University of Michigan—Ann Arbor - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

The “world-class community and academic institution” found in the Michigan Ross Online MBA program provides a balanced learning experience, offering a blend of live online classes (including group projects and presentations), asynchronous learning, and three in-person residencies in the United States or abroad. There are also “many opportunities for students to come onto campus,” whether attending elective courses on campus, events like the Positive Business Conference or case competitions, or even taking in a football game. Live, interactive classes are broadcast through the school’s Convatec Digital Learning Studio, and a student says that “the curriculum is blended perfectly with the technology to make us feel close to one another even though we typically meet virtually,” adding that “when we come to campus, it feels like we are seeing established friends.”
Faculty provide the same welcome in their methods of teaching and discussion, and “support from professors in a virtual environment is very high.” Students say it is clear that they have “invested a significant amount of resources and time into developing a curriculum…that makes sure we are engaged, interested, and in constant conversation.” The administration is similarly “willing to receive feedback, use the information, and change the program to what the students prefer and desire to learn.” While “the program is very challenging because it mirrors a traditional MBA program…they structure the courses so you have enough time to complete the class work and still maintain your work/life as much as possible,” and students say that “leadership has provided an honest and accurate representation of the workload.” Though few hitches are reported, “there is always a real person you can talk to if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.” As one student notes, “I could feel this program not only wants me to walk out with a degree but also wants me to walk out with practical knowledge in business operations and a robust network.”

Students feel that the school’s “superior reputation,” particularly in the business community, as well as its “extensive alumni network,” gives them a leg up in their job opportunities. Ross offers many resources to help students with their career goals, including allowing students to apply what they learn in class and network with potential employers through mini-consulting projects called Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) and work virtually with companies like Uber and Coinbase to solve real-world problems (and earn credit doing so). Students can also meet with a career counselor in person for advice and strategy, and there is “a robust recruiting program with highly successful alumni,” which stands at more than 667,000 for the university, with Ross comprising 56,000 of the members. The program helps students “grow in their current fields or change fields through the access to on-campus recruiting and the career direction office.” One student reports that they were “able to receive five total offers from global investment banks after recruiting this fall due to the resources Ross provides,” while another says, “I have already received a raise, and my manager has put me in front of clients and executive leadership more often.” The school reports that graduates receive and average base starting salary of $139,558.