Women in the MBA
The BYU Marriott MBA program is a nurturing place for women to further develop, compete, and thrive. We develop powerful and strong women to face tomorrow’s challenges.
BENEFITS OF THE MBA:
- Study/life balance in the program: Like our students, the professors and program administrators share the belief that family comes first. For this reason, BYU Marriott’s MBA program offers a healthy balance of rigorous studies with personal and family time.
- Family friendly: For 13 consecutive years, the Princeton Review has recognized the BYU Marriott MBA as the “Most Family-Friendly MBA” in the United States.
- Empowering: MBA-educated women are highly sought after by employers, which empowers our women graduates to gain high levels of employment or negotiate ideal working conditions.
- High value: The MBA program is recognized as being very high quality while at the same time being reasonably priced through Church funding. This allows students to graduate with little to no debt while earning a high salary right out of the program.
No, and currently the opposite is true. Most major employers value diversity in the workforce and want to hire more women; especially in fields where nearly all workers are male. There are career fairs exclusively for women, and some employers come to campus asking to meet with women in the MBA program.
The admission requirements are the same for men and women.
An MBA is an investment not only in your future career, but in your personal leadership ability, opportunity to make a positive impact, and capacity to have great confidence in knowing your personal and professional value.
Career: An MBA helps put you on a leadership track in your chosen field and gives you strong earning potential, plus the skills to lead in today’s integrated economy.
Networking and Relationships: One of the best takeaways from BYU Marriott’s MBA is a network of colleagues and friends who you can turn to for advice, opportunities, support, and more. From alumni and professors to students and recruiters, you’ll meet, befriend, and learn from a diverse set of professionals and individuals.
Personal Growth and Leadership: An MBA is a challenging endeavor that gives most students the opportunity to test their mettle and skills, coming out with greater confidence that they can succeed at hard things. There’s also ample opportunity to take on new leadership roles, from leading one of our many student clubs to working with Career Services as a career advisor (mentor) for other students.
Positive Impact: An MBA is a tool for social change and for making a positive impact, whether it’s in a business, community organization, religious institution, or socially minded entity.
Confidence and Value: An MBA gives its holder automatic credibility and a greater confidence in the value of his or her contributions, as well as better awareness of what opportunities exist and market value in terms of salary and compensation.
The BYU Marriott MBA is one of the highest value and highest quality MBAs on the market. It is consistently ranked in the top five MBA programs for highest ROI. Undergirding this is the financial ROI of the BYU Marriott MBA.
The BYU Marriott MBA costs approximately 25 percent of what other top MBAs cost—leaving graduates the flexibility to work in whichever sector or structure they choose without the weight of significant debt. BYU students graduate on average with $23,000 in debt or less compared to average debt of $70,000–$110,000 for similarly ranked programs. The average salary post-MBA for BYU graduates is $110,000, often doubling what many students were earning prior to the program
Additionally, there are many ways to make an MBA affordable for students in the BYU Marriott MBA program. The majority of students work paid internships after their first year, earning between $20–$50 per hour for a earnings of $8,000–$20,000 during the summer. Many students participate in the dozens of on-campus case competitions, where prize earnings often range from $200–$5,000 per person or team.
For cost estimates (single, married, LDS, or non-LDS), please see this page.
BYU Marriott MBA student mothers are a valued part of each MBA class. Many mothers have successfully pursued the MBA at different stages, from having a two-month-old baby to being a mother of six teenaged children.
Resources for student mothers at BYU include:
- BYU Marriott MBA Women in Management Club
- BYU Women’s Resource Center
- Harold B. Lee Library Family Area
- MBASA (MBA Spouse Association)
- BYU Campus Nursing Lounge and Changing Station Map
- Preschool and Kindergarten Programs
If you are a mother or mother-to-be and have additional questions, please contact us to discuss your options, connect with other MBA moms, and get additional resources.
BYU Marriott MBA students benefit from the robust presence of the Women in Management (WIM) club, the prominent BYU Marriott women’s affiliate group. WIM’s mission is to provide professional development, networking opportunities, and support for women in BYU Marriott graduate programs. The club prepares women to make contributions in their future careers and to successfully manage the unique challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the business world.
A male ally group, HeForShe, is also part of the Women in Management organization. This group supports men in developing their ability to advocate for, support, and effectively learn from and mentor women through discussions, activities, and lectures.
Yes, and most have been successful in completing the program and balancing family life. Being divorced, widowed, or separated makes no difference in the eyes of your classmates or professors.
The BYU Marriott MBA program leverages the diverse professional backgrounds of its students. About half of BYU Marriott MBA students have an undergraduate degree in business or finance. While quality professional experience (minimum of two years, average of four) is required for admittance to the BYU Marriott MBA program, the makeup of that experience is often unique to each student. From working in a nonprofit or being a journalist to managing global retail operations or working as a medical professional, the unique backgrounds and leadership journeys of each student strengthen the MBA education.
Every MBA student takes core classes for the first one-and-a-half semesters; for the last two-and-a-half semesters, students take electives of their choice. Significant support for succeeding in the core classes of finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, leadership, operations, strategy, and ethics is available through your core teammates, professors, teaching assistants, fellow students, and many other avenues. Support for recruiting also exists through our unique mentorship program and collaborative culture in the BYU Marriott MBA program.
The BYU Marriott MBA program accepts either the GRE or GMAT, although the GMAT is preferred. The LSAT or other graduate admissions test are not sufficient alone. To be a competitive applicant, students should score above an 640 and we recommend you apply if you’re above 620. The average GMAT at BYU is 670.
The GMAT can be daunting for many students, but it is only one step along your journey to successfully completing an MBA. Many students without strong math backgrounds have performed well on the GMAT due to their preparation. To prepare, many students take a class (online or in person), use study books, or work with a tutor. Taking multiple practice tests is one of the best efforts for success on the GMAT, as is having a can-do attitude and seeking support.
Please contact us if you need assistance (financial, guidance, or other) with preparing for the GMAT.
The short answer is when it’s right for you. Our research shows that for women more than men, the timing of pursuing an MBA is a highly personal matter. Some of these decision points may be when you want to:
- Move up from or around your current role when no other options exist
- Learn more about how businesses are run, how to start a business, or how business contributes positively to society
- Build connections with people who are smart and driven
- Make a career switch or increase your earning potential
- Learn the leadership skills to contribute in an organization or movement
We recommend that you have at least three years of formal work experience. Having worked in a professional environment can immensely enhance your experience in classes because you have a valid frame of reference to which your education is applied. However, there are exceptions to this three year recommendation—please contact us if you have questions about whether the time is right for you.
The BYU Marriott MBA program is unique among top-rated MBAs given the number of mothers and fathers in the program. Incoming classes vary year to year, but usually about one third to one half of MBA students are also parents.
Several female students have given birth immediately prior to, during, or immediately after the program. Administration members from the BYU Marriott MBA program are committed to ensuring the success of women and mothers in the program and are willing to work with students and applicants on an individual basis as needed for support and accommodations. If needed, students may be able to take a personal leave between years or extend their MBA for a third year to finish their required 64 credits.
The BYU Marriott MBA program is committed to creating a community of belonging where all students feel valued and respected. BYU Marriott recognizes that gender inequalities still exist both in the business world and other settings, including business school, but is committed to making improvements. Professors, student leaders, and administration give great thought and action to ensuring that the BYU Marriott MBA program is a great place for women to pursue their MBA.
Firms that recruit from the BYU Marriott MBA program are looking for strong female talent as they strive to develop diverse and inclusive teams and cultures and hire the best candidates overall. There’s never been a better time to be a woman in business or in business school.
While this is again a personal question, students ultimately have control over their time and experience in the MBA program. The MBA Singles Association provides many activities to support single students in connecting with others (both in and out of the program). While the first semester of the MBA is designed to be intensive in class load, recruiting, and other activities. There is greater flexibility in the schedule of the final three semesters. Many MBA students look back on their social relationships (friends, dating partners, and colleagues) as one of the best opportunities to emerge from the MBA. In true BYU fashion, the MBA usually sees at least one marriage between MBA students each year.
If you still have questions or want to learn more about the BYU Marriott MBA program, please feel free to contact us in the way that best suits you.
Women Student Profiles
Finding New Direction
Dunia Alrabadi
From:
Ajloun, Jordan
Undergrad:
BS, electrical engineering/software engineering
Pre-MBA:
Software engineer
MBA track:
Marketing
Full-time role/company:
Product manager, eBay
Hobbies:
Piano, running, hiking
My MBA experience brought me back to life.
Before starting the program, I felt like I was losing my sense of purpose. BYU Marriott’s MBA program helped me find myself again. I had always wanted to get a master’s degree, but I didn’t know it would be an MBA. After becoming an engineer, I realized being behind a computer all day was going to slowly kill me. I had to broaden my opportunities.
I was hesitant to apply to the BYU Marriott MBA program because I’m not a great writer, and the process scared me.
That’s one of the reasons I became an engineer. But friends and alumni jumped in to help me. I can’t even begin to talk about how my degree has impacted my career. I catch myself daydreaming about new opportunities. I have offers to work in business analytics, sales, product management, product strategy, product marketing, and marketing management. I’ve decided to go into product management. This program has given me the knowledge, skills, and connections to open new doors. If you are even considering getting a BYU Marriott MBA for just one minute—it will be worth it! This experience by far has been the most fulfilling, rewarding, stretching, and building experience in my life. I have grown in ways I never thought possible and changed in ways I never thought I could.
Accelerating Your Career
Elise Hardle
From:
Benicia, CA
Undergrad:
BS, mathematics; BS, environmental science
Pre-MBA:
Product analyst and implementation consultant
MBA track:
Global Supply Chain
Full-time role/company:
Global supply chain manager, Apple
Hobbies:
Camping, volleyball, travel
I am in a completely different role than I was before I received my MBA; my salary doubled upon graduation, and my job title slingshotted over mid-range titles.
I’m more comfortable leading meetings, addressing people with senior titles, jumping in, and making suggestions—all things that can help lead to a more senior career. I decided to get an MBA because I was seeing challenges in my job and company that I didn’t have the tools to address. I chose BYU Marriott specifically because my husband and I decided to pursue MBAs at the same time.
This program provided ample opportunity for me to step outside of my comfort zone.
I traveled to multiple countries and areas in the United States. But regardless of travel opportunities, the experience was made rich because of the students and faculty I was with. They encouraged me and supported me in everything I attempted, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It may feel like an MBA is only for a “certain type” of person, but this program attracts students with rich diversity in background, experience, and culture—some of whom will become the best friends you’ll ever have. If you are looking for something that challenges and engages you, this is it.
Endless Career Opportunities
Meagan Berry
From:
Lehi, UT
Undergrad:
BS, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy
Pre-MBA:
Certified therapeutic recreation specialist
MBA track:
Strategic HR
Full-time role/company:
Inventory control manager, Keto Chow
Hobbies:
Before the MBA program, I felt my career path was very limited. I had some good work experience but not in a career I actually wanted to be in, so I knew that any type of pivoting would mean I had to enter from the bottom of an organization.
With an MBA, I feel like the world has opened up to me, and the career opportunities are almost endless.
The most challenging part of applying was having to take the GMAT. I had not taken any math-related classes for more than 10 years, and even some of the most basic math problems were a struggle for me. I studied like crazy. I found a website that retaught me the basics, and I reached out for tutoring from friends and family who I knew were skilled in the math arena. It was challenging, but it was worth it.
No matter your background or experience, you have something valuable to add to the program and your peers.
We all become better people and better professionals when we are exposed to different perspectives, and we all have something to give to and gain from the BYU Marriott MBA program. The BYU Marriott MBA program needs your voice and your vision.
Learning to Bet on Yourself
Sarah Waggoner
From:
Las Vegas, NV
Undergrad:
BA, political science
Pre-MBA:
Community affairs liaison
MBA track:
Marketing
Full-time role/company:
Intel
Hobbies:
Making friends and solving the New York Times crossword
Through this program, I’ve learned to bet on myself! I don’t think I’ll ever again stare down a job and think, “I can’t do that.”
The BYU Marriott MBA program has taught me confidence in my ability to think strategically and solve big problems. I chose to get an MBA because I wanted to be in a cohort of peers, learn, improve my career opportunities, and be challenged personally and professionally. When I decided to apply, it was very late in the process. I only had two weeks to study for and take the GMAT and complete my application from beginning to end. I made a strict study schedule, prayed a lot, and tapped into my network for advice.
Recruiting is one of my least favorite sports.
Successfully translating my previous experience in an interview setting and gaining business acumen without business experience was initially difficult for me. I learned to play to my strengths. I’m great at meeting people, so I embraced networking. I ultimately got an internship through my network. Earning an MBA is a great way to end up in a totally different place than you started. You’ll find improved career opportunities, personal growth, and an expanded network. You’ll also find you can compete with MBAs from any other school—including those with tuition many times higher than BYU Marriott’s.
Believe in New Possibilities
Chloe Mehr
From:
American Fork, UT
Undergrad:
BFA, photography
Pre-MBA:
Social media and content manager
MBA track:
Marketing
Full-time role/company:
Marketing manager at Verizon
Hobbies:
Film photography, visiting national parks
BYU Marriott’s MBA program opened doors for me to interview with companies that were completely out of my league just a few months prior.
I accepted an offer to work for a Fortune 25 company, an opportunity I never would have dreamed of coming out of my undergrad. Not only did I triple my base salary in the short term, but I also expanded my career options going forward.
Taking the entrance exams turned out to be a lot more challenging than I thought.
Math isn’t my strength, but I have a lot of grit, so I committed to an intense study program. I took BYU’s GRE prep course (available for the GMAT test as well) and two other online prep courses, studied for five months after work and on weekends, and took the test three times before applying to the program. It was a lot of work, but completely worth it! The MBA program has been challenging, but the amount of work I’ve put in has had massive dividends. Not only are my career path and earning potential worlds different from where I was before the program, but I’ve also experienced a lot of personal growth doing things outside of my comfort zone. I’ve expanded my worldview by furthering my education and interacting with people I never would have gotten the chance to meet otherwise. Getting a BYU Marriott MBA will help you remove the personal limitations you set for yourself and believe in new possibilities for your life. It will impact your career and personal growth exponentially.
Professional and Personal Joy
Jamie Cropper
From:
Walnut Creek, CA
Undergrad:
BS, management, organizational behavior/human resources
Pre-MBA:
Chief of staff for reporting and metrics & business analyst
MBA track:
Strategic HR
Full-time role/company:
Management consulting senior associate at PwC
Hobbies:
Escape rooms, Harry Potter, travel
The MBA program has been one of the single greatest decisions of my life, personally and professionally. My return on my investment has been nothing short of incredible. Not only have I more than doubled my salary from before the MBA, but I’ve also met some of the most incredible people who I know will be lifelong friends. I’ve come to see my career path as a journey, and the MBA program has been a vital stepping stone to getting me to where I want to be. Studying for the GRE was the most challenging part of the application. Having a full-time job is a lot of work, but adding in a few hours of studying each night takes a lot of self-discipline. I used a lot of testing resources (including those recommended by the MBA office) and made a goal to take the test a few times so that the pressure wasn’t focused on one single instance.
BYU Marriott’s MBA program has changed the way I feel about learning.
The techniques used in the program have helped me to see how all the different segments of business work together, allowing me to become a more well-balanced professional. We dissect real-world case studies, and I love being able to talk through different strategic approaches with my classmates.
I want everyone to experience the professional and personal joy the program has brought me.
I’m constantly inspired by my female peers, and it is amazing to be part of a group of women who have accomplished and will continue to accomplish so much. The opportunity cost of leaving the workforce for a few years pales in comparison when I think about the priceless friendships I’ve been able to develop.
Succeeding with Support
Millie Rapp
From:
Houston, TX
Undergrad:
BS, chemical engineering
Pre-MBA:
Chemical/environmental engineer
MBA track:
Global Supply Chain
Full-time role/company:
Strategic initiatives manager at Nursa
Hobbies:
Running
For me, the most challenging part of applying to the program was overcoming a fear of the many associated unknowns.
I’m a single parent, and more than anything else, I worried about the impact of everything on my two young sons.
Attending the MBA program full-time meant quitting my job, uprooting my little family, and starting over in a new town for the next two years. Ultimately, I gained the courage needed to move forward after a handful of phone calls with former students who reassured me and shared with me the many ways the BYU Marriott MBA program has dramatically improved the trajectory of their lives. Now that I’m in the program, my days are full. As a full-time student and single parent, every hour of every day is carefully allocated to different priorities. Add recruiting activities on top of that, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. These challenges never really go away, but the MBA program’s team of professors, staff, and peer mentors goes above and beyond to offer personalized support. Each team member sincerely wants each and every student to succeed—not just in class but in every aspect of life.
The BYU Marriott MBA experience is unique.
If you simply hope to check off the relevant coursework, you can likely accomplish that in any MBA program. But if you want the opportunity to surround yourself with people who will challenge and encourage you to reach your full potential in every aspect of life, no one does it better than BYU.
Opening New Doors
Carly Jo Lang
From:
Westlake Village, CA
Undergrad:
BS, communications
Pre-MBA:
Hairstylist
MBA track:
Marketing
Full-time role/company:
CSM at Divvy
Hobbies:
Trying new things
Getting a BYU Marriott MBA has opened a lot of doors for me.
I have pivoted from working as a hairstylist into interning as a marketing strategist at a startup.
I’m hoping to work full-time as a consultant. It’s amazing the skills the MBA program has given me in strategy. I have been able to connect with companies at various conferences and connect with alumni to form relationships that have resulted in interviews. The BYU Marriott MBA has opened up so many doors for me that I didn’t even think were an option when I applied. Earning an MBA provided me the opportunity to expand my skills to pursue careers with more growth and learning opportunities. That’s what I felt I was missing.
To women considering a BYU Marriott MBA, do it!
We need more strong women. I cannot emphasize enough the impact women have made in my life. There are many great men that I can say great things about, but a handful of women have honestly had a greater impact in my life. The women who have been on my teams in the program have helped me to think differently, to learn in different ways, and to be a better leader. They have been a strength. I’m extra proud of the women who surround me in the program.
The Ultimate Career Pivot
Angela Smith
From:
St. George, UT
Undergrad:
BS, social science teaching
Pre-MBA:
High school social studies teacher
MBA track:
Finance
Full-time role/company:
Investor, Origin Ventures
Hobbies:
Yoga (certified instructor)
I was an educator for six years, and I loved my job, but I also felt stuck with little progression in my career.
I was living in the Bay Area, where all of my friends worked in tech jobs. I had never been pushed to go into tech or have a career growing up, but seeing so many successful women made me realize I could do whatever job I wanted. So I decided to apply for the BYU Marriott MBA program.
The MBA program has completely transformed my career.
I chose the finance track even though I am terrible at math and don’t have a finance background. But I know women are needed in the financial sector, and I am passionate about making decisions that impact women. I quickly realized that since finance is such a male-dominated industry, my background and perspective make me stand out. I wasn’t wrong. I have received quite a few job offers where people are willing to overlook my nontechnical background because they see the value of my skill set.
In less than a year and a half, I went from being a social studies teacher to having an exciting career in VC investing.
The most challenging part of the program has been getting over my own self-doubt. Coming in without a business background was hard. I was shocked to see how supportive all of my classmates have been. I have had so many classmates, professors, and TAs mentor me and help me in any way needed. I couldn’t have done this program alone. I know it’s scary to make the decision to come back to school, but just do it!
This is the best decision I have ever made.
Women Alumni
My Best Two Years
Carly MacLennan
From:
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Undergrad:
BS, health education, minor in math education
Pre-MBA:
Product analyst and implementation consultant
MBA track:
Global Supply Chain
Full-time role/company:
Global supply chain manager, Apple
Hobbies:
Camping, volleyball, travel
Entering the BYU Marriott MBA program, I had no idea just how impactful it would be.
The program opened up so many doors for me and showed me doors I didn’t even know existed.
I didn’t have an exact job title in my head when I started—not even close. What I thought I wanted when I started the program changed drastically by the time I finished. I learned so much along the journey.
I am so grateful for the connections and experiences that allowed me to design my own career path.
The most challenging aspect of the MBA program was figuring out time management and my “no criteria.” The MBA program was so fun, but it was busy. There are so many things to accomplish and be involved in, but you also have to take care of yourself. I had to figure out what I wanted out of the program for me and be okay with letting certain things drop to focus on my priorities, which included enjoying the whole experience!
Two years might feel like a long time, but I promise it will fly by.
No matter what stage of life you are in, you won’t regret getting your MBA.