To give you a more personal perspective on our programs, we’ve asked students, professors and staff to answer the FAQs below.
♦ How does UofL compare to other graduate programs in the area?
♦ All schools say they are accredited, but which accreditation is the most prestigious?
♦ What’s the difference between the UofL Professional and Entrepreneurial MBA programs?
♦ Are there any prerequisite courses required before starting an MBA program?
♦ Who will my classmates be?
♦ How will I balance life, work and school?
♦ I travel occasionally for my job. Can I make one of these programs work?
♦ Are career placement services available?
♦ Who should write my letters of recommendation?
♦ How can I get more information?
How does U of L compare to other graduate programs in the area?
Choosing the best MBA program for me, I compared several schools and found UofL’s programs to be the most well-respected by business professionals in the community. Everyone has different priorities when choosing a school and mine were a high-level accreditation (AACSB only), a convenient program that fit into my hectic schedule, professors with PhDs and real-world experience, and course content relevant to my future in business. After researching my options, the choice to go to UofL for my MBA was a no-brainer!
- Cara Silletto, Current Entrepreneurship MBA Student
All schools say they are accredited, but which accreditation is the most prestigious?
We are especially proud of our AACSB accreditation for both the College of Business and School of Accountancy, because earning it is the result of a rigorous process that demands the highest standards of achievement. The accreditation indicates a college has assembled a program grounded in comprehensive excellence--that includes the faculty, curriculum, physical learning environments, student experiences in and out of the classroom, career management expertise, success of graduates, and even the depth of the college's funding and alumni support. AACSB accreditation recognizes our on-going success in continuous improvement and confirmed our program deserves to be listed among the best in the U.S.
- Dr. Audrey Kline, College of Business Associate Dean
What's the difference between the UofL Professional and Entrepreneurship MBA programs?
While both of the University of Louisville MBA programs center on a team-based learning environment and serve to develop successful leaders in the business community, differences between the two programs do exist. The Professional MBA offers six electives in the second year of study that allow students to focus on a particular area or broaden their expertise by studying a variety of subjects. The Professional MBA is available in both evening and Saturday formats. Our nationally ranked Entrepreneurship MBA is ideal for those with aspirations to start their own businesses or lead innovative projects in existing organizations. In fact, 85% of graduates from this program work for existing companies. Students in the Entrepreneurship MBA program have the added opportunity to participate in the University of Louisville's award winning New Venture Competition track.
- Dr. Robert Nixon, Associate Dean for Masters Programs
Are there any prerequisite courses required before starting an MBA program?
No prerequisite courses are required for MBA applicants. Our program is designed to teach you everything you need to know about business. In fact, less than half of our MBA students received their undergraduate degree in business, so the curriculum for each MBA program covers the business fundamentals needed to succeed. For Entrepreneurship MBA students only, two non-credit online modules must be completed at the start of the program and are included in your program cost.
Who will my classmates be?
Your classmates will be individuals with a wide variety of personal and business experiences, including engineers, doctors, therapists and other seasoned professionals in industries like banking, manufacturing, non-profit and civil service. You will work side-by-side with everyone from recent graduates to successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in our community, and you will gain insight from classmates with a multitude of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
– Chris Crook, Current Entrepreneurship MBA student
Your classmates will have different backgrounds and diverse experiences to bring to the classroom, but from start to finish you will share the common goal of successful completion of your MBA when times get tough. It's an honor to be part of such a driven, motivated, intelligent group of people. Your classmates will become your lifelong friends.
– Kristy Dugan, Current Professional MBA Student
Click here to view the class profiles for current MBA students.
How will I balance work, life and school?
I’m a single dad with three children in elementary school who is actively involved in their sports and extracurricular activities, as well as a Senior Manager of a Fortune 500 organization, so the Saturday program was most appealing. The Professional MBA program has allowed me to work a demanding full-time career, putting to use what I learn immediately, while continuing to be actively involved with my children.
– Maurice Nalley, Current Professional MBA Student
Because of my busy work schedule and children, I kept putting off my graduate studies until I realized there really is no “perfect” time to start. You must jump in and follow your passion! Balancing work, life and school is not easy, but it is certainly doable. Strong support from my loving husband, mom, kids and friends make it possible for me. I am glad I took the plunge!
- Viji Sundar, Current Entrepreneurship MBA Student
I travel occasionally for my job. Can I make one of these programs work?
Saturday and evening programs are available, so first consider which may be a better fit for your schedule. If you must miss class for mandatory travel, professors are flexible and show consideration for your work obligations, but students are responsible to catch up on the necessary work. We also have a new technology called Tegrity that most professors use, which records the class and posts it online so those who must miss a class for work purposes can watch it at a later time, so mandatory travel should in no way dissuade a potential student from thriving in the UofL MBA program.
– Will Scott, Current Professional MBA Student
Are career placement services available?
The College of Business is pleased to offer graduate students and alumni free access to the Ulmer Career Management Center's resources. The Center is conveniently located in the lower level of the College of Business and provides a number of valuable services, including one-on-one career coaching, resume and interview workshops, career interest assessments, networking opportunities, company information sessions, and free accounts with regional and national job hunting boards. MBA students will also benefit from networking in and outside the classroom with talented and motivated classmates and professors. Joining the University of Louisville's MBA degree program is one of the best ways to get connected in the city of Louisville!
Ulmer Career Management Center - Business.louisville.edu/careers
Who should write my letters of recommendations?
Ideally, letters of recommendation should come from two current or previous managers that are familiar with your achievements and strengths as a professional. The more recently and closely you have worked with your recommenders, the more valuable their input will be to the admission committee. Letters should not be personal in nature and should never come from a relative. If you have earned a degree within the past two years, letters of recommendation from professors are also welcome.
- Jennifer Philpot, Academic Counselor
How can I get more information?
You have MANY options! Go here to RSVP for an upcoming Information Session,
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your address to receive an information packet in the mail, or contact our helpful staff to set an appointment or get quick answers to your questions.
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