University of Tennessee at Knoxville's Haslam College of Business

The University of Tennessee Haslam MBA: What You Need To Know

The University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business has offered their quality MBA since 1966 and is ranked #17 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. The program’s small cohort of around 50 students per year makes for an immersive academic setting and allows for personalized interaction with faculty, staff, and peers. By design, these small cohorts enable students to create and sustain connections with a cohort of diverse insights and business experiences.

“There are over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at UT,” says Tom Bates, director of admissions. “The Tennessee MBA keeps enrollment at 50-55 – with a strong focus on community and collaboration. We look for individuals who thrive in a team culture. Additionally, individuals in the MBA community represent different backgrounds, with varying interests and experiences.

“When all is said and done, this creates a dynamic cohort experience and you’re learning a lot from one another. The MBA is a transformational experience – we have the resources with faculty, staff, and dynamic learning experiences, to enhance.”

The Full-Time 16-month MBA program begins in August and spans one and a half academic years on campus, with each semester broken down into eight-week terms. To be considered for admission, prospective students are asked to submit a GMAT or GRE exam score, essay responses, an updated resume, and official transcripts. Applicants are also asked to attend a formal interview with the selection committee.

Students complete 48 credit hours to fulfill the Full-Time MBA requirements. The first year incorporates a significant amount of teamwork, with foundational coursework in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management. Full-Time MBA alumni say the program’s Business Skills Development courses are critical in developing a variety of competencies including presentation, interviewing, storytelling, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and polishing public speaking.

In their final semester, students have the opportunity to customize their MBA by choosing from five concentration areas: Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, and Consulting.

The college offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, such as a variety of student organizations, including Big Orange Consulting Club, Grads to Golf, Torch Fund, Tennessee Organization of MBAs, National Association of Women MBAs, and the Association for Graduate Business Veterans. Full-Time MBA students can put classroom knowledge to the test by participating in case competitions and the Global Business Seminar experience.