By any standards, Iowa makes a suitable place to live, work and study. In 2014, CNBC ranked the state at 20 for quality of life and 22 for education. It is also considered as one of the safest states to live in. There are a number of schools in Iowa that offer a range of educational opportunities for students with diverse career goals. Since the state has a diverse economy with a number of prominent sectors such as manufacturing, processing, financial services, information technology, and more, pursuing a business education can be a suitable option. Students can enroll in business degree programs such as MBA in Iowa that prepare graduates to work in almost all industries.
MBA programs in Iowa
Business schools in the state of Iowa offer a number of MBA tracks, allowing students to choose a program that suits their professional interests. These include the traditional, on-campus and full-time MBA programs, part-time or evening MBA programs, executive MBA programs and more. The traditional MBA program, for example, is suitable for students who can attend classes at regular timings without needing flexibility. The executive MBA program, on the other hand, is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their knowledge while keeping up with their work.
The online MBA programs are also offered by some schools in Iowa. These internet-based programs allow students to study from any location and with flexible schedule. Students can pursue the online programs using a number of tools and technologies and participate in online interactive sessions, stay in touch with instructors and manage their professional responsibilities alongside.
Admission requirements
To enroll in the MBA programs in Iowa applicants need to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation, GMAT test scores as well as a resume. Some programs may require students to have work experience as well. Other requirements may vary by school.
Coursework
MBA students study a number of subjects that helps them hone business and leadership skills. In addition to classroom based instruction, MBA programs may also require candidates to complete an internship. Some of the common courses include:
- Human resources
- Organizational management
- Management principles
- Financial management
- Communication
- Planning and business operations
Areas of specialization
Students pursuing MBA programs in Iowa also have the option to pursue their degree in a particular area such as:
- Information technology
- Health care management
- International business and management
- Project management
- Computer information systems
Career prospects
While the degree does not guarantee a job, graduates generally work in industries such as:
- Finance and insurance
- Healthcare
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Manufacturing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), finance managers and some human resources managers hold MBA degrees. Top executives and chief executive officers may also hold this advanced degree.
Demand for business professionals including human resources managers, finance managers as well as top executives in Iowa is likely to increase in the coming years (2012 -2022), according to the information with O*NET OnLine.