University of Wisconsin—Whitewater College of Business and Economics

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Students Say - Academics
University of Wisconsinâ€"Whitewater's "well-regarded" and "inexpensive" MBA program is a two-sided affair, but you won't find any students complaining. The first side is its traditional classroom-based MBA program. The other side is its online MBA degree option, which students praise for its "quality of education and flexibility of hours." Classes are also offered "at a few remote locations," which students laud for its "convenience." "I've taken classes online, at Whitewater, and at their Madison, Wisconsin location," one student says. Another agrees: "They're ahead of the curve for implementing technologies to support the educational system. The system is designed for great convenience…. I really like the fact that I can take courses in person or, if I choose, online." The option of fulfilling the requirements of your MBA according to your schedule is a huge draw, so much so that "There are even soldiers in Iraq who are taking UWâ€"Whitewater courses online." While the school "isn't as famous as UWâ€"Madison," most students insist that its "reputation" in the "business field" more than makes up for it. Many appreciate that the Economics program is part of the Business school, allowing "multifunctional disciplines." UWâ€"Whitewater offers "strong" programs in finance and accounting in a "safe environment." Students are equally positive about their "excellent" professors, who they believe to be "some of the most highly sought after in the nation." The "bright" faculty "strives to help students learn" and "most are available for students 100 percent of the time." Students also appreciate that the "teaching methods are very effective," meaning "you learn a lot quickly without sacrificing all of your time." For those attending class via the World Wide Web, there are a few more shades of grey. "Some of the professors have been great and very interactive," one student explains. "Others have been phantom professors. After taking four classes, I'd say it is about 50â€"50. There really is no middle ground though. The professors have either been really good or really absent." A fellow online student has a sunnier view: ‘I have been exceptionally satisfied with the amount of time and effort that the administration, professors, and dean have given to me personally. They are quick to respond to emails and call back in a timely manner. Since my program is online, I don't have any face-to-face conversations. However, they treat me as though I were in their office." While most agree that "everything runs like butter," there are a few complaints. "Brand presence is lacking," one student notes. Others would like to see the school hire faculty with "real world" experience. I'd prefer experienced adjunct professors who are at the top of their field who work in an office environment so that we can get the true insight into what we need to learn," a student explains. On the technological front, "hiring a larger IT service force" would be welcomed due to some "server outages." However, the MBA program will take further prominence within the UW system once its "new business school" is completed. "It will be an excellent monument and addition to the Whitewater campus," one student says.

Students Say - Admissions
According to UW-Whitewater, applicants to the MBA program must have one of the following: a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate work; a minimum GPA of 2.9 for at least half of all undergraduate work; or a Master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited school. In addition, applicants must submit GMAT scores with a minimum composite score of 1000 based on the formula [(GPA x 200) + GMAT], or a minimum composite score of 1050 based on the formula [(GPA from last half of undergrad program x 200) + GMAT]. Student who do not speak English as their native language are required to submit TOEFL scores of at least 550. However, the school does state that exceptions to these requirements may be made on a "case-by-case basis," so if you feel you have a convincing argument but lack the grades and test scores to back it up, it's worth stating your case to the admissions committee.

Students Say - Campus Life
Though some students find that "Whitewater is definitely not a popular vacation spot," the "hardworking," "dependable," and "diverse" students that populate it provide "a wide variety of experiences" to their MBA program peers. The student body is comprised of "many minorities and older returning students," along with a "handful" of younger students that came "directly after their undergraduate programs." "I am probably the youngest student at 23 years old," one student explains. "I would say most students in this program have been working for five+ years after undergraduate." Many are "very active in sports, arts, and, most importantly, participating in their education with a positive attitude." Students also always seem ready to lend a hand. "I have not in two years met anyone who does not pull their share of the workload during group projects, nor anyone who does not offer to take on more," one student says. But what of those attending online? Well, it's about the same, really. "Since this is an online program, people often have other work or social commitments they must meet," one student explains. "The other students have been great to work with and very understanding of others' situations." As an online student, the campus is what you make of it, however many note that even though they can't experience Whitewater firsthand, it's clear there's no lack of things to do. As one student explains, "My campus email account is always getting filled up with all kinds of junk mail from the different campus groups."

Students Say - Careers
UWâ€"Whitewater's Career Services office offers a number of services to current students and alumni, including career counseling, career groups, a resource center and classes, workshops and presentations, career fairs, employer presentations, online job postings, on-campus interviews, and resume, cover letter, and interviewing advice. Few students had much to say about this area, most likely because of the large number of students who participate in the online MBA program, meaning they aren't on campus to take advantage of the career office. However, some who attend the school in person would like to see some improvement.

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