University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business Admission
University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business Undergraduate Program
University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business Application

The Facts

The University of Alabama's Manderson Graduate School of Business is a public, coeducational institution located in the town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school has a population of both undergraduates and graduates around 18,452 students, with a graduate business student population of over 420. About 60% of the enrolled students have had at least 2 years of professional experience, and the remaining 40% enter directly after their undergraduate education; in addition, about 15% of the students already have a graduate degree of some sort. The school is known for its emphasis on integrated case discussion, combined with field experience and opportunities to apply their learned skills in a real business setting. The school also holds many formal alliances with area businesses in order to give students the most hands-on experience possible. Manderson offers its students graduate degrees in the areas of Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Tax Accounting (MTA), Master of Science in Commerce (MSC), Master of Economics (ME), as well as doctoral programs in accounting, applied statistics, economics, human resource management, management science and marketing, as well as joint degrees in law (MBA/JD), nursing (MBA/MSN), as well as foreign languages (MBA/MA). Some of the most popular programs with students include courses in the areas of accounting, business strategy, finance, information technology, marketing, management, real estate, competitive strategy, as well as information technology.

Admission to the school is quite competitive among the relatively few students who apply. Last year, over 210 students applied for admission to the school and approximately 90 of those students were accepted. Eventually however, only about 50 of those students actually enrolled for the coming semester. The admitted students had an average undergraduate GPA of about a 3.4, as well as an average GMAT score of 603. Admission is on a rolling basis, with possible entry for the graduate program in spring and summer, and entry only in fall for MBA candidates.

Manderson has a dedicated 87 person graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Many of the professors are working professionals, and have a lot of advice when it comes to the increasingly competitive job market. The average business class size is 30, and we don't hear many students complaining about the accessibility of their professors. This school is all about hands-on learning and one on one attention.

Placement Services

Manderson has an excellent job placement program for students; last year, over 73% of students found jobs within three months of graduation. In spring 2002, over 75 companies actively recruited on campus, and the majors most in demand were management information systems and strategy. The average starting salary of the graduating class with $52,390, but ranged from $36,000 to $70,000. These services are additionally available to all alumni for an unlimited number of years after receiving their graduate degree.

What's Good

"The placement services are absolutely incredible here. You feel very confident when it comes to finding a job after obtaining your degree."

"The professors all have doctorates, which ensures that they have plenty of experience under their belts."

"I love the emphasis on hands-on experience. You have plenty of opportunities to get out there and test out your new skills."

What's Bad

"There are many general courses to get out of the way, some of which have nothing to do with my own interests."

"There is a really competitive atmosphere here. People aren't terribly forgiving or supportive, at least among your peers."

"There isn't very much business in the immediate area surrounding campus. You have to commute a ways to get to your internships, which can be inconvenient."

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