Isenberg School of Management
General Information — Isenberg School of Management
About (Overview)
The Isenberg School of Management is the business school of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is among its larger and most prominent professional schools. As an AACSB-accredited institution, Isenberg offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral business programs delivered via on-campus, online, and blended formats to accommodate a variety of students, including full-time, part-time, and working professionals.
The school emphasizes experiential learning, data-driven decision making, and a collaborative culture often referred to as the “Isenberg Advantage,” which aims to prepare students not just with foundational business knowledge but with applied skills, leadership capacity, and entrepreneurial mindsets. Isenberg fosters close connections between faculty, students, and industry, providing mentorship, internships, and career engagement. With a global alumni network and regional reputation in New England, Isenberg continues to expand its offerings and recognition in specialized master’s programs, business analytics, accounting, and cross-disciplinary business education.
Contact Informations
- Address: Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 121 Presidents Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
Undergraduate Office - Phone: 413-545-5610 | 413-545-5583
- Email: undergrad@isenberg.umass.edu
- Graduate Programs Office Email: grad@isenberg.umass.edu
- Doctoral Program Email: doctoral_program@isenberg.umass.edu
- Dean’s Office Email: dean@isenberg.umass.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1947 (as School of Business Administration) |
| Named For | Eugene M. Isenberg (renamed in honor) |
| Type | Public business school within a public university |
| Accreditation | AACSB International, ACPHA (for hospitality programs) |
| Campus Setting | Suburban / university campus in Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Student Body | Over 4,300 undergraduates, 2,200+ graduate students (approx) |
| Alumni Network | 48,000+ alumni across more than 80 countries |
| Faculty Members | ~171 (full time & affiliated) |
| Endowment / Gift Support | Significant private support (e.g. gifts to centers) |
Isenberg School of Management Rankings
| Ranking Body / Type | Standing / Notes |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (Undergraduate Business, among public) | #29 among public undergraduate business programs (2023 report) |
| U.S. News & World Report (Overall Undergraduate Business) | #47 overall among all undergraduate business programs (public & private) |
| U.S. News (Online Master’s Programs) | Isenberg’s online MS in Accounting and Business Analytics ranked in top 5 nationally |
| Specialty Rankings | MS in Sport Management ranked #1 globally in certain industry rankings |
| Poets & Quants Undergraduate Business | #41 in 2025 in their business school rankings, with emphasis on admissions standards, career outcomes, and academic experience |
Isenberg School of Management Academics
Isenberg School of Management Faculties / Departments
Though not strictly “faculties,” Isenberg is organized into academic disciplines, research centers, and functional units. Key divisions include:
- Department of Accounting
- Department of Finance
- Department of Marketing
- Department of Management
- Department of Operations & Information Management
- Department of Sport Management (McCormack Department)
- Hospitality & Tourism Management (within Isenberg)
- Graduate / MBA / MS program units
- Research centers (e.g. Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets, Berthiaume Entrepreneurship Center, Business Communication Center)
- Online & Hybrid program administration
Isenberg School of Management Courses and Programs / Majors
Isenberg offers a variety of business majors and advanced degree tracks. Undergraduate majors include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Operations & Information Management
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Sport Management
Graduate & postgraduate programs include:
- MBA (full-time, part-time, online, blended)
- MS in Accounting
- MS in Business Analytics
- MS in Sport Management
- Dual degree options (MBA/MS with policy, engineering disciplines, etc.)
- PhD / Doctoral programs in management fields
- Post-degree certificates and specialization tracks (data analytics, leadership, etc.)
Online Learning
Isenberg has a mature and well-established online and hybrid business education offering. Many graduate programs, including the MBA and specialized MS degrees, are offered fully online or in blended formats to accommodate working professionals. The online programs maintain rigorous parity with on-campus equivalents, employing digital tools, virtual collaboration, asynchronous and synchronous modalities, and local experiential components or immersions when necessary. The school has a reputation for being among the earlier business schools to scale online business education.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Indicator | Typical Requirement / Figures |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (for business major acceptance) | Internal competitive admission (e.g. selective internal transfer) |
| Graduate Programs (MBA / MS) | Some programs may require GMAT or GRE scores; others waive them depending on experience or applicant profile |
| Average GPA for admitted graduate students | Varies by program; competitive academic history expected |
Retention and Graduation Rates
In undergraduate cohorts, Isenberg benefits from the broader retention and graduation performance of UMass Amherst. For business majors, the six-year graduation rate is often cited around 92 % for many cohorts, which indicates strong persistence among business students. In graduate programs, retention is supported through cohort models, advising, mentorship, and industry engagement, but is not uniformly reported in the same way as undergraduate completion metrics.
Isenberg School of Management Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Undergraduate entry into UMass Amherst requires competitive high school performance (GPAs, coursework rigor). However, transfer or internal entry into Isenberg business majors is more selective. In one recent profile, the incoming business major class reported an average SAT score of 1,386 and selective admission standards. For graduate programs, a strong undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or higher) is expected, though some applicants may substitute significant professional experience for standardized test requirements in GMAT or GRE.
Isenberg School of Management Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Business (Poets & Quants data) | ~38 % acceptance into business major for class of 2024 |
| Graduate / MBA-Level Acceptance | Varies by track; competitive selection for top programs |
Isenberg School of Management Application Requirements
Prospective applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts from prior institutions, a personal statement or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (academic or professional), and a resume or CV (especially for graduate programs). For MBA or MS tracks, prerequisites in economics, statistics, and quantitative skills may be required, and competitive applicants may also need to provide GMAT or GRE scores unless waived. Some applicants may be asked to submit essays addressing leadership, career goals, or analytical thinking, and interviews may be part of the selection process in certain programs.
Application Process
- Choose the intended program (undergraduate business major, MBA, MS, or doctoral)
- Review prerequisites and eligibility criteria
- Prepare application materials (transcripts, essays, recommendations, test scores as required)
- Submit application through the official admissions portal
- Some programs invite interviews or additional assessments
- Admission committee reviews and sends decision
- Admitted students confirm enrollment and satisfy matriculation requirements (fees, orientation)
Isenberg School of Management Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program / Type | Deadline / Notes |
|---|---|
| Business Major (internal transfer / entry) | Typically specific internal deadlines tied to semester change or upper-division entry cycles |
| MBA / Graduate Programs | Deadlines vary by cohort (fall, spring, online) depending on program track |
| Decision Notification | Usually several weeks to months after application deadline |
Essay Prompt
Most programs require a statement of purpose or personal essay asking candidates to explain their career goals, motivations to pursue business education, experiences that shaped their aspirations, how they would contribute to the Isenberg community, and which specialization or direction best aligns with their ambitions. Some programs may also require a short essay on leadership, ethics, or how one handles challenges.
Isenberg School of Management Scholarships
Isenberg offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, often factoring academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and program fit. Graduate applicants may also be eligible for assistantships, fellowships, or departmental awards tied to research or teaching. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early for scholarship consideration, as many awards are limited and competitive.
Isenberg School of Management Tuition and Fees
| Program / Cost Type | Approximate Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (in-state) | UMass Amherst standard undergraduate tuition plus fees (business major does not carry extra premium) |
| Undergraduate (out-of-state) | Higher out-of-state tuition plus fees according to UMass Amherst policy |
| Graduate / MBA / MS programs | Depends on program format (online, part-time, full-time) and number of credits; tuition per credit plus program fees |
| Additional Costs | Lab or software fees, program materials, experiential learning expenses, travel for internships or immersions |
Isenberg School of Management Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Isenberg’s student body includes a mix of undergraduate and graduate students across a range of demographics. In general, undergraduate business students reflect national trends with balanced gender representation and increasing diversity in racial and ethnic backgrounds. Graduate cohorts often include older students, working professionals, and international students. The emphasis on flexible delivery allows for both early-career and mid-career participants.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
UMass Amherst and Isenberg School collectively support students from low-income backgrounds through scholarships, grants, and institutional financial aid. The university offers disability services to ensure access to classrooms, labs, software, and experiential settings. Students with disabilities are accommodated in coursework, assessments, and program structures, aligning with federal and institutional policies.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students in Isenberg | ~4,300 (majoring in business disciplines) |
| Graduate Students in Isenberg | ~2,200+ (in MBA, MS, and doctoral programs) |
| Total Students | ~6,347 (combined undergraduate + graduate) |
| Alumni Network | 48,000+ worldwide |
| Faculty Members | ~171 full-time / affiliated |
University Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are central priorities at the Isenberg School of Management. The school actively engages in recruiting students from varied racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and international backgrounds, believing that a multiplicity of perspectives strengthens business education and decision making. Through programs, mentoring, student organizations, and inclusive curricula, Isenberg seeks to nurture cultural competence, global awareness, and equity-minded leadership.
Students are exposed to cross-cultural case studies, global business contexts, diversity training, and access to networks spanning different communities and markets. The business school also supports inclusion initiatives, support for historically underrepresented students, and leadership development aimed at reducing barriers. As business increasingly intersects with social and environmental challenges, the school strives to prepare graduates to be mindful, responsible leaders in a pluralistic world.
Average Earnings
Isenberg graduates tend to enter the workforce in competitive business roles, internships often play a pivotal role, and many students report favorable compensation outcomes early in their careers. According to Poets & Quants data, the average salary for recent Isenberg business graduates is around USD 71,653, with a portion of graduates reporting signing bonuses (average reported bonus ~USD 7,378).
Many graduates accept roles in consulting, finance, marketing, technology, or corporate positions; leading employers include major firms such as Fidelity, PwC, EY, Deloitte, Amazon, and others. Because Isenberg situates in the Northeast with strong connections to regional employers and leverages its alumni network, graduates may benefit from recruiting pipelines. Over time, those who specialize (e.g. in analytics, finance, strategic management) often see salary growth and leadership opportunities. The return on education at Isenberg is enhanced by experiential learning, networking, and alignment with employer needs.
Isenberg School of Management Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Isenberg School employs a robust faculty corps—approximately 171 full-time and affiliated faculty members—who teach, conduct research, and engage in industry partnerships. In addition to full-time faculty, many adjuncts and practitioners contribute instruction in specialized courses or experiential settings. Administrative and professional staff support program management, research administration, student services, career services, technology, and online education. Research centers, advising offices, and alumni engagement units bolster the educational ecosystem.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Isenberg faculty are recognized scholars and practitioners in fields such as finance, operations, marketing analytics, entrepreneurship, sport management, hospitality, economics, information systems, and management. A notable faculty member is Anna Nagurney, who holds the Eugene M. Isenberg Chair in Integrative Studies and is known for work in operations and network systems.
Another is Linda Smircich, a professor of management renowned for contributions in organizational theory, culture, gender, and critical management study. The school hosts research centers such as CISDM (Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets), the Berthiaume Entrepreneurship Center, and the Business Communication Center. Faculty are regularly published, funded by external grants, mentor doctoral students, and contribute to policy, consulting, and community engagement. The faculty’s excellence and industry connectivity enhance the school’s reputation and student opportunities.
Isenberg School of Management Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Isenberg is situated on the UMass Amherst campus, with direct access to the broader facilities and residence halls of the university. Students may live in university dormitories, apartments, or off-campus housing in Amherst and surrounding communities. Housing costs vary by type (dorm, shared apartment, off campus). Because many business students (particularly graduate or online cohorts) may live off campus or commute, the school fosters student life through clubs, business organizations, networking events, guest lectures, case competitions, entrepreneurship incubators, and social engagement within the Isenberg community. The Innovation Hub and business spaces support collaborative learning, meetings, and student activity.
Transportation
Transportation to the Isenberg School is supported by the campus infrastructure of UMass Amherst. Students can use campus shuttles, buses, bike paths, and walking routes to reach Isenberg and other parts of campus. Amherst and the surrounding region offer local transit, and many students commute by car. For off-campus internships or experiential sites, students often arrange personal transport or carpooling. The integrated campus setting and connectivity make travel between academic, residential, and co-curricular locations relatively feasible.
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