MBA: Online is flexible—students’ progress at their own pace—while also being open to people across the U.S. I always tell students to select the MBA program based on what format is going to work best for their own busy working-professional and personal schedules. The great thing is that we have many MBA formats that feature the same rigorous Ross curriculum. Regardless of schedule, one of our program options will likely meet your needs.”
5. Is this a sign for more online programs to come for the Ross School of Business?
“That is an excellent question. Here at Ross, we are always looking at new ways to innovate our programs and ensure that our elite learners have an exceptional educational experience. We will continue to evaluate the changing MBA landscape and needs in higher education and our offerings. Today, we are focusing our energy and resources on successfully launching the Part Time MBA: Online program and recruiting our first class of students.”
For those interested in learning more about the Ross Part-Time: Online program, head over to the school’s official website.
Inside the 2019 ‘U.S. News’ Best Online MBA Program Ranking
Where is the best online MBA program in the country? Who tops the charts when it comes to student engagement, student excellence, academic faculty, and more? The U.S. News & World Report just released its 2019 ranking for the “Best Online MBA Programs” in the US. The Online MBA programs at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School each came in tied at first place. Continue reading…
