Chaifetz School Welcomes Largest, Most Diverse Class in One-Year MBA History
On June 1, students in the Chaifetz School’s One-Year MBA class of 2022 began coursework in the school’s nationally ranked full-time MBA program. With 49 students from across the country and around the world, the record-breaking class marks the largest and most diverse group of students in the program’s history.
This year’s students come to the program from six countries and 27 different undergraduate institutions, while persons of color make up 31 percent of the class of 2022. The class boasts an average undergraduate GPA of 3.38 with an average of 18 months of professional experience, ranging from recent graduates to mid-career professionals with up to 12 years of experience.
“We’re thrilled to see this continued and historic growth in our full-time MBA program and even more excited to see this class be more inclusive than ever before,” said Barnali Gupta, Ph.D. Edward Jones Dean of the Chaifetz School. “This unique program provides students the opportunity to fundamentally change the trajectory of their careers and, in only 11 months, it’s an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime.”
The record class of 2022 follows the graduation of 37 students from the program in May. Despite the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic, 2021 OYMBA graduates saw great success in the job market. Many, like Cassidy Manns who started a career with World Wide Technology in June as a senior analyst on the Business and Analytic Advisors team, secured offers well before graduation.
“SLU’s One-Year MBA prepared me for today’s competitive job market by focusing on the most relevant data analytics and visualization skills across business departments,” said Manns. “At this point, data analytics is ubiquitous in all industries and a very necessary skill. The program was instrumental in furthering my technical skills and preparing me for my new consulting role at World Wide Technology.”
Hear One-Year MBA students share their practicum experiences
Following a program redesign in 2018, One-Year MBA students learn applied data analytics skills as part of the STEM-certified curriculum that integrates business analytics throughout the program. After learning theory and tools for analysis and visualization, students gain professional experience in their final semester applying their new skills to generate actionable business intelligence through industry practicums at organizations like Nestle Purina and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation.
As the Class of 2022 gets underway, program staff begin recruiting for the next One-Year MBA cohort which begins in June 2022. The Chaifetz School's Professional MBA, specialized master's and graduate certificate programs are currently accepting applicants for summer, fall and spring starts. Explore all Chaifetz School graduate programs online or connect with staff and faculty below to learn more.