University of Louisiana—Lafayette - B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration

University of Louisiana—Lafayette’s strong regional reputation, convenient course schedule, and friendly staff make it a justifiably popular choice for ambitious local professionals. Although students may choose to take a full course load, this “MBA program caters to students who work full-time jobs” and attend classes in the evenings. According to the busy bees in the program, the “curriculum is challenging and relevant,” consisting of core courses in advanced business fundamentals like accounting, management information systems, marketing, and finance, followed by two elective courses in a student’s discipline of choice. In addition to the traditional program, the school operates a respected MBA in health care administration, which combines six specialized courses in that field with five core courses from the general MBA core.

Students are happy to report that the MBA at University of Louisiana—Lafayette is overseen by a team of “very knowledgeable” and “amazingly talented teachers.” While “the faculty and staff have high expectations” for their students, they are always “willing to assist those who ask for help.” Here, “professors are very approachable,” and the “school is small enough for teachers to get to know all students.” “Presentations and teamwork” are a fixture in almost every class, and the varying professional backgrounds of MBA candidates help to foster “rich, insightful classroom discussions and activities.” One student agrees, “With a lot of hands-on group projects, MBA students learn a great deal from working with other students from different backgrounds.” Likewise, the school’s staff and administration “wants students to succeed and ensures all needs for MBA students are met.” In terms of improvement, students would also love to see “more diverse classes” offered, with newer topics like social media incorporated into the instruction.

For exacting business students, one of the most attractive aspects of a University of Louisiana education is the great return on investment. As a public school, “the tuition is very low considering the quality of education and the many great facilities.” Students also note that the program is on the up-and-up, having “gained national recognition/ honors in the last few years” and, under the vigilant leadership of the current administrators, constantly improving. Of particular note, the program director and the administrative assistant who oversee the program receive top marks from students. A current MBA declares, “Dr. Viguerie, and Mrs. Jan are AMAZING!!! They are in constant communication with anybody that has questions, and they actually encourage students to come to them with any and every question that they might have!” Similarly, “professors are a great support system”; they “really care about teaching the students and want to provide any help they can.” In fact, professors “go out of their way to work with your work schedule should issues arise,” making it easier to balance work, school, and family life.

Univeristy of Louisiana—Lafayette’s MBA is geared toward working professionals (some of whom receive tuition assistance from their current employer), so very few MBA candidates are actively looking for a new job at graduation. Instead, most plan to leverage their education for a better position in their current company. As a result, professional development activities are somewhat limited on campus.

Those who are looking for a new job or hoping to switch careers after graduation can get help at the campus Career Services center. Though principally aimed at the under- graduate community, Career Services organizes campus career fairs, hosts on-campus interviews and recruiting sessions, offers professional-development seminars, and keeps an updated list of open positions in the area. In addition, the school has a “great alumni base” and an active MBA Association, both of which can assist with local networking.

Although it draws the majority of its students from the local community, “there is a very diverse age range, as well as diversity in ethnicity and fields of interest” at University of Louisiana—Lafayette. Most students have at least a few years of professional experience before coming to the MBA program, and even recent college graduates are likely to be working full-time when they join the program. Though there is a considerable group of single students, many are “married and have children,” often balancing family life alongside school and career. Striking a good balance, almost everyone here is “motivated and achievement oriented, while at the same time being extremely open and friendly.”

Though many students are busy with work obligations and family life, others are “very conscientious and involved” in the campus community. In their free time, MBA students can participate in social and networking events put on by the MBA Association, or sign up for volunteer projects with other MBA candidates. Located in the “little city” of Lafayette, the overally environment is low-key and student-friendly. According to UL students, “Lafayette is a great college town,” with ample outdoor activities, great Cajun and Creole restaurants, and plenty of live music and nightlife.