University of San Diego - School of Business

The global entrepreneurial focus of the MBA program at the University of San Diego School of Business affords students the opportunity to gain “Incredible international experience” practically right out of the gate. Students can choose between the Full-Time or the Part-Time Hybrid MBA program. The Full-Time program includes a semester-long consulting project (or two international consulting practicums for those on the International Business track), and students may choose from several concentrations, including International Business, New Venture Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Enterprise. USD School of Business pushes sustainability and corporate social responsibility to be at the forefront of all studies and there is a “large moral component integrated into the curriculum.” The program coordinator is “readily available, knowledgeable about the program, and eager to help students”; the libraries “have great hours,” “a great mix of guest speakers come through on a regular basis”; and “the international opportunities to consult abroad and see business operations in different countries is outstanding.” In general, “there are abundant resources” all around.

Professors are “the biggest assets of the business school as they have both experience in teaching and industry,” and “all the staff and professors are approachable.” Many have an impressive work history and are “active in journal/study publishing, entrepreneurial pitch competitions, [and] textbook authorship,” and all are “committed to the growth of their students.” The proactive activities of faculty “stimulate their students’ innovation” and “encourages them to be the change they want to see in business and in the world.” Students do have some complaints about the course organization and planning, however, as oftentimes required courses will be scheduled simultaneously.

The USD School of Business is “well-involved with the local community” and has an “outstanding reputation” among west coast companies, as well as “a well-connected alumni network in San Diego and around the country” that “remain in touch with the school are very helpful and always willing to share their thoughts and ideas on careers and networking.” Many students say that Career Services “needs to put in some actual work that benefits students” rather than “just giving out advice,” as “employment office opportunities [are] somewhat sparse.” Luckily, there is a strong entrepreneurial focus coursing throughout the program, with “many different pitch competitions as well as opportunities to get your idea in front of VCs or Angel Investors.” The School of Business “actively coordinates use of the law school’s center for structuring IP protections around students’ business proposals.” Employers for recent USD grads include Cymer, EDF Renewable Energy, Audacity, EHL, and Solar Turbines.

Life at USD is “very happening” and is “a great mix of both academics and extracurricular activities such as club events, networking events, speaker series and guests from the industry.” The campus is one of the most gorgeous places to study: “Sitting high on a hill in sunny San Diego overlooking the ocean.” The school “takes great steps to foster a feeling of ‘community’ among its students” and the diverse and very international student body is “incredibly intelligent and very forward thinking” and “tolerant of other people and their views.” “There is a firm understanding in the value of learning from each other’s varied experiences beyond our own,” says a student. Sporting activities and club events are extremely popular, and the convivial vibe among the small classes is ever present. “I am very impressed with my cohort… they are friendly, bright, and sociable. I would absolutely hire them,” says one student.