University of Wisconsin MBA
The number of students who are accepted into the MBA program each year varies, but there are typically a little over 100 students in a graduating class. The typical MBA student at the University of Wisconsin is in their late twenties. They have several years of professional work experience, and most accepted students score in the 600s on their GMAT. Although a significant percentage of students have an undergraduate degree in business, an average class is also composed of those with backgrounds in science, social studies, and humanities.
Like most reputable institutions, potential students must meet a number of admissions requirements to be accepted into the program. A bachelor's degree is required, and candidates must have two years of professional work experience, although most students have more than this. In addition, those planning to pursue certain specializations may be encouraged to complete certain courses before beginning the MBA program. A familiarity with and knowledge of certain computer software programs, such as spreadsheet applications, is also required. International students must write the TOEFL exam.
Many MBA graduates from the University of Wisconsin secure great positions after graduation, and some of the companies who have hired graduates from the school include IBM, UBS, General Electric, and Kraft. Salaries for the 2006 graduating class were quite impressive, and the average University of Wisconsin MBA graduate could expect to make slightly over $80,000 per year.
The school offers several options with respect to the type of MBA students can complete. A full-time MBA, which takes two years, is offered, and executive and part-time MBAs are also options.
The full-time MBA involves two years of full-time study. Like many other MBA institutions, the first year is designed to give students skills and knowledge in a wide variety of business areas. Courses taught during the first two semesters include accounting, financial management, and ethics. Students also take several courses related to their career specialization.
The second year of the Wisconsin MBA, which allows students to pursue a specialization, is what distinguishes the program from the ones offered by other schools. Specializations at the University of Wisconsin are very specific compared to other MBA programs. For example, many schools offer students the opportunity to obtain an MBA in marketing. However, marketing is actually a very broad discipline, and graduates may not possess significant expertise in a specific area. The Wisconsin MBA, on the other hand, allows students to choose between several marketing-related specializations, including supply chain management, brand and product management, and marketing research. Other specializations include real estate, information systems, and arts administration.
During the second year, students will take most of their classes with others who are pursuing the same specialization. The Wisconsin MBA offers students the advantage of being able to pursue a very specific specialization that reflects the type of job they would like to secure after graduation. Employers are impressed with the Wisconsin MBA because most students already possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform well in their job after graduation. Wisconsin MBA graduates also have reason to be satisfied with the program because most of them secure jobs with great companies offering impressive salaries.