2024 Best MBA Programs in Richmond, VA

University of Richmond

Robins School of Business

• 102 UR Drive, Richmond, VA - 23173
• 

The University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business is a distinguished institution that offers a comprehensive and dynamic MBA program. Located in Richmond, Virginia, the Robins School combines the resources of a top-ranked business school with the broad educational foundation of a national liberal arts college. This unique combination provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to thrive in a complex and global business environment. The school’s commitment to real-world experiences, a strong alumni network, and a focus on strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making make it an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders.

Key Student Benefits

Real-World Experiences

The Robins School of Business emphasizes practical learning through internships, consulting projects, and experiential learning opportunities. This hands-on approach ensures that students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Strong Alumni Network

With a network of over 53,000 alumni, the Robins School provides students with valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. This extensive network can be instrumental in career advancement, offering support and guidance from experienced professionals across various industries.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The MBA program at Robins covers a wide range of subjects, including statistics, analytics, operations and supply chain management, communications, financial modeling, accounting, and marketing. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students develop a solid foundation in essential business skills, preparing them for diverse career paths.

International Exposure

As part of the academic coursework, students are required to participate in an international trip. This global experience broadens their understanding of international business practices and cultural dynamics, making them more effective in a globalized economy.

Career Services

Ranked #13 in the nation for career services by the Princeton Review, the Robins School offers robust support to help students achieve their career goals. From personalized career coaching to networking events and job placement assistance, the school’s career services are designed to ensure student success.

MBA Concentrations Offered by the School

Accounting

• The Accounting concentration at Robins equips students with advanced skills in financial reporting, auditing, and tax planning. This concentration is ideal for those pursuing careers in public accounting, corporate finance, or consulting. For more information, visit the Accounting concentration page.

Business Analytics

• The Business Analytics concentration focuses on data-driven decision-making. Students learn to leverage big data and advanced analytics to solve complex business problems, making them highly valuable in today’s data-centric business environment. For more information, visit the Business Analytics concentration page.

Consulting

• The Consulting concentration prepares students for careers in management consulting by teaching them how to analyze business problems and develop strategic solutions. This concentration is perfect for those looking to work with top consulting firms. For more information, visit the Consulting concentration page.

Finance

• The Finance concentration offers a deep dive into financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance. Students gain the expertise needed to succeed in roles such as investment banking, asset management, and financial consulting. For more information, visit the Finance concentration page.

Marketing

• The Marketing concentration focuses on consumer behavior, brand management, and digital marketing strategies. This concentration prepares students for careers in marketing management, advertising, and market research. For more information, visit the Marketing concentration page.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

• The Operations and Supply Chain Management concentration teaches students how to optimize business processes and supply chains. This concentration is ideal for those interested in roles in operations management, logistics, and production planning. For more information, visit the Operations and Supply Chain Management concentration page.

For more detailed information about the MBA program and its concentrations, visit the Robins School of Business website.

Citations:
[1] https://admissions.richmond.edu/discover/business.html
[2] https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/university-of-richmond-01233
[3] https://robins.richmond.edu
[4] https://msm.richmond.edu
[5] https://execed.richmond.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University

School of Business

• 301 W. Main Street, Box 844000, Richmond, VA - 23284-4000
• 

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business is a premier institution located in Richmond, Virginia, offering a robust MBA program that is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a dynamic and global business environment. As part of a leading urban, public research university, the VCU School of Business combines academic rigor with practical experience, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. The school’s commitment to innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry connections make it an excellent choice for aspiring business professionals.

Key Student Benefits

State-of-the-Art Facilities

VCU’s School of Business features cutting-edge labs, centers, and institutes that provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Facilities like the Capital Markets Center, Customer Experience Lab, and the Center for International Business Advancement offer students the opportunity to engage in real-time stock trading, conduct eye-tracking experiments, and network with industry leaders, respectively.

Strong Career Services

The school has a dedicated Business Career Services center located in Snead Hall, which provides personalized career advice, internship placements, and job search assistance. This support helps students transition smoothly from academic life to professional careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job market.

High Employment and Salary Outcomes

Graduates of the VCU School of Business report strong employment outcomes and competitive starting salaries. The average reported starting salary for undergraduates is $55,805, reflecting the high value employers place on a VCU business education.

National Recognition

VCU’s online MBA program is ranked 32nd nationally by Fortune in 2021, highlighting the program’s quality and the school’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality education options for working professionals.

Extensive Alumni Network

With 72% of alumni living in Virginia, VCU offers a strong local network that can be invaluable for career advancement and professional development. This extensive network provides students with numerous opportunities for mentorship, networking, and job placements within the region.

MBA Concentrations Offered by the School

Finance

• The Finance concentration at VCU equips students with advanced knowledge in financial management, investment analysis, and corporate finance. This concentration is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in investment banking, asset management, or financial consulting. For more information, visit the Finance concentration page.

Global Business

• The Global Business concentration focuses on international business strategies, cross-cultural management, and global market dynamics. Students gain the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the global business environment. For more information, visit the Global Business concentration page.

Information Systems

• The Information Systems concentration prepares students to manage and leverage information technology in business settings. This concentration covers topics such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT project management, making graduates highly valuable in the tech-driven business world. For more information, visit the Information Systems concentration page.

Marketing

• The Marketing concentration at VCU focuses on consumer behavior, digital marketing strategies, and brand management. This concentration prepares students for careers in marketing management, advertising, and market research. For more information, visit the Marketing concentration page.

Real Estate

• The Real Estate concentration provides students with a comprehensive understanding of real estate finance, development, and investment. This concentration is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in real estate development, property management, or real estate investment. For more information, visit the Real Estate concentration page.

For more detailed information about the MBA program and its concentrations, visit the VCU School of Business website.

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VCU_School_of_Business
[2] https://business.vcu.edu
[3] https://www.vcu.edu/programs/
[4] https://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/school-business/
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/school/vcubusiness/

Eastern Kentucky University

College of Business

• Business & Technology Center 214, Richmond, KY - 40475-3102
• 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Pamplin College of Business

• 1030 Pamplin Hall (0209), Blacksburg, VA - 24061
• 

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Pamplin College of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program that caters to the needs of working professionals. Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, and with a strong presence in the Washington, D.C. area, the Pamplin College of Business provides a flexible and comprehensive MBA experience. The program’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative curriculum, and strong industry connections make it an excellent choice for students seeking to advance their careers.

Key Student Benefits

Flexible Learning Options

Virginia Tech’s MBA program offers both online and part-time formats, allowing students to choose the learning style that best fits their personal and professional schedules. The online MBA program is 100% online, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous classes, while the part-time MBA offers in-person classes during weekday evenings.

High Rankings and Accreditation

The Pamplin College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring a high standard of education. The online MBA program is ranked No. 51 out of 344 in Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its quality and reputation.

Strong Career Support

Students have access to the same career services as on-campus business students, including personalized career coaching, networking events, and job placement assistance. This support helps students transition smoothly from academic life to professional careers.

Experienced Faculty

Courses are taught by experienced Virginia Tech MBA faculty members who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that is both current and practical.

Cohort-Based Learning

The cohort-based format fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can build strong professional networks and engage deeply with their peers. This approach enhances the overall learning experience and provides valuable connections for future career opportunities.

MBA Concentrations Offered by the School

Business Analytics

• The Business Analytics concentration focuses on data-driven decision-making. Students learn to leverage big data and advanced analytics to solve complex business problems, making them highly valuable in today’s data-centric business environment. For more information, visit the Business Analytics concentration page.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

• This concentration prepares students for leadership roles in entrepreneurial ventures by teaching them how to develop and implement innovative business strategies. It is ideal for those looking to start their own businesses or lead innovation within existing organizations. For more information, visit the Entrepreneurial Leadership concentration page.

Cybersecurity

• The Cybersecurity concentration provides students with the skills to manage and protect information systems. This concentration covers topics such as risk management, information security policies, and cybersecurity technologies, making it ideal for those looking to pursue careers in cybersecurity management. For more information, visit the Cybersecurity concentration page.

Global Business

• The Global Business concentration focuses on international business strategies, cross-cultural management, and global market dynamics. Students gain the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the global business environment. For more information, visit the Global Business concentration page.

Health Care Administration

• This concentration prepares students for leadership roles in the health care industry by providing knowledge in health care policies, management practices, and health care systems. It is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in health care administration. For more information, visit the Health Care Administration concentration page.

For more detailed information about the MBA program and its concentrations, visit the Pamplin College of Business website.

Citations:
[1] https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university-OBUS0822/mba
[2] https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university-01236
[3] https://mba.vt.edu
[4] https://mba.vt.edu/online.html
[5] https://www.mba.com/program-finder/schools/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university/pamplin-college-of-business

Averett University

School of Business

• Main Campus, 512 Bridge St., Danville, Richmond, VA - 24541
• 

The School of Business at Averett University offers a comprehensive and student-focused MBA program designed to prepare future business leaders. Located in Danville, Virginia, the program is grounded in the university’s liberal arts tradition, providing a broad-based education that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and practical application. The program’s flexibility, strong faculty engagement, and commitment to real-world experiences make it an excellent choice for aspiring business professionals.

Key Student Benefits

Flexible Learning Options

Averett University offers both on-campus and online MBA programs, providing flexibility for working professionals and those with other commitments. The online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities, making it easier to achieve a work-life balance.

Personalized Education

The MBA program at Averett features small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and close interaction with faculty members. This supportive learning environment allows students to engage deeply with their professors and peers, enhancing their educational experience.

Practical Learning Experience

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and real-world case studies. This practical approach ensures that students can apply theoretical knowledge to actual business challenges, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Strong Career Support

Averett University provides robust career services, including personalized career coaching, networking events, and job placement assistance. The school’s strong connections with industry leaders and a dedicated career services center help students transition smoothly from academic life to professional careers.

Liberal Arts Integration

Combining business education with Averett’s liberal arts curriculum, the MBA program ensures that students develop a diversified perspective and the agility to meet the increasing demands of professional life. This interdisciplinary approach enhances critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, making graduates well-rounded and adaptable.

MBA Concentrations Offered by the School

Accounting

• The Accounting concentration provides students with a thorough background in the concepts, principles, and applications of accounting, taxation, and auditing. This concentration is designed for students who are not interested in achieving licensure in public accounting but prepares them to be professional accountants in industry, government, public practice, or attend graduate school. For more information, visit the Accounting concentration page.

Management Science

• The Management Science concentration gives students a thorough background in the concepts and practice of management. This concentration prepares graduates for careers in management in profit-seeking or nonprofit organizations and provides a strong foundation for future graduate study in business. For more information, visit the Management Science concentration page.

Marketing Management

• The Marketing Management concentration is designed to prepare students for successful careers in marketing fields such as buying, selling, advertising, product management, public relations, logistics, market analysis, and marketing research. It also provides a strong foundation for future graduate study in marketing and related fields. For more information, visit the Marketing Management concentration page.

For more detailed information about the MBA program and its concentrations, visit the Averett University School of Business website.

Citations:
[1] https://www.averett.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/undergraduate/business/
[2] https://www.averett.edu/admissions-requirements-undergraduate-business/
[3] https://www.averett.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/
[4] https://www.averett.edu
[5] https://www.averett.edu/online14-15/busadm/program.php