The University of Michigan is also featured in our ranking The Top 10 Online Business Degree Programs and Business Schools.
University of Michigan Business Degrees
The University of Michigan (UM) is a public research university that was founded in Detroit in 1817. It is a thriving and growing academic institution with a mission of leadership development. As the state’s oldest university, it has continuously expanded to now include its main campus in Ann Arbor, campuses in Flint and Dearborn, and a center in Detroit. The Ann Arbor campus is home to 584 academic and residential buildings. In addition to its undergraduate programs, UM offers highly ranked master and doctorate level degrees in social science, technology, engineering, humanities, mathematics, and science. Each of these programs contains an international focus and many offer study abroad semesters or other opportunities for global engagement. The campuses boast a thriving student life including participation in Division I of the NCAA and student organizations focusing on civic engagement, technology development, and environmental justice.
In 1837, UM relocated its main campus to 40 acres of property in Ann Arbor. 1841 marked the first classes offered on the new campus, and 11 students graduated in 1845. Towards the end of the 19th century, UM began expanding its offerings to include several professional programs including agriculture, medicine, and engineering. The university continued growing in the first few decades of the 1900’s with the addition of new residence halls and academic buildings devoted to research and medicine. Today, the living alumni of UM number 540,000, and the undergraduate population at UM is made up of almost 30,000 students.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business
UM’s Ross School of Business has a high reputation internationally for producing well-prepared and critical-thinking graduates at every level. Curriculums integrate hands-on learning and experience with mentorship, theory, and critical thinking. Several degree programs are offered through the Ross School of Business including a Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and doctorate level business degrees.
The undergraduate degree focuses on ethical and sustainable business practices that allow students to become leaders in their future careers. The program incorporates many opportunities for hands-on learning including study abroad options and internships where students work closely with business professionals. A multi-disciplinary curriculum includes themes of leadership, diversity, and global experience.
UM’s MBA programs provide a variety of options for students who cannot attend classes on a traditional schedule. These include evening and weekend programs as well as a conventional daytime MBA. The evening and weekend programs provide maximum flexibility for students with full-time jobs or other life obligations. With these courses of study, students may select a schedule that works for their lifestyle each semester by taking evening weekday classes or longer weekend intensives. Within the MBA degree, students may choose from a general, comprehensive degree or the more specialized options of Executive MBA and Global MBA. The Executive degree track is designed for students who hope to take on high leadership roles within organizations. Courses such as Leadership Development and Executive Multidisciplinary Action Project provide rigorous training and hands-on experience in creating administrative and leadership skills. The Global MBA degree is a 16-month program that aims to prepare graduates for careers in an international business environment. An immersive three-month study abroad program in Japan, Korea, and China creates opportunities for global networking and real-world international experiences.
The Ross School of Business PhD program is a research-focused degree that prepares graduates to teach at top-tier universities and to contribute to the field through innovative research and development. Candidates work closely with experienced faculty from a variety of disciplines to prepare a dissertation that connects theory with practical and current solutions. Research areas include accounting, business communication, business economics, business law, finance, management and organizations, marketing, strategy, sustainability, and technology operations.
University of Michigan Accreditation Details
The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is recognized by the United States Department of Education as an accrediting agency. UM was first accredited in 1913 and had its accreditation renewed 2010.
The Ross School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
University of Michigan Application Requirements
Students applying for undergraduate business degrees from UM will begin the business curriculum the second year of their studies at UM. High school students with high SAT or ACT scores and a high GPA will be considered for admission to the Ross School of Business upon acceptance to UM. Students who wish to be considered for this priority acceptance must also submit a portfolio in which they describe their career interests and include essays that display critical thinking ability. Freshman UM students may also apply for admission to the business undergraduate program and will be considered based on their first-year performance.
Graduate applicants are required to submit past and current undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and a current resume. Additionally, candidates must write a series of essays that describe their professional experience and research or career goals. Outstanding applicants will be invited to interview with a Ross alum or faculty member. Applicants must include a $200 application fee with their materials. International applicants and applicants from underrepresented groups are supported in this process through partnering organizations and university staff.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The full-time MBA program tuition is $62,300 per year for Michigan residents and $67,300 per year for out-of-state students. Additionally, students can expect to spend about $25,000 per year on other expenses such as housing, health, and course supplies. Students who apply to the MBA program are automatically considered for available scholarships which range in amount from full tuition t0 $10,000. Global MBA students will be considered for a number of specialized scholarships through the Tauber Institute for Global Operations.
All Ross PhD students receive full funding throughout their course of study. This five-year package includes a tuition waver, health insurance, and a stipend. Students will engage in a graduate assistantship where they will aid in research and teach University of Michigan undergraduate business courses.