Programs Offered
Program Rankings
MBA
Student Perspective
Generally positive, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, career opportunities, and a collaborative atmosphere. However, some students mention the large class sizes and occasional lack of personalized attention as drawbacks.
Career opportunities are a major draw for Smeal students. The school boasts strong relationships with many Fortune 500 companies and a robust recruiting pipeline. Career services are generally considered helpful, offering resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. Students often secure internships and full-time positions in various fields, including finance, consulting, marketing, and supply chain management. Location near major metropolitan areas helps with job placement.
Smeal emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. Students describe a competitive but supportive environment where they learn from each other and faculty. There's a strong emphasis on professionalism and ethical behavior. A significant focus on networking and building relationships with alumni and recruiters is evident. Extracurricular activities and club involvement are heavily encouraged to foster a sense of community and develop leadership skills. School spirit is high, particularly surrounding sporting events.
- +Strong career services and recruiting pipeline.
- +Excellent faculty with industry experience.
- +Collaborative and supportive learning environment.
- +Emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications.
- +Large and active alumni network.
- -Large class sizes can sometimes lead to a lack of personalized attention.
- -Competition for internships and jobs can be intense.
- -High tuition costs.
- -Some courses may be less engaging than others.
- -Bureaucracy associated with a large university.
School Culture
Smeal promotes a collaborative and ethical learning environment. Students benefit from close interaction with faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community. A focus is placed on responsible leadership and sustainable business practices.
Career Services
Smeal provides comprehensive career support, including career coaching, resume workshops, and mock interviews. Strong relationships with employers facilitate on-campus recruiting events and internships. The career services team helps students identify career paths and connect with industry professionals.
Campus
The Smeal College of Business is located on Penn State's University Park campus. The Business Building provides modern classrooms, team study rooms, and advanced technology. The campus also offers ample green spaces, recreational facilities, and cultural venues.
Notable Alumni
- -John L. Manion - Former CFO, Air Products & Chemicals
- -William Schlosser - Former CEO, Citizens Financial Group
Similar Schools
Student Reviews Summary
Smeal is highly regarded for its top-ranked supply chain management program and a strong commitment to business ethics. Students benefit from an expansive alumni network and a collaborative culture centered in State College.