Academics
Offering part-time and full-time hybrid MBA options, as well as an online degree, University of Tennessee at Martin is a friendly, flexible, and low-key place to get a quality business education. The character of the MBA is largely defined by the fact that “UT Martin is a small campus and small school,” which encourages relationships and networking within the College of Business. One of the many goals of the MBA curriculum includes developing strong communication and teamwork skills, and “the program requires regular engagement with faculty and fellow students” through both classes and group projects. A current student enthuses, “I love that my professors know my name and connect with me on a level deeper than just academics.” The MBA curriculum is focused on the principles of general management, kicking off with a series of core courses in accounting, management, economics, and other key areas, followed by electives. Within the business school, “all professors are good, some are excellent,” including strong faculty in finance, management, and other areas.
When students analyze the costs and benefits of pursuing an MBA, the numbers come out in favor of a UT Martin degree. At this state-run school, “the tuition cost is extremely low for an AACSB-accredited degree.” Plus, many recent graduates are “offered a graduate assistant position,” which helps cover the cost of their education in exchange for working with a UT professor. Convenience and flexibility are also key factors for local professionals. The school offers a hybrid program in Martin, which can be completed either full-time or part-time. MBA candidates attend classes 5 Saturdays per semester, while completing the remainder of the class online, while maintaining full-time employment during the day. While MBA students have a lot on their plate, “academically it is appropriately rigorous, but not too overwhelming for a working adult.” Hybrid students can also opt for an MBA with Agricultural Option, which includes taking online Agricultural Economics courses in lieu of MBA elective courses.
In addition to its hybrid program, University of Tennessee—Martin operates a twenty-month fully online MBA for working professionals, whose schedules require the “flexibility of online classes.” This program is principally directed at financial services professionals, though coursework covers all important business areas, from marketing to ethics. In the online program, students “usually watch recorded lectures and attend live meetings with the professor and the class once a week.” In contrast to the hybrid program, the online curriculum is entirely “cohort-based,” which means students complete the core “one class at a time” and in tandem with the same group of students throughout the program. While they do not benefit from face-to-face networking, online students “regularly work with students in workgroups from all around the US using video chat, email, and other collaboration tools.” Students describe the experience as “relaxed but challenging,” and say, “The professors are willing to go above and beyond to keep the students engaged.” When it comes to running the online group, the “administration is absolutely excellent,” and they help to “keep us on track” throughout the course of the year-and-a-half program.
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