At Gies College of Business, an education is just the start. Gies Business provides an environment and the resources to foster meaningful action in students. Moreover, students today are looking for role models and a clear understanding for how to behave ethically and professionally. Programs that focus on student leadership development, that provide opportunities to engage in learning by doing, and that instill a strong sense of personal and professional responsibility help set Gies Business apart. An important college within the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies Business empowers students to follow their own path and put their individual purposes into action.
Customized Business Programs
At Gies Business, first-year students spend that year exploring a variety of programs before declaring a major in their second year. Gies’ sequence of core courses, the—’01 programs—are foundational to the educational experience. The cohort-style courses ensure that all students develop a strong foundation in professional responsibility, values, data analytics, project-based experiential learning, and more. Gies Business offers undergraduate programs, master’s and doctoral programs, online programs, and executive education.
- Undergraduate Program – Gies Business gives the students the tools to discover their purpose through eight highly ranked business majors, two minors, and a commitment to providing the support that students need to fulfill their own, individual purpose. In the undergraduate program, students choose among disciplines in the Departments of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Finance. Students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, consider new possibilities, and develop their own style.
- Graduate Program – Gies Business has a graduate curriculum that gives students the right mix of classroom, practical, and leadership experiences to prepare students for success in their career goals. Gies delivers a comprehensive suite of master’s programs in ways that fit the needs: full-time, evening, and online. The programs from the Departments of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Finance offer students opportunities to explore different business functions, learn critical problem-solving skills, and gain real-world leadership experience.
- Doctoral Program – Gies College of Business is committed to training and mentoring students who are passionate about pursuing a career in academia. It offers three exceptional doctoral programs that prepare students to become impactful researchers and teachers at some of the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities.
iMBA: The World’s MBA
Over the last decade, business education has changed rapidly at a global level. The demand for high-quality advanced business programs has also been on the rise, but opportunities to engage in quality education have been limited in many parts of the world. Creating life-changing access to a business education through a powerful, engaging online experience has been one of core pillars at Gies College of Business. It puts its very best faculty in the online space, including the iMBA, iMSA, executive education, and business minor programs. The online MBA (iMBA) provided by Gies is one of the best in the world. They call it “The World’s MBA” because it has truly tapped into a worldwide market of eager learners seeking the opportunity to earn their MBA in a flexible, affordable, high-quality format. The faculty experts interact with students from around the world, engaging with them directly in a digital classroom. The unique collaboration infuses these programs with the personal attention that enables students to reach their full potential.
Preparing Confident Business Leaders
Jeffrey R. Brown, Dean of Gies College of Business studied economics as an undergraduate and then took a job as a brand manager at Procter & Gamble. After a few years, however, he found that he missed the intellectual rigor of academia. That’s when he decided to return to graduate school, inspired to work in the education sector. In his view, business can be a noble calling. As he says, “The market is a place where one great idea can improve the lives of millions of people around the globe.”
Dean Brown believes that students at Gies Business should focus more on solving important problems. These problem-solving skills are among the most important that students need to apply into their day-to-day lives. Students need to focus on the ability to look at things from a new perspective, and to embrace a strong sense of ethics and professional responsibility.
One of the Highest Placement Rates
Gies College of Business has a dedicated Career Services office that places high emphasis on students from day one. It guides every student throughout their program by preparing them with résumé writing workshops, résumé reviews, and career fair preparation workshops that focus on communication and networking skills. The result is a 99% job placement rate for undergraduates. At Gies, students learn to identify and articulate their skills, knowledge, and experiences relevant to target positions and industries. Employers are demanding these abilities, along with more traditional ones like strong communication skills. More than 200 companies recruit directly on campus each year. Most students begin their careers in accounting, consulting, investment banking, corporate finance, supply chain, data analytics, information systems, or marketing.
Setting Trends and Pushing Beyond
Gies College of Business focuses on setting trends, breaking molds, and pushing beyond boundaries. Its vision includes a commitment to delivering “life-changing access to business education.” Access is the cornerstone of its land-grant mission. Gies offers education to the best and brightest students regardless of their financial resources. Its commitment to promote students is enhanced when it opens doors to all the students. Gies believes in working tirelessly to find new, innovative ways to break down barriers to an education, invest in student scholarships, and deliver high-quality education online.
Commitment Outside the Classroom
Gies College of Business looks for students who are passionate about developing sustainable business solutions that make the world a better place. Gies wants outstanding students who are likely to succeed in the rigorous curriculum, but also seeks out students who have shown a commitment to something outside the classroom—whether it be athletics, performing arts, community service, or anything in between. It takes a holistic admission approach, considering all aspects of a student’s application. At Gies Business, students are free to forge their own individual path and find opportunities where others do not.
