Dallas MBA (Austin, Rankin: dorm, law school, military)

[New to Dallas]

Hoping for some objective local perspectives on the full-time MBA programs at SMU and UTD. I broadly understand the differences (SMU with very powerful alumni network and local brand recognition and UTD with heavy quantitative analysis background as well as a recent surge in national rankings). I feel that both probably provide great business educations. Being new to the Dallas Area, my specific question is this -- Will a UTD MBA simply not get me in the door at top-notch, local companies like an SMU MBA might? Thanks.....

[racehorse]

How old are you and how far along in your career are you? Will you be doing the full-time program?

[facebookdigg123]

I would choose SMU based on their alumni network and connections. UTD is getting there, and I think surpassed SMU in mba rankings, as well as getting more and more companies to recruit from UTD. But for now, I still saw SMU has a better program

[New to Dallas]

I will (hopefully) do the full-time program. I have ten-years work experience (but all as a military officer), so this career move is beyond just changing jobs... it's an entire career transition. My undergrad is from a small school a long ways away from Texas, so that will not stretch too far here. Consulting is a field that is very intriguing to me -- Not sure if the upper echelon of consulting firms would frown on a UTD MBA over SMU. General management is also seems a doable stretch from ten years of military leadership, so that is another option. I feel I understand the quantifiable differences between the two schools' education programs, but I'm much less certain of the perception in the local business world. Thanks.

[jelf]

I graduated from the law school at SMU. I don't know the MBA program as well, but I do know that SMU opens doors to top law firms in Dallas, more so than schools ranked signficantly higher (but only in Dallas). Although I think UTD has a good reputation, I would go to SMU unless UTD makes it much more affordable for you to go there.

[racehorse]

If you're doing the full-time program and want to be in Dallas, I would definitely recommend the SMU program.

[Lakewooder]

I attended Cox undergrad - yes SMU certainly opens doors, especially in Central Dallas..rankings are very impressive these days:

MBA and BBA Rankings & Acclaim @ SMU Cox

SMU is raising an additional $750 million The Second Century Campaign - SMU and has the goal of raising SAT scores by 10 points (old scale) each year. This year undergrad applications were over 13,000 for 1,400 freshmen spots. There has been a large building program on campus for the last decade and there is much more to come.. Naming rights on a new dorm will run you about $15 million.

[jelf]

Didn't realize that UTD's program is now ranked 40 and SMU is now 57 for USNews. I wonder what factors make the rankings favor UTD.

[EDS_]

I admire both programs. If you were an engineer looking for an MBA and were focused on a career with say TI I'd say go UTD.

For all others I'd say go SMU. SMU is in all ways that matter on a funding roll. And an SMU Cox MBA is = or better than a Harvard MBA in Dallas.

[h152cc2]

1. If you can move, do UT-Austin McCombs. Far superior to all others in the state.
2. If not, SMU (if money is no problem)
3. If money is a problem, UTD
4. Then there is always TCU (although less expensive than SMU, it is still more expensive than UTD)