What is the difference between the Oregon MBA and the MS in Finance (MSF)?
The Oregon MBA is a broad, two-year management degree. The MSF is a specialized, one-year finance degree.
- Oregon MBA: Full-time, two years (or 15 months with the accelerated option). Four specializations: finance and securities, entrepreneurship, sports business, sustainability.
- MSF: One year, built for students targeting analyst and asset management roles.
- Concurrent MBA/MSF: Earn both degrees in two years.
What specializations does the Oregon MBA offer?
The Oregon MBA offers four focus areas: Finance and Securities Analysis (equity research, corporate finance, investment roles), Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ranked #6 in the world), Sports Business (powerful network including alumni who work for Nike, the NFL, and MLS), and Sustainable Business Practices (ranked #8 by The Princeton Review).
Do I need prior experience in a field to choose that specialization?
No. Students don't need prior experience in the field they specialize in. Many Oregon MBA students use the program to pivot into a new career entirely. Classroom diversity of experience is part of the design. We’ve found it's what makes classroom discussions richer for everyone.
Is the Oregon MBA hybrid or remote?
No. The Oregon MBA is a two-year, full-time, in-person program in Eugene, Oregon, with no hybrid or remote option. Many students relocate to Eugene for the full immersive experience.
What hands-on learning opportunities are available to students?
Oregon MBA students learn by doing, not just by studying:
- Solving real business problems for industry partners
- Managing student-run investment portfolios worth more than $1.2 million
- Competing in business plan competitions&
- Traveling to domestic and international business hubs to network with industry leaders
What's the difference between the Oregon MBA, MS in Management, and Executive MBA?
Program | format | location | who's it for |
|---|---|---|---|
Oregon MBA | Full-time, in-person | Eugene, OR | Early- to mid-career professionals (2+ years experience) |
MS in Management | Full-time, in-person | Eugene, OR | No work experience required; often completed before entering the workforce |
Oregon Executive MBA | Every other Friday and Saturday | Portland, OR | Working professionals with 5+ years experience, including management experience |
Is an undergraduate degree in business required for the MBA?
No. The full-time, two-year Oregon MBA welcomes all undergraduate backgrounds. The accelerated (15-month) MBA is the exception: it requires an undergraduate business or accounting degree from an accredited school of business, plus a strong academic record.
Do I need work experience to apply to the Oregon MBA?
Yes. The Oregon MBA requires at least two years of post-bachelor's professional work experience. Have less than two years? The MS in Management program is designed for candidates with a non-business bachelor's degree and no work experience requirement.
How to Apply to the Oregon MBA
What funding is available to students?
Over 75 percent of applicants receive a merit-based scholarship. All candidates are considered during the application process. Beyond that:
- $10,000 Inclusive Excellence Scholarship is for students actively engaged in promoting inclusion. Requires an additional essay.
- FAFSA (Federal Grants and Loans), UO Financial Aid, and more grants and awards are open to all UO graduate students.
- Graduate Employment (GE) and work study opportunities are extremely limited, but occasionally available.
What's a day in the life like for an Oregon MBA student?
Rigorous, but balanced. Many Oregon MBA students juggle families, active lifestyles, and extracurriculars alongside coursework. Watch the Day in the Life video series on YouTube for a real look inside the program.
What are the average Oregon MBA cohort demographics?
- Average age: 29&
- Average work experience: 5 years
- Average undergraduate GPA: 3.31
- Average GMAT/GRE: 575 / 310
- Women: 35% of cohort
- International students: 20% of cohort
- Veterans: 16% of cohort
What career development resources does the Oregon MBA provide?
Mohr Career Services is the Lundquist College of Business's in-house career team, preparing MBA students to lead with confidence at graduation. Services include:
- Career advising and one-on-one planning
- Interview practice&
- Funding for career development (e.g., conference travel)
- Career planning tailored to international students
- Internship opportunities and industry connections
What are the employment outcomes for Oregon MBA graduates?
- 85% of 2025 graduates secured employment within 6 months of graduation
- $98,197 average starting salary for 2025 graduates
- Top industries: consulting, energy, private equity, sports teams and leagues
- Top employers: Amazon, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, WSP USA
What makes a competitive Oregon MBA applicant?
A competitive application includes:
- 2+ years of post-graduate work experience, described using the W.H.O. method
- Strong undergraduate GPA and transcripts&
- Personal essays that show why Oregon is the right fit and what you bring to the program
- GMAT/GRE scores are optional but can be helpful if your GPA or work experience is on the lighter side
- Professional recommendation letters with specific examples of your work style&
What should international applicants know?
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency with their application.
Fall 2027 international deadline: March 15, 2027.
The UO Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers additional application and transition resources.