There are many reasons the Texas MBA is a highly sought-after degree, from our reputation for academic excellence to the great community and culture within and surrounding our program. Texas MBAs consistently mention the various hands-on opportunities, such as the Texas MBA+ Leadership Program, and the uniqueness of Austin as key contributors to their overall experience in the program and as reasons they chose our program over other top programs. Here are just some of the distinct advantages the Texas MBA offers:
Flexible program supported by renowned faculty
With a curriculum that lets you choose from approximately 20 areas of concentration, various dual degree options, international Double Degree programs, and the ability to take courses outside of the business school for elective credit, you would be hard pressed to find a much more flexible program structure than the Texas MBA. Combine this flexibility with McCombs faculty who are constantly recognized among the top 10 nationally in terms of research impact and the outcome is truly a top-notch academic experience.
Did You Know?
McCombs ranks first for "Best Professors" in Princeton Review's latest release of business school rankings (2011), beating out 293 other schools for the top spot.
“The flexibility of the program is great. I pursued a marketing concentration; however, some of my peers had multiple concentrations, while others had no specified academic focus. Additionally, the majority of the core curriculum is completed after first semester, allowing first-years to take multiple electives during their second semester. Beyond program flexibility, I was impressed with the access to and involvement of faculty. While all professors have regular office hours, many are accessible anytime during the day and on weekends.”
Courtney Eder, MBA ’11, Associate Marketing Manager, Walmart
Hands-on opportunities
Students expand their skill set and differentiate themselves in the recruiting process by taking advantage of opportunities like MBA+ projects and academic challenges relevant to their career and personal goals. Explore the many opportunities and learn how to set yourself up for success.
“The Venture Fellows organization offers one of the most unique experiences available at any of the top MBA programs. Venture Fellows exists because of Austin’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and active venture capital community. As a Fellow, I had incredible exposure to that ecosystem — I could literally sit at the table with investors and entrepreneurs. This kind of hands-on learning, along with the relationships I built with current and former Fellows and investment professionals, defined my two years at McCombs.”
Jeffrey Harbach, MBA ‘11, Executive Director, Central Texas Angel Network
Texas MBA culture
Students describe the culture of McCombs as one of collaboration, acceptance and appreciation for diversity. The smaller class sizes and inherent teamwork built into the program encourage knowledge sharing and relationship building that ensures you learn just as much from your classmates as you do from the professors themselves. Outside of your classmates you are surrounded by supportive staff and connected to an active network of alumni who often act as mentors, sharing their networks and offering advice on topics such as what to take advantage of in the program and how to best prepare yourself for your career after graduation.
“I chose to attend McCombs because of its collaborative culture. Upon meeting both alumni and current students, I was impressed with the impact that students had on the overall program and how each class worked to enhance the program and the experience of future students.”
Tara Testament, MBA ’12, Operations Summer Intern, McKesson
Reputation for excellence
The Texas MBA brand extends far beyond the UT campus, Austin city limits, Texas border and even the United States. The full-time program as well as its reputable faculty and alumni are constantly being recognized in the press for accomplishments and innovations, while current students are making an impact at companies through internships and consulting projects during their MBA. Each year recruiters from some of the world’s leading companies, as well as innovative firms from mid-sized to start-ups, come to McCombs in search of the new breed of business leaders being developed. As they see the successes of Texas MBA graduates they understand that what starts here truly changes the world.
“American Airlines continues to look to McCombs to identify the future leaders of our company. Over the years, we have successfully brought McCombs' MBAs into our MBA Leadership Program. Gerard Arpey, our CEO is a prime example! We value our relationship with McCombs not only because of past success, but because we know its students receive practical and theoretical opportunities that help prepare them for leadership at American.”
Michael Parker, Workforce Consultant, American Airlines
Austin, TX
Austin has long been known as a City of Ideas and the Live Music Capital of the World but in the past decade its reputation is growing fast as a mecca for business. In recent years Austin has been recognized by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine as the No. 1 "Best City for the Next Decade," (2010) and holding the No. 2 spot in Forbes magazine’s ranking of "America's Most Innovative Cities," (2010) McCombs is proud to call Austin home. This year Austin hit the charts again as "The Next Biggest Boom Town in the U.S." (Forbes, 2011). With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Austin is filled with a diverse culture of active and friendly people. Visit Austin today and it's highly likely you won't want to leave!
"I love how laid-back Austin is. The town is not pretentious at all; it is just a welcoming place full of energetic people who love to eat great food and spend time outdoors. I also love how well educated everyone seems to be – I think it is because people come here for school and never leave."
Kyle Beste, MBA ’12, Finance Intern, PepsiCo