Friday 20 November 2015

MBA in Finance

Finance is one of the most popular specializations within Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. An MBA in Finance offers benefits to working professionals in a variety of industries, including commercial and corporate banking, investment services and real estate.Finance is one of the most sought after specialization of MBA. A big community of students is attracting with this specialization.


It is one of the oldest disciplines of management. In the last of the 19th century it was the subject ofEconomicsBy the start of the 20th century it got the affiliation of an individual subject for study.
When we heard the term ‘finance’we thought of the banking. But no, just only banking is not the all for finance.
“Finance as a subject involves the management, control and review of the collection, investment and resources of money as a capital required for an industrial building, plant and working”.
This activity is called as the Financial Management which is controlled by the Finance Manager.
MBA in finance image
The students always think that, why to do MBA in Finance. There are some other specializations in MBA curriculum, then after what is the scope of finance. Actually;
It is the age of industrialization in all around the world. Many industries are being established in many countries. Finance is the way to establish an industry in a proper way in according to the money management of the building, run, money resources and its proper collection.

What Are the Benefits of an MBA in Finance?

Students pursuing an MBA in Finance gain the business and financial skills needed to work in a number of enterprises. They often have access to top-notch internship opportunities while still in school, and they generally command better positions and higher salaries upon graduation. Many MBA programs are offered on a part-time basis, making them accessible for working professionals.

Curriculum

MBA in Finance programs typically provide foundational education in statistics, leadership, economics, strategy and marketing. Students often choose a specialization during the second half of these 2-year programs. Some schools offer a curriculum loaded with business-related courses, such as management methods and accounting, with a few electives in financial subjects.
Others offer the opposite, presenting some general business training, with the majority of the courses focusing on financial, investment and banking topics. Programs may also allow students to choose a specific focus in their financial education, such as commercial, investment or real estate studies. Topics commonly taught through a finance MBA program include:
  • Stock market analysis
  • Foundations in finance
  • Global economy
  • Financial instruments
  • Futures and options
  • Market trading and volatility
  • Risk management
  • Bankruptcy
  • Corporate finance

Practical Experience

Students pursuing an MBA in Finance can sometimes gain experience with some of the world's most successful companies through internship programs. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Amazon, Intel and Microsoft offer internship opportunities specifically designed for aspiring financial managers and analysts. These work-study opportunities often count as academic credit.

Employment Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers and analysts can expect moderate to faster-than-average job growth in the coming years, along with serious competition for available positions. Depending on the specialization, the BLS anticipated an increase of 9%-16% for financial professions between 2012-2022 (www.bls.gov). Some popular career paths for MBA in Finance graduates include:
  • Senior financial analyst
  • Financial controller or director
  • Manager of a finance department
  • Chief financial officer
  • Commercial or investment banker
  • Real estate or insurance finance manager

Potential Salaries

In March 2014, this blog reported high salaries for MBA-holders in a variety of financial professions. Finance analysis managers earned a median annual income of $81,250, while a chief financial officer's median annual wages stood at $117,415.
this blog also noted that experience also played a large factor in take-home pay, with entry-level MBA graduates earning a median salary of approximately $61,748, while those with five or more years' experience saw a median salary of $83,475.

Comparing Finance and Marketing MBA Programs

MBA programs in finance and marketing prepare students for careers in management. Students can choose courses that are tailored to their specific needs, goals and interests. Both programs are similar, since finance MBA programs offer courses in marketing, and marketing MBA programs offer courses in finance.


How Are Finance and Marketing MBA Programs Alike?

Master of Business Administration in Finance

Overview of Degree Information

An MBA program with a concentration in finance prepares graduates to make financial decisions for a variety of businesses and organizations. MBA programs include finance courses that teach students how to acquire, manage and distribute funds in a business setting. Typical courses include marketing, international business and finance, budgeting, financial accounting, data analysis and economics.

Students can choose to concentrate in one of several subspecialties that coincide with their personal and professional goals and interests. Subspecialties include areas such as private equity, corporate finance and portfolio management.

Career Options for Graduates with a Finance MBA

An MBA with a concentration in finance prepares students for a variety of careers, including positions such as these:
  • Chief financial officer
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial manager
  • Insurance adjuster
  • Investment banker
  • Stock broker

Master of Business Administration in Marketing

Overview of Degree Information

A marketing MBA program is designed to prepare graduates to make marketing decisions in regards to advertising, public relations and other communications fields. Typical college coursework includes international sales and marketing, risk management, strategic planning, economics, ethics, market research, financial analysis, consumer behavior and current business trends.

In an MBA marketing program, students are usually allowed to choose courses from subspecialty areas of marketing based on their individual interests and goals. Such areas may include advertising and the Internet and international marketing.

Career Options for Graduates with a Marketing MBA

A variety of careers are available to graduates with an MBA in Marketing. Job possibilities include the following:
  • Advertising executive
  • Brand manager
  • Business development director
  • Buyer
  • Market researcher
  • Product manager
  • Senior marketing analyst

How Long Does an MBA Degree Take to Complete?

The time it takes to complete an MBA program may differ based on the program format, since many options are available to students. This article details the core program and how long it may take to earn an MBA in different formats.

Time Required to Earn an MBA

There are generally five main types of MBA programs. The length of these programs ranges from eighteen months to three years. Examples are detailed below.


Full-Time MBA: Two Years

This is the standard MBA program. It takes four semesters of full-time coursework to complete, coinciding with the university's schedule. Students are enrolled with a full-time course load, typically beginning their semester in late August or early September and completing all work required for the degree by May or June of the second year.

Part-Time MBA: Three or More Years

Working professionals often enroll in part-time programs. Students take their classes either at night or on the weekends, and their course load depends on what they believe they're able to handle per semester. These courses are often taken online.

Accelerated MBA: Eighteen Months or Fewer

These programs differ in length by school. Students do not adhere to the standard university schedule. Winter vacations may only last a single week, and students may be required to take courses all summer instead of receiving the standard vacation.

Executive MBA: Two Years

This program is similar to the full-time MBA program, though it is meant for working professionals who've been involved in their profession for many years, often ten or more. Classes are geared toward the knowledge and experience level of existing managers and supervisors within specific businesses.

Dual MBA: One Year or More

Dual programs offer accelerated learning for those who are pursuing their MBA along with another degree. This may mean another master's degree or a bachelor's degree. If the student is combining their MBA with a master's degree, the coursework may take well over two years. Lengths may also vary by specialty and the corresponding research or projects involved.
Some schools offer baccalaureate students the option to begin their MBA coursework during their senior year of college and continue throughout the summer, then into the next school year. They can ultimately finish their MBA after just one year beyond their undergraduate studies.

MBA Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned by those looking to either enter or excel further in the business world. Individuals apply to MBA programs from all walks of life, including directly out of a bachelor's degree program, after working an entry-level position for a few years or having worked within the private or public sector for many years.

Curriculum

Core MBA courses introduce and quickly familiarize students with standard business practices and subjects. These include accounting, management, finance, marketing, management information systems and statistics. Most MBA programs require or allow students to choose a specialization, many of which are those standard business subjects mentioned above. Other concentrations may include management technology, financial analysis and international business.

What Can You Do With a Masters Degree in Finance?

There are many careers available for graduates of finance programs at the master's level. This article details the finance master's degree, as well as exploring career possibilities for graduates.

Career Options

Graduates of finance MBAs are prepared for a plethora of careers. These include stock broker, financial planner, pension fund manager, treasurer, controller and insurance
adjuster. All businesses need to be in control of their finances, and employers seek to hire the applicant with the most expertise in his or her field. Many graduates go on to found their own businesses, using the broad skills learned in an MBA program.

Finance Master's Degree: Overview

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are generally meant for students who wish to enter the business world or further their business careers. MBA programs feature core business courses that may include accounting, management, marketing, finance, statistics and management information systems. MBA programs then allow students to select an area of emphasis. Students often choose finance if they're interested in business work regarding budgets, numbers and accounting, or if they already work within this field.

Curriculum

Finance MBA programs in particular focus on transactions between businesses and consumers and businesses with other businesses. Students learn about interest rates, risk management, asset pricing and both domestic and international financial transactions. This knowledge, combined with the skills learned in marketing and management courses, help students understand what makes a business thrive in terms of expenses, image and employee control.

Types of Programs

There are five types of MBA programs from which students can choose. The main difference between them is how long they take to complete and, in the case of the Executive MBA, the business experience one needs to gain acceptance. The types of MBA programs include the following:
  • Full-time MBA
  • Part-time MBA
  • Executive MBA
  • Dual MBA
  • Accelerated MBA

Finance Majors: Job Options and Salary Information

Finance is generally a program that gives undergraduates an understanding of money and business. Continue reading for an overview of the program options, as well as career possibilities and salary information for finance majors.

Essential Information

Finance majors have many diverse job opportunities open to them. They may handle money matters for companies that deal in commercial products or they may work directly with the financial industry in real estate or in banking, for instance. A Bachelor of Science in Finance program also usually covers capital markets, which includes the study of securities. Students complete general business courses, then select electives that will help them meet their goals.
While a bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions in the field of finance, a master's degree may be necessary for career advancement. Average salaries in the industry run above $50,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with some occupations paying much more.
Career OptionReal Estate BrokerSecurities Sales AgentFinancial Manager
Required EducationCollege degree preferred; training programsBachelor's degreeBachelor's degree
Other RequirementsState licensing; real estate sales experienceLicense and certification usually requiredN/A
Projected Job Growth (2012-22)*11%11%9%
Median Salary (2013)*$59,580$72,640$112,700
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career Options

According to California State University - Northridge (CSUN), the most common career path to the position of chief executive officer (CEO) is through studies in finance. Finance workers handle all matters related to money, the key element to any business. CSUN divides career options for finance majors into two categories: money management in the consumer products industry and financial products or services.

Consumer Products

Former finance majors who focus on consumer products work for businesses that deal in the selling or trading of merchandise in the commercial marketplace. They may manage customer credit accounts, a company's cash flow or its financial outlook. They may handle employee benefits or pension plans. They may oversee the property holdings of a major company. In short, they manage all financial assets of commercial companies.

Financial Products

Employees who deal in financial products work directly in the finance industry creating and selling financial services. Those who majored in finance may take up positions in the insurance industry, acting as a broker to customers or an advisor to an insurance company. They may work in the banking industry, perhaps dealing in loans, customer portfolio management or overseeing a branch. They may work with securities, or stocks and bonds. Finally, they may take up employment in the real estate industry, perhaps as an appraiser or mortgage officer.

Salary Information

Salaries in the financial industry vary significantly based on career choice. However, in general finance employees can expect to earn above $50,000 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reports the following mean annual salaries for finance jobs as of May 2013:
  • Real estate sales agent: $39,800
  • Insurance sales agent: $48,210
  • Loan officer: $61,420
  • Financial analyst: $78,380
  • Financial advisor: $75,320

Top 50 MBA Programs in the USA

Find out which top-ranked schools in America offer Master of Business Administration degree programs. Get details about schools, program options and ranking information.

School Information

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate business degree offered by many well-ranked colleges and universities across the nation. MBA programs generally require two years of graduate study and include courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management and information technology. Top schools with MBA programs include Harvard University in Massachusetts and the University of Chicago in Illinois.

1. Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts

School Highlight: Harvard Business School is in the top 10 on U.S. News & World Report's 2014 rankings for best programs in entrepreneurship, international studies, marketing, management, finance, nonprofit and production/operations.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Harvard University second in the nation among the best business schools in the country in 2015. The school is over a century old and well-known for offering case-based curriculum and churning out successful graduates. In addition to an intensive 2-year residential MBA program, it also offers more than 60 executive education programs and nine full-time doctoral programs.

2. University of Chicago Booth School of Business in Illinois

School Highlight: In addition to the full-time and executive MBA degrees, the Booth School of Business offers joint degrees with the law, medical, social service and public policy graduate schools.
In 2015, the Booth School of Business was ranked fourth in a list of the best business schools in the country byU.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1898, the Booth School of Business offers an unrivaled faculty and boasts nearly 43,000 accomplished graduates. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers full-time, weekend and evening business program options, as well as an executive MBA.

Top MBA Programs

College/University NameDistinctionLocation
Arizona State UniversityThe W.P Carey School of Business schedules classes for full-time students in the mornings, leaving afternoons for career coaching, team meetings and participation in student organizationsTempe, AZ
Babson CollegeThe #1 MBA for entrepreneurship is located at Babson College's F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business (U.S. News & World Report 2015)Wellesley, MA
Boston CollegeFull-time MBA students at Boston College select one of 11 areas offered as a specialization; the school is ranked 19th nationally for its finance MBA according to U.S. News & World Report's 2015 listChestnut Hill, MA
Boston UniversityMBA options at BU include an on-campus 2-year MBA, an international field seminar that begins in Boston and ends abroad, a 2-year MS/MBA, a health sector MBA and a non-profit MBABoston, MA
Brigham Young UniversityBYU was ranked first among MBAs for the categories of accountancy teaching and human resources teaching, according to the Financial Times in 2012Provo, UT
Carnegie Mellon UniversityThis school's Tepper School of Business received the #2 ranking nationally for its production/operations MBA and for its information systems MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015)Pittsburgh, PA
Columbia UniversityColumbia's business school is ranked 8th nationally in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report, and 7 of its specialized programs also landed in the top 10 in the U.S.New York, NY
Cornell UniversityCornell, the largest Ivy League University, offers 3 full-time MBA formats as well as a Tech MBA, several executive MBA programs and a dual MBA/FMBA in ChinaIthaca, NY
Dartmouth CollegeAt the 9th-ranked Tuck School of Business (per U.S. News & World Reportfor 2015), students enjoy small study teams, a First-Year Project Course and 40+ student organizationsHanover, NH
Duke UniversityDuke's Fuqua School of Business offers a Duke Startup Challenge, a Luxury Brand & Retail Club, and research centers for global capital markets and leadership and ethicsDurham, NC
Emory UniversityEmory's Goizueta Business School reports a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, and the school is ranked 21st for business schools overall and 15th for its part-time MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015)Atlanta, GA
Georgetown UniversityU.S. News & World Report ranked Georgetown as the 24th best business school in the nation; the school's MBA begins with a 3-week intensive Structure of Global Industries courseWashington, DC
Georgia Institute of TechnologyThe Princeton Review ranked the classroom experience in this school's MBA program as 6th best in the nationAtlanta, GA
Indiana University - BloomingtonMentoring, internships, peer coaching, career coaching, leadership teams and emerging market experiences are some of the leadership development and career development activities that are scheduled and mapped out alongside the academic workBloomington, IN
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyThe Sloan School of Management at MIT is ranked 5th among all graduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report; students can participate in Action Labs or a year-long entrepreneurship contest with $100,000 in prizesCambridge, MA
Michigan State UniversityIn 2014, Forbes found graduates of the Eli Broad College of Business MBA program to be the 4th most satisfied in the nationEast Lansing, MI
New York UniversityIn addition to top 5 U.S. News & World Report rankings for the finance and part-time MBA programs, six other specialized MBAs and the business school as a whole are in the top 10 nationally in 2015New York, NY
Northwestern UniversityNorthwestern's Kellogg School of Management has 25 specialized centers and 130 student organizations; U.S. News & World Report gave the school the #6 ranking in 2015 for best graduate business schoolsEvanston, IL
The Ohio State UniversityThe Fisher College of Business at Ohio State features Centers of Excellence in 10 areas such as entrepreneurship, global supply chain, real estate, customer insights, the middle market and business performanceColumbus, OH
Pennsylvania State UniversityPenn State's Smeal College of Business is ranked 37th among business schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2015; the same organization ranked the supply chain specialization #5University Park, PA
Purdue University - Main CampusIn their second year, Purdue's MBA students participate in a one-semester Experiential Learning Initiative that pairs them with corporations for consulting projectsWest Lafayette, IN
Rice UniversityRice's Jones School offers the #13 entrepreneurial MBA and the #16 part-time MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015) as well as a 9:1 student-faculty ratioHouston, TX
Southern Methodist UniversityIn 2013, Bloomberg Businessweek ranks the Cox School of Business' Executive MBA and Professional MBA's as the third-best in the worldDallas, TX
Stanford UniversityHolds the #1 spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2015 list of best business schools; Stanford offers more than 20 specializations at the graduate business levelStanford, CA
Texas A & M UniversityThis school's Mays Business School was ranked #1 best value for the money of all U.S. schools and #19 best value in the world in 2014 by theFinancial TimesCollege Station, TX
University of ArizonaThe Eller College of Management was named tied as the third-best MBA for the information systems specialization and the eleventh-best for entrepreneurship, per the 2015 U.S. News & World Report listingsTucson, AZ
University of California, BerkeleyThe Haas School of Business MBA program - the #7 business school in 2015 per U.S. News & World Report - includes a 'Problem Finding, Problem Solving' (PFPS) core class and the Applied Innovation set of hands-on coursesBerkeley, CA
University of California, DavisOptions for students include the chance to shadow alumni, study abroad in Chile, Sweden, Brazil, France, Germany, Finland, Hong Kong, Mexico, Shanghai, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom, or participate in the precision briefcase brigadeDavis, CA
University of California, Los AngelesIn addition to a #15 ranking from U.S. News & World Report for its Anderson School of Management overall, the executive MBA, part-time MBA and finance MBA all received top 10 rankings in 2015Los Angeles, CA
University of FloridaIn 2016 US News & World Report ranked the Warrington College of Business Administration as the 29th best in the U.S. overall and 18th best as compared to other public universitiesGainesville, FL
University of Illinois at Urbana - ChampaignUS News & World Report put the University of Illinois' at the #2 spot in the nation for their accountancy programChampaign, IL
University of IowaForbes put the University of Iowa tied for the #6 spot for fastest payback in 2015Iowa City, IA
University of Maryland - College ParkThe Financial Time put the MBA program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at #24 in the nation in 2015College Park, MD
University of MichiganRanked tied for 11th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2015 for its graduate business program, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business gives students access to global initiatives and 70+ student organizationsAnn Arbor, MI
University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesIn addition to the full-time and part-time MBA programs, the Carlson School of Management's executive MBA programs are offered in Minnesota, Austria and ChinaMinneapolis, MN
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillExperiential learning at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School falls into nine categories such as non-profits, capital markets lab, student managed funds, case competitions, global business projects and sustainabilityChapel Hill, NC
University of Notre DameNotre Dame's Mendoza College of Business earned a tie for the #25 national ranking for the school and a #14 ranking for its accounting MBANotre Dame, IN
University of PennsylvaniaThe Wharton School of Business has the second place ranking on U.S. News & World Report's 2015 list; students can participate in week-long 'Venture' trips to put leadership skills to work outdoorsPhiladelphia, PA
University of RochesterThe William E. Simon Graduate School of Business is ranked tied for 37th in the country (2015 U.S. News & World Report); the school limits full-time MBA graduating classes to about 165 studentsRochester, NY
University of Southern CaliforniaFull-time MBA students in USC's Marshall School of Business wrap up their first year of studies with a 10-day Pacific Rim International Management Education (PRIME) field trip experience to companies in the Pacific Rim, Latin America or EuropeLos Angeles, CA
University of Texas at AustinThe Austin McCombs School of Business - ranked #17 among graduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report - offers 14 different MBA specializations and a Venture Fellows internship programAustin, TX
University of Texas at DallasThe Naveen Jindal School of Management offers students access to 11 research centers and institutes, such as the Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance and the Center for Analysis of Property RightsRichardson, TX
University of VirginiaThe Darden School of Business faculty is the only one that has been ranked in the top 20th percentile for 24 years running by BusinessWeekCharlottesville, VA
University of WashingtonThis school reports a 96% placement rateSeattle, WA
University of Wisconsin - MadisonFull-time MBA students at UW-Madison join a cohort of roughly 130 students and smaller cohorts within the 10 specializations offered, each of which has its own knowledge centerMadison, WI
Vanderbilt UniversityDistinctive features at Vanderbilt's Owen School of Management include immersion experiences such as BrandWeek, Health Care Immersion, Real Estate Capstone Project and International SeminarsNashville, TN
Washington University - St. LouisThe Olin Business School includes a Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) that pairs student consulting teams with real businessesSt. Louis, MO
Yale UniversityYale has the top-ranked non-profit MBA in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2015 listingsNew Haven, CT

MBA Programs in Virginia with Course and Degree Descriptions

There are nearly 30 schools within Virginia that have MBA programs. Read an overview of 10 of the largest schools' programs, requirements and tuition info and find out which school is the right one for you.

Essential Information

MBA programs generally take 2-3 years to complete, and some may require that students have management experience to apply. Many of the MBA programs listed below offer various concentrations, such as accounting, information systems, global marketing and project management. Schools with executive master's degree programs, designed for those already working in management, are usually held on evenings or weekends to accommodate full-time work schedules.

Career Requirements

No requirements exist in Virginia for a career in management, though some companies may look for employees with an MBA to fill certain management positions. Below is an overview of 10 of the largest schools with MBA programs, along with a table comparing the program and tuition costs.

College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg offers full-time, flex and executive MBA program options. Students must complete 63 credit hours, which include courses in marketing management, financial management, accounting and organizational behavior. The college also features four dual degree programs that allow students to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Global Management or Master of Accounting to complement their MBA. The Executive MBA program classes are held twice each month on Fridays and Saturdays, while the flex option features classes two nights each week and takes about three years to complete.
  • Program Offered: MBA,
    MBA/JD,
    MBA/MPP,
    MBA/Master of Global Management,
    MBA/Master of Accounting
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $29,350, in-state; $39,750, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; large suburb

George Mason University

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, has a 48-credit MBA program. The core courses in the program cover managerial finance, marketing management, organizational behavior, financial reporting and operations management. Students may select concentration areas in accounting, entrepreneurship, financial management, information systems management, marketing or project management. Full-time students attend classes four days each week, while part-time students must attend classes at least two days each week. The school also recommends that all incoming students have at least two years of professional experience.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $822/credit hour, in-state; $1,478/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; large suburb

James Madison University

James Madison University in Harrisonburg has innovation and information security MBA programs. Students in the information security program earn an MBA and an Information Systems Security Professionals certificate that's approved by the National Security Agency (NSA). This program features basic business courses like accounting and marketing, which are followed by four courses focused on security issues. The innovation program includes business courses, workshops, leadership development instruction and an international trip.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): Innovation MBA: $415/credit hour; Infosec MBA: $777/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small city

Liberty University

The MBA program at Liberty University, which is found in Lynchburg, allows students to select a 36-hour general program or 45-hour program with a specialization. Both programs are available in online formats. Specialization options include accounting, criminal justice administration, healthcare management, human resources, leadership, international business, marketing, public administration, project management and public relations. The core MBA courses in the program cover marketing management, accounting, managerial finance, international business, operations management and business research methods.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $473/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; private, not-for-profit; small city

Old Dominion University

The MBA program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk has six concentration options, such as public administration, port and maritime management, business and economic forecasting, international business and information technology. The MBA program requires students to complete 48 credit hours of coursework. Students can complete the coursework on a part- or full-time basis, and courses are available at multiple campus locations. The school also brings in guest speakers each month and features an MBA association for students.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $393/credit hour, in-state; $997/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; midsize city

Radford University

Radford University, located in Radford, offers an MBA program that requires students to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. Students can complete the full-time MBA program in 16 months, while the professional MBA program takes two years to finish. Core courses include organizational behavior, accounting, operations management, management information systems, financial management and marketing management. Students then get to select from a list of global elective options, such as global market research and e-commerce strategy.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $9,370, in-state; $18,384, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; fringe town

Regent University

The MBA program at Regent University, which is found in Virginia Beach, has nine concentration options available. Concentration options include accounting, entrepreneurship, leadership, international business, human resources management, franchising and general management. To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 42 credits of core and elective coursework. Core courses in the MBA program cover topics like technology and commerce, economics, operations and supply chain management, marketing, accounting, finance and human resource management. Students also have the option of completing courses online or on-campus.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $625/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; private, not-for-profit; large city

University of Virginia - Main Campus

The main campus of the University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville and offers an MBA program with three different formats to meet the scheduling needs of students. All three program formats take 21 months to complete. The MBA program has students complete core courses and electives at the campus, while the MBA for executives requires students to complete weekend residencies each month in addition to four weeklong residencies. Students may also pursue the global MBA program, which consists of four residencies outside of the U.S. in locations like China, Brazil, India and Europe.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $48,900, in-state; $53,900, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small suburb

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond features MBA and fast-track MBA programs for students at different stages of their careers. The MBA program allows students to select an area of concentration, such as corporate finance, business analytics, global business, entrepreneurship and innovation, health care management, supply chain management, information resources management, human capital and real estate. The fast-track executive MBA program requires incoming students to have six years of management experience.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $607/credit hour, in-state; $1,192/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; midsize city

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is found in Blacksburg and offers a 50-semester-hour MBA program. The program is also available at the school's Northern Virginia Center and the campus in Richmond. The school noted that full-time students usually attend classes at the campus in Blacksburg. Students complete core courses in the first year of the program, which include information systems management, organizational behavior, marketing policy and strategy, principles of finance and accounting. Concentration options include marketing, corporate financial management and general management.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $16,313, in-state; $27,166, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small city

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This list contains the top ten best auto insurance companies in the U.S. based on affordability, value of services, and responsiveness. Because, after all, what good is having a rock bottom rate if you don't get enough in return or can't get the help you need when you need it.

Finding the best auto insurance for your needs can be difficult. Whether you're looking for the cheapest premiums, the best customer service, or just great basic coverage, NerdWallet has you covered.

What should you keep in mind when getting started? First of all, a basic auto insurance policy covers the damage and loss of personal property as the result of a traffic collision, as well as coverage for injuries incurred to all parties involved. Proof of insurance is required in most of the U.S., and is a good idea for anyone intending to drive regularly.

How exactly does car insurance work? Generally, auto insurance offers coverage for injury, property damage, medical payments, personal injury, comprehensive physical damage, and collision, with provisions to cover expenses if the accident happens to be the fault of an uninsured motorist. Policies can be customized to add features like roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car compensation. Premiums usually become cheaper over time, especially if you don't get into any accidents, since the insurance provider considers you to be a less risky driver.Auto insurance for drivers is required by law in most states, and driving without it can lead to fines, increased future insurance costs and even a suspended license. Most lenders of car loans also require that you have insurance to protect their interest in your car. This is especially important for parents who plan to add a teen driver to their insurance policy. Typical policies provide liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage for you and others involved in accidents with you. Owners of classic and collector cars also need insurance, but the rules can be slightly different. Auto insurance providers Learn how to choose auto insurance in our guide below.


Best Matched Auto Insurance Providers-


1.GEICO


Founded in 1926, GEICO is one of America's oldest and largest full-service insurance companies. Today, the company operates their business out of the corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C, and they have insured more than 22 million vehicles to date.

Fast quotes: GEICO can give drivers seeking auto insurance a quote for their insurance policy in less than 15 minutes.
Quote storage: Once customers receive their quote, GEICO stores the information for 90 days, so customers don't have to start over if they take a while to decide how to act.
24-Hour customer service: The company has representatives available to help customers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 


Discounts offered: GEICO offers customers discounts on auto insurance, including discounts for customer loyalty, driver's education, vehicle equipment additions and more.
Customer service satisfaction: The company is known for providing customers with excellent customer service, and they received the 2014 J.D. Power award for Highest Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers.
Best for New drivers, people who just purchased a car and parents who drive children in their cars. 

2.Progressive Insurance


Progressive Insurance is one of the country's largest auto insurance companies and has been offering auto insurance since 1937. The company is headquartered just outside of Cleveland, OH.

Name your price: Progressive has a unique program for auto insurance that allows people to enter their budget and find a plan that matches closest with what they can afford.
Snapshot program: The company offers a device called Snapshot, which plugs into a car and reports stats about a driver's driving habits. This can help ensure that a driver is paying the right amount for their insurance.
Progressive app: Progressive has an app that allows its customers to access their information from their mobile devices, in case they need it while they are away from a PC.
Loyalty rewards: Progressive's Loyalty Rewards Program gives customers points for loyalty, and it offers benefits like Accident Forgiveness.
24-hour customer service: Representatives of Progressive are available 24 hours a day to help customers.

Best for New drivers, drivers who just purchased a car, and drivers who don't do much driving but own a car.

3.USAA Auto Insurance


Founded by former U.S. Army officers, USAA Auto Insurance is dedicated to providing affordable insurance and financial services to active duty, retired, and honorably discharged military personnel and their eligible family members.

Accident forgiveness: USAA Auto Insurance policyholders can add accident forgiveness, so if they are in an accident, their premiums won't change.
On-base parking discounts: Garaging vehicles on-base ensures vehicle safety, and, with USAA Auto Insurance, customers can get policy discounts for parking at work.
Top customer service: USAA Auto Insurance received the highest possible rating for their customer advocacy, according to a survey hosted by Forrester Research Inc.
All-in-one service: Members can use the USAA Auto Circle to locate, obtain financing and insure their new car. This process can help them save at every step of the way.
No charge flexible payments: Many insurance companies charge policyholders a fee for monthly payment structures, but USAA Auto Insurance offers flexible payments at no charge.
Best for Active duty military, retired military and new drivers. 



4.State Farm Auto Insurance


State Farm is one of America's largest and most popular full-service insurance companies. The company was founded in 1922 by retired farmer George Jacob Mecherle, and it has since grown to become the No. 41 ranked company on the Fortune 500 list of the largest companies.

Teenage driver discounts: State Farm offers a unique program called the Steer Clear Safe Driving program, which affords families with teenage drivers insurance discounts if they complete State Farm's course on safe driving.
Emergency roadside service: The company offers policyholders emergency roadside assistance should drivers run out of gas or oil, have a Auto insurance providers flat tire or lock their keys in their car (in addition to a myriad of other auto emergencies.)
Rental reimbursement program: Drivers who get in a collision and have to rent a car while theirs is being repaired are reimbursed for the cost of the rental car by State Farm.
Educational resources: The company offers customers and potential customers tons of helpful educational resources via their website, including helpful tips for purchasing the right car and equipment for the lowest insurance prices possible

.
Specialized insurance offerings: State Farm offers a selection of specialized auto insurance, including not only classic car insurance, but also antique car insurance, for cars that are older than classic cars.
Best for New drivers, drivers who just purchased a car, and drivers who have teenage children who are learning to drive.


5.Allstate Auto Insurance


Allstate Auto Insurance provides quality protection across the United States. It allows customers to adjust limits and deductibles to find the right insurance policy without paying extra.

Complete coverage: Allstate offers customizable coverage options that can be tweaked and adjusted in order to include specifics, such as personal injury, broken glass, towing, etc.
Teen driving discounts: They offer discounts on teen drivers while many providers increase premiums for teen drivers, even those with clean driving records.
Coverage for other vehicles: In addition to car insurance, Allstate offers insurance for boats, motorcycles and other vehicles.
Local agents: Allstate has agents and brick-and-mortar Auto insurance providers offices in every state, which means you can meet with a representative face-to-face no matter where you are in the country. 


Drivewise app: They have an app that customers can download to track your driving habits and reward you for being safe behind the wheel.

Best for Drivers with clean records and teen drivers.


What’s covered?


The amount of coverage required by law varies from state to state. If you are a cautious person, you might opt for a more expensive policy with better coverage. If you have a lot of assets, experts recommend that you get enough liability coverage to protect them; otherwise, the other party involved in an accident could sue and attempt to collect on those assets.
Read the policy: Carefully examine your auto insurance policy to understand exactly what is covered, and work with your agent and insurance company to make the right adjustments to suit your unique situation.
Limits: Pay attention to the limits and deductibles set by the insurance policy. In some cases, there will be a maximum payout, which may not be as high as you’re looking for. Or in others, the deductible could be higher than you’re willing to pay out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Are there exclusions?


Sometimes insurance policies will have exclusions, and you’ll end up paying out of pocket for an accident or repair that you thought would be covered.
Other drivers don’t have insurance: If you get into a collision with an uninsured driver, you’ll have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket and sue for damages unless you have the proper auto insurance policy.
Car theft: Basic insurance policies don’t always cover car theft.
Damage from natural accidents: Some insurers don’t cover collisions with animals, tornados, earthquakes, damage from falling objects, etc., unless you specifically pay for these coverages.

Mechanics and replacement parts

Be wary during a claim. Some insurers will push you to use shops in a direct-repair program or use cheaper replacement parts rather than the original equipment manufacturer.
Can you choose a service provider?: Choosing your own mechanic is the best-case scenario, but they aren’t always covered by insurance policies. Check the fine print of the policy to see if the insurer has control over which service providers and parts are used for repairs. 


Are service providers reputable?: If the insurer has the authority to pick your mechanic, investigate them. Look for service reviews online from past claims and from former policyholders.
What if the replacement part breaks?: Find out how the insurer handles faulty repairs and how quickly they will take care of it.

Cost


The cost of auto insurance is a big factor in most people’s decision about which policy to choose.
Premium: The premium is the monthly , semi-annual or yearly price that you pay for your insurance plan.
Deductible: Deductibles are the amount of money you are required to pay for a claim before your insurance company starts to pay out. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium tends to be.
Coverage factors: Depending on much coverage you opt for (i.e., the limits), the cost of your insurance will vary. Your past driving record, credit rating, distance you drive and even drivers’ education will all affect how much your policy costs.

Optional coverage


In addition to basic auto insurance, there are optional coverages available for drivers with different needs.
Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for the expenses to repair your car after you’ve been in an accident, whether you’re at fault or not. If you drive an older car that isn’t worth much money, it may not be worth it to pay for collision insurance.
Comprehensive coverage: This covers things that could happen to your car not related to an accident that might not be covered by standard insurance, such as weather damage, running into an animal or other factors. It’s a good idea to opt for comprehensive coverage if you can afford it, but it can get costly and might not be worth it if you drive an old or inexpensive car.
Uninsured motorist protection: This protects drivers in the event that they get into an accident with a person who isn’t insured but is to blame for the accident or in a hit-and-run. It will cover damages to the car and injury in the event that another driver is unable to pay out.

Insurance company ratings


An insurance company’s reputation is important. Good companies should have a quick response time, be adept at handling claims and have excellent customer service.
Reviews and complaints: Check the reviews and ratings on an insurance company before purchasing a policy. Be aware of any complaints that have been filed.
Handling claims: How long does it take for the company to handle a claim? Do you have to pay out of pocket first or do they cover the expenses immediately? 




What are different types of auto insurance policies?


Liability insurance


Liability insurance covers you if you’re in an accident deemed to be your fault. It will cover repairs to damaged property, as well as medical bills resulting from injury to the other driver and his or her passengers. Most states require at least a minimum amount of liability insurance, but it’s a good idea to purchase extra protection if you can afford it.

Collision coverage


If you are involved in an accident, collision coverage will pay for the repairs to your car whether or not you’re at fault. If your car is damaged beyond repair, good collision coverage will pay for the value of your car.

Comprehensive coverage


If something happens to your car that isn’t related to a vehicular accident, such as weather damage, hitting an animal or theft, comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage to the car.

Personal injury protection


Personal injury protection is imperative for all drivers. Medical bills following an accident can be devastating, and good personal injury coverage will cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, as well as missed work expenses. 




Uninsured motorist protection


About one in six drivers is uninsured, even though it is illegal to be in most states. Uninsured motorist protection offers payment when you are in a collision with another driver who is at fault and does not have insurance or after a hit-and-run. It is usually relatively inexpensive to add uninsured motorist protection to a car insurance policy.
We've reviewed numerous quoting services to bring you the best two. Each of the following free services can provide you with several competing quotes from various companies, thus enabling you to compare and pinpoint on the best rate that is available for your location:



The number one mistake made by full coverage car insurance seekers is approaching only the companies that are most heavily advertised. The first insurance company that comes to mind is not necessarily the one that will offer you the best rate.


The single most critical factor in getting a cheaper car insurance rate is shopping around for as many quotes as you can. Why? because different insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage. In addition, insurance companies' competitiveness differ tremendously by customer location.


Only by obtaining several quotes that are specific to your situation and location you will be really able to discover the cheapest rate that is available to you. How many quotes? go for at least 5 quotes from different insurers, less than that will not do the job.


Now, usualy shoping around for five quotes can be a tedious and time consuming task, but we will make it here much easyer for you. 



Here's a list of Cheap Auto Insurance Companies in USA:


21st Century Insurance

Acuity

ACE Limited

Aetna

Aflac

Alleghany Corporation

Allied Insurance

Allstate

American Automobile Association

American Family Insurance

American Income Life Insurance Company

American International Group (AIG)

American National Insurance Company

Ameritas Life Insurance Company

Amica Mutual Insurance

Applied Underwriters

Arbella Insurance Group

Assurant

Assurity Life Insurance Company

Auto-Owners Insurance

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company

Bankers Life and Casualty Company

Berkshire Hathaway

California Casualty

Cincinnati Insurance Company

CNA Financial

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company

Combined Insurance

Commerce Insurance Group

Conseco

Country Financial

Chartis

Chubb Corp.

Elephant.com

Encompass Insurance Company

Erie Insurance Group

Esurance

Evergreen USA RRG

FM Global

Family Heritage

Farmers Insurance Group

Federated Mutual Insurance Company

First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association of the United States of America

FirstComp Insurance Company

First Insurance Company of Hawaii

GAINSCO

GEICO

General Re

Genworth Financial

GMAC Insurance

Gracy Title Company

Grange Mutual Casualty Company

Guarantee Insurance Company

Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

GuideOne Insurance

Hanover Insurance

The Hartford

HCC Insurance Holdings

Horace Mann Insurance Company

Infinity Property & Casualty Corporation

IntelliQuote Insurance Services

Jackson National Life

John Hancock Insurance

K&K Insurance

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Kentucky Farm Bureau

Knights of Columbus

Liberty Mutual

Lincoln National Corporation

Markel Corporation

MassMutual Financial Group

Merchants Insurance Group

Mercury Insurance Group

MetLife

Mutual of Omaha

National Life

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company

New York Life Insurance Company

Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group

Northwestern Mutual

Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Company

Ohio Mutual Insurance Group

Omega

OneBeacon

Oscar

Oxford Health Plans

Pacific Life

Pacificare

PEMCO

Penn Mutual

Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire

Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Physicians Mutual

Principal Financial Group

Primerica

Progressive

Protective Life

Prudential Financial

QBE

The Regence Group

Reliance Insurance Company

RLI Corp.

Safe Auto Insurance Company

Safeco

Safeway Insurance Group

Secura Insurance Company

Sentry Insurance

Selective Insurance

Shelter Insurance

Southern Aid and Insurance Company

Standard Insurance Company

State Auto Insurance Group

State Farm Insurance

Sun Life Financial

Symetra

TIAA-CREF

The Main Street America Group

The Norfolk & Dedham Group

The Travelers Companies

Trupanion

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance

Unum

USAA

West Bend[disambiguation needed]

West Coast Life

Western Mutual Insurance Group

Western & Southern Financial Group

Westfield Insurance

White Mountains Insurance Group

Workmen's Auto Insurance Company

Zurich NA









When you're shopping for insurance, price and customer service are important. Will you be happy with claims service? Will you want to renew your policy and recommend the company? Insure.com asked the customers of large insurers to rate their level of satisfaction on five key measurements: customer service, claims, value for the price paid, whether they would renew and whether they would recommend the insurers. This resource shows their responses and lets you sort by the measurements most important to you.


Insure-me conducted surveys of 3,835 insurance customers nationwide in February and March 2014 to collect 9,586 company reviews. The survey was not open to the general public on the Insure.com website. Insure.com collected reviews for auto, home, health and life insurance carriers. Consumers answered questions about their levels of satisfaction with their insurers, and each answer was assigned a point value. Points were then averaged and totaled for each company.


"Coverage options" and A.M. Best ratings do not affect the scores but are provided as a supplementary resource.


Insure-me collected data for 15 large companies in each category, so not all companies are represented in the study. The top three companies in each category earned Insure.com's "People's Choice Award." In the life insurance category, a tie for third place resulted in four insurers receiving the award.


Finding the best auto insurance for your needs can be difficult. Whether you're looking for the cheapest premiums, the best customer service, or just great basic coverage, NerdWallet has you covered.




What should you keep in mind when getting started? First of all, a basic auto insurance policy covers the damage and loss of personal property as the result of a traffic collission, as well as coverage for injuries incurred to all parties involved. Proof of insurance is required in most of the U.S., and is a good idea for anyone intending to drive regularly.


How exactly does car insurance work? Generally, auto insurance offers coverage for injury, property damage, medocial payments, personal injury, comprehensive physical damage, and collision, with provisions to cover expenses if the accident happens to be the fault of an uninsured motorist. Policies can be customized to add features like roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car compensation. Premiums usually become cheaper over time, especially if you don't get into any accidents, since the insurance provider considers you to be a less risky driver.





If you own a car, truck or other motor vehicle, most states require you to purchase Auto Liability insurance, which can protect you and your passengers in the event of a covered loss.


Auto insurance companies' rates are based on many factors and quotes can vary widely. Among the factors that insurance companies often consider when setting rates are age, gender, driving history, and the year, make and model of the vehicle. Additionally, in some states insurers can consider credit histories (credit scoring) when providing rate quotes.


If your car is financed, your lender will likely require you carry some form of Comprehensive insurance (sometimes known as "Other than Collision Coverage"). This type of insurance protects you against damage caused by things other than a vehicle collision such as fire, hail, flood, vandalism or theft. Collision insurance is coverage that applies to your vehicle if it is damaged as a result of colliding with another object—another vehicle, for example, or a tree.


Another step is to check the credit-worthiness of your insurance company through Moody's, Standard & Poor's and AM Best. If your insurance company has a strong financial rating, chances are excellent that it will have the ability to withstand a major catastrophe, such as claims produced by a hurricane, flood, earthquake or wildfires.


Cheap Car Insurance Companies List Quotes:


Since vehicle policies are regulated at the state level, it is recommended that you add the name of your state and city to the search term when searching online for low cost quotes. For your convenient here is a list of US states and biggest cities: Alabama AL, in Alaska AK, in Arizona AZ, in Arkansas AR, in California CA, in Colorado CO, Connecticut CT, Delaware DE, District of Columbia DC, Florida FL, Georgia GA, Hawaii HI, Idaho ID, Illinois IL, Indiana IN, Iowa IA, Kansas KS, Kentucky KY, Louisiana LA, Maine ME, Maryland MD, Massachusetts MA, Michigan MI, Minnesota MN, Mississippi MS, Missouri MO, Montana MT, Nebraska NE, Nevada NV, New Hampshire NH, New Jersey NJ, New Mexico NM, New York NY, North Carolina NC, North Dakota ND, Ohio OH, Oklahoma OK, Oregon OR, Pennsylvania PA, Puerto Rico PR, Rhode Island RI, South Carolina SC, South Dakota SD, Tennessee TN, Texas TX, Utah UT, Vermont VT, Virginia VI, Washington WA, West Virginia WV, Wisconsin WI, Wyoming WY. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, okc, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Columbus, Ohio, Austin, Memphis, Baltimore, Fort Worth, Charlotte, El Paso, Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, Denver, Louisville- Jefferson County, Washington, Nashville-Davidson, in Las Vegas, Portland, Oklahoma City, Tucson, Albuquerque, Long Beach, Atlanta, Fresno, Sacramento, New Orleans, Cleveland, Kansas City, UK, Virginia Beach, Omaha, Oakland, Miami, Canadian, Canada, Northern Ireland, Australia, Tulsa, Honolulu, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, Arlington.


The purpose of this article is to show you how to save on your policy premium costs and obtain really cheap policy price offers from the best rated and best value insurers. Now note that your rate can differ based on several factors. For example, the following personal factors can negatively affect your rate: first car for teens girls and boys, young driver, new drivers, over 60, under 21, learner drivers, teenagers, 17 year olds, young persons, high risk, under 25, drink drivers, young people, business car (any driver), young persons, 1st for women, business car insurance (any driver) and convicted drivers.


While other factors can allow for more affordable quotes, these include: over 50, college student, military, ladies, second car, renew current policy, low mileage, dual car, group family, joint drivers, 2nd car, limited mileage, multiple car and renewal.


There are some non-regular coverages that may not be available from every broker and agency, these may include: BMW vintage, pay as you go premium payments, high performance and racing autos, temporary European vehicles quotes, third party temp cover, antique or classic car, non owner 4x4 rental, no deposit required or agreed value low deposit.




You may also be interested in a non-regular term, these may include: pay monthly, for a day, for 6 month, weekend, monthly, weekly, short term, temp or 1 month - for those you'll need to locate specializing agencies or brokers. As for discounts for low income car owners, unfortunately most USA insurers will not provide low income men or women with special cheep or discounted car insurances rates. You can further lower your costs by limiting your cover to just liability rather than comprehensive, however this is not recommended. To summarize, taking advantage of the knowledge provided in this article can substantially reduce your average carinsurance costs.
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