Academics
Offering part-time and full-time hybrid MBA options, as well as an online degree, University of Tennessee at Martin is a friendly, flexible, and low-key place to get a quality business education. The character of the MBA is largely defined by the fact that 鈥淯T Martin is a small campus and small school,鈥 which encourages relationships and networking within the College of Business. One of the many goals of the MBA curriculum includes developing strong communication and teamwork skills, and 鈥渢he program requires regular engagement with faculty and fellow students鈥 through both classes and group projects. A current student enthuses, 鈥淚 love that my professors know my name and connect with me on a level deeper than just academics.鈥 The MBA curriculum is focused on the principles of general management, kicking off with a series of core courses in accounting, management, economics, and other key areas, followed by electives. Within the business school, 鈥渁ll professors are good, some are excellent,鈥 including strong faculty in finance, management, and other areas.
When students analyze the costs and benefits of pursuing an MBA, the numbers come out in favor of a UT Martin degree. At this state-run school, 鈥渢he tuition cost is extremely low for an AACSB-accredited degree.鈥 Plus, many recent graduates are 鈥渙ffered a graduate assistant position,鈥 which helps cover the cost of their education in exchange for working with a UT professor. Convenience and flexibility are also key factors for local professionals. The school offers a hybrid program in Martin, which can be completed either full-time or part-time. MBA candidates attend classes 5 Saturdays per semester, while completing the remainder of the class online, while maintaining full-time employment during the day. While MBA students have a lot on their plate, 鈥渁cademically it is appropriately rigorous, but not too overwhelming for a working adult.鈥 Hybrid students can also opt for an MBA with Agricultural Option, which includes taking online Agricultural Economics courses in lieu of MBA elective courses.
In addition to its hybrid program, University of Tennessee鈥擬artin operates a twenty-month fully online MBA for working professionals, whose schedules require the 鈥渇lexibility of online classes.鈥 This program is principally directed at financial services professionals, though coursework covers all important business areas, from marketing to ethics. In the online program, students 鈥渦sually watch recorded lectures and attend live meetings with the professor and the class once a week.鈥 In contrast to the hybrid program, the online curriculum is entirely 鈥渃ohort-based,鈥 which means students complete the core 鈥渙ne class at a time鈥 and in tandem with the same group of students throughout the program. While they do not benefit from face-to-face networking, online students 鈥渞egularly work with students in workgroups from all around the US using video chat, email, and other collaboration tools.鈥 Students describe the experience as 鈥渞elaxed but challenging,鈥 and say, 鈥淭he professors are willing to go above and beyond to keep the students engaged.鈥 When it comes to running the online group, the 鈥渁dministration is absolutely excellent,鈥 and they help to 鈥渒eep us on track鈥 throughout the course of the year-and-a-half program.
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