I would absolutely have to disagree with the previous comment regarding the Pepperdine MBA. While I did not obtain my MBA from Pepperdine, I am familiar with the school's positive reputation. I have worked closely with Pepperdine (MBA) alumni as a financial industry executive, and have come across a number of successful individuals from the program, many of whom attribute their success to the school and its alumni. One colleague, who attended the Pepperdine EMBA, retired as Executive VP of a multi-billion dollar private equity firm. Another, a student, currently holds a VP position in asset management, with a major international investment bank in their Orange County office. While the MBA may have a slightly wider range of GMAT and GPA, it is my understanding that several of the students were toward the top of their undergraduate classes, with management positions in their respective organizations, having been influenced to attend, in some cases, by moderate scholarships. What's even more interesting, is many of the students in the Pepperdine MBA graduated with finance degrees from USC and genuinely prestigious universities as well. I think Pepperdine is an attractive option for many working professionals in OC, as the school permits students earn their MBA while attending classes solely in Irvine, unlike USC. In sum, Pepperdine is an excellent option. Lastly, among other awards, Los Angeles Business Journal named Pepperdine one of the "Big 3" MBA rankings in L.A. County. Further, in 2012, Pepperdine MBA students won the ACG Cup, "a case study competition between top business schools, first regionally and then nationally, that tests students' judgment and knowledge about mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and private equity", beating teams from USC, UCI, LMU and other Southern California MBA programs. These facts do not appear congruent with the previous blog member.
As for the USC MBA, I've heard mixed reviews. Most would say that while the USC MBA is held in relatively high regard in Southern California, it substantially lacks brand equity on national and international levels. Several friends who have attended the program communicated that, while the program provided an excellent experience, by no way did it justify the costs. On that note, while there are several good MBA's in Southern California (USC, Pepperdine, etc.), UCLA is far superior to any MBA in Southern California and well worth the cost.
As for Peter, I must say that you are a disgrace to your program and academic institution. I am closely acquainted with USC MBA alumni and students, as well as the "MBA circles", and have yet to hear anything even remotely in line with your seemingly misinformed opinion. In my experience, USC is a wonderful institution, with many wonderful people, most of whom are respectful, intelligent, and well informed. This being the case, while you are clearly an outlier, I would implore you to do your research and consider the impact of your future statements, as they are a reflection on you as well as the USC family.
