Louisiana State University - E. J. Ourso College of Business

Louisiana State University’s E. J. Ourso College of Business unites “a great quality curriculum, impressive career placement, and low tuition costs” in a single prestigious program. This large public school serves the needs of a diverse business community by offering four tracks to an MBA: full-time, Professional MBA (part-time), Executive MBA, and online, while maintaining an “outstanding reputation on a national level.” For all students, the MBA begins with a core curriculum in business fundamentals, including accounting, marketing, and finance. After completing the core, “students get a lot of freedom in choosing their electives,” which range from entrepreneurship to IT management. Of particular note, the school distinguishes itself with “one of the best internal audit programs in the country.” Special academic programs further compliment coursework; for example, the entrepreneurship programs offers “real-world coursework that allows students to work with local business upstarts in obtaining venture capital.”

At LSU, the classroom experience is top notch. “Classes are well structured and academically challenging,” and “the small class size makes getting access to professors easy.” Professors are generally “well accomplished in their careers,” but never look down their noses at students. On the contrary, they are “open to new ideas and shape lectures based on student input, student interest, and current events.” Incorporating lots of discussion and group work, classes are “structured in a way that resembles a work environment rather than a normal classroom.” Through case studies and presentations, students are called upon to “discuss real-world applications in all classes instead of just learning the theories behind the topics.” By encouraging a deeper involvement with the material, professors “really create a learning and participatory environment that encourages thinking.”

The real world is never far from the classroom, and LSU makes a point of “connecting us with area business leaders and exposing us to opportunities with local companies.” As a result, “LSU is known around the South for having one of the best MBA programs,” as well as a loyal alumni base.

The LSU Flores program knows that MBA candidates want to land choice jobs after gradua- tion, and “all levels of administration are focused on placing students into their jobs of choice by rigorous career management and a high level of academics.” Real-world skills are taught throughout the program, and students “get lessons on everything from dinner etiquette to attire and interviewing.” “The fact that LSU has such a strong connection with Louisiana companies and businesses from the surrounding local areas, really provides benefit to stu- dents.” LSU also connects students with “a vast network of alumni that come back to the school to speak and recruit.” For full-time students, “the internship program is remarkable,” offering the opportunity to get their feet wet in the real world. In addition to business school programs, graduate students can make use of LSU’s Career Services. There is an annual career fair, which serves the entire campus, as well as a special career reception for just the business college.

Finance and accounting are the two most popular fields for LSU graduates, capturing more than 35 percent of the student body. Operations and marketing follow, together comprising more than a third of the students. The average salary for LSU graduates is about $60,000, with offers ranging from $45,000 to $100,000, depending on a student’s field and indus- try. JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Albemarle, ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, Entergy Corporation, PwC, and Chevron are among LSU’s recent employ- ers. By graduation, 70 percent of MBA students had already accepted an offer, and another 24 percent joined them three months later.

For LSU Flores MBA candidates, the lifestyle at LSU is well-rounded and rewarding. Coursework is very time consuming, but “there is a strong sense of camaraderie among students, which is fueled by long hours spent working on group projects.” Plus, “the curric- ulum is challenging, but is beautifully balanced by constant social opportunities.” Among the many options within the business school, “The LSU Flores MBA Association has made great efforts to sponsor social events, so students get a chance to meet their classmates.” In addition, students are involved in numerous philanthropic projects around Baton Rouge, and “regularly partner with Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, and Boys Hope Girls Hope.” Even those who rarely participate in campus activities are quick to admit that, “LSU athletic events are the experience of a lifetime, especially football games at Tiger Stadium.”

“Baton Rouge is easily one of the top college towns in the country,” offering a plethora of inexpensive, student-oriented fun. In their free time, classmates “get together to participate in amateur sports leagues, foreign movie night, charity events, Mardi Gras, Baton Rouge Art Melt, and marathons.” Those who love the South are particularly happy here, noting that, “Louisiana State University is fueled by deep southern traditions, rooted in cultures and customs that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the nation.”