University of Montana – College of Business
Overview
The University of Montana’s College of Business, located in Missoula, offers one of the most well-regarded MBA programs in the state. This program is accredited by the AACSB, a prestigious accreditation held by only 5% of business schools worldwide, which ensures a high standard of business education. The MBA program at the University of Montana is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a range of industries, with a focus on critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership.
The program offers both a full-time on-campus MBA and a part-time, online option, which caters to working professionals who need more flexibility. The full-time MBA typically takes one to two years to complete, while the part-time program allows for greater flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree at their own pace. The curriculum is built around core business subjects such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management, but also includes elective options that allow students to specialize in areas like entrepreneurship, sustainable business, and nonprofit management.
One of the distinguishing features of the University of Montana’s MBA program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to engage in real-world business consulting projects, internships, and networking events with local business leaders, helping them to build practical skills and establish connections in the job market.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The University of Montana MBA program is not ranked in the national top 50 by BusinessWeek, but it is well-regarded regionally for its strong connections to the Montana business community.
Number of Students
- Approximately 80 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 60%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 550, though GMAT waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or a high undergraduate GPA.
Top Hiring Companies
- First Interstate Bank
- Allegiance Benefit Plan Management
- Blackfoot Communications
- Washington Corporations
- ATG Cognizant
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the University of Montana MBA program can expect an average starting salary of $75,000 per year, with opportunities for bonuses and career growth in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.
Notable Alumni
- Dennis Washington: Founder of Washington Companies, a major industrial corporation based in Montana.
- Greg Gianforte: Current Governor of Montana and founder of RightNow Technologies, later acquired by Oracle.
- David Bell: Former Chairman and CEO of Interpublic Group, one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing companies.
Montana State University – Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Overview
Montana State University (MSU) offers an MBA program through its Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, which emphasizes innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Located in Bozeman, the program is known for its focus on small business development and sustainability, which is particularly relevant given Montana’s economic landscape, where agriculture, outdoor recreation, and energy play significant roles. The MSU MBA is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in these sectors, as well as for careers in corporate management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
The MBA program at MSU offers both a full-time and a part-time option, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. The full-time MBA can be completed in two years, while part-time students can extend their studies over a longer period. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, management, and business strategy, along with elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas like finance, sustainability, and technology entrepreneurship.
MSU’s MBA program stands out for its focus on hands-on learning and community engagement. Students participate in consulting projects for local businesses, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. In addition, the university’s Blackstone LaunchPad serves as a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and seed funding to help students launch their own businesses.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The MSU MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national rankings, but it is highly respected in the Rocky Mountain region for its emphasis on entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Number of Students
- The program enrolls approximately 60 MBA students each year.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate for the MSU MBA program is around 70%, offering accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 560, though the program offers GMAT waivers for applicants with strong professional backgrounds or academic records.
Top Hiring Companies
- Oracle
- Zoot Enterprises
- Simms Fishing Products
- Montana State Fund
- Bozeman Health
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Montana State MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $70,000 per year, with additional opportunities for bonuses and career advancement.
Notable Alumni
- Jake Jabs: Founder and CEO of American Furniture Warehouse, one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S., and namesake of the MSU College of Business.
- Steve Daines: U.S. Senator from Montana and former executive at Procter & Gamble.
- Philips Baker Jr.: CEO of Hecla Mining Company, one of the leading mining companies in the United States.
University of Providence – School of Business
Overview
The University of Providence (formerly known as the University of Great Falls) offers a unique MBA program designed for students seeking a values-based business education with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, sustainability, and community service. Located in Great Falls, Montana, the University of Providence is a Catholic university that integrates its mission of service and ethics into all aspects of its MBA curriculum. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in a variety of industries, with a particular focus on healthcare, nonprofit management, and public administration.
The University of Providence’s MBA program is available in both an on-campus and online format, providing flexibility for working professionals who want to advance their careers without leaving their current jobs. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time, or longer for part-time students. The curriculum includes core courses in areas such as leadership, organizational behavior, finance, and marketing, with electives that allow students to focus on specific industries like healthcare management or public administration.
One of the key strengths of the University of Providence’s MBA program is its close ties to the healthcare industry. As part of the university’s strategic partnership with Providence Health & Services, students have access to internship opportunities, industry insights, and job placements in one of the largest healthcare systems in the western U.S. This focus on healthcare management makes the program particularly attractive to students looking to pursue leadership roles in the healthcare sector.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The University of Providence MBA program is not ranked by BusinessWeek but is well-regarded for its focus on ethical leadership and healthcare management.
Number of Students
- Approximately 50 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 75%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 530, though the program does offer waivers for students with relevant work experience or strong academic performance.
Top Hiring Companies
- Providence Health & Services
- Benefis Health System
- Great Falls Clinic
- Glacier Bancorp
- D.A. Davidson & Co.
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the University of Providence MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $65,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement in healthcare, nonprofit management, and public administration.
Notable Alumni
- Helen Lowman: President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit organization focused on environmental conservation.
- Judy Martz: Former Governor of Montana, though not an MBA alum, she is an alumnus of the University of Providence.
- Tim Fox: Former Attorney General of Montana and a key figure in state politics.
Carroll College – Business and Accounting Department
Overview
While Carroll College in Helena, Montana, does not offer a traditional MBA program, its Business and Accounting Department provides undergraduate and graduate-level courses that prepare students for leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Carroll College is a private Catholic liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The college’s business programs emphasize ethics, leadership, and community service, preparing students to make a positive impact in their communities.
Carroll College offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program, which is designed for students who want to pursue careers in accounting and finance. While not an MBA, the MAcc program provides students with advanced knowledge of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business ethics, making it a strong alternative for students interested in finance and accounting roles. The program can be completed in one year full-time or longer for part-time students. It also prepares students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, giving students the opportunity to participate in internships and consulting projects with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Carroll College’s strong connections with accounting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies provide graduates with numerous job placement opportunities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Carroll College’s business programs are not ranked by BusinessWeek but are well-regarded for their strong focus on ethics and leadership.
Number of Students
- Approximately 40 graduate students are enrolled in the MAcc program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate for Carroll College’s graduate programs is around 80%, making it accessible to a broad range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- Carroll College does not require the GMAT for admission to its MAcc program, but students are evaluated based on their academic record and professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co.
- First Interstate Bank
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
- Department of Revenue, State of Montana
- U.S. Bank
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Carroll College’s MAcc program typically earn starting salaries of around $60,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth as they progress in their careers.
Notable Alumni
- Marc Racicot: Former Governor of Montana and Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
- Brian Schweitzer: Former Governor of Montana, though not an MBA alum, he is a notable Carroll College graduate.
- Susan Gibson: Director of Cybersecurity at a major healthcare organization.