Haas School of Business – University of California, Berkeley Overview

Haas School of Business is among the top-ranked business schools in the United States. It holds the #8 spot in the Best Business Schools ranking by US News and World Report. Additionally, LinkedIn ranked the school #18 in its latest Top MBA Ranking for 2024. The MBA program at Haas is highly renowned, securing the #14 position globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2022. Beyond the MBA, Haas offers a bachelor’s degree in business, a doctoral program, and four certificate programs.

As the second-oldest business school in the USA, the Haas School of Business is renowned for its experiential learning opportunities. The school offers over 20 applied innovation courses that emphasize practical learning, along with summer internships.

For the MBA class of 2023, approximately 291 students enrolled, while 85 students joined the MFE program for the class of 2022. International applicants to Haas are required to have a GPA above 3.3 and a GMAT score exceeding 730. Additionally, a minimum TOEFL score of 90 and at least 3 years of work experience are necessary for admission.

Haas School of Business Rankings

Haas School of Business is ranked #14 in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2022. Other notable rankings include:

• #18 in LinkedIn's Top MBA Ranking 2024
• #8 in Best Business Schools (2022, tie) by US News and World Report 2023
• #2 in Part-Time MBA (2022) by US News and World Report
• #5 in EMBA Rankings - North America (2022) by QS World University Rankings
• #10 in EMBA Rankings - Global (2022) by QS Top Universities
• #6 in World University Rankings - Masters in Finance (2022) by QS Top Universities

Haas School of Business Programs

The Haas School of Business offers a variety of academic programs, including 1 Bachelor’s degree in Business, 2 Master’s programs, 1 doctoral degree program, and 4 certificate programs. Additionally, the school collaborates with the College of Engineering and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology to offer two joint degree programs.

One joint program is the Bachelor of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology, developed in partnership with the College of Engineering. Another is the Robinson Life Sciences Business and Entrepreneurship program, offered in collaboration with the Molecular and Cell Biology Department within the College of Letters and Science.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Haas is a two-year program, known for its competitiveness. Applications are accepted through two pathways: current UC Berkeley students and transfer students.

For graduate students, the MBA at Haas is available in three formats: Full-Time MBA, Evening and Weekend MBA, and Executive MBA. The Full-Time MBA is a 21-month program, and students can also pursue concurrent degrees such as MBA/JD, MBA/MPH, and MBA/MEng. The program emphasizes experiential learning through 20 applied innovation courses.

Haas also offers a one-year Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) program, which includes a 10-12 week internship and an applied finance project.

The school’s certificate courses include the BASE Summer Program, BCPA Accounting Summer Program, Michaels Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business, and the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program.

Master of Business Administration [M.B.A.]

• Duration: 2 years
• Mode: Full-Time, On Campus
• Field of Study: Management, Business, and Management
• Ranked #8 out of 1502 by THE Global Ranking 2023
• Fees: ₹10.7 Lakh/Year ($12,762/Year)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of California, Berkeley is a full-time, two-year course aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the business world. The program is highly competitive, with admission based on a holistic evaluation of a candidate’s academic performance, work experience, leadership potential, and personal qualities.

The core curriculum covers a broad spectrum of business subjects, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership. In addition to core courses, students can select from various electives to specialize in areas like entrepreneurship, real estate, and sustainable business.

The Berkeley MBA program offers numerous experiential learning opportunities through consulting projects, case competitions, and internships, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world business settings.

This rigorous program not only delivers a solid foundation in business principles but also prepares students to be leaders and innovators. With a strong focus on experiential learning and global exposure, the program equips students for success in an ever-evolving global economy

Haas School of Business Campus

The Haas School of Business campus is designed with a focus on student needs. It features a state-of-the-art computer lab, a comprehensive career center, and a versatile innovation lab. The campus also houses a business and economics library. Classrooms, lecture halls, and seminar rooms are fully equipped with video, audio, and electronic data capabilities. Additionally, the campus includes a café.

The school hosts various events, including conferences, case competitions, charity events, and treks. Notable case competitions at Haas include the Global Social Venture Competition, the Haas Tech Challenge, and the Patagonia Case Competition. Students can also engage in over 40 on-campus organizations, encompassing both professional and social clubs.

Haas takes pride in its zero-waste initiative, the first of its kind among U.S. business schools. The Connie & Kevin Chou Hall on campus is one of the first academic buildings to achieve both LEED Platinum and WELL certifications.

Haas School of Business Accommodation

Graduate students at Haas have several housing options: university-owned and operated housing, group housing alternatives, and off-campus housing. Those seeking off-campus housing can refer to the Cal Rentals website managed by UC Berkeley. On-campus accommodations range from shared apartments to private studios, with monthly rent between $1,425 and $1,685 (₹1.13 lakhs to ₹1.34 lakhs).

However, UC Berkeley has limited graduate housing options, leading most grad students to live in off-campus rentals in Berkeley or nearby communities. The current average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Berkeley, CA, is around $2,250 (₹1.79 lakhs).

Haas School of Business Admissions

The admissions team at Haas School of Business takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications. They consider all of a candidate's achievements in the context of the opportunities available to them. Additionally, any hardships or unusual life circumstances faced by applicants, along with their responses or how they overcame these challenges, are also taken into account.

• Application Portal: Online
• Application Fee: $200 (MBA) / $275 (MFE)

MBA and MFE Application Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Resume
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience (recommended)
• GRE/GMAT (average GMAT score of 730 or above)
• Essays (MFE applicants must submit a video essay)
• English proficiency test scores:
  • TOEFL-iBT: 90+
  • TOEFL-PBT: 570+
  • TOEFL-CBT: 230+
  • IELTS: 7+
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Interview

Note: MFE applicants must demonstrate proficiency in computer programming languages such as C++ and Python, as well as an understanding of computational and management tools. A strong quantitative background is also required, including knowledge of linear algebra, multivariate calculus, differential equations, numerical analysis, and advanced statistics and probability.

Haas School of Business Cost of Attendance

Below is the estimated cost of pursuing the MBA and MFE programs at Haas School of Business for the 2022-23 academic year:

Haas School of Business Scholarships

The Haas School of Business provides a variety of scholarships for international students studying in the USA. In previous academic years, the school has distributed approximately $8.7 million in scholarships. These scholarships are divided into merit-based awards, supplemental scholarships, and consortium awards. Some of the notable scholarships include:

• Dr. Tahir Fellowship: Aimed at students who completed their undergraduate studies in Asia, with award amounts varying.
• Berkeley MBA Grant: Designed for students with financial needs, this award requires submission of income information to verify eligibility. The amounts awarded are variable and based on need.
• Galloway MBA Fellowship: Available to full-time MBA students, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, with a variable award amount.
• Mike and Carol Meyer Fellowship: Targeted at students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or science, and those pursuing careers in entrepreneurship.
• C & J White Fellowship: Given to students aspiring to careers in finance.
• Mark Rubinstein Fellowship: Awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic performance in the MFE program.

Haas School of Business Alumni

The Haas School of Business boasts a global network of over 40,000 active alumni across 81 countries. The alumni association hosts numerous panel discussions, reunion events, and seminars each year.

Notable alumni from Haas School of Business include:

• Shantanu Narayen: CEO of Adobe Systems
• Richard C. Blum: Chairman and President of Blum Capital
• Arun Sarin: Former CEO of Vodafone Group plc
• Paul Otellini: Former CEO of Intel
• Donald Fisher: American billionaire businessman and philanthropist

Haas School of Business Placements

The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. and globally by major ranking organizations. Graduates of the MBA program are recruited for full-time positions and internships by prestigious companies in industries such as technology, finance, consulting, and consumer products. Haas is also recognized as one of the top 10 business schools for return on investment, particularly in terms of salary growth. In 2018, the Financial Times reported that MBA graduates experienced an average salary increase of 104% within three years of graduating. Additionally, 90% of Haas MBA graduates received job offers within three months of completing the program.

Haas School of Business MBA Placement Highlights 2022

• Job Offers Received (3 months post-graduation): 93.8%
• Job Offers Accepted (3 months post-graduation): 92.8%
• Most Popular Job Source: Internship Conversion
• Industry with Highest Employment Rate: Technology/Telecom
• Mean Sign-on Bonus: USD 33,418
• Industry with Highest Compensation: Consulting
• Top Employers: Samsung Global Strategy Group, Visa Inc., Walmart, Wipro, Gusto, Proterra, Humana, Meta

Haas School of Business MBA Class Profile 2024

The MBA class of 2024 at Haas School of Business consists of 247 students, with 46% being female and 16% representing the LGBTQ+ community. The class is internationally diverse, with students averaging 5.6 years of work experience. Here’s a deeper look into the 2024 cohort:

• GMAT: Average score: 729; Median score: 730; 80% range: 700-760
• GRE Verbal: Average score: 161; Median score: 162; 80% range: 153-167
• GRE Quant: Average score: 163; Median score: 163; 80% range: 155-169
• Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.64
• First-Generation College Students: 13%
• International Students: 41%, representing 45 countries
• U.S. Minorities: 45%; Underrepresented Minorities: 17%

Pre-MBA Industries:

• Consulting (23%)
• Financial Services (18%)
• High Technology/Electronics (13%)
• Health/Pharma/Bio-Tech (9%)
• Not-for-Profit (6%)
• Energy (5%)
• Real Estate (5%)
• Consumer Products/Retail (4%)
• Military (3%)
• Other (15%)

Top Employers for Haas School of Business MBA Graduates (2022)

In 2022, 18% of Haas MBA graduates reported that their job roles involved a social impact component, and 14% chose to work at startups. Below is a list of notable organizations that hired Haas MBA graduates:

Top Employers (2022):

• Adobe
• Amazon
• Bain & Company
• Boston Consulting Group
• Cisco
• Cruise
• Deloitte
• EY-Parthenon
• Google
• McKinsey & Company
• Nike
• Meta
• ServiceNow
• Airbnb
• American Express
• DC Green Bank
• Microsoft Corporation
• Morgan Stanley
• Nestle
• Tesla
• Tinder
• Chevron Corporation
• Citigroup Inc.
• IBM
• Infosys Consulting
• Levi Strauss & Co.
• Liberty Mutual
• PayPal, Inc.
• PwC Strategy&
• Salesforce.com

Haas School of Business Campus Placement Support

By the time students graduate, they typically have a clear sense of the career path they want to pursue. A university’s campus placement center plays a crucial role in helping both students and alumni explore their interests and assess the skills needed for their chosen careers. Being industry-ready means understanding corporate challenges, job markets, and the recruitment process. Haas School of Business offers a dedicated career support center that provides the following services:

• Career Counseling: Students can schedule appointments with career experts and peer advisors to further their professional development. They can connect via video call, phone, or in person.

• Drop-ins and Same-Day Mini-Sessions: For students who need their CVs or cover letters reviewed or have quick career-related questions, internships, or further education, 15-minute same-day mini-appointments are available. These sessions cover topics such as job and internship exploration, tips for using job search platforms, and writing cover letters.

• Berkeley Career Network: This network connects students and alumni with professionals based on their interests, academic majors, and industries. It allows users to build connections, send messages, and book online or in-person meetings with experts in their fields.

• Career Fests: These events give students from various departments the opportunity to meet potential employers in virtual or in-person settings, offering valuable chances to explore different job and internship opportunities.

FAQ

Q: Is the Haas School of Business good?

A: Haas School of Business is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top business schools in the USA. It is ranked #7 in Best Business Schools for 2022 by US News and World Report.

Q: What are the academic requirements for international students applying to Haas School of Business?

A: While there is no minimum GRE or GMAT score requirement, strong performance on these tests is expected. The application also requires letters of recommendation, essays, a resume, official transcripts, and English language proficiency test scores.

Q: Is an MBA from Haas School of Business worth it?

A: Yes, MBA graduates from Haas typically earn around $150,000 per year as a starting salary.

Q: Does Haas School of Business offer scholarships to international students?

A: Yes, Haas provides merit-based, need-based supplementary, and consortium scholarships. The school awards approximately $7.8 million in scholarships each year.

Q: What are the key requirements for admission to undergraduate programs at Haas?

A: Key requirements include strong academic performance with a competitive GPA, demonstrated leadership and responsibility, and consistent performance in subjects such as economics, statistics, business, and math.

Q: What is the acceptance rate at Haas School of Business?

A: Haas accepts about 24% of applicants each year.

Q: What is the application deadline for Haas School of Business?

A: Applications for admission are accepted from November 1 to November 30.