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Stuck in your career? Burned out? Between jobs? You're not alone. Whether you're ready for a fresh start or a step up, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is a powerful tool to help you reset, re-skill, and re-enter the job market with confidence.
Here's what an MBA can help you:
- Re-enter the job market with a competitive edge.
- Fill skill gaps fast.
- Move from manager to leader.
- Earn more, faster.
- Get promoted (even before you graduate!).
- Confidently pivot to a new industry.
- Land a job you're excited about.
Is an MBA really for you?
An MBA isn't just for people aiming to enter the C-suite. Many of the MBA students at the University of Utah chose to pursue their degrees for other reasons.
Will Acton, a graduate of the MBA Online program, wanted to change industries. "I knew I needed to pursue a different career," Acton says. "And I knew that an MBA was going to help me figure out where I could best translate my skills."
Other students have returned for their MBA after being laid off. One full-time MBA graduate, Miranda Garrett, explains, "It felt like a natural time to step away from the workforce and return to get my MBA."
But an MBA isn't just for those who need a new start. The professional MBA is tailored for those who are already working — including those who want to level up in their current position. "I had plateaued in my role," says Cody Clifford, professional MBA graduate. "I was ready to grow beyond sales, where I'd been for several years."
Experienced professionals can benefit from an MBA as well. "I have been in my career for probably 12 to 13 years…I needed real practical experience and a really good academic framework, because that's one way that I learn best," says Rena Vanzo, executive MBA graduate.
Is it worth it? Here's what our grads say
No matter where you're at in your career, the David Eccles School of Business offers four MBA program formats, each with unique elements and returns that enable Utah graduates to find success in the workplace.
Full-time MBA
A full-time immersive, experience for early-career professionals ready to reset and accelerate.
- 92% average salary increase
- 80%-plus receive a scholarship of $30,000.
- $108k average base salary.
"My salary increased over 200% post-MBA. It opened up a whole new world," says Michelle King, a full-time MBA graduate.
Professional MBA
A hybrid MBA with evening classes two times a week — once in person and once online. Perfect for mid-career professionals who want to continue working while they learn.
- Costs 36% less than other top-20 part-time MBA programs.
- 34% average salary increase.
- 56% promoted during the program.
"I wanted to pivot away from the design portion of [architecture] and get more involved in the business aspect of it," reports Franck Parata, professional MBA graduate
MBA online
A flexible online format that is innovative and challenging – so students see immediate benefits while prioritizing both convenience and quality.
- Costs nearly 15% less than other top-15 online MBA programs.
- 50% receive a promotion during the program.
- 52% receive new job responsibilities.
- 36% average salary increase.
"I was at a midpoint in my career. And in order to stay relevant, to stay up to times with everything that was going on in the world, I needed to refresh my education." – Tom Woodbury, MBA Online Graduate
Executive MBA
A program for experienced candidates, with a weekend class schedule and high-touch level of service so students can focus on learning while maintaining their careers.
- 43% receive new job responsibilities.
- 35% receive promotions during the program.
- 28% average salary increase by graduation.
- 57% average salary increase three years after graduation.
"I have taken a completely different career path…and that was a pretty big pivot for me. I had never really considered that kind of a move," says Renee Petty, executive MBA graduate.
The time is now
Whether you want to rejoin the workforce, earn a promotion, or switch industries entirely, an MBA from the University of Utah gives you the tools to make it happen.
The admissions team can help you figure out if an MBA makes sense for your career goals. Schedule a one-on-one meeting today at [URL] to get your questions answered and discover whether an MBA is right for you.
