Lamar University - College of Business

The College of Business at Lamar University offers affordable, respected MBA and leadership programs and a flexibility of scheduling (including a full-time evening program) that makes this a go-to for regional professionals looking for an advanced business degree. Classes place an emphasis on ethics and social responsibility as core element in the business environment, and the curriculum is designed in a way that all students have an opportunity to succeed, meaning “the onus of success lies squarely with the student.”

Small class sizes are “very helpful” in allowing the students to forge strong relationships with both the professors and other students (“a good student teacher interface”), and most professors are “inspiring, encouraging [and] have good humor.” “You feel you want to come to class because you learn and enjoy the subject at the same time,” says a student. Most professors have in-field work experience and “give you some of the ‘you won’t learn this in that book’ education.” They are all “understanding, hold everyone to the same high standards, and truly want you to succeed if you want to.” The MBA administrative staff “works very well with the students and professors” and is “more than available to the students on a regular basis.”

The Dean, professors, and staff are “unbelievably helpful” and “go out of their way to accommodate the students.” Many students here are established working professionals; they appreciate the administration’s understanding of their outside commitments and “[do] all that is reasonable for a working individual” to help them uphold their require- ments for classes, grades, and a diploma. Students who aren’t “feel like something should be available for those of us in this category,” such as career fairs.

Lamar has an excellent reputation in Texas and “the school...has very strong roots in the community and outside of it.” The “well-organized” MBA Advisement Office is “very attentive, friendly, and helpful.”

Students at Lamar are “friendly, intelligent, and bring challenges to each class.” This “diverse student base” brings skills sets from “engineering, banking, retail, manufactur- ing, law, and finance to the program” and contributes well through questions, answers, and support. Students come “from many cultures, experiences and age levels., religions, and countries.” For the most part, “everyone embraces the southern hospitality of Texas.”

Beaumont is a “very nice city,” and is “really good for students to focus on their studies because it does not have a lot of entertainment places.” The food, gym, library, and computer labs are “outstanding,” and “the campus is large, but not cumbersome.” While some wish that there were more group social gatherings and organized events, people say that “it is not the depressing night school crowd that you would normally assume night classes might attract.” “My peers all seem to be highly motivated and successful professionals who are pursuing an advanced degree for more specialized credentials in their career field,” says a student.