University of Mississippi – Ole Miss Business School
Overview
The University of Mississippi’s School of Business Administration, commonly referred to as Ole Miss Business School, offers a well-rounded MBA program that is AACSB-accredited and highly regarded for its commitment to leadership development and experiential learning. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, particularly those relevant to the Southeastern United States, such as healthcare, energy, and logistics.
Ole Miss offers a full-time, on-campus MBA program, as well as a flexible, fully online MBA option. The full-time MBA program typically takes one year to complete and provides students with a solid foundation in business fundamentals such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. The program also places a strong emphasis on leadership skills, with students participating in case studies, consulting projects, and group work that prepare them for real-world business challenges.
The online MBA offers the same rigorous curriculum but is tailored for working professionals who need the flexibility to balance their education with their careers. Both formats allow students to engage in networking opportunities, internships, and career placement services.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but recognized regionally for its strong business program.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Around 100 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 50%, making it moderately competitive.
Average GMAT Score
- 600, though GMAT waivers are available for students with significant work experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- FedEx
- International Paper
- Entergy
- Baptist Memorial Health Care
- C Spire
Average Starting Salaries
- $85,000 per year, with signing bonuses and potential performance-based incentives depending on the industry.
Notable Alumni
- Tate Reeves: Governor of Mississippi.
- Haley Barbour: Former Governor of Mississippi and political lobbyist.
- John Grisham: Bestselling author, though not directly an MBA alum, he is an Ole Miss graduate with strong ties to the school.
Mississippi State University – College of Business
Overview
The College of Business at Mississippi State University (MSU) is one of the oldest business schools in the nation, with a strong reputation for its MBA program. Known for its affordable tuition and high return on investment, MSU’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited and provides students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s business world. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and real-world business problem-solving through case studies, consulting projects, and internships.
MSU offers both a traditional on-campus MBA program and an online MBA, making it accessible for working professionals who may not be able to attend in person. The full-time MBA typically takes two years to complete, while the online program offers a more flexible schedule that can be tailored to individual needs. In addition to the general MBA curriculum, MSU offers a specialized MBA in Project Management and a dual-degree MBA in Engineering for students looking to enhance their technical and managerial skills simultaneously.
MSU’s strong ties to industries in the region, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace, provide graduates with numerous opportunities for internships and job placements. The school’s Career Management Center offers extensive support in terms of resume building, networking, and career counseling, ensuring that graduates are well-positioned to land competitive roles upon completing the program.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the national top 50, but consistently rated highly for affordability and return on investment in the Southeast region.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Around 120 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 60%, offering relatively open access to a quality education.
Average GMAT Score
- 580, with GMAT waivers available for students with extensive professional experience or a high GPA.
Top Hiring Companies
- Nissan North America
- Raytheon Technologies
- Sanderson Farms
- BankPlus
- Chevron
Average Starting Salaries
- $80,000 per year, with higher salaries for those entering specialized fields like project management or engineering.
Notable Alumni
- John Grisham: Famed author, though more closely associated with Ole Miss, he also has ties to Mississippi State.
- Bob Pittman: Founder of MTV and CEO of iHeartMedia.
- David Abney: Former CEO of UPS.
University of Southern Mississippi – College of Business and Economic Development
Overview
The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) College of Business and Economic Development offers an MBA program that blends a strong academic foundation with practical business experience. The program is designed to provide students with the skills they need to lead in a rapidly changing business environment, with a special focus on strategic decision-making, leadership, and global business practices. The program is available in both a full-time, on-campus format and a fully online option for students who need more flexibility.
USM’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited and covers core business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations. The program also offers elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and international business. One of the key features of the program is its focus on experiential learning, which includes internships, consulting projects, and study abroad opportunities.
Southern Miss has strong connections with local industries, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment. Additionally, the school’s Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education helps foster a strong entrepreneurial spirit among students, offering them resources to start their own businesses or develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the national top 50, but recognized for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and regional impact.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Approximately 70 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 65%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- 550, though waivers are available for students with relevant professional experience or high academic performance.
Top Hiring Companies
- HCA Healthcare
- Sanderson Farms
- Hancock Whitney Bank
- Regions Financial Corporation
- Forrest General Hospital
Average Starting Salaries
- $75,000 per year, with potential for salary growth in leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Jimmy Buffett: Renowned singer and businessman, though not an MBA alum, is a notable Southern Miss graduate.
- Sam Haskell: Former Executive Vice President and Worldwide Head of Television for the William Morris Agency.
- Clarence Weatherspoon: Former NBA player and entrepreneur.
Millsaps College – Else School of Management
Overview
The Else School of Management at Millsaps College is widely regarded as one of the top private business schools in Mississippi, offering an MBA program that focuses on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and ethical business practices. Millsaps is a liberal arts college located in Jackson, Mississippi, and its MBA program benefits from the small class sizes and personalized attention that come with a liberal arts education.
The Millsaps MBA program is AACSB-accredited and offers both a full-time, on-campus MBA and an Executive MBA (EMBA) for working professionals. The program is designed to be completed in as little as one year, making it an attractive option for students looking to fast-track their careers. The curriculum covers essential business topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management, with an emphasis on case-based learning and real-world application.
Millsaps College has strong connections with the business community in Jackson and throughout Mississippi, particularly in the areas of banking, healthcare, and government. The school’s close proximity to state government and major corporations gives students unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and post-graduation employment.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but consistently recognized for its quality in the Southern region.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Approximately 50 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, making it accessible while maintaining high academic standards.
Average GMAT Score
- 580, though the program also considers GRE scores and offers waivers for students with significant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Trustmark National Bank
- Entergy
- Baptist Memorial Health Care
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
- Cal-Maine Foods
Average Starting Salaries
- $85,000 per year, with salary growth potential depending on industry and prior work experience.
Notable Alumni
- Jim Barksdale: Former CEO of Netscape Communications Corporation.
- Haley Barbour: Former Governor of Mississippi and political lobbyist.
- Cooper Manning: Television host and businessman, part of the famous Manning family.
Jackson State University – College of Business
Overview
Jackson State University (JSU) offers an MBA program through its College of Business that is designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in a global business environment. JSU’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes leadership, innovation, and ethical decision-making. The program offers a full-time, on-campus option, as well as a part-time program for working professionals who need flexibility in completing their degree.
JSU’s MBA curriculum covers core areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management. The program also allows students to specialize in areas such as supply chain management, healthcare administration, and entrepreneurship. The school places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service, encouraging students to apply their business knowledge to solve real-world problems in the local and global communities.
Jackson State University has strong ties to local industries, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and education. The school’s location in Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city, provides students with access to internships and job placements in government agencies, major corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked nationally but recognized regionally for its commitment to diversity and community engagement.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Around 60 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 65%, offering accessibility to a diverse range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- 540, with waivers available for students with extensive professional experience or high undergraduate GPAs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
- Mississippi Development Authority
- Jackson Public Schools
- Nissan North America
- Mississippi Power
Average Starting Salaries
- $70,000 per year, with strong opportunities for advancement in management and leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Walter Payton: NFL Hall of Famer, though not an MBA alum, is a legendary JSU graduate.
- Rod Paige: Former U.S. Secretary of Education.
- Eddie Payton: Former NFL player and entrepreneur.