West Virginia University – John Chambers College of Business and Economics
Overview
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University (WVU) is one of the leading business schools in the state, offering a robust and well-regarded MBA program. The school is named after John Chambers, the former CEO of Cisco Systems and a West Virginia native. WVU’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets global standards. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking, making it ideal for students seeking to advance their careers in management and entrepreneurship.
WVU’s full-time MBA program can be completed in one year and offers a comprehensive business education that includes core courses in finance, marketing, accounting, and management, along with various electives in fields like energy, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through consulting projects, internships, and the WVU Experiential Learning Program, where students work with real companies to solve business challenges.
WVU’s MBA program is known for its close ties to regional industries, particularly in energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, providing students with excellent job placement opportunities. The school also has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with resources like the Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which helps students launch their own businesses.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The WVU MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national top 50 but is highly regarded regionally for its focus on entrepreneurship and leadership.
Number of Students
- Approximately 50 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 60%, making it moderately competitive.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 600, though GMAT waivers are available for candidates with significant work experience or strong academic records.
Top Hiring Companies
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals
- Dominion Energy
- U.S. Department of Energy
- BB&T Corporation
- CAMC Health System
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of WVU’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $85,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and opportunities for career growth in management and leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- John Chambers: Former CEO of Cisco Systems.
- Ray Lane: Former President of Oracle Corporation and partner at Kleiner Perkins.
- Gordon Gee: President of West Virginia University and former President of The Ohio State University.
Marshall University – Lewis College of Business
Overview
Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program that focuses on providing students with the skills needed to excel in leadership roles within industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology. Located in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited and designed to provide students with a comprehensive business education while also offering flexibility for working professionals.
Marshall’s MBA program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with classes offered in the evenings to accommodate the needs of working professionals. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months for full-time students, while part-time students can take longer to finish their degree. The curriculum covers essential business areas such as finance, marketing, management, and operations, with opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, and financial management.
Marshall’s MBA program is known for its affordability and strong connections to local and regional industries. The university’s close ties to healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and manufacturing companies in the region provide students with excellent opportunities for internships, consulting projects, and job placements. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in case studies, internships, and real-world business projects.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Marshall University’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is regionally recognized for its affordability and strong focus on healthcare management and leadership.
Number of Students
- Approximately 60 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 65%, offering accessibility to a broad range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 550, though GMAT waivers are available for students with relevant professional experience or strong undergraduate academic performance.
Top Hiring Companies
- St. Mary’s Medical Center
- Cabell Huntington Hospital
- Amazon
- United Bank
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Marshall University’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $80,000 per year, with higher earnings for those entering healthcare and finance roles.
Notable Alumni
- Brad D. Smith: Former CEO of Intuit.
- Mike D’Antoni: Former NBA head coach.
- General Chuck Yeager: First pilot to break the sound barrier and Marshall University honorary degree recipient.
Shepherd University – College of Business
Overview
Shepherd University’s College of Business offers an MBA program that is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in leadership and management. Located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the program focuses on providing students with practical business skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Shepherd University’s MBA program is particularly well-suited for working professionals who need flexibility in their education.
The Shepherd MBA program offers both online and hybrid formats, allowing students to complete their degree at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments. The program can be completed in two years, with core courses covering business fundamentals such as accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Students can also choose to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, public management, or human resources.
One of the defining features of Shepherd’s MBA program is its focus on small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students participating in case studies, internships, and consulting projects with local businesses. Shepherd’s location in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, close to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, provides students with access to a wide range of career opportunities in government, healthcare, and finance.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Shepherd University’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its flexibility and strong ties to local industries.
Number of Students
- Approximately 40 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 70%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 520, though the program offers waivers for students with significant professional experience or strong academic performance.
Top Hiring Companies
- WVU Medicine
- Jefferson County Schools
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- American Public University System
- United Bank
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Shepherd’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $70,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement in management and leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- James W. Stuckey: Former Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Tom E. Lipinski: CEO of Jefferson Security Bank.
- John Doyle: Former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
West Virginia Wesleyan College – Thomas H. Albinson School of Business
Overview
West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Thomas H. Albinson School of Business offers a unique MBA program that is designed to provide students with a values-based education in business leadership. Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia, the program emphasizes ethical leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility. West Virginia Wesleyan’s MBA program is AACSB-accredited and offers students a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and close interaction with faculty.
The MBA program at West Virginia Wesleyan is available in both full-time and part-time formats, providing flexibility for students who are working while pursuing their degree. The full-time program can be completed in as little as one year, while part-time students can take longer to complete their degree. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, marketing, operations, and management, with elective options in areas such as nonprofit management, leadership, and sustainability.
West Virginia Wesleyan’s MBA program is known for its focus on ethical leadership and community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, service-learning projects, and consulting engagements with local nonprofits and businesses. The program also emphasizes sustainability, with courses that explore the role of business in addressing social and environmental challenges.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- West Virginia Wesleyan’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but is regionally recognized for its focus on ethical leadership and community engagement.
Number of Students
- Approximately 30 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 75%, offering accessibility to a diverse range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 530, though the program offers waivers for students with professional experience or strong academic backgrounds.
Top Hiring Companies
- Mon Health
- FirstEnergy
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing
- Appalachian Regional Healthcare
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of West Virginia Wesleyan’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $65,000 per year, with opportunities for growth in management and leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- Lynne D. Lightfoot: Senior Vice President of Mon Health.
- Dr. James Moore: CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
- Matthew Bond: CFO of United Bankshares, Inc.