University of Memphis - Fogelman College of Business and Economics

Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis is a no-nonsense professional MBA program designed for working people “from all walks of business life” who are looking to further their careers but who don’t have a lot of time or energy to waste. The school has a solid reputation among locally-based businesses like FedEx. One student holds Memphis in such high regard that she has two degrees from there: “The University of Memphis is where I received my BBA in accounting. I liked my experience there, and I knew that an MBA from there would open many doors in the company that I work for.”

Students say their “very knowledgeable” professors “present concepts completely” and help them relate the course material to practice. “Each of them has done extensive research in their field and [is] noted to be among the best in the country for their area of expertise.” Another student says: “Every professor is interested in the development of each student into future managers and business leaders.” The administration does not receive the same ringing endorsement, however. Some take issue with the allocation of funds in certain areas. One student was succinct and blunt: “Solid professors, good academic experience, but really bad administration that spends money” excessively.

Some students also have difficulty with course selection and enrollment; many required or desired classes are offered only once per semester under limited enrollment, and these courses “often conflict with each other.” Since pretty much all of the courses take place in the evenings to accommodate the vast majority of students who have day jobs, there’s very little leeway in terms of scheduling. But these night classes also give part-time and full-time students the opportunity to interact with each other through “small classes and heavy teamwork,” something not found in a lot of MBA programs. “A lot of projects are team-based, so you get to know classmates very well.” One student takes away warm feelings about the camaraderie he felt at the school: “I have a new set of best friends. I never thought it was possible after reaching age forty.”

In keeping with the no-frills approach to the program, however, the facilities tend toward the sparse side. Several students expressed disdain for the academic buildings and equipment and spoke of the need for “more technology in the classroom.” One student said the classrooms “need better seating. The desks were made for 4th graders.”

Some students say the program needs better ties to “big industries” to provide those students seeking out new or nonlocal careers with better job prospects. Fortunately for the students looking to stay in the area (and there are many), “there are several excellent companies in the area, also, that recruit heavily,” and since the student body is, as one student puts it, “not nearly as competitive as I expected,” everyone is “very supportive” and happy to help each other land available positions. Another boon to the school’s local reputation is the recently formed partnership with the Leadership Academy. The partnership, known as the Community Internship, gives MBA students the chance to team with Leadership Academy fellows on projects designed to benefit the community.

The school is located in the midtown area of Memphis, which “is great for students because there are a lot of social establishments nearby” offering “a lot of things for students to do recreationally.” Of course, there are the well-traveled destinations like Graceland (check out Elvis’ gaudy yellow and black rec room), Sun Studios, and the famous Beale Street, with its string of live-music joints and soul food. And the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the old Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr., assassinated in 1968, is a haunting must-see for tourists and locals alike. Overall, “the University of Memphis, like the city of Memphis, is greatly underrated,” one student says.

Since “most graduate students work and commute,” little time is left for a social life outside of the classroom, but there’s a foundation for friendship and networking among the “outgoing” and “friendly” individuals that attend Fogelman. Though some think “the school could put more effort into organized activities for students outside of class,” the “busy” nature of the student body doesn’t lend itself to much free time anyway, so complaints are few. Everyone is in agreement over the variety of backgrounds provided by their classmates: “The graduate population is very diverse, which makes things more interesting.” “You have a great opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds (educational and ethnic),” another student says.