Wright State University - Raj Soin College of Business

Wright State University’s Raj Soin College of Business offers a “great education for a low price.” In addition to a traditional full-time MBA, Wright state offers cohort MBA programs that meet in the evenings or on the weekends to accommodate the needs of working students. The weekend program is held at three different campuses in the Dayton area to maximize convenience. The majority of students attend part time, and they appreciate that they can get a “great” education without “sacrificing too much of their work life,” and that the school is “very commuter friendly.” Students at other part-time MBA programs often complain about their ability to get into classes, but at Wright State, “picking and choosing classes online is very easy and convenient,” and there are always “many seats available.”

The academic program at Wright State provides an in-depth, multi-disciplinary understanding of business, while emphasizing ethics and sustainability and a global perspective. Some students are required to take foundation courses, though students who took similar classes as undergraduates and did well in them may be exempt. After that, students take eight core courses, such as Analysis of Global Economic Conditions, Leading Teams and Organizations, and Legal and Ethical Decision Making to gain a deeper understanding of business. Students can then choose a concentration in one of seven areas, including Economics, Finance, International Business, and Project Management to further specialize in their fields of interest. Wright University’s study-abroad program is designed for working professionals and part-time students, which is rare. Trips to China and Paris are offered during Spring Break, and students have the opportunity to take classes and meet with international business leaders while learning more about global markets and economic issues.

Classes at Wright State “foster innovation and creativity.” “Lectures and discussions revolve around real-world experiences,” and professors create “safe spaces where students and their point of view is respected.” The workload is “challenging,” but “manageable,” which is another bonus for working students. Most professors are “top-notch” and “passionate” and “provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the real world,” though there are some who “make students wish that tenure was eliminated.” Overall, however, dedicated professors are one of the many aspects of life at Wright State that help students “become well-rounded business professionals.” “This school is on the rise,” one student says, “and is poised to be a leader not only in the country, but the world.”

Many Wright State students are already employed and are receiving tuition assistance from their current employers, so lots of students in the program aren’t hoping to score a new job after graduation. Those who are, however, will benefit from Wright State’s Career Services center, which actively works with local companies to determine their staffing needs. The Center hosts recruiting and networking events, as well as onsite interviews, and it provides personal career counseling. “Professors, administrative staff, and alumni are always willing to help any student in the job hunt” as well. Some students would like to see Wright State put more effort into its career services for business students and increase alumni networking opportunities.

“Wright State University attracts students that are truly interested in their education.” Students are “extremely hard-working and motivated, dedicated, and passionate about improving their breadth of knowledge and applying this to make a difference.” The stu- dent body is a “mix of those just out of college undergraduate studies, students with a few years of experience, and students who have been in the workplace for a long time,” and “many are pursuing a second or third master’s degree.” The student body at Wright State is also “very diverse.” One student says, “You can meet hardworking students of all colors, nationalities, genders, ages, etc., in your classes.” You’re guaranteed to hear “different per- spectives on issues,” and students report that being exposed to “different viewpoints and life experiences enhances their learning experience.”

Since the majority of students work full time and have demanding home lives, many of them don’t have the opportunity to socialize with their peers. “I just drive to class after work and go to school and go home,” one student explains. An upside of this is “the major- ity understand what each other are going through and are willing to help.” Though many do disappear after class, one student says, “The lobby in the business school is always full with students socializing and working on school-related activities and projects.” There are many business-oriented clubs, such as those dedicated to accounting and finance, as well as all kinds of organizations and intramural teams offered by Wright State University, should students find themselves with some free time.