MBA programs in WA/OR/BC

[Tonelli]

Still at least a few years out, but I've been thinking about getting my MBA and I'd like to go somewhere completely different for a few years.

It all completely depends on where I end up working after my undergrad, and for whom I end up working for. I know my brother is getting 90/10 tuition from his employer - I think that's pretty much the only option I'd have for getting my MBA.

Anyways, I'm looking for MBA programs with a focus in sustainable business. I've checked a few sites, and it seems Portland State has a pretty good program. I've also looked at U of O and UBC.

Anyone have any experience with any of these programs? Even still, anyone have tips for me during the MBA search process?

[pmcgrath]

I'm currently trying to graduate with a sustainable business degree from Western Washington University. Our MBA program ranked top 100 worldwide by the aspen institute. I'm not sure if a sustainable business degree is an option as an MBA, but it's something that I would try to push for.

A good choice, although I can say getting into undergrad classes here is a f'n hassle, I bet the masters program is different though.

[smmokan]

Not within your criteria above, but CU-Boulder has a very good sustainable business program, and a great entrepreneurship program on top of that. I graduated from the MBA program last spring, so if you're interested feel free to shoot me any questions you might have.

[PapaCap]

Nextdoor neighbour is a UBC MBA grad.
He says it was a waste of cash (buddy has 15 years in managment).
Course, he's a snowboarder, so take what he says with a grain of salt.

[WasatchPow]

It all depends what you want to do with it. Helped me make more money in my current job.

I went to Colorado State University's online MBA program. Helped me stay flexible when I travel. Good, second-class program. If you're looking for first-class, apply to Kellogg, Harvard, MIT, etc and forget everything else for a while.

[turboLT]

I just finished at a top 20 program which I won’t name in the thread to keep things on topic. Feel free to PM me to discuss the specific program though, I’m happy to talk about it.

If you are going full time then there are 2 criteria I would pay attention to most:

1. Companies
2. Location


1. Companies. For the economics of a full time program to pay off, you really need the paycheck at the end. For any mid tier school (mine included) you have to pay attention to who recruits there AND for what roles. Your dream company may come to X school but only recruit for aircraft testing or for the Tora Bora office.

2. Location. If you are sure of what city you want to be in, it's 100x easier to network if you are in or nearby that city. Nearby = easily drivable for a 15 minute meeting. You can stop in all the time, get coffee with people when it's convenient for them, and it gives you credibility. Regardless of the HR line, I've noticed companies give preference to local people because they feel you're more likely to accept an offer.

Exceptions: If you go to a top tier school your brand carries anywhere and you can disregard all of the above. Also, if your company pays for the majority of tuition AND pays you more in the end the economics change dramatically.

MBA majors are like jelly beans. They are easy to get and with a few exceptions they really don’t matter very much. If you want a graduate degree in sustainable business I’d ask yourself 2 questions:

1. Why will this degree help me?
a. I don’t know of any companies who specifically recruit people who studied sustainable business, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
2. Is the MBA the right degree?
a. There are probably cheaper and more enlightening sustainable business learning alternatives to the typical cookie cutter MBA program.

Be brutally honest with yourself so you won’t regret going into crippling debt later and be forced to take a job you hate in a city you hate to pay your bills. I lucked out ending up in a great city but my girlfriend might not be so lucky.