University of Nevada, Reno - College of Business Administration

One of the state’s top MBA programs, the extremely affordable Nevada MBA program accommodates the needs of full and part time students by offering all evening courses so that students can complete a degree at their own pace without interrupting their professional career. A heavy emphasis on group projects, the ability to waive core course requirements if comparable courses have been completed, and “ideal” flexibility only further endear this program to those who come here. “I wouldn’t be able to work and get my MBA nearly as easily without the setup we have here,” says a student.

Students may also choose an “Area of Emphasis,” in which they take nine elective credits that have an industry or functional emphasis. Current areas of emphasis include accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, and information technology (students can also pursue other areas of emphasis by taking graduate courses of their choice outside of CB).

Professors are “readily available outside the classroom and are knowledgeable about the subject that they are teaching,” and “the adaptability and overall performance of the administrative staff and professors is admirable.” The faculty “not only have academic experience, but are able to share real world knowledge that is invaluable to students working in such competitive business environments.” Since most every student is also working while getting their degree, the intensity of the classes is tailored to allow for the busy professional and personal lives of students, and professors “understand if we have to miss a class for a particular reason.” “I feel as though the coursework is challenging enough to get the message across, while still being understanding of the fact that we do have a life outside of school,” says a student.

The CB “encourages students to work with other students,” which makes for a built-in networking as most students are working professionals. “I have heard of several job opportunities from fellow students,” says one. Though the majority of those who attend Nevada are already employed, “many people are in the program to move to a new career path or because they want to advance from their current position.” A good deal of engineers and tech-oriented people are seeking MBAs, so recruitment from companies like Microsoft occurs frequently, although a couple of students wish the school would “partner with companies to give students more job opportunities.”

This group (mostly in their twenties or thirties, and often married) is “friendly, sup- portive, team oriented, hardworking, [and] driven,” yet “still incredibly personable.” They understand “that the MBA program requires a different level of focus than under grad classes, and most of them seem to really embrace the challenge.” The campus has several new buildings, and “the library and Student Union are great places to study and do group work.” There is “a great sense of community” all around the campus, as seen by attendance at major sporting events and fine arts or other activities on campus, and “class diversity is great.”

Being that this is a part-time program, the school does “a very good job of socializing information about clubs and other social gatherings.” Reno itself has tons of “amazing” outdoor activities: it is within an hour of around twenty ski resorts and hiking trails (including Lake Tahoe), there’s a river flowing through downtown for rafting, and there are “plenty of lakes to camp and fish.” “It has the benefits of a big city in a small town,” says a student.