Which Schools Have the Best MBA Programs for Consulting Degrees?
Business consultants are responsible for the success of businesses and for establishing new brands. They help businesses grow and expand with thorough counsel and guidance. But, for one to be a business consultant, one needs to understand the basics of it.
So, what sort of MBA programs are the best to go up this path? And, which colleges offer the best MBA degrees to become a business consultant? Let’s find out.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Business Consultant
Any sort of business degree can put you in the running to become a business consultant. As the job titles mentioned before, there are various areas that business consultants cover. Some are experts in financial advice, while others are ideal for marketing and management.
So, any business management degree like BBA or MBA would be ideal. And, if you’re already done with a bachelor’s, then the business consultant master’s degree that’ll be ideal for you is an MBA. But you can also opt for other bachelor’s, business consultant certifications, or master’s in specific niches.
And because of their wide array of courses, business administration master’s or bachelor’s are the best choices.
Why Choose an MBA Degree To Be a Business Consultant?
An MBA degree is the sum of all the key areas in businesses that require tending to. Now, an MBA graduate will understand the necessities and intricacies of a business. They can strategize and plan just what a business needs to establish itself or grow because an MBA can help with:
- Develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Enhance knowledge in diverse business areas;
- Build a valuable professional network for consulting;
- Offer specialized courses in consulting methodologies;
- Provide real-world case studies for practical insights;
- And boost credibility and marketability in the consulting industry.
These are a few reasons you should choose an MBA degree to go on the business consultant career path.
Top Colleges and Universities for an MBA Degree for Consultants
MBA degrees aren’t exactly difficult to find, but in order to become a business consultant, there are a few things a degree like this should be focused on. Besides checking the boxes like nearest, most affordable, and credible universities, it’s also about the courses and curriculum the program offers.
Bearing that in mind, here are some of the top colleges and universities for an MBA degree in the United States:
1. The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the top universities in the state of Texas. And it’s also one of the most difficult ones to get into, but the MBA program here is quite prominent.
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- Degree Title: MBA
It offers a complete curriculum that features courses like Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Statistics, and Microeconomics—making it a complete package to pursue a career in business consultation.
2. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University is another top university in Texas and offers some of the best programs, including the Master of Business Administration.
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Degree Title: MBA
The MBA degree is yet another incredible program for Texas locals as well as residents from other parts of the nation. It offers courses like Corporate Finance, Economic Theory, Marketing, and Management. Thus, proving yet another great option to pursue to become a business consultant.
3. NYU Stern School of Business
NYU Stern School of Business is one of the best options in New York, and ideal for many across the United States. The location in New York makes it great, but so does the MBA program here.
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Degree Title: MBA
The curriculum here is quite unique, with programs like Business Analytics, Firms & Markets, Foundations of Finance, and The Global Economy. Making it yet another stellar choice.
4. New York Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology is another top university that offers quite a few great programs and stands out for its great curriculums. The MBA program at this university is no different.
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Degree Title: MBA
The program is backed up by a strong curriculum that makes it ideal for a business consultation career. It includes courses like Accounting, Principles of Economics, Finance, and Management Information Systems.
5. California State University Long Beach
California State University Long Beach is one of the top institutions in California and offers some of the best degrees. It could be argued that the Cal State MBA program is one of the top 3 in the State.
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Degree Title: MBA
And that claim is backed by courses in the curriculum and proves it by including courses like Finance, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing.
6. USC Marshall School of Business
USC Marshall School of Business is a branch of the University of Southern California, and it offers some of the best programs in the state. One of those programs is the MBA degree offered here.
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Degree Title: MBA
The degree stands out because of its thorough curriculum. This includes courses like Microeconomics for Management, Communication for Management, Marketing Management, and Corporate Finance.
7. University of Florida: Warrington College of Business
University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business offers outstanding business programs. This includes both undergraduate and graduate programs, including the MBA degree.
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Degree Title: MBA
The MBA degree here offers a remarkable curriculum, that makes it a top option for anyone pursuing a business consultation career. The program offers courses like Managerial Economics, Financial Accounting, Strategic Management, and Developing Leadership Skills.
8. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology is another top university in the Sunshine State, as it offers great programs. One of those programs is the Master of Business Administration, which is a complete program for anyone.
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Degree Title: MBA
What makes it ideal for a career in business consultation is the curriculum that it offers. It includes courses such as Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, Organizational Behavior, and Marketing Management.
9. Ohio University
Ohio University in Athens, Ohio is one of the top institutions in the Buckeye State. Offering a high acceptance rate and quality programs, this university has it all—including a great MBA program.
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Degree Title: MBA
It’s the best program in the state for its outstanding curriculum. The courses that make it ideal for a business consultation career include Accounting for Executives, Managerial Finance, Strategic Marketing, and Operations Management.
10. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is another great option and perhaps the best option in the state of Arizona. That’s because this prolific university also sports a high acceptance rate, and offers remarkable programs, such as its MBA degree.
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Degree Title: MBA
It’s also one of the few degrees that offers specific concentrations in the MBA, such as Finance, Marketing, and Consulting. The Consulting concentration provides courses in the curriculum that include Management Consulting, Global Business Environment, and Entrepreneurial Management.
Business Consultant Jobs And Salary Prospects
There are a few job titles that fall under the business consultant category, such as management analysts, business strategists, cost estimators, financial analysts, etc. Bearing that in mind, here is an estimated business consultant salary and a few jobs that fall under business consultancy according to BLS:
| Job Title | Median Pay |
| Budget Analysts & Advisors | $82,000 |
| Cost Estimators | $71,000 |
| Financial Advisors & Consultants | $96,000 |
| Financial Examiners | $82,000 |
| Management Analysts | $95,000 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $95,000 |
Source: BLS Business and Financial Occupations
In the same report, BLS also informs that there are around 900,000+ jobs in these various business consultancy categories.
How to Become a Business Consultant with no Experience
Becoming a business consultant with no experience isn’t impossible, as everyone starts out somewhere. For most people, the path to becoming a full-time business consultant begins with internships and finding work experiences in various sectors.
However, it’s important to have a proper basic education to pursue this career. And that’s why, the steps towards becoming a business consultant begin with:
- A proper educational base, 0i.e., MBA or BBA degrees;
- Finding internships and work in various sectors;
- Finding apprenticeships in various or targeted sectors;
- Using resources carefully and aim for decision-making positions;
- Finding or aiming for higher/executive level positions in businesses;
- Sticking to a specific niche or category, i.e., marketing or financial consultancy;
- And being proactive in specific consultation fields to gain more experience.
These are some of the necessities to become a business consultant without any prior experience. It’s important to remember that business consultancy is about providing assistance and advice to help businesses thrive and grow—and that’s why earning the necessary education and experience is important.
Conclusion
These are some of the best colleges, universities, and institutions you can pursue to get your MBA and become a business consultant. While it’s a lot about education, it’s also about finding the right niche or industry where you can provide sage advice and consultation. Therefore, focusing on the right educational base will help you get there quite comprehensively.
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