University of Missouri—Columbia Trulaske College of Business

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Students Say - Academics
"Low tuition costs" and "a good ranking and reputation in the region" attract future MBAs to the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri (MU) in Columbia. The Crosby MBA programâ€"named after Gordon E. Crosby, Jr., the former USLIFE CEO who made a $10 million donation to the program in 2002â€"features "a capable faculty, good program design, and excellent value" for a student body that includes a substantial number of "straight-through undergraduates." It's "the best in the area," students assure us. The recently redesigned curriculum at MU is streamlined to allow students with solid academic backgrounds in business to graduate in as little as 12 months. All students begin the program by formulating an Individual Program of Study in consultation with their advisor. A modular calendar format allows "for intense study and more choices," according to the school; two team-based consulting projects (students describe them as "good research projects") are part of every student's experience here. Students may pursue concentrations in marketing analytics, finance, marketing, or management, or they may take a general degree in business. "Management and marketing are quite good," a student advises. The school offers dual degree options in law, health services, and industrial engineering, as well as certificate programs in nonprofit management and European Union studies. Students may fashion certificate programs of their own in consultation with the faculty. Students see much to appreciate here. Professors have "extensive knowledge" and offer "one-to-one interaction. They can be contacted any time by email or appointments." "They continually challenge us with relevant case material and, thanks to the economic environment, have given us a lot of insight into problem identification and solutions," one student reports. The administration provides "a high level of support" that demonstrates "good practices" and "great service." And, students here love the direction in which the program is headed: "The Crosby MBA program has been improving for years, and its future looks bright," one MBA observes.

Students Say - Admissions
Crosby admissions officers consider the quality of applicants' undergraduate work, as reflected in the official transcripts they submit; GMAT scores; prior work experience, if any; and evidence of leadership skills. International students whose primary language is not English must submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score report. Minimum score requirements: 550, paper-based TOEFL; 213, computer-based TOEFL; 79-80, Internet-based TOEFL; or 5.5, IELTS. All applicants must submit two applications, one to the MBA program and another to the Graduate School of the University of Missouri Columbia. Applicants to the Crosby MBA program may apply for admission for fall, spring, or summer entry. The school encourages all students-and especially international students-to apply early in the semester preceding their desired entry date.

Students Say - Campus Life
Roughly half the Crosby MBA program is populated "by "straight-through undergraduates with little or no real-world experience." They "tend to have stronger verbal than analytical skills" and are "competitive in the classroom but not very ambitious to go to business competitions etc. outside the university if not sponsored." There is some variation within the student body, of course; "50 percent have one or more years work experience." "Those with experience are much nicer and more humble," one student opines. About 30 percent of the student body is made up of international students. The Crosby MBA program is housed in a "fantastic" new building with "excellent facilities." Full-time students report numerous "cultural activities, Happy Hours, social gatherings, sporting events, and social activities" to keep them busy when they aren't preoccupied with their studies or internships. The campus also features an "amazing" recreation center. The campus itself "is beautiful and friendly." Part-time students are generally too busy with work and family obligations to get deeply involved in campus life. Hometown Columbia is "a small, friendly town" where "living expenses are affordable." With "great restaurants," "a lot to do" in town, and a location "close to big cities," Columbia is "really cool," a "great place to live and go to school." The university is the city's biggest employer. The insurance and health care industries also have a significant presence here.

Students Say - Careers
The Crosby MBA Program Career Services dedicates two staff members exclusively to MBAs. The office provides a broad range of services, including counseling, a mentoring program, on-campus interviews and company presentations, workshops in job search skills, e-recruiting, and career fairs. Students give the office mixed reviews. One reports, "The Career Services Department is well-organized and very visible." Others, however, complain, "Not very many companies from outside the Midwest visit us during recruiting fairs." In 2008, one-third of graduating MBAs found jobs in finance and accounting (average starting salary $56,600). Nearly as many were placed in consulting positions ($56,500). Top employers of Crosby MBAs include Marketsphere, Sprint, Hallmark Cards, Inc., Protiviti, Boeing, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), Chevron Corporation, Deloitte, Edward Jones, Cerner, Express Scripts, Junction Solutions, Lord, AT&T, Abbett & Co., Monsanto, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the U.S. Patent Office.

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