The University of Wisconsin- River Falls offers an exceptional business education through the College of Business and Economics. The COBE is comprised of four departments: Accounting and Finance, Computer Science and Information Systems, Economics, and Management and Marketing. Students report being highly satisfied with their experience through a survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. In fact, the data from this survey places UW-River Falls 8th in the nation for being worth the expense. Additionally, US News and World Report lists UW-River Falls in its “Best Regional University” category.
The COBE holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools. In 2019, the COBE was recognized as a Top University Sales Program. Over $2.4 million is awarded annually in scholarships to assist with tuition expenses. With just one application, students can earn scholarships ranging from $500 to a full-ride. The ROTC program is housed within the COBE, and cadets are eligible for full tuition, room and board, a monthly stipend, and textbook expenses.
Education
Undergraduate students who choose to pursue Business Administration can customize their degree with an emphasis in Finance, Management, Marketing, or Marketing Professional Sales. Other degree options include Accounting, Computer Science and Information Systems, Economics, and the only program in Wisconsin for Data Science and Predictive Analytics. Adults who have been out of school are welcome to return and earn their bachelor’s degree in Business Administration through the Adult Degree Completion program.
Graduate students can choose between the Master of Business Administration or the Master of Science in Computer Science degree. The 33-credit hour MBA curriculum consists of seven core courses and four electives. Some of the elective options include Human Resource Management, Innovation and Design, Leading Change, International Business, and Team Engagement. MBA students have the option of pursuing a specialized track in either Innovation or Leadership. All classes are designed to accommodate working students, and meet in the evenings at the UW- River Falls Hudson Center.
Student Life
Students can foster strong relationships with their peers by living in the COBE Living Learning Community. In 2014, the Center for Innovation and Business Development opened its doors and new opportunities for students to engage with the community. Students gain hands-on experience through performing consulting projects for small businesses. The Innovation Challenge kicks off every fall with a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions. In March, students present their ideas at the University for a chance to win up to $2,000. Students can also apply to the WI Big Idea Tournament, held in April, where they have the potential to win $25,000. In May, the International Business Model Competition brings an additional chance to win $30,000. These competitions are judged by local businesses, and thus are a great way for students to network. Students are encouraged to complete a summer internship in order to gain experience, learn about different career opportunities, and prepare for a successful future. The CBE Internship Office is happy to assist students in securing an internship.