Hello, I've recently decided to pursue my MBA at the University of Dallas in Irving, TX. Anyone have any experience with them?
I hold an MBA from UD. Great little Jesuit school which enjoys a very good reputation in both the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and Texas. I went on campus, so am not too well versed on the online version, but I am sure it's comparable. The business school has grown by leaps and bounds the past few years. Part of the growth has been structured and part of it has been at the cost of some academic prowess. In my opinion, UD's prominence as an undergraduate Jesuit school as well as one of the few Doctorates in literature has bolsetered the business school's reputation. I've been disappointed of late watching the business school advertise on TV guides, etc., for the graduate program. UD wants to compete (for student headcount and $) with other local schools such as SMU, UNT, TCU, UTA and has made the MBA and MM programs a bit less challenging than in times past. They are not AASCB accredited and I don't believe they plan on going that direction. If you explore the website, you will notice the University makes very distinct separations between the business school and the rest of the University's academic offerings. It's not that they are ashamed, just that -- in my opinion -- the business school has become a bit of a "cash-cow" for the university (read between the lines here). However, you will find it a good program with a lot of rewards. Regionally, you will find the University's reputation to be of significant value and, of course, you'll have a quasi-bond with fellow Jesuit university students. I'm not sure if it's still the case, but one thing the school was quite proud of was it's standing of having a Priest as the school President. It's a good choice. It's also important to note that as a student, you'll have absolutely no clue that it's a religious university. I mention it's Jesuit roots for the simple fact that others are quite aware of it.
Hi SMAS, Thanks for your insight, but you mention the graduate school being a "cash cow" ... Care to elaborate? You're right I'm very happy with my choice so far and I plan to visit the campus at some point. I knew they were a Catholic school and this does not bother me.
Hi SMAS, Thanks for your insight, but you mention the graduate school being a "cash cow" ... Care to elaborate? You're right I'm very happy with my choice so far and I plan to visit the campus at some point. I knew they were a Catholic school and this does not bother me.
KW - Let me preface -- I enjoyed my time at the University and am quite proud to be a graduate from there. However, regarding the "cash cow" comment, I feel (as do other alumnus that I come in contact with) that UD uses the business school as a profit maker. The school has not done much to improve the business school in terms of AASCB and in academia. It's actually created a bit of a cafeteria education trying to cater to as many belly buttons and companies as it can; hence, the advertising on TV Guides. It should be noted that many, many Universities have reached out to the masses with their business programs as evidenced by the multitude of MBA programs. UD still uses many adjunct professors without terminal degrees (the main reason they have not reached AASCB accreditation). An irony is that if you try to use your MBA/MM at the business school as standing to apply to other non-business programs, you will be treated quite carefully. The main campus does not see the business school as anything but a tool to bring in money and increase UD presence. Not a bad thing and most likely necessary for the University to grow. I'd argue, however, that such growth needs to be a bit more structured and thought out to avoid disrupting the core competencies of the University. Braniff is not, in my opinion, a core competency. Again - and excellent school and the above is solely my opinion. Mirrored against other Universities in the area and, indeed, the rest of the US, UD is following the pack quite nicely. Sometimes, though, there is value in slowing down.
