Appalachian State University - Walker College of Business

"Nested in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University offers an affordable MBA program. The Walker College of Business provides three options for students interested in pursuing the MBA—an accelerated one-year full-time program, a part-time night program on its main campus in Boone, and a part-time program at the university’s satellite campus in Hickory, North Carolina. In the accelerated MBA, the entire degree, including a business practicuum, can be completed in only one year. Despite its speedy schedule, the MBA covers all functional areas of business, including accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management, business analytics, and statistics. In addition to the core cur-

riculum, students have the option of tailoring their education through a concentration in one of seven fields: business analytics, economics, interdisciplinary business, international business, leading and managing human resources, supply chain management, or sustainable business. There is also a focus on international exposure throughout the curriculum, which helps students “gain the knowledge [they] will need to compete in today’s global economy.” Of particular note, all students are required to participate in an International Experience, which generallly includes a trip overseas. Recent international experiences include China, Cuba, France, Costa Rica, Japan, and Poland. While the program is scarcely large enough to support more variety, students feel, “the MBA program needs to add a computer information systems option” to the current offerings.

For full-time students, the schedule is rigorous and “the days are pretty packed.” Throughout the program, “students spend about two hours in class each day, Monday through Thursday,” while their afternoons are “spent working on group projects, homework, and/or actually working at a job.” Fortunately, classes in the full-time MBA program are small, with around twenty-four students per class. The result is a caring, student-oriented atmosphere, and plenty of personal attention. Offering guidance and support, “the school has a great administration that is willing to work with the students in order to help the students achieve their goals.” In addition, “the professors, on the whole, are easy to get along with and are always willing to help the students.” Academically, the program is strong, but the teachers can be hit or miss. A student admits, “There have been some professors who have challenged me and were at the caliber that I expected, but there were also some who I felt were inadequate to be teaching graduate-level classes.” Overall, Walker “teachers are knowledgeable and excited for students to learn.”

In addition to the campus-based MBA program, ASU offers a part-time off-site MBA at a satellite facility in Hickory, North Carolina. In content, this program is similar to the Boone MBA, yet students learn through various delivery formats, including interactive audio-video sessions and web-based instruction, as well as in-person lectures from ASU faculty. No matter where you choose to study, the icing on the cake is the program’s “low cost.” This public school maintains a “very reasonable” tuition price, while also offering “scholarship and assistantship” programs, which can lower the price tag even further.

While the MBA program does not have its own career office, it does have a dedicated Career Services and Executive Coach. Each student receives individualized advising. Along with individual coaching, the MBA program offers a three-course Executive Skills program designed to build leadership skills, business acumen, and communication skills. The Career Development Center on the Appalachian State University campus serves the entire undergraduate and graduate student body, as well as ASU alumni. In addition, the Career Development Center organizes networking events and “career fairs that bring in companies that have positions all over the U.S. and around the world.” With a strong local reputation, ASU “does well with helping the students find a job,” but nothing’s perfect and “there are still improvements that can be made."

Located on a “beautiful campus” in Boone, North Carolina, “life is fabulous” at ASU. On this pleasant, hilltop campus, “students hang out as a collective most times and crime rates are relatively low.” Not to mention, this Southern city boasts “terrific weather” and great outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. MBA classes take place in Peacock Hall, which boasts wireless Internet, computer labs, and student lounges. On the Boone campus, students have access to study labs and a large library system. Students also have the opportunity to join the Executive Impact MBA Club, which provides studetns with networking and professional growth opportunities.

Bringing a positive attitude to the classroom, ASU students “are willing to learn, as well as willing to begin friendships that have lasted the length of the program.” While the accelerated schedule keeps them busy, “students find time to attend sporting events, concerts, and many other extra curricular activities. All of the students also find time to hang out with one another and with their friends.” While there are some local student hangouts, students say “nightlife could be a little better,” in Boone. Most students, however, feel that “being in a small town has been wonderful for my school experience.” A current student writes, “In general, I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else to go.”