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What types of companies recruit Nicholas graduates and what level of pay might I expect? Our website lists the companies that have hired some of our graduates.  Wisconsin MBA 2009 Employment Report

In what ways do the Wisconsin MBA and the Nicholas Center enhance diversity? Wisconsin has long had a leading role in diversity efforts among business schools and the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a very welcoming community.  The Wisconsin MBA is a fairly small program within a large, culturally diverse university setting.  In the fall, we offer a Diversity Weekend that brings prospective students from throughout the country to Madison to explore the Wisconsin MBA program. 

The UW-Madison Graduate School and the Office of Diversity Resources staff believe that diversity of students, faculty and administrators creates a rich learning environment that is critical to real-world learning for the entire graduate community.  The graduate school is committed to creating an inclusive campus climate where all members of the graduate community feel respected and free to participate and achieve their highest potential. The Office of Diversity Resources partners with all the graduate academic departments to achieve this goal.

What is the student/teacher ratio? The core courses in the first year have approximately 50-60 students per class.  The finance courses have 25-30.  All other electives are between 2-40 students.  In the second year, Nicholas students work on consulting projects for companies, banks and consulting firms worldwide.  Each team consists of four MBA students and two undergraduate research analysts per one faculty member.  These teams also give MBA students the opportunity to manage and delegate tasks to the undergraduate research analysts. Each consulting engagement lasts approximately 7-8 weeks, providing a breadth of practical experience throughout the second year.  Our highly regarded student/faculty ratio is one of our program's many strengths.

Will the Nicholas Center provide me with a sufficient business and finance background? The Nicholas Center is the only truly applied corporate finance program in the country. You will find that our unique program provides a solid business/finance curriculum with the extra benefit of hands-on practical training in the form of valuable consulting projects. This special combination has proven to be popular with employers.  Since the Nicholas Center opened in 2003, it has consistently maintained an excellent internship and full-time employment placement record.

John Weyers (Nicholas 2007), Mafaz Maharoof (Nicholas 2007) & Supriya Amar (Nicholas 2007)

Is it possible to change my career specialization after I have begun the program? The Wisconsin MBA is now a lock-step cohort program, so it is difficult to change career specializations midway.  However, the Nicholas curriculum allows for approximately four electives to be taken during your second year.

What are the opportunities for receiving financial aid? All applicants are considered for merit-based financial aid.  Typically, 60% of admitted Nicholas candidates will be offered some merit-based aid in the form of project assistantships, teaching assistantships, scholarships, etc.  The priority deadline to be considered for financial aid is April 1, 2009. This is also the last deadline for international candidates.

Can you tell me about rankings or why I should consider attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison? The University of Wisconsin-Madison has outstanding faculty, a diverse and talented student population, and strong research centers. Why UW-Madison? - Nicholas Testimonials.

Wisconsin is a great value for a top-quality business education. Information on rankings and reputation.

How can I get more general information regarding the Wisconsin MBA?

There are several options to learn more about the Wisconsin MBA. You may:

     - Attend an information session.
     - You may participate in an online chat session.
     - You can also request an on-campus visit.

What is the curriculum for the Nicholas Center? In the first semester, our general business core delivers a coordinated perspective on key functional areas of business.  The second semester addresses fundamental management principles, stressing application principles to functional areas.

Specialized preparation begins the first year of the program and is the primary focus the second year. Nicholas course sequencing as well as a list of electives can be found here: Curriculum

How soon can I expect to have an admission decision? Applications are reviewed in multiple cycles. Completed applications received by each deadline may expect a decision approximately six weeks later. Merit-based financial aid deadline is April 1, 2009. application deadlines

Do you accept applications for spring semester? We do not offer spring admission.  Since you begin your studies as part of a cohort group, we only offer admission for the fall semester.

I have a three-year bachelor's degree. Am I eligible to apply? It depends on your degree and university. In general, applicants with three-year degrees will need additional coursework to demonstrate equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's degree. See International Degree Equivalents for more information. 

Can I pursue my MBA on a part-time basis? Students who wish to pursue an MBA on a part-time basis should consider the Evening MBA or the Executive MBA programs. Students admitted to the full-time MBA program are required to take the number of credits associated with their career specialization.  Full-time students who fall below the minimum number of credits risk being dropped from the program.

If accepted into the program, can I defer admission? We do not defer admission. Applicants wishing to be reconsidered for a later term are reviewed along with other candidates for that term.  Applicants will need to submit a new application, application fee, updated resume and essays.  Supporting materials such as GMAT, TOEFL, transcripts and letters of recommendation can be used from the previous application.