The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business

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Students Say - Academics
The "affordable" University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business has a "solid" regional reputation" and it's "very accessible to working professionals." The "welldesigned MBA program" here requires 36 hours of course work (beyond preparatory core courses). There's also a thesis option, which substitutes for six hours of electives. In addition to the general MBA, you can choose among 12 areas of concentration including business of health, accounting, marketing management, tourism destination development, and real estate finance. UTSA also offers an Executive MBA, a MBA in International Business, a PhD in business administration, and a bevy of full-time master's programs. Students brag that their "professors, curriculum, process, and flexibility far outweigh those of other programs in town." They also laud the "very hands-on" nature of the program. "The vast majority of students are completing their courses while working full time," explains one student, "so there is a very strong student-driven emphasis on practical skills, not only as they might apply in case studies, but as they apply in the actual work that is done by students." There are "some very exceptional professors and some really lousy lecturers who do not seem to be qualified to teach" but, on the whole, professors are "engaging." "The quality of the faculty is probably the best kept secret in Texas," claims one happy student. Professors frequently bring substantial "real-world experience" to the classroom and they are "very attentive" once class is over. "They always emphasize office hours and promote asking for help," says one student. "It is encouraging to know that professors are always available and interested in helping students sort out individual problems or discuss research interests." Part-time students add that "professors will work with you if your job interferes with your school." A few students consider the administration "a bureaucratic nightmare" but most report that UTSA is "a well-oiled machine." The "efficient and helpful" staff is "ready and willing to help any time it is needed," they say. "There is a friendly atmosphere and supportive attitude permeating all levels." Complaints among students at UTSA include the registration process. One student says the school "seems to be growing too fast and [is] not able to successfully catch up." "The library is awful." "Not enough places to study, not enough light, not enough books," gripes one student. Parking is also "a big issue" and the aesthetics around campus certainly are not the greatest. The architecture "can be best described as ‘neo-brutalism' with its emphasis on concrete."

Students Say - Admissions
Admitted students at the 25th percentile have GMAT scores in the low 500s. Admitted students at the 75th percentile have GMAT scores around 600. Work experience is not a requirement but it's certainly helpful. If your background and training isn't in business, you'll have to take some core courses (e.g., accounting, finance). If it's been seven years since you completed core courses, you may still have to take some core courses or you may be able to test out. It's a case-by-case decision. Also, be prepared to demonstrate competence with spreadsheets and commonly used business applications.

Students Say - Campus Life
Students say that the MBA program here is pretty heavily geared toward working professionals. It's possible to attend full time but the population is "largely part time" and "most students take longer than two years to get a degree." On one hand, "UTSA is a great place for part-time students" and it accommodates working students "very well." For example, courses are typically offered during the day at the school's downtown campus and during the evenings at the main UTSA campus. However, many full-timers feel overlooked and complain that "the school caters to part-time MBA students" too much. Students at UTSA describe themselves as "very competitive, determined individuals" who are "looking to add extra education to their repertoire." They're also a very diverse group. "People from all around the world with different jobs, backgrounds, and home lives" attend UTSA. "Classes tend to be very diverse in terms of age, race, occupation, and virtually any other metric," explains one student. "The mixing of individuals in different fields adds a unique flavor to each classroom setting." You'll find some recent college grads here but many students are "older" and established in their careers. They "have families and jobs" and they attend UTSA because of its proximity to their homes and their existing places of employment. Consequently, "it's a commuter school." There's "not much social interaction between the students" and there are few activities outside of class hours beyond assigned group work. It's definitely possible to move here and make a rich social life for yourself, though. "Enchanting" San Antonio is reportedly "very welcoming for newcomers" and a "fiesta year round."

Students Say - Careers
MBA students at UTSA are really divided when it comes to the quality of Career Services. Satisfied students tell us that the staff "has been outstanding in directing students to potential employers, hosting information sessions, and providing on-campus interviews." They boast that "tons of recruiters" from Houston and other cities in Texas hire graduates. They say that career fairs bring "close to 100 companies each semester." They also note that "Valero, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, and many other local and regional accounting firms" harvest many recruits here. Career Services does receive criticism from some students." "From my experience, there are few strong relationships between employers and our business school," laments one student. Unhappy students also charge that UTSA concentrates "only on San Antonioâ€"based businesses."

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