University of Kentucky – Gatton College of Business and Economics
Overview
The University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics offers one of the leading MBA programs in the state, designed for both recent graduates and seasoned professionals. Gatton’s MBA program provides students with the flexibility of full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks. Its curriculum emphasizes practical experience, leadership development, and a global perspective on business.
Gatton’s full-time One-Year MBA is highly intensive and aimed at students who want to advance their careers quickly. The Professional MBA and Executive MBA options are ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement without disrupting their current employment. The Executive MBA, in partnership with the University of Louisville, is tailored for executives looking to enhance their strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Gatton places a strong focus on experiential learning. Through partnerships with regional and national companies, students engage in consulting projects, internships, and networking events that prepare them for leadership roles. The school’s strong alumni network also ensures that students have access to valuable career resources and connections.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #64 nationally for part-time MBA programs
- Number of Students: Approximately 150 full-time MBA students
- Acceptance Rate: 40-45%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Lexmark
- Toyota
- Valvoline
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Average Starting Salary: $82,500
- Program Length: 1-year (full-time), 2-3 years (part-time)
Notable Alumni
- John Calipari: Head Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky
- Matthew Barzun: Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom
- Vince Tyra: Athletic Director at the University of Louisville
Key Features
- Leadership Development Program: The program is centered on leadership skills, with students undergoing personal leadership assessments and participating in executive coaching.
- Cross-Industry Learning: Students participate in corporate consulting projects that span industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
- Global Perspective: Gatton’s MBA curriculum integrates global business challenges, and students have opportunities for international study trips.
University of Louisville – College of Business
Overview
The University of Louisville’s MBA program is well-regarded for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical learning. The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, catering to professionals at different stages of their careers. UofL’s MBA program is particularly known for its entrepreneurship specialization, which leverages the city’s growing startup culture. The program provides a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, with students working closely with local businesses and startups through consulting projects and internships.
UofL’s full-time MBA can be completed in just 13 months, while the Professional MBA offers the flexibility of evening classes for working professionals. The Executive MBA, offered in partnership with the University of Kentucky, is tailored for senior managers and executives. The university’s strong ties with companies like Humana, GE Appliances, and Brown-Forman ensure students have access to a wide array of career opportunities.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Ranked #80 for part-time MBA programs nationally
- Number of Students: Approximately 180 full-time MBA students
- Acceptance Rate: 45-50%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Humana
- Brown-Forman
- Yum! Brands
- GE Appliances
- UPS
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
- Program Length: 13 months (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Notable Alumni
- David Novak: Former CEO of Yum! Brands
- Brad Smith: CEO of Intuit
- Jim Host: Founder of Host Communications
Key Features
- Focus on Entrepreneurship: UofL’s MBA program is a top choice for students interested in launching their own ventures or working in the startup ecosystem.
- Real-World Application: The curriculum includes consulting projects with local companies, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges.
- Executive MBA Partnership: The Executive MBA program, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, provides senior executives with the tools to drive organizational success.
Northern Kentucky University – Haile/US Bank College of Business
Overview
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers an MBA program that focuses on innovation, business analytics, and leadership. Located near Cincinnati, Ohio, NKU provides its students with access to a thriving business hub, offering numerous opportunities for internships and networking. NKU’s MBA is structured to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals, with evening and online classes available.
The curriculum at NKU emphasizes strategic leadership and data-driven decision-making, preparing students for roles in rapidly changing industries. The program also offers a variety of concentrations, including business analytics, finance, and healthcare administration, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
NKU’s partnerships with local industries such as Fifth Third Bank and St. Elizabeth Healthcare provide students with ample opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and consulting projects. The university’s career services and alumni network are key resources for students seeking job placements after graduation.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Regionally ranked for its part-time MBA program
- Number of Students: Approximately 120 full-time and part-time students
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 580
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Fifth Third Bank
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- Kroger
- Procter & Gamble
- Average Starting Salary: $72,500
- Program Length: 1.5 years (full-time), 2-3 years (part-time)
Notable Alumni
- Gary Goetzman: Film producer and co-founder of Playtone
- David Joyce: CEO of GE Aviation
- Rick Robinson: Author and political commentator
Key Features
- Data-Driven Curriculum: NKU’s MBA places a strong emphasis on business analytics, preparing students to make data-driven decisions in fast-paced business environments.
- Flexible Learning Options: The program offers evening and online courses, making it a great option for working professionals.
- Industry Connections: NKU’s proximity to Cincinnati provides students with access to internships and job placements at Fortune 500 companies.
Western Kentucky University – Gordon Ford College of Business
Overview
Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business offers a comprehensive MBA program that prepares students for leadership roles in business, government, and non-profit organizations. WKU’s MBA program emphasizes a global perspective on business, with courses focused on international trade, cross-cultural management, and global marketing.
WKU’s MBA program offers both full-time and part-time options, making it suitable for recent graduates and working professionals alike. The program also offers a fully online MBA, allowing students to complete their degrees from anywhere. One of WKU’s key strengths is its focus on applied learning, with students participating in internships, case studies, and capstone projects that simulate real-world business challenges.
The program’s location in Bowling Green, a rapidly growing city with a strong manufacturing and service economy, provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and job placements. WKU has strong ties with companies such as Fruit of the Loom and Camping World, ensuring students have access to local and national employers.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Regionally ranked for part-time MBA programs
- Number of Students: Approximately 100 full-time and part-time students
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 570
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Fruit of the Loom
- Camping World
- Logan Aluminum
- Houchens Industries
- Average Starting Salary: $68,000
- Program Length: 1-2 years (full-time), 2-3 years (part-time)
Notable Alumni
- Sam Holladay: President of Holladay Ventures
- Julie Quillen: CFO of Camping World
- Bill Coleman: Former COO of Fruit of the Loom
Key Features
- Global Business Focus: WKU’s curriculum incorporates international business challenges, preparing students for leadership roles in a global economy.
- Applied Learning Opportunities: Students engage in internships, capstone projects, and case competitions, providing practical experience.
- Flexible Delivery: With both in-person and online options, WKU’s MBA is accessible to students regardless of their location or professional commitments.