Valparaiso University is a private, Lutheran institution of higher education, offering students high-quality business degrees through the College of Business. Valparaiso is an intimate campus, with a total student body population of just over 3,500. All classes are taught by top-notch professors, and the average student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The high achieving students at Valparaiso have a 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation, and approximately half of the alumni also further their education with a graduate degree. The award-winning COB is accredited by the AACSB, and in 2018 the MBA program was recognized by the Princeton Review among the best programs in the nation. Additionally, the MBA program is designated as a Best Green MBA for preparing students in the areas of sustainability.
Education
Upon completing a well-rounded business core, students will select a major in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, or Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Students can also combine the study of two in-demand career fields by earning a BS in Integrated Business and Engineering. Prior to graduation, all students gain hands-on experience through completing an internship or co-op, and develop research skills while working on their capstone course. Throughout college, students will also be evaluated on their business skills two different times through a half-day business simulation. These simulations will be recorded and analyzed by business professionals, and students will receive a summary of their strengths and areas in which they need to improve.
Seniors can gain a jumpstart on preparing for management positions through the Global MBA/4+1 program. With this unique program, students can graduate with their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. This program focuses on international business and features a study abroad trip. Working professionals can obtain the Professional MBA by attending classes in the evening. This program is considered part-time and typically takes two years to complete. MBA students can tailor their degree to meet their needs by adding a concentration in Business Intelligence, Engineering Management, Finance, General Business, Management, or SAP/ERP.
Student Life
The COB hosts a variety of career readiness programs, such as workshops, mock interviews, and etiquette dinners. Valparaiso is only a one-hour drive from Chicago, so students frequently take field trips to learn first-hand about the region’s largest employers. Students have earned credit for internships completed at Bank First National, the FBI, and Walgreens. Through the study abroad program, business students have the opportunity to spend a full year in Germany participating in the dynamic Enhanced International Business in Germany program or in France studying at the La Rochelle Business School. Students are encouraged to get involved in either the Beta Gamma Sigma or Alpha Iota Delta Honor Society, and top students are hand-picked to serve on the Dean’s Leadership Council.
Online Programs
The MBA Live program allows students to participate fully in classroom discussions via several video monitors throughout the classroom. Presenters also can give speeches to the class without ever stepping foot on campus. This modern set-up is perfect for students who thrive off of peer interaction, but require remote access due to location.