The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Belk College of Business

Statistics

Programs & Curriculum

Employment

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Rankings & Lists

School Says - General Information
The MBA Program at UNC Charlotte offers students the opportunity to invest in themselves and their careers by earning a highly respected MBA. As an MBA student at the Belk College of Business, you will learn more than management, finance and marketing. Our program is distinguished by its full and engaging curriculum, taught by our outstanding resident faculty. It is designed to teach you to think strategically, to communicate effectively and to work productively as part of a team - giving you the tools to succeed in today's complex, fast paced business environment. The MBA is offered in both a full-time and flexible evening format. The full-time MBA is a highly selective 17-month program. Students enter this program as a cohort following a set schedule that begins in August and concludes the following December. Core courses are offered at the UNC Charlotte campus during the day with concentration courses taken at UNC Charlotte Uptown in the evening. Students are also extended the opportunity to participate in professional internships or study-abroad programs during the summer term. The Flexible MBA is self-paced evening program, allowing students the option of completing the degree in as few as 18 months although students with full-time careers generally take 24-36 months to finish All Flexible MBA courses meet one evening per week, allowing students seeking a balance between work, graduate school, family and other commitments maximum flexibility. You may concentrate your MBA in one of nine defined academic areas (business finance, information & technology management, international business, management, marketing, economics, real estate finance and development, financial institutions / commercial banking, supply chain management) as well as the option to define your own. These choices allow you to customize your MBA to help you achieve your individual career goals and develop additional depth in an area of particular interest. The MBA program at UNC Charlotte is fully accredited by AACSB International, the premier accrediting agency for programs in business administration and accounting. This prestigious distinction is achieved as a result of the world-class faculty and highest caliber students that make up the Belk College of Business.

School Says - Academics
The MBA is a 37 credit hour program begins with developing a comprehensive understanding of the functions of an organization then builds upon this foundation to develop effective strategic management. Selecting elective courses in an academic concentration allows candidates to specialize their degree to further individual goals. Additional course work may be required of students in a preparatory component based on academic preparation and experience.

School Says - Admissions
Admission to the UNC Charlotte MBA program is selective. We seek candidates who are motivated and aim to assume leadership roles in organizations locally and around the world. Candidates must have obtained the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a fully accredited university to be eligible for admission to the UNC Charlotte MBA. Previous study of business is not required, as the program offers a 13 credit preparatory component that provides non-business majors the background they need to be successful in the rest of the program. These preparatory courses are waived for candidates with sufficient undergraduate preparation. Admissions decisions are based on several criteria, including the applicant's academic achievement, previous work history, and standardized test scores. A completed application form must be accompanied by three letters of recommendation, a current resume, all academic transcripts, a GMAT score, statement of purpose, and a $55 application fee. Work experience is not required for admission to the MBA program, however it is strongly recommended. The average student in the UNC Charlotte Flexible (evening) MBA has more than 7 years of professional work experience. Since the admissions decision involves several criteria, there are no set minimums for the GMAT or GPA average. The fall 2007 entering class had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) and an average GMAT score of 591. In addition to the above, international students must also submit an official financial statement verifying sufficient resources to cover education and living expenses. International students are also required to provide TOEFL scores (557 on paper-based test or 220 on the computer-based test). Applications to the Flexible MBA are accepted for fall, spring and summer entry on a rolling admissions basis. The Sports MBA and Full-Time MBA begin each fall.

Students Say - Academics
A "wise investment" for future business leaders, UNC Charlotte offers a selection of high-quality, affordable, flexible, and student-oriented graduate programs through the Belk College of Business. UNC Charlotte offers MBA candidates the flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. Full-time students may opt to complete the program in as little as 17 months, while working professionals may take 18 to 36 months. A student shares, "I'm even taking one course in the evenings live over the Internet this term, and I love it. The flexibility and choices for constructing your own educational experience are wonderful." Even paying for your education is super student-friendly and flexible at Belk College; students are able to "split tuition payments up throughout the semester." While all MBA students get a thorough introduction to essential business principles, the UNC Charlotte education is greatly enriched by "the diversity of concentrations within the MBA program and its relationships within the local business community." Students praise the school's programs in supply chain management and real estate (for which the school offers a specific certificate program), as well as the strength of the finance and communications faculty. Academic and administrative departments work hard to "accommodate business students at an individual level," and "the faculty and administrators are very accessible and show obvious concern" for each student's success. A current student writes, "I love that if I have a question about anything, from a homework problem to internship opportunities, the Belk College faculty and support staff are always available and willing to help." Academics focus on practical as well as theoretical business principles, and "most professors are or have held high-level positions in their respective fields." In the words of a student: "I haven't had a bad professor yet; although some are more eccentric than others. My overall experience has been excellent." The curriculum is challenging and "it's generally pretty hard to get A's" at the Belk College. A current student shares, "I appreciate the fact that my classes and professors push me to think on my own instead of spoon-feeding me information that they expect to be regurgitated on quizzes or exams." Still, the MBA is manageable and "life is, for the most part, laid-back. You have to get your work done, but professors understand when work occasionally takes time away from studying."

Students Say - Admissions
For admission to Belk College, students are evaluated based on their undergraduate record, GMAT scores, resume, personal essays, and three letters of recommendation. The average GMAT score for entering students currently hovers around 600. Work experience is strongly recommended, but not required.

Students Say - Campus Life
Three-quarters of Belk students are working professionals, who "range in age from fresh out of undergrad, to early-to-mid 40s." In particular, many Belk College students come from the banking industry; though there are "many who are from other interesting companies in the area (NASCAR, Real Estate companies, health care)." On the whole, students "bring a lot of different views and experiences into discussions" and "the diversity and quality of the student body gets better every year" at Belk College. As you'll find at many graduate and professional programs, UNC Charlotte is "very decentralized; and most people's lives take place separately." Older students admit that, "in the evenings and weekends program, most of us with families have little time for socializing." While the hands-off attitude works for some students, many say they "would like to see more social events/functions for the younger crowd." A student writes, "Charlotte is a fun city; I'd like to share some of that fun with my classmates." In the meantime, those who'd like a little extracurricular stimulation can participate in the MBA Association, which hosts speaker series and social events.

Students Say - Careers
Three-quarters of Belk students are working professionals, who "range in age from fresh out of undergrad, to early-to-mid 40s." In particular, many Belk College students come from the banking industry; though there are "many who are from other interesting companies in the area (NASCAR, Real Estate companies, health care)." On the whole, students "bring a lot of different views and experiences into discussions" and "the diversity and quality of the student body gets better every year" at Belk College. As you'll find at many graduate and professional programs, UNC Charlotte is "very decentralized; and most people's lives take place separately." Older students admit that, "in the evenings and weekends program, most of us with families have little time for socializing." While the hands-off attitude works for some students, many say they "would like to see more social events/functions for the younger crowd." A student writes, "Charlotte is a fun city; I'd like to share some of that fun with my classmates." In the meantime, those who'd like a little extracurricular stimulation can participate in the MBAAssociation, which hosts speaker series and social events.

Other Schools To Consider Top Programs