Vanderbilt University – Owen Graduate School of Management
Overview
The Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, located in Nashville, is one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the Southeast. Known for its close-knit community and personalized attention, the Owen MBA emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and innovation. The school offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their education to their career goals, with concentrations in areas such as healthcare, finance, operations, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
The full-time MBA program is a two-year experience designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core business areas like accounting, finance, operations, and leadership. Students can choose from various concentrations and pursue hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and global immersions. Vanderbilt also offers an Executive MBA (EMBA) for working professionals, which focuses on leadership development and strategic decision-making.
One of Owen’s key strengths is its location in Nashville, a booming city with strong ties to the healthcare, technology, and entertainment industries. Students have access to internships and job opportunities with leading companies in these sectors, and Vanderbilt’s robust alumni network provides excellent connections for career advancement.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Vanderbilt Owen is consistently ranked in the top 25 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with strong recognition for its leadership and healthcare management programs.
Number of Students
- Approximately 180 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 36%, making it a competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 690, though GRE scores are also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- HCA Healthcare
- Nissan North America
- Goldman Sachs
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Vanderbilt’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $130,000 per year, with additional bonuses and performance incentives depending on the industry.
Notable Alumni
- G. Scott Paterson: Entrepreneur and CEO of Symbility Solutions.
- John Ingram: Chairman of Ingram Content Group and Nashville SC.
- Carlos Gutierrez: Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and CEO of Kellogg Company.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Haslam College of Business
Overview
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business offers an MBA program that is particularly well-regarded for its focus on supply chain management, finance, and leadership. The Haslam MBA is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. The program is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and global business perspectives.
Haslam offers a full-time MBA program that can be completed in 17 months, making it one of the fastest options in the state for students looking to quickly advance their careers. The curriculum includes core business courses in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy, with the option to specialize in areas like supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and business analytics. Haslam also offers dual-degree options, including an MBA/MS in Engineering and an MBA/JD.
One of Haslam’s standout features is its focus on supply chain management, consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the nation. The school’s location in Knoxville provides students with access to top companies in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Haslam also offers robust career services and strong connections to industry leaders, ensuring excellent job placement rates for graduates.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Haslam is ranked among the top 40 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with particular recognition for its supply chain management program.
Number of Students
- Approximately 120 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 40%, making it moderately competitive.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 650, though waivers are available for candidates with significant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- PepsiCo
- FedEx
- Eastman Chemical
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Amazon
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Haslam MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $105,000 per year, with higher salaries in supply chain management and operations roles.
Notable Alumni
- Tim Gilmour: CEO of Gilmour and Associates.
- Jimmy Haslam: Owner of the Cleveland Browns and CEO of Pilot Flying J.
- Ashley Patterson: VP of Global Talent Management at Medtronic.
Belmont University – Massey Graduate School of Business
Overview
Located in the heart of Nashville, Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business offers an MBA program that is particularly well-suited for students interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and music business. The Massey MBA is known for its flexibility, offering both part-time and full-time tracks, as well as an Executive MBA (EMBA) for experienced professionals. Belmont’s strong ties to Nashville’s business and entertainment industries provide students with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and networking.
The full-time MBA program at Belmont can be completed in about 18 months, while the part-time program allows working professionals to take courses at their own pace. The curriculum includes core business courses in finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, with concentrations in areas such as healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and music business. Belmont’s MBA program is accredited by AACSB, ensuring that students receive a top-quality business education.
One of the key features of Belmont’s MBA program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students can participate in internships, consulting projects, and networking events with industry leaders in Nashville. Belmont’s location in Music City also makes it an attractive option for students interested in careers in the entertainment industry, healthcare, or entrepreneurship.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Belmont’s MBA program is ranked among the top 100 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with recognition for its focus on healthcare management and entrepreneurship.
Number of Students
- Approximately 80 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 50%, offering accessibility while maintaining selectivity.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though waivers are available for students with significant work experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- HCA Healthcare
- Sony Music Entertainment
- Tractor Supply Company
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
- Warner Music Group
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Belmont MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $90,000 per year, with additional bonuses and opportunities for advancement in industries such as healthcare, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
Notable Alumni
- Brad Paisley: Country music star and entrepreneur.
- Trisha Yearwood: Grammy-winning singer and entrepreneur.
- John Seigenthaler: Founder of The Tennessean and former President of the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Jennings A. Jones College of Business
Overview
Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Jennings A. Jones College of Business offers a flexible and affordable MBA program that is designed to meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals. The MTSU MBA program is AACSB-accredited, providing students with a high-quality education that is recognized nationally. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, MTSU’s program is particularly well-regarded for its focus on management, marketing, and business analytics.
The MTSU MBA offers a flexible format, with both online and on-campus options available. Full-time students can complete the program in about two years, while part-time students can take courses at their own pace. The curriculum covers core business subjects such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, with elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as marketing, human resources, or supply chain management. The program also emphasizes practical learning through internships, consulting projects, and case studies.
One of the key features of MTSU’s MBA program is its affordability. As a public institution, MTSU offers one of the most cost-effective MBA programs in Tennessee, making it an attractive option for students looking to advance their careers without taking on significant debt. The school’s location in the Nashville metropolitan area provides students with excellent networking opportunities and access to top companies in industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- MTSU’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its affordability and strong ties to the local business community.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 60%, offering accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 550, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- Nissan North America
- Asurion
- Bridgestone
- HCA Healthcare
- Schneider Electric
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of MTSU’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $80,000 per year, with opportunities for growth in management and leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- James Buchanan: Nobel Prize-winning economist.
- Bart Gordon: Former U.S. Congressman and Chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology.
- Chris Young: Country music star and entrepreneur.
The University of Memphis – Fogelman College of Business and Economics
Overview
The Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis offers an MBA program that is particularly well-regarded for its focus on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Fogelman MBA is designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in leadership roles in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and logistics. The program is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes experiential learning through internships, consulting projects, and real-world case studies.
The University of Memphis offers several MBA tracks, including a full-time MBA, a part-time MBA, an Executive MBA (EMBA) for experienced professionals, and an online MBA for students who need flexibility. The full-time MBA program can be completed in about two years, while part-time and online students can take courses at their own pace. The curriculum covers core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, with the option to specialize in fields like entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and information systems.
One of the standout features of the Fogelman MBA is its strong ties to Memphis’s business community. Memphis is home to major companies such as FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper, providing students with excellent opportunities for internships, networking, and job placements. The Fogelman College also offers specialized career services to help students achieve their professional goals.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Fogelman is ranked among the top 100 MBA programs nationally by BusinessWeek, with recognition for its leadership and entrepreneurship programs.
Number of Students
- Approximately 200 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 55%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 580, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- FedEx
- International Paper
- AutoZone
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- ServiceMaster
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Fogelman MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $85,000 per year, with higher earnings in leadership and management roles.
Notable Alumni
- Fred Smith: Founder and CEO of FedEx.
- Pitt Hyde: Founder of AutoZone.
- J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III: Philanthropist and businessman, co-founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.