North Dakota State University (NDSU) – College of Business
Overview
North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers one of the premier MBA programs in the state. Accredited by AACSB, the NDSU MBA is known for its focus on real-world business applications and leadership development. The program is designed to prepare students for executive roles in a variety of industries, with a particular emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic management. Located in Fargo, a growing business hub in the Midwest, NDSU provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with regional businesses and industries.
The NDSU MBA offers both full-time and part-time formats, making it accessible to working professionals who want to advance their careers without leaving their jobs. The full-time program can be completed in as little as one year, while part-time students can spread their coursework over several years. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, with elective options that allow students to specialize in areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and digital marketing.
One of the key strengths of the NDSU MBA is its focus on experiential learning. Students participate in internships, consulting projects, and case studies, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges. Additionally, NDSU maintains strong relationships with local and regional businesses, ensuring that graduates have excellent job placement opportunities upon completing the program.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national top 50, but regionally recognized for its strong ties to North Dakota’s business community and affordability.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 65%, making it moderately competitive but accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 580, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or strong academic records.
Top Hiring Companies
- Bobcat Company
- John Deere
- Microsoft
- Sanford Health
- Doosan
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the NDSU MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $85,000 per year, with opportunities for bonuses and career growth in leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- Doug Burgum: Governor of North Dakota and former CEO of Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft.
- John K. Thompson: Executive Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Doosan Bobcat.
- Jane Schuh: Vice President of Research and Creative Activity at North Dakota State University.
University of North Dakota (UND) – Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
Overview
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a highly regarded MBA program through its Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. Accredited by AACSB, the program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. UND’s MBA program is known for its focus on leadership, strategic management, and decision-making, with a curriculum that blends academic theory with practical application.
UND’s MBA program offers both on-campus and online options, making it accessible to students from across the state and beyond. The online program is particularly attractive to working professionals who need flexibility in balancing their education with their careers. The full-time MBA can be completed in as little as one year, while part-time students can spread their coursework over several years. The curriculum includes core courses in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations, with elective courses allowing students to specialize in fields such as aviation management, healthcare administration, and energy economics.
One of the key strengths of the UND MBA is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world business projects, internships, and case studies, providing them with hands-on experience in solving business problems. Additionally, the program’s location in Grand Forks gives students access to a growing regional economy, with strong connections to industries such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but recognized regionally for its strong business program and flexibility for working professionals.
Number of Students
- Approximately 80 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, offering good accessibility to a broad range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 560, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or a high undergraduate GPA.
Top Hiring Companies
- Altru Health System
- Hess Corporation
- UND Aerospace
- UnitedHealth Group
- Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the UND MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $80,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth in industries such as energy, healthcare, and aviation.
Notable Alumni
- Edward Schafer: Former Governor of North Dakota and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
- Mark Chipman: Executive Chairman of True North Sports & Entertainment.
- Gordon Blake: CEO of Altru Health System.
Minot State University – College of Business
Overview
Minot State University offers a flexible and affordable MBA program through its College of Business, designed to provide students with a comprehensive business education that prepares them for leadership roles in a variety of industries. Accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), the program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, with a focus on leadership, management, and decision-making skills. Minot State’s MBA program is ideal for students who are looking for a small, supportive learning environment with personalized attention from faculty.
The MBA program at Minot State is offered in both on-campus and online formats, allowing students to complete their degree from anywhere. The program can be completed in as little as one year full-time, or over several years for part-time students. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, operations, and organizational behavior, with the option to specialize in areas such as international business, information technology management, and healthcare administration.
One of the key strengths of Minot State’s MBA program is its affordability. As a public institution, Minot State offers one of the most cost-effective MBA programs in the region, making it an attractive option for students looking to advance their careers without taking on significant debt. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in internships, consulting projects, and case studies that allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but recognized for its affordability and strong ties to the regional business community.
Number of Students
- Approximately 50 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 75%, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 540, though waivers are available for students with professional experience or a strong academic record.
Top Hiring Companies
- First Western Bank & Trust
- Trinity Health
- Hess Corporation
- Xcel Energy
- Ackerman-Estvold
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Minot State’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $70,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement in management and leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- John Hoeven: U.S. Senator and former Governor of North Dakota.
- Rick Berg: Former U.S. Congressman and real estate developer.
- Mike Timm: CEO of First Western Bank & Trust.
University of Mary – Gary Tharaldson School of Business
Overview
The University of Mary, located in Bismarck, offers a values-based MBA program through its Gary Tharaldson School of Business. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business while emphasizing ethical leadership and servant leadership principles. As a private, Catholic university, the University of Mary integrates its Christian values into the curriculum, making it an excellent option for students who are looking for an MBA program that aligns with their personal values and commitment to ethical business practices.
The University of Mary’s MBA program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and offers both on-campus and online options. The program is designed to be completed in as little as 15 months, making it one of the faster MBA programs in the region. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, management, and strategy, with the option to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, human resources management, and project management.
One of the defining features of the University of Mary MBA program is its focus on experiential learning. Students are encouraged to engage with the local business community through internships, consulting projects, and networking events. The program also emphasizes leadership development, with courses and workshops focused on developing the skills needed to lead teams, organizations, and communities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but recognized regionally for its focus on ethical leadership and its strong connections to the healthcare industry.
Number of Students
- Approximately 60 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 80%, offering accessibility to a diverse range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 520, though the program frequently offers waivers for students with relevant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Sanford Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- MDU Resources Group
- Tharaldson Hospitality Management
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the University of Mary MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $75,000 per year, with strong growth potential in industries such as healthcare and project management.
Notable Alumni
- Gary Tharaldson: Founder of Tharaldson Hospitality Management and namesake of the School of Business.
- Alvin Jaeger: North Dakota Secretary of State.
- Pamela Wall: Executive Vice President of Sanford Health.