The Gies College of Business in Illinois is known for its accounting majors but also offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Gies majors include finance, marketing, supply chain management, and data science integrations.
What is Gies College of Business known for?
Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is best known for its affordability, strong accounting program, and innovative online MBA (iMBA). It has a reputation for providing excellent value for in-state students and those pursuing careers in finance or accounting. Gies integrates technology and business education, with data analytics woven throughout the curriculum.
Students benefit from a hands-on learning environment and a collaborative culture, though some reviews note it may lack the cachet of top-tier schools for competitive industries like consulting or investment banking.
Undergraduate Majors
Gies offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, blending foundational business skills with opportunities to specialize in high-demand fields:
- Accountancy
- Accountancy + Data Science
- Finance
- Finance + Data Science
- Business + Data Science
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Strategy, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship
- Supply Chain Management
The college supports exploration, allowing students to take foundational courses across disciplines before choosing a major.
Graduate Majors
Graduate students at Gies can pursue degrees with specializations tailored to career paths in data analytics, technology management, and traditional business fields. Programs include:
- Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
- Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online MBA (iMBA)
- Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
- Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA)
- Master of Science in Management (MSM)
- Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM)
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in Accountancy
- PhD in Finance
Optional concentrations such as corporate governance, supply chain management, and financial reporting allow students to deepen their expertise.
Is it hard to get into Gies School of Business?
Gies is moderately competitive. While it doesn’t have the exclusivity of top-tier schools, it still requires solid academic performance, especially in math and business prerequisites. The admissions process considers a mix of GPA, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Transfer students may face additional challenges in meeting program-specific requirements.
Is Gies MBA worth it?
The Gies iMBA stands out for its affordability and flexibility, making it a strong option for working professionals. The program is highly regarded for its focus on practical business applications and data analytics. While it might not hold the prestige of elite MBA programs, graduates find it a cost-effective way to enhance career prospects, particularly in managerial and operational roles.
Experiential Learning and Career Preparation
Gies integrates experiential learning into its programs through courses like Business in Action and hands-on projects with real clients. Students benefit from career-focused resources, including internships, alumni networks, and partnerships with leading employers. The approach prepares graduates for success in industries such as accounting, finance, and supply chain management.