North Carolina State University - Poole College of Management

Academics

The Jenkins MBA at NC State University’s Poole College of Management places a large emphasis on skills that will tie directly into the strengths of the region. With its main campus located in the state capital of Raleigh and a satellite location in Research Triangle Park, “a focus on technology and innovation” with “a strong emphasis on hands-on experiences.” For future-oriented students, the “emphasis on real world projects and technology focus in many classes” makes NC State “one of the best values for a full-time MBA in the country.” This “emphasis on real world, hands-on learning differentiates it from the other programs in the area,” especially the “focus on technology and innovation.” Indeed, one student notes, “This is a program for people who want to lead teams and stay on the cutting edge of technology.”Though high achievement is expected, cutthroat academics are not. Here the “atmosphere is congenial but focused,” and “teamwork is highly emphasized.” Because most classes take place in the same building, “there is a great deal of interaction with other students.” Students who are “focused on career success and money” may be disappointed that “that is not the case at NC State,” but others will be pleased to find that educators here “care a lot about sustainability” and showcasing how business fits into the larger world. School administration shows “an almost fanatical focus on improvement and a willingness to experiment.” The result is that despite its relative newness, “some elements of the program are already receiving national attention (Supply Chain, the Entrepreneurship Program) and some will soon (the Consumer Behavior initiative).”