James Madison University - College of Business

James Madison University offers two AASCB-accredited MBA programs: the Innovation MBA and the Information Security MBA. JMU's information security concentration, particularly, is unique in the field and a "hot topic among industry professionals." Students describe it as the "best degree that combines Infosec and MBA." Students like JMU's instructional format, especially the hybrid format. "The mix of on-line and in-person classes was incredibly valuable. The program was designed to make efficient use of live classroom time." But students still enjoy enough flexibility to accommodate "any career or geographical changes within a several hundred-mile radius" from campus. Students are "also encouraged to meet outside of class often to enhance the learning experience." The university's technology supports this dynamic mode of learning through Blackboard Collaborate, which students describe as "seamless" and "very easy to navigate" while facilitating "great interaction from classmates and professors." The school has also recently rolled out SharePoint online, a platform that allows for real time collaborations, which works well in a learning environment that "stresses collaboration and the importance of teamwork." In administering these learning systems, JMU's professors are "excellent," their "content is relevant and innovative," and they work hard to "[cater] to a working professional." "I am impressed with the willingness of the professors to listen and to be flexible, while never reducing the amount of the coursework. There are some professors who are experts in their field, and you can tell it." Similarly, the "administrators of the program are accessible and inviting about feedback on how to improve the program." Students are kept busy, but, as one points out, "I am able to keep up by planning my time out ahead of time and making sure I don't get behind." More than anything, students enjoy having a "collaborative environment" with their "top-notch" peers who are "diverse in careers and backgrounds," "driven," and "supportive" "critical thinkers."

Online MBA students definitely feel that their fellow James Madison University students are career assets. "The cohort-based program itself was also a strong component, as I know I will keep in touch with many members of my cohort, and for networking purposes this program has been phenomenal." One student echoes the sentiments of many in describing the career advantage of JMU's blended learning format. "[It's a] program with strong credentials that offered in-the-classroom experience for a reasonable price." Students absolutely feel that the JMU MBA is a good investment for advancing both their immediate and their continuing career, and expect a sizeable 13% jump in their salary after graduation, while nearly half of students reported getting a promotion during the program. They enter with an average 11.5 years of work experience and age of 35. Unsurprisingly, JMU's coursework in information systems/information technology is the highlight of the program, and students report markedly high satisfaction with the program's administration. Students also report that the program gave them solid preparation in information technology, leadership/management, organizational behavior, and teamwork.