University of Nevada, Reno – College of Business
Overview
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) College of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program that is AACSB-accredited and focuses on providing students with a comprehensive business education that blends theory with practical application. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, giving students the flexibility to complete their MBA at their own pace. One of the hallmarks of the UNR MBA program is its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering a forward-thinking business environment.
UNR’s MBA program features a flexible curriculum with a set of core business courses that cover essential areas such as finance, marketing, accounting, operations, and strategic management. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of electives that allow them to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, renewable energy, healthcare management, or finance. The program emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to work on real-world consulting projects with local businesses, participate in case competitions, and engage with industry leaders.
Located in Reno, the program is well-positioned to leverage the region’s growing economy, which includes not only the gaming and hospitality sectors but also technology, renewable energy, and logistics. The program’s close proximity to major business hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley also enhances students’ access to internships and job placements.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- UNR’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is highly regarded regionally for its strong ties to the Northern Nevada business community and its affordability.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students are enrolled in the program each year.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 60%, making it a moderately selective program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is approximately 580, though waivers are available for candidates with significant professional experience or a strong academic record.
Top Hiring Companies
- Tesla
- Microsoft
- Renown Health
- IGT (International Game Technology)
- Eldorado Resorts
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the UNR MBA program can expect average starting salaries of around $85,000 per year, with salary variations depending on industry and prior work experience.
Notable Alumni
- Anthony Carano: President and COO of Eldorado Resorts.
- David F. Douglass: Managing Director at American Pacific Corporation.
- Barbara Cegavske: Nevada Secretary of State.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – Lee Business School
Overview
The Lee Business School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a well-regarded MBA program that caters to the needs of professionals looking to advance their careers in a variety of industries. The program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring a high standard of business education. UNLV’s MBA is known for its flexible options, offering both full-time and part-time tracks, as well as a fully online MBA for students who need to balance work and family commitments. UNLV’s strong ties to the local business community, particularly in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, provide students with ample opportunities for internships, networking, and job placements.
The curriculum at Lee Business School is designed to provide a solid foundation in core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management, while also allowing students to customize their MBA through elective courses in areas such as entrepreneurship, real estate, healthcare management, and hospitality management. The program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with students participating in consulting projects, internships, and case competitions that allow them to apply their skills to real-world challenges.
One of the standout features of UNLV’s MBA program is its close connection to the Las Vegas business community. As a global hub for entertainment, hospitality, and tourism, Las Vegas offers unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in these industries. UNLV’s location also provides students with access to job opportunities in finance, healthcare, and technology, particularly with the city’s growing startup ecosystem.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- UNLV’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is consistently recognized for its strength in hospitality management and its connections to the gaming industry.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 students are enrolled in the MBA program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate for the program is around 50%, making it a competitive option in the region.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though GMAT waivers are available for candidates with significant professional experience or other qualifying credentials.
Top Hiring Companies
- MGM Resorts International
- Caesars Entertainment
- Station Casinos
- Zappos
- Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the UNLV MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $90,000 per year, with higher earnings for those entering leadership roles in gaming, hospitality, and finance.
Notable Alumni
- Tony Hsieh: Late CEO of Zappos, known for revolutionizing customer service and corporate culture.
- Steve Sisolak: Governor of Nevada.
- George Maloof: Former owner of the Palms Casino Resort and entrepreneur.
Sierra Nevada University – School of Business
Overview
Sierra Nevada University (SNU), located in Incline Village on the shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a unique MBA program that emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. SNU is a small, private institution that provides a personalized learning environment where students work closely with faculty and industry professionals. The MBA program at Sierra Nevada University is designed for students who want to lead in industries that require creativity, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable business practices.
SNU’s MBA program offers both a traditional on-campus format and a hybrid format that combines online coursework with periodic in-person residencies. This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive to working professionals who are seeking to advance their careers without putting their lives on hold. The curriculum covers core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management, but also places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices. Students are encouraged to think creatively about how they can make a positive impact on their industries and communities.
SNU’s location in the Lake Tahoe area provides students with unique access to industries such as tourism, outdoor recreation, and real estate. The program’s small size allows for personalized attention from faculty, and students benefit from a close-knit learning environment where collaboration and networking are key. In addition to traditional coursework, students have the opportunity to work on consulting projects with local businesses and nonprofits, giving them practical experience that is directly applicable to their careers.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- SNU’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is recognized for its focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Number of Students
- The program enrolls approximately 40 MBA students per year.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 75%, making it a relatively accessible program for applicants with diverse backgrounds.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 550, though waivers are commonly granted for students with professional experience or strong academic records.
Top Hiring Companies
- Vail Resorts
- Heavenly Mountain Resort
- Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
- Edgewood Companies
- Northstar California Resort
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Sierra Nevada University MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $70,000 per year, with salary growth opportunities in leadership roles within industries like tourism, outdoor recreation, and real estate.
Notable Alumni
- Paco Lindsay: President and CEO of Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort.
- Kerri Walsh Jennings: Olympic beach volleyball champion and entrepreneur.
- Chris McNamara: Founder of SuperTopo and outdoor recreation entrepreneur.
Western Nevada College – Business Department
Overview
Western Nevada College (WNC) offers a business-focused education that, while not featuring a traditional MBA program, provides various business courses and programs aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. WNC, located in Carson City, offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Supervision, which provides students with the fundamental skills needed for leadership positions in management. This program is ideal for students seeking an affordable and accessible education that equips them with practical skills applicable to their careers.
WNC’s business programs focus on providing students with hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and project-based learning. The curriculum includes courses in finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management, with an emphasis on practical skills that students can immediately apply in the workforce. The program also places a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and decision-making, preparing graduates for management roles in a variety of industries.
WNC’s close ties to industries in Northern Nevada, including government agencies in Carson City, manufacturing companies, and the rapidly growing technology sector, ensure that students have access to internships and job opportunities upon graduation. While not a full MBA program, WNC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Supervision serves as a stepping stone for students looking to pursue further business education or advance their careers in leadership.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- WNC does not offer a traditional MBA program and is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s list, but the school is recognized regionally for its affordable and accessible business education options.
Number of Students
- The Business Department enrolls around 100 students in its various business-related programs.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 80%, making it an accessible option for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Average GMAT Score
- WNC does not require the GMAT for admission to its business programs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Carson Tahoe Health
- Click Bond
- GE Energy
- Nevada Department of Transportation
- Tesla Gigafactory
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of WNC’s business programs can expect starting salaries of around $65,000 per year, with strong opportunities for growth in management positions.
Notable Alumni
- Mike Schaefer: Entrepreneur and founder of multiple startups in Nevada.
- Marilyn Kirkpatrick: Chairwoman of the Clark County Commission.
- Don Tatro: Former Executive Director of the Builders Association of Northern Nevada.