A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management - University of California, Riverside - Overview
The Anderson Graduate School of Management
In 1970, the University of California -- Riverside established the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM) with the mission to "develop diverse leaders, propel research-based innovation and promote the sustainable growth of Inland Southern California within the global economy."
AGSM's academic programs help students develop the experience and skills needed to identify, evaluate, manage, and sustain growth opportunities in new and mature businesses. Its location within the heart of the Inland Southern California region, a hub for commerce and growth industries, provides excellent opportunities for students to learn and work in the business world.
AGSM is a part of an ethnically, religiously, and culturally diverse academic community, helping students learn how to communicate and interact in an increasingly globalized marketplace. In addition, mentoring, interdisciplinary study, and internships prepare students for the business world.
Flexible MBA Program
The A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management's MBA program can be pursued on a full- or part-time basis. The full-time program can be completed in 2 years and is well-suited for students with limited work experience, who are interested in advancing their careers. The part-time program can be completed in 3 to 5 years and is ideal for working professionals.
The MBA Program Curriculum
The MBA program's curriculum emphasizes the interdependencies among functional areas such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, organizational behavior, and production operations. It is designed to help students develop a thorough understanding of fundamental business concepts and acquire superior management skills.
Courses in communications, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, health care management, information technology, international business, supply chain management, and technology transfer help students gain a thorough understanding of emerging and established business trends.
The curriculum, which consists of 6 major components, 20 courses, and 80 units, underscores teamwork and effective communication. The 6 components include a communications workshop, core courses, elective courses, an internship, the capstone management course, and a case analysis project or master's thesis.
Opportunities to Gain Practical Experience
Internships are a key component of the program enabling students to explore career options, develop professional contacts, and build their resumes. An internship, which is normally taken after coursework is completed, must run at least 5 weeks and requires a minimum of 120 hours of work.
Students who are working professionals may be able to complete their internships with their current employers. Other students have interned at companies such as Deloitte, Sony Corporation of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Sun Microsystems.
Students can complete an industry-based group analysis as part of the capstone course. This project, along with the internship, provides AGSM graduate students with real-world experience.
Experienced and Skilled Faculty
The A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management adheres to the high standards that the University of California -- Riverside has established for selecting faculty members.
The MBA program's faculty members are experts in their fields. In fact, many of them have developed international reputations for research in areas such as e-commerce, health care management, and international business.
For example, Distinguished Professor Ted Mock received 2 AAA/Deloitte Wildman Awards for his research papers on accounting practices. In addition, the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences honored Professor Yunzeng Wang for the contributions that his research has made to management practice.
Financial Assistance
In addition to the Federal Student Loan Program, MBA applicants may be eligible to receive teaching assistantships, research assistantships, merit fellowships, and professional fee fellowships.
Students may also apply for scholarships from private institutions through AGSM's scholarship program.
Career Placement for MBA Students and Alumni
MBA Career Services provide career planning and placement resources that help students and alumni achieve professional success. Resources include an alumni career network, campus interviews, career counseling, career seminars and workshops, computerized employment databases, and professional development, which includes job offer evaluation, mock interviews, networking, and resume critique.
Graduates have obtained positions at a wide range of companies including Acorn Technology, Ernst and Young, Smith Barney, and Verizon.
A Rewarding Education, an Exciting Experience
The University of California -- Riverside is located in Riverside, California, which is only 50 miles from Los Angeles. Riverside is situated near the Santa Ana River and the San Bernardino Mountains. It is approximately 1 hour's drive from Pacific Ocean beaches and beautiful deserts.
The university's commitment to educational excellence, location within a major business hub, and close proximity to outdoor recreation and cultural/entertainment offerings make studying for a MBA at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management an exciting and rewarding experience for graduate students.