Academics
The University of Wisconsin鈥擬adison offers a unique and challenging MBA program, well suited to highly-focused students with clear career goals. Whereas most MBA programs require a wide array of course work in general management topics, the Wisconsin MBA curriculum is designed around career specializations, through which students focus their studies on a single business area such as real estate, brand management, or marketing research. Through their career specialization, students work within the business school鈥檚 Centers for Expertise, which 鈥渆nsure that students have lots of exposure to alumni, specific industry news, and professionals at various levels.鈥 A current student explains, 鈥淚 chose the University of Wisconsin because they have a specialized program in marketing research that would give me the specialized skill set to continue in this field.鈥
While career specializations are the hallmark of the Wisconsin MBA curriculum, 鈥渢he program emphasizes strong learning within a specific discipline while allowing flexibility to learn cross-functional skills.鈥 Before beginning their studies within a specific center, students must complete the general management core curriculum, which provides a solid foundation in management essentials. Students comment that 鈥渢he specified 鈥榗enter 鈥 does make it difficult at times to expand into other departments.鈥 Throughout the curriculum, applied learning is an important component of the Wisconsin MBA, and students participate in live business projects for a wide range of companies. For example, students may conduct market research for leading companies, manage stock portfolios, or manage a portfolio of real estate securities.
The business school draws a team of top-notch faculty 鈥渃ommitted to up-to-date teaching styles and topics.鈥 Student input here is valued. 鈥淔eedback is taken from the students at the end of every semester and the recommended changes are implemented for the next incoming class,鈥 says one MBA. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a constantly evolving and improving program that is viewed as a collaborative effort between the administration and students.鈥 On the whole, 鈥淲isconsin represents a culture of collaboration and teamwork,鈥 and students reassure us that 鈥渨hen students compete, there is a general collegiate respect for one another.鈥 Another major perk of a Wisconsin MBA education is its public school price tag, made better by the fact that through assistantships: 鈥淭he tuition is covered, benefits are covered, and you get a stipend.鈥 A student exclaims, 鈥淵ou might find it hard to catch your breath, but it鈥檚 a great way to avoid loans.鈥