University of South Carolina – Darla Moore School of Business
Overview
The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina (USC) is widely regarded as one of the top business schools in the Southeastern United States. Its MBA program is particularly known for its emphasis on global business, offering a unique International MBA (IMBA) track that includes immersive international experiences. The school is AACSB-accredited, providing students with a high-quality business education that is recognized worldwide.
The Moore School offers both a full-time MBA and a part-time Professional MBA (PMBA) for working professionals. The full-time MBA program can be completed in about two years, and it allows students to choose between two tracks: a general MBA and the IMBA, which includes language training and overseas internships. The core curriculum covers essential business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, while elective courses allow students to specialize in fields like data analytics, international business, or supply chain management.
One of the defining features of the Moore School’s MBA program is its focus on experiential learning. Students engage in consulting projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities, which prepare them to tackle real-world business challenges. The school’s strong connections with global companies also give students excellent access to internships and job placements.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Darla Moore School of Business is consistently ranked among the top 50 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with a particular focus on international business and global strategy.
Number of Students
- Approximately 200 full-time MBA students and over 350 part-time PMBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 40%, making it a competitive program with a balanced admissions process.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 650, though waivers are available for applicants with substantial work experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- BMW
- Michelin
- Boeing
- Bank of America
- IBM
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Moore School MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $105,000 per year, with additional bonuses and incentives in industries such as manufacturing, consulting, and finance.
Notable Alumni
- Darla Moore: Billionaire businesswoman and namesake of the business school.
- Henry McMaster: Governor of South Carolina.
- David Beasley: Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme.
Clemson University – Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
Overview
Clemson University’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business offers a highly flexible MBA program that is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the program leverages Clemson’s strong ties to industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and technology, making it an excellent option for students seeking careers in these fields. The MBA program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education recognized globally.
Clemson’s MBA program offers several tracks, including a full-time MBA, a part-time MBA, an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and an online MBA. The full-time program typically takes two years to complete, while part-time students can complete their degree at their own pace. The curriculum includes core business courses in finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, as well as electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as project management, entrepreneurship, and data analytics.
One of the standout features of the Clemson MBA program is its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation track allows students to work with Clemson’s Innovation Center, providing them with the resources and support needed to launch their own ventures. Additionally, the program’s location in Greenville—a growing hub for business and industry—provides students with excellent opportunities for internships and networking with local companies.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Clemson MBA program is ranked among the top 75 MBA programs nationally by BusinessWeek, with particular recognition for its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Number of Students
- Approximately 250 MBA students across all tracks.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 50%, offering accessibility while maintaining a high standard of selectivity.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 620, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Bosch
- General Electric
- BMW
- Michelin
- ScanSource
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Clemson MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $95,000 per year, with additional bonuses and career advancement opportunities in industries like technology, engineering, and manufacturing.
Notable Alumni
- Richard H. Fearon: Vice Chairman and CFO of Eaton Corporation.
- Brandon Marcello: Director of Sports Performance at Stanford University.
- James “Jim” Barker: Former President of Clemson University.
College of Charleston – School of Business
Overview
The College of Charleston’s School of Business offers a boutique MBA program designed to provide a personalized learning experience in the heart of one of the Southeast’s most vibrant cities. The program is AACSB-accredited and is known for its strong focus on global business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. The full-time MBA program is designed to be completed in just one year, making it a fast-track option for students who want to quickly advance their careers.
The College of Charleston MBA program offers several areas of specialization, including finance, marketing, and hospitality and tourism management. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive business education with a focus on leadership, strategy, and global business. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and strong connections with local and regional businesses.
One of the defining features of the College of Charleston MBA is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in consulting projects with local businesses, internships, and global study trips, providing them with hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles in a variety of industries. The program’s location in Charleston—a city known for its tourism, technology, and healthcare sectors—also provides excellent networking and job placement opportunities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The College of Charleston MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and its connections to the local business community.
Number of Students
- Approximately 40 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 60%, making it a competitive yet accessible program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though waivers are available for students with relevant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Boeing
- Blackbaud
- Benefitfocus
- Marriott International
- Bank of America
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the College of Charleston MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $85,000 per year, with strong growth potential in industries like hospitality, finance, and technology.
Notable Alumni
- John Tecklenburg: Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina.
- James M. Waring: Senior Vice President of Bank of America.
- Helen Hill: CEO of Explore Charleston.
Winthrop University – College of Business Administration
Overview
Winthrop University’s College of Business Administration offers an affordable and flexible MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business management while also allowing them to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, and human resources. The program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education recognized globally.
Winthrop offers both a traditional on-campus MBA program and an online MBA, providing flexibility for students who need to balance their education with work and personal commitments. The full-time MBA can be completed in about two years, while part-time students have the option to complete the program at their own pace. The curriculum includes core courses in areas such as finance, accounting, management, and operations, with elective options that allow students to tailor their degree to their career goals.
One of the standout features of Winthrop’s MBA program is its affordability. As a public institution, Winthrop offers one of the most cost-effective MBA programs in South Carolina, making it an attractive option for students who want to earn a high-quality degree without taking on significant debt. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in internships, consulting projects, and case studies that provide them with real-world business experience.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Winthrop’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is recognized regionally for its affordability and flexibility.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, offering accessibility to a wide range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 550, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or a high undergraduate GPA.
Top Hiring Companies
- Wells Fargo
- Duke Energy
- Sunbelt Rentals
- Piedmont Medical Center
- Carolinas Healthcare System
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Winthrop’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $75,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth in management and leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- Andy Dulin: North Carolina State House Representative.
- Tricia Willoughby: Executive at Duke Energy.
- James F. Rogers: Senior Vice President of Operations at Carolinas HealthCare System.
The Citadel – Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business
Overview
The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina, offers an MBA program through its Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business that combines leadership training with a strong business curriculum. The Citadel’s MBA program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in leadership roles across a variety of industries, particularly in government, defense, and logistics. The program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a high-quality business education.
The Citadel offers both on-campus and online MBA options, providing flexibility for working professionals. The full-time MBA can be completed in about two years, while part-time students can take longer to complete their degree. The curriculum includes core business courses in finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, with the option to specialize in areas such as supply chain management, project management, and cybersecurity.
One of the defining features of The Citadel’s MBA program is its emphasis on leadership development. Students benefit from the school’s military tradition, which emphasizes discipline, integrity, and ethical decision-making. The program also offers numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, consulting projects, and networking events with leaders in government, defense, and industry.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Citadel’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized for its strong focus on leadership and ethical business practices.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 60%, making it a competitive but accessible program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though waivers are available for students with relevant professional experience or military service.
Top Hiring Companies
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Blackbaud
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of The Citadel’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $90,000 per year, with additional bonuses and career advancement opportunities in government, defense, and industry.
Notable Alumni
- Tommy Baker: CEO of Baker Motor Company and namesake of the business school.
- William B. Keating III: President and CEO of Keating Group Holdings.
- Pat Conroy: Bestselling author and former Citadel student.