Category: News (page 1 of 3)

Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025: Celebrating Growth, Unique Voices, and Accessibility

(Austin, TX) – Here, at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, “You Are What’s Next.” The Class of 2025 exemplifies this spirit, embodying our unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation. Their achievements are more than just stories; they form the very fabric of our vibrant Texas McCombs MBA community. These very accomplishments mold our MBA program, which includes students from the Full-Time, Working Professional, and Executive MBA programs across our campuses in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and cement our position as a top-ranked business school.  

With this context, three pivotal highlights define the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025 profile:   

🏆 Increasing Demand and Growth in Class Size:

The Class of 2025 at Texas McCombs reflects the growing enthusiasm for our programs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Applications across the MBA portfolio surged compared to last year, reaching a total exceeding 2,300 applications, and affirming the popularity of our dynamic community and unique learning environments.

Additionally, our class size has expanded by an impressive 9%, now with 509 incoming students. This growth not only underscores our status as a top choice for business education but also confirms the thriving demand for our programs across multiple campuses.

🏆 Unique Voices and Professional Excellence:

The incoming class celebrates a significant milestone: 25% of the class (as a % of U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents) is composed of underrepresented minority (URM) students, marking a 7%-point increase. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, a commitment that extends across all our Texas McCombs MBA programs.

This growth isn’t limited to URM representation alone. Women in the class have also seen a substantial increase, rising to 33% (up 4% points), while the proportion of military veterans has grown to 15% (up 3% points) of the class.The importance of these developments cannot be overstated. The unique voices brought by our students enrich our learning environment and strengthen our academic and professional community. As we continue to grow, these perspectives collectively contribute to the excellence that defines the Texas McCombs MBA experience.

🏆 Cultivating Accessibility and Impact:

Texas McCombs actively contributes to the vision of propelling the University of Texas at Austin toward becoming the world’s highest-impact public university. This year, we welcomed more first-generation students, rising to 20% of the class (up 7% points). This increase spans all five of our MBA programs, demonstrating our commitment to providing accessible and impactful education, particularly to aspiring business leaders who are the first in their families to attend college.

It’s essential to recognize the importance of cultivating accessibility to make an MBA from a prestigious school attainable for first-generation college students. This reflects our dedication to fostering a welcoming community while nurturing the future leaders of business, regardless of their background.  

Full-Time MBA Class Profile 

Applications to the Full-Time MBA program increased, attracting over 1,800 applicants for a class of 241 students. This class brings with them a blend of experiences, with an average age of 29 and a strong average GPA of 3.46. Furthermore, 35% of students identify as female, 8% as LGBTQIA+, and 26% come from international backgrounds, representing 31 countries.  

In addition, the class demonstrates strong diversity within the United States, with 35% identifying as U.S. minorities and 18% as URM. Additionally, 14% of students have U.S. military service backgrounds. This year, we welcomed 37 Consortium members, 60 Forte Fellows, and 15 dual-degree students, further enriching the diversity and breadth of experiences within our class.   

Working Professional MBA Class Profile  

Though unique on their own (see class profiles below), the Working Professional MBA programs at Texas McCombs boast a set of compelling features that collectively define their excellence. With an average age of 31 and a middle 80% range spanning 26 to 37, these programs attract a unique cohort of students, each bringing with them a wealth of professional experience. On average, these students come with 8 years of experience. Impressively, 15% of the cohort possesses military experience, enriching the class with a unique perspective.  

Academically, our working professional students maintain a high level of excellence with an average GPA of 3.36. Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates have several options when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement as we accept GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA) score, or a test waiver. The incoming class brings an average GMAT score of 654 and an average GRE at 312.   

Executive MBA Class Profile

The Executive MBA program at Texas McCombs comprises 63 accomplished individuals, with 29% female representation. The class includes people of various backgrounds, with 42% identifying as U.S. minorities and 25% as URM, while 21% have backgrounds in U.S. military services. This experienced group boasts an average of 15 years in the workforce. Although standardized test scores aren’t required, the program values various factors, including leadership experience and personal impact, evident through their average 8.5 years of management experience.  

 

Notably, 27% of the class consists of first-generation students, offering unique perspectives. The class represents 21 cities in Texas and 9 states, with a strong presence from technology, healthcare, and energy sectors, enriching the Texas McCombs MBA experience 

The Future of Business Leadership 

The Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025 is not merely a reflection of our program’s excellence, but an embodiment of our vision for the future. The increase in applications and class size, coupled with the growth in underrepresented minorities, women, and military veterans, showcases the program’s appeal and its role as a leader in the ever-competitive MBA landscape. At the same time, we’re proud to note that standardized test scores and GPAs remained strong, ensuring that academic excellence is a hallmark of our program. Additionally, the rise in first-generation students underscores the university’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all. With this class, Texas McCombs continues its journey towards becoming the world’s highest-impact public business school. It’s an exciting step toward the future where you, as a vibrant part of our community, will be what’s next in business and beyond. Your journey to excellence begins here. 


If you have any questions about Texas McCombs, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!  

A Message to Our Texas McCombs MBA Graduates

Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone in your lives! As you prepare to receive your diplomas and move on to the next chapter of your careers, take a moment to reflect on all that you have accomplished and learned during your time at Texas McCombs.

You have worked tirelessly to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. You have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, demonstrating your resilience, perseverance, and dedication to your goals. And finally, you have made an indelible mark on the Texas McCombs community, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of MBA students.

As you step out into the world as an alumnus, know that you carry the values and traditions that make Texas McCombs so special. You are part of a proud and accomplished network of leaders and innovators who are making a difference in every industry and city around the globe.

American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and businessman John Paul DeJoria, will address Class of 2023 graduates at the McCombs School of Business MBA Convocation, on May 5, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Gregory Gym on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

Photo of John Paul DeJoria holding up a peace sign.John Paul DeJoria is widely recognized for co-founding two iconic global multi-billion-dollar-valued brands: John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits International.

Born in Los Angeles in 1944, DeJoria grew up in a low-income household and faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood and adolescence. He is admired for his innovative and socially responsible approach to business and has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the environment.

In 2011, Mr. DeJoria signed the “Giving Pledge” created in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet. John Paul’s main philanthropic investments through JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation are focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and entrepreneurship. Mr. DeJoria endowed a chair at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness. In addition, he has made investments in housing through Mobile Loves & Fishes and the Salvation Army. He funded and created Grow Appalachia, the largest organization of its kind that helps people grow their own food and contribute to resilient food systems.

John Paul was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2021 for his transformational impact on the state’s economy and communities and received the Texas Medal of Arts in 2017 from the Texas Cultural Trust as Corporate Arts Patron. John Paul DeJoria’s life and career are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial spirit that Texas McCombs hopes to ignite in each of our students.

If you or your family can’t make it to Gregory Gym, tune into the MBA Commencement live stream, or join us at Rowling Hall to celebrate.

MBA commencement live stream button

Once again, congratulations on your graduation from the Texas McCombs MBA program. May this achievement be just the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey, filled with success, happiness, and endless possibilities.

Hook ’em! 🤘🎓

Admissions Announcement: Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Adds Round 4 for Fall 2023 Entry

The Round 3 application deadline to the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA program is slated for March 28, 2023. However, economic uncertainty has impacted many prospective students around the world. With many prospective students facing layoffs or uncertainty in their professional situation, our team believes an additional application round will be helpful for those needing a little more time to work on their application and evaluate their next professional step.

In response, Texas McCombs will add a fourth round to the Full-Time MBA Class of 2025. The Round 4 application deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions, provides insight on the addition of a new application round and advice for navigating the application.

Who is eligible to apply in Round 4?

Any U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the U.S. is eligible to apply in the new round. Round 4 is not open to international applicants due to issues with visa documentation timelines.

Are you still offering application fee waivers or test waivers to Round 4 applicants?

Yes! We have one more application fee waiver-eligible event, open to both Round 3 and Round 4 applicants in this application cycle. In order to obtain the waiver, you must register for and attend our Application Overview Virtual Session on March 7 at 8AM CT.  Register here.

As with other rounds, test waiver petitions are also available and can be found on our website. If you are considering applying in Round 4 and would like to submit your application without a GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment exam, please read this document carefully to see if you’re eligible and submit the waiver form by no later than May 4, or 7 days before the deadline.

Are there still financial aid or scholarship opportunities available to Round 4 applicants?

It’s hard for the admissions team to predict merit-based scholarship availability for future rounds, since it depends on how many scholarships we have to award at that point in the cycle. Admitted students will be notified within their acceptance letter if they receive any merit-based scholarship funding from McCombs.

How will Round 4 work? When will decisions be released?

Round 4 will work much like our other rounds – you need to submit your application by 11:59 PM  CT on May 11, 2023.   Decisions will be released on or before June 8, and the enrollment deposit deadline for those admitted will be June 15.

I was laid off. How do I explain being laid off in my application?

Though unfortunate and stressful, lay-offs happen! Once you upload your resume on the “Employment Information” section of the application, there will be a question asking whether or not you’re currently employed full-time. If the answer is no, you’ll be given a chance to explain your situation. This response is limited to 255 characters, so you don’t have to go into full detail here! If you’d like to include additional details about your employment to the admissions committee, complete the optional statement for us to review.

I was laid off and I don’t have a professional recommender. What are my other options?

There are lots of great sources for recommendation letters! Here are some of our tips to help you choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak to your strengths.

What are the benefits of applying in Round 4 vs. applying next cycle?

The biggest benefit is that you potentially won’t need to wait a full year to enroll! Round 4 is a great option for those who definitely know they want to go to McCombs, but who may have figured that out a little later in the game. We’d also like to dispel the myth that having to reapply the following cycle is a bad thing. We value re-applicants and never look down on someone who applied late cycle and then re-applied the following fall.

What advice would you give to an applicant submitting in Round 4?

Get to know us! We’re hosting campus visits until late April and will be hosting virtual events to help you navigate the application process. Attending our events can also help you craft your essay and prepare for the video assessment.


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Redesigned Weekend MBA
Experience in Dallas and Houston Launching Fall 2023

News Provided By Texas McCombs

We are excited to share news that the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 8 in the country (U.S. News & World Report), have been redesigned to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workplace. The program redesign will allow incoming students to tailor their degree with new elective offerings and more networking opportunities, while still experiencing all the hallmarks of the top-ranked Texas McCombs MBA. You can learn more about the updates below, which will take effect for Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston students starting the program in August 2023.

Joe Stephens, Senior Assistant Dean and Director of Working Professional and Executive MBA Programs shares more detail on the Weekend MBA program updates. 

Tailor Your Degree with New Electives

Students in the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston experience a comprehensive cohort-based curriculum designed to enhance their understanding of core business principles. The new curriculum will add five electives to the students’ second year, including two flexible electives and three general electives, allowing them to dive deeper in areas of interest.

  • Program updates include more credit hours dedicated to technology, leadership, and global acumen. Students can expect to see electives that address emerging trends in technology, marketing, finance, business and society, and corporate social responsibility.
  • Students will enjoy two flexible electives and three general electives. Flexible electives will satisfy the program’s technology and global management requirements. Students can select their general electives from a curated list of topics provided by the department.
  • Elective offerings will be delivered during the Summer, Fall 2, and Spring 2 semesters in Austin or in market in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston.

Additional detail about the Weekend MBA degree plan and coursework is available here.

More Opportunities to Network and Build Your MBA Community

In addition to the curriculum updates, students will also experience an additional intensive in Austin, which provides more opportunity for Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston students to come together for academic classes, team building, career management sessions, and experiential learning workshops.

“We want our working professional students to experience the program, the school, and the campus in a holistic and physical sense, no matter where they live,” said Joe Stephens, Senior Assistant Dean and Director of Working Professional & Executive MBA Programs. “While maintaining a broad core curriculum for optimal business agility and leadership, we wanted to give our students the opportunity to dive a little deeper into areas of interest for them.  We understand they have competing priorities and our specially designed programs for fully employed professionals give them the opportunity to not only grow cognitively, but also expand their network, and do both deeply.”

 Among the great things staying the same include our world-class, Austin-based Texas McCombs faculty, business foundations through the core curriculum and capstone, McCombs+ Experiential Learning and Leadership Fellows, award-winning career management support for life, and Austin Intensives – all of which will still be delivered in our 21-month, alternating weekends format for the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.

More information about class meetings and important dates is available here.

Learn More

Sign up to receive Weekend MBA news here, and register for an admissions event at our Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston campus to meet program staff, current students, and alumni.

Applications for the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston are open, and the final deadline to apply is May 30, 2023.

Learn more on our website and contact us with any questions.

Questions about Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth? Contact: TexasMBADFW@mccombs.utexas.edu

Questions about the Weekend MBA at Houston?  Contact: TexasMBAHouston@mccombs.utexas.edu

Full-Time MBA Class of 2022 Achieves Employment Heights, Beats School Record in Average Base Salary

(December 1, 2022) – Austin, Texas – After navigating the past couple of years of disruption and uncertainty from the pandemic, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2022 achieved strong outcomes, securing an average base salary of $144,564, the highest in school history.

Brittany Tyree, managing director of career education and coaching, attributes these successes to the robust job market and students’ preparedness and engagement with McCombs Career Management and Corporate Relations (CMCR) resources.

The Texas McCombs career management team’s approach to helping students prepare for their job search includes a strategic career planning course, coaching appointments with school career consultants and industry experts, and career workshops, among other events and experiential learning opportunities.

The strategic career planning course, delivered in year one of the MBA experience, aids students in building a strong career foundation. The course progresses students through the Career Management Framework, helping MBAs evaluate their priorities, assess the job market, develop a personalized plan, and ultimately launch into their overarching career strategy.

Of the 241 students who matriculated in the Texas McCombs Class of 2022, 95 percent received a full-time offer within 3 months post-graduation and 93 percent reported accepting the employment offer, the latter consistent with the previous graduating class.

Graph on employment trends

As previously mentioned, the recent graduating class saw an impressive increase in average base salary to $144,564, up 11 percent from 2021. The class also experienced a 10 percent jump in signing bonuses, averaging $31,178.

Average Salaries and Signing Bonuses Chart

Consulting, financial services, and technology industries continue to attract Texas McCombs graduates, in fact, interest and job acceptances in these professional industries grew 10 percent since 2019. Although technology was the top hiring industry (32 percent) among the graduating class, consulting achieved the highest increase in job acceptances (30 percent), a 7 percent increase from the previous year. The financial services (18 percent) and real estate (5 percent) industries followed.

Similar to the previous year, Texas McCombs MBAs continue to remain interested in the consulting function, especially as the market demand for professional services increased. Given the CMCR team’s emphasis on educating students about various career path options, students were also well positioned to secure impactful roles throughout technology.  More specifically, 32 percent accepted employment in technology, securing roles in marketing, sales, operations, finance, and general management. Worth noting, 74 percent of the Class of 2022’s offers were obtained through school-facilitated career resources.

Industry Trends Chart

Overall, there are several players to recognize, who helped prepare our graduating class with the right tools and experiences, allowing them to quickly distinguish themselves. Our connected 100,000 Texas McCombs alumni across the globe whose mentoring and contributions shape their communities. Our recruiters and corporate partners who consistently return to campus to recruit our talent prepared for a lifetime of impact. Lastly, our word-class faculty and talented career consultants for providing a strong support system and customized career development to the Class of 2022.

Click here for an overview of the Texas McCombs Class of 2022 Salary Statistics.


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ‘em!

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