Applying to McCombs’ MBA Program in 2024? Here are the Basics.

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UT Austin, McCombs’ host institution, is often referred to as the “Harvard of Texas”. Although McCombs has a strong reputation in Texas, many of its graduates go on to work in other locations after the MBA, including 17% on the West Coast. UT Austin also has a large alumni network, and their pride in being associated with the school is exemplified by their “Hook ‘em Horns” greetings and gestures.

McCombs is also a great program for those of you interested in the tech and venture capital industries. The school’s Fellows Program places students at companies in various sectors, but the venture capital sector truly stands out. This program gives you the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local venture capital firms.

Another factor to take into account is McCombs’ location in the city of Austin. Not only is the city affordable, its large venture capital and tech presence is easily accessible from campus. McCombs also has great connections to Houston and its traditional oil and gas and renewable energy markets.

UT Austin McCombs MBA Class Profile

Class Size241
Acceptance Rate34%
GMAT Average704
GPA Average3.46
Average Age29
Avg. Years Work Experience5.9
Diversity Women35%
Diversity Intl.26%
Pre-MBA IndustriesDoes not disclose
Undergraduate MajorsBusiness / Economics: 35%
STEM: 32%
Humanities: 13%
Other Majors: 20%

The data above is from 2023 and represents the McCombs MBA class of 2025.
See the full report: UT Austin McCombs MBA Class Profile

Student Experiences

UT Austin McCombs MBA Employment Report & Careers

In addition to the information below, learn more about the McCombs MBA Employment Outcomes and Career Center from our interview with the Admissions Director.

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Salary Average$190,650.00
Offers Upon Graduation79%
Offers At 3 Mos.90%
Post-MBA IndustriesConsulting: 43%
Financial Services: 16%
Technology: 15%
Consumer Packaged
Goods: 6%
Energy / Utilities: 5%
Manufacturing: 4%
Retail: 4%
Transportation / Logistics: 2%
Real Estate: 1%
Healthcare: <1%
Other: <1%
Post-MBA LocationsUnited States: 99.6%
Mid-Atlantic: 1%
Midwest: 5.3%
Northeast: 13.4%
South: 4.3%
Southwest: 68.9%
West: 6.7%
International: 0.4%
Post-MBA Companies

Does not disclose

Career Development Resources

UT Austin McCombs Career Advancement

The data above is from 2023 and represents the career statistics of the McCombs MBA class of 2023.
See the full report: UT Austin McCombs MBA 2023-2024 Employment Report

UT Austin McCombs MBA Academic Programs 

MBA Curriculum

The UT Austin McCombs MBA curriculum extends over the fall and spring semesters of year one and year two. The second year of the program consists only of elective courses. Students take classes from the core curriculum during the first year of the program, and a majority of these classes are concentrated in the fall semester. Some of the foundational courses cover topics in subject areas like Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, Statistics, and Strategic Management. You will begin taking electives during the spring semester of the first year of the MBA. The 100+ elective course offerings include classes in subject areas such as Marketing, Information, Risk, and Operations Management, and Business, Government, and Society.

See the full offering of courses: McCombs MBA Course Catalog

Majors

In lieu of majors, UT Austin McCombs offers its students a range of concentrations to pursue as part of their degree. The following concentrations are available in the MBA.

  • Accounting
  • Business, Government and Society
  • Finance
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations and Analytics

Experiential Learning Programs

The experiential learning curriculum at McCombs has a strong emphasis on social innovation and impact. Students can get involved in one of the several groups on campus, such as the CleanTech group and the MBA Impact Investing Networking and Training group. McCombs also offers the opportunity for you to gain hands-on industry experience through their Fellows Program, which covers a wide range of sectors such as Marketing and Operations. In addition, the program offers students the opportunity to participate in coaching, seminars and events, and micro-consulting projects.

Research Centers

At McCombs, students can take advantage of the diverse range of the 19 research centers that are part of the business school, including the Center for Leadership and Ethics, the Center for Risk Management and Insurance, the Financial Education and Research Center, the Real Estate Center, and the Healthcare Innovation Initiative.

MBA International Study Programs

There are four major components to the McCombs international study program. Students can choose to complete a course focused on a foreign country, which also includes a one to two-week tour, or students can opt for a Global Connections Study Tour, an international trip in July before the MBA program begins through the McCombs Adventure Program. McCombs also offers double-degree programs with seven international top business schools. Additionally, students can go on an exchange abroad for an entire semester or a shorter period of time.

Video Resources on UT Austin McCombs Academics

UT Austin McCombs MBA Application

We interviewed Rodrigo Malta, the admissions director at McCombs, about what they seek in MBA candidates. Learn more at A Look Inside McCombs MBA Admissions (with Video Essay Tips!).

The latest application requirements set by the McCombs MBA admissions office are described below.

Essays

Here are the prompts for McCombs’s 2024-2025 application:

Career Goals

  • Essay 1: At Texas McCombs, we do things a little differently. We embrace those who take the initiative and forge new paths. What ambitious goal or change do you aim to achieve with an MBA, and why is Texas McCombs your ideal launch pad? (Limit: 250 words)

Personal Statement Essay

  • Essay 2: Here, you are what’s next. At this pivotal crossroads where you’re deciding your future path, the Texas McCombs MBA experience will equip you with the tools and mindset to make “what’s next” happen in your career. Please share unique qualities you posess that highlight your potential to shake up the status quo in your professional life. (Limit: 250 words)

Behavioral Essay

  • Essay 3: The University of Texas at Austin’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” embodies a spirit of impact and transformation. What fuels your drive to lead change and make your mark in the world? (Limit: 250 words)

Optional Statement

  • Please explain any gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, and/or academic performance issues that may help the admission committee in reviewing your application. (Limit: 250 words)

Video Assessment

  • All applicants will be required to complete the Video Assessment shortly after submitting their application and paying the fee. Applicants have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. There will be 4 question prompts and applicants will have 90 seconds to answer each prompt. 
    Learn more on our MBA Insider Blog.

Read more: MBA Essays: Tips for UT Austin McCombs

Video Resources on UT Austin McCombs Admissions

UT Austin McCombs MBA Admissions Interviews

MBA Candidates are invited to interview at McCombs on a rolling basis. The McCombs MBA interviews are conducted by either student interviewers, alumni volunteer interviewers, or admissions officers. Former interviewees report that the conversation during the interview was fairly informal and comfortable; yet, although the school itself admits that their style is less intense than other business schools, a set McCombs interview tips encourages that it’s still important to be well prepared and put your best self forward.

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Faculty Directory

What Makes UT Austin McCombs Unique?

The Texas Triangle: UT Austin benefits from being in a state that is growing, and has strong economic activity. More than the stereotypical oil and gas industries, Texas has a strong tech, real estate, and consulting sector—all headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Learn more from our interview with Admissions director Rodrigo Malta about UT Austin’s connections to Austin, Houston, and Dallas.

Venture Fellows: This unique McCombs fellowship program gives the relatively rare chance to get involved directly with venture capital and private equity firms.  Breaking into these industries for the first time is very hard, and Venture Fellows can give selected McCombs MBA students a chance to do so. The program is comprised of an internship and weekly meetings with guest speakers from the VC or PE community.

The “Harvard of Texas”: The UT Austin McCombs School of Business has a wonderful reputation and network in the Lone Star State. MBA Grads successfully find career opportunities throughout Texas within all top industries like tech, consulting, and investment banking. However, job placement is not confined by the Texas border; McCombs sends many graduates outside of Texas, too!

Unlock the full potential of your McCombs MBA application with personalized guidance from our experienced MBA consulting team.

*All data retrieved from the UT Austin McCombs MBA Program webpages, unless otherwise stated.

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