University of Southern Maine - School of Business

University of Southern Maine's MBA program distinguishes itself through strong academics, "relatively low cost," and a decidedly local focus. This "internationally accredited" program is the best choice for Portland-area professionals, offering "convenient class times" and an easily accessible location on the school's main campus. Busy students appreciate that "most professors offer very organized courses with defined expectations and outcomes." Despite efficiency, USM is "not an online school or a 'three-week' MBA, but is a traditional business school with the rigors that come with it." The school augments the part-time program with a special 3-2 degree, through which business undergraduates can earn an MBA with just one additional year of full-time study.

With a strong background in the real world, "faculty is very professional, and topics covered are generally relevant and current." Students explain that "certain professors are more cutting edge and prepare you better for an innovative and sustainable professional culture than others, but the majority stay current and keep you up to date." Maine business plays a central role in the curriculum, and "the professors also do an excellent job using case studies from local companies." On that note, "USM has a lot of connections to the business community and works with them often, which helps create experience and visibility." While the program offers concentrations in accounting, finance, sustainability, or health management and policy, students would "absolutely love the school to offer targeted MBA courses (or someday concentrations) specific to some of Maine's fastest growing industries, such as biotechnology, medical devices, IT, etc." Students also note that "more interpersonal or organizational development classes could be offered as electives," along with a greater focus on entrepreneurship.

Drawing from the local business community, "the majority of USM MBA students study part time and are involved in diverse industry sectors, from food to music to finance to health care and to biotechnology." The varied experience among the student body "keeps business projects and case studies interesting, with diverse opinions and ideas to bring back to my own career." When it comes to staff and administrators, "some will do anything for students, while others will ignore their needs." In addition, students have noticed "political strife among the faculty and administration at the school." At the same time, "it's very easy to get into both required and popular classes" at University of Southern Maine, which distinguishes it from many other part-time business schools, and students are quick to point out that "the good side outweighs the bad by a large margin."

Many of University of Southern Maine's graduate students are already working in the region, with plans to remain at their current companies after graduation. For those who'd like to make a career change, the School of Business Career Services and Internships Office operates an online job development website where current undergraduate and graduate students can search for open positions, take career assessments, and research companies and industries. The office offers resume and cover letter critiques, salary negotiation assistance, and individual career counseling. It also organizes a series of employer sessions, where students can meet with representatives from local companies. In addition to the services offered through the business school, there is a University-wide career fair every spring, which includes opportunities for MBA graduates.

Within the business school, the administration is eager to present new professional opportunities to its students. In addition to online resources, "several times a week we get emails for job and intern openings." In fact, a current student shares, "I get more emails about job openings than anything else from USM. While I am employed, it's nice to see what other opportunities are available in the local market."

On this Portland campus, students join the MBA program from a mix of industries, and encompass a "nice mix of ages, from twenty-two to fifty." In the part-time program, "most MBA students live off campus, work full time, and take classes part time," which means they are rarely able to participate in extracurricular or social activities. "There really isn't that much to do as far as clubs and student organizations are concerned," and, unfortunately, "due to budget issues, the childcare and spouse programs had to be cut last year." However, unlike many part-time programs, "commuter MBA students do have opportunities to join clubs, workshops, and more" at USM. A current student assures us "not many people stay on campus, but those who do have a great time" with their classmates. No matter what their involvement in campus life, "UMS MBA students are incredible friends, mentors, advisors, and team members."

Life at USM has recently made a big step up, as "new buildings were just added" to the business school campus, which "offer study areas and kitchen areas." On the greater campus, "the gym is excellent," and the range of "art and cultural events here are phe- nomenal." Off campus, "the city of Portland offers an amazing quality of life with afford- able housing in the rural suburbs and a great, but safe, night life." With many wonderful restaurants and cafes near campus, "there is always a place to relax with your professors after class or meet with your teammates."