Welcome
Robust curriculum, inspired instruction, dynamic environment, supportive community.
Whether you’re pursuing an MBA degree to advance your career, broaden your skill set, or change course, Leeds serves as a foundation for professional and personal development. The supportive Leeds community encourages you to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, create change, and act on new ideas.
We offer students the opportunity to pursue a Leeds MBA degree as a member of the full-time MBA program or the part-time, Evening MBA program, designed specifically for working professionals. Both programs take two years to complete, share faculty and staff, and provide students with a strong business foundation.
The Leeds School is accredited by the AACSB (Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business).
Welcome from the Dean
Success, creativity and innovation are everywhere at Leeds: national and international competitions will give you the opportunity to test your knowledge against teams from other universities; new business ventures are vetted by students like yourself as you look for market opportunities; there are plenty of chances to work side-by-side with seasoned executives in entrepreneurial environments. And these are only a few examples of how you can get involved!
The Leeds faculty is at the forefront of knowledge creation. With outstanding research records and extensive private sector experience, they bring the latest thinking into their classes, along with practical applications of business knowledge.
The University and surrounding community are reflective of our entrepreneurial spirit. New companies are started through technologies created in campus labs, and the community's entrepreneurial environment (and some Leeds alums!) has spawned companies such as Crocs, Webroot, and Wild Oats and the campus excellence has been honored by having four faculty members named as Nobel prize winners since 2000.
While it is difficult to convey the spirit of innovation and dynamic culture that you will find at the Leeds School of Business via a web site, we hope that it will build enough interest to ask questions and engage with the current students, faculty and staff to learn more. And we know for all of our work, YOU are our inspiration. Join us…
David L. Ikenberry
Dean, Leeds School of Business
Curriculum
The Leeds MBA program is an immersive experience. With two years of rigorous study you'll develop leadership and management skills, and provide grounding for your entrepreneurial ideas. The education, professional network, and attention to your career development will serve you long after your two years at Leeds are complete.
Our flexible curriculum allows you to build a unique portfolio of course work customizing your MBA to suit your career goals. Visit the list of degree emphases on the left to familiarize yourself with the breadth of disciplines offered at Leeds. Opportunities for personal interaction with faculty, business professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and alumni allow you to expand your professional horizons and put your newfound knowledge to use.
The Leeds faculty is at the forefront of knowledge creation. With outstanding research records and extensive private sector experience, they bring the latest thinking into their classes, along with practical applications of business knowledge. Class projects offer you hands-on experience with real companies and enable you to connect and learn from successful professionals.
In addition to our robust offerings in the functional areas of business - finance, management, marketing, and operations and information management—Leeds also offers niche specializations in entrepreneurship, real estate, or emphasis in sustainability. Our curriculum provides industry expertise and networking opportunities that place you at the leading edge of your area of emphasis.
Finally, take some time to review the curriculum maps which offer a snapshot of the program design and course offerings.
Evening MBA
Our Evening MBA program is specifically designed for working professionals. The two-year program provides a strong business foundation through the core courses and allows Evening MBA students to develop a specific concentration that speaks to their professional goals through the elective courses. We are proud to be ranked among the top 50 part-time MBA programs in the US and the highest ranked part-time MBA program in Colorado according to U.S. News and World Report.
Our Evening program enrolls a cohort of about 50 students each May. This group of working professionals moves together through the two year program. By working lock-step with your peers, our program builds a cohesive MBA community which translates to a supportive classroom environment and an outstanding professional network. Another big plus of this peer community is that our graduation rate is consistently above 85%, as compared to more flexible part-time programs which often have graduation rates of 50%. Classes meet two times per week, from 6:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Evening MBA Overview
Admissions
As an admission committee, our goal is to select students who will achieve academic and professional success through the Leeds MBA program. We aim to select the most talented and diverse candidates through a holistic review of the application materials. Admission decisions are made by balancing quantitative and qualitative strengths such as undergraduate GPA, test scores, professional experience, and unique potential to contribute in the classroom and MBA community. We focus on admitting students who will thrive at Leeds and add value to the MBA program.
Visiting Leeds
Finding the right fit in an MBA program is one of the most important decisions of your career. We encourage you to connect with the Leeds School to find out how our MBA programs can match your educational and professional goals. Attend an information session to get your questions answered and meet Leeds faculty, staff, students and/or alumni. Finally, envision yourself in the Leeds MBA program by shadowing a student ambassador and visiting a class.
Information Sessions
Information sessions are designed to provide an overview of the Leeds MBA and Evening MBA programs and are an excellent introduction to the Leeds community.
Information sessions will be offered throughout the year. Click on the Events item on the left menu to see the next information session.
Meet with an Ambassador
We invite you to meet with a Leeds MBA student ambassador for coffee or lunch and to visit a class. Visiting a class with a student ambassador is a great opportunity to get a first-hand perspective on the impressive quality of the Leeds faculty and student body. Please complete our Ambassador Visit Survey and we will do our best to match you with a current MBA student with common interests. After completing the survey, a member of the admissions staff will contact you by email to schedule your visit.
We prefer that ambassador visit requests be made at least one week in advance. If this is not possible, please call the MBA Programs office directly at 303-492-8397 or email leedsmba@colorado.edu. We look forward to meeting you.
Professional Development
Beyond the skills you learn in the classroom, career advancement and professional development are among the highest priorities for the MBA program. Leeds provides a wealth of formal and informal opportunities to build your professional network and refine your soft skills. Our core professional development course, Centers of Excellence, Professional Mentorship Program, speaker series, conferences, networking events, and one-on-one coaching with our career advisors prepare students to be strategic in their career. It’s not just about finding a job after graduation; the Leeds MBA degree provides value for the life of your career.
Full-time MBA Class of 2011 Career Stats
Professional Mentorship Program
The Leeds School of Business Professional Mentorship Program for MBAs is a unique program that offers one-on-one professional mentoring to current Leeds MBA candidates. The PMP enhances business education through hands-on learning and professional development opportunities with business executives. The program strives to create a tradition and appreciation of mentoring within the Leeds School that will ultimately prepare our students to become actively engaged business and community leaders. This program matches students with mentors based on a variety of characteristics including: field of study, desired geographic location following graduation, career interests and personality. PMP students benefit from valuable academic and professional advice and perspective and have the opportunity to create a unique and lasting relationship with a business leader. PMP mentors enhance the Leeds academic experience by serving as role models, coaches and advisors to our students as they advance their careers and professional and personal goals.
Centers of Excellence
The Leeds Centers of Excellence provide opportunities for MBA students to attend events and professional conferences, connect with industry leaders, find internships, and tap into the extensive network of professionals who collaborate with Leeds.
Deming Center for Entrepreneurship
The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship connects students to the entrepreneurial community in Boulder and beyond. Located in one of the most start-up friendly environments in the country, the City of Boulder offers students a unique environment for idea sharing and connecting. The Deming Center’s network of world-class entrepreneurs provides mentoring and experiential opportunities for MBA students in a wide variety of industries – technology, bioscience, clean tech and renewable energy, natural and organic consumer products, and the outdoor industry to name a few. The Deming Center is also home to the Graduate Entrepreneurship Association club and provides support to several MBA case study competition teams.
CU Real Estate Center
The CU Real Estate Center's mission is to develop aspiring real estate professionals. Founded by a group of local real estate leaders, the CU Real Estate Council has grown to a group of over 300 industry professionals who provide opportunities for internships and mentoring to MBA students. The Center works to secure internships and full-time placements for MBA students in all fields of the real estate industry including appraisal, development, asset management, architecture, urban planning and construction management. The Center also supports students in real estate competitions and helps to facilitate events and activities for the Graduate Real Estate Association club.
Center for Education on Social Responsibility
The Center for Education on Social Responsibility (CESR) is home to a variety of initiatives and resources that benefit MBA students. Each year CESR hosts the Conscious Capitalism Conference which brings together value-driven business leaders to help inspire and motivate the next generation. CESR is also home to the Net Impact chapter at Leeds, one of the most active student chapters in the Net Impact organization and host of the annual Net Impact case competition.
Burridge Center for Securities Analysis and Valuation
The Burridge Center creates and shares knowledge of the world and U.S. financial markets. One of the main vehicles to communicate that knowledge is the Center’s annual conference which brings together academics, industry professionals and MBA students.
Career Connections
At Leeds, career planning and placement is a personalized process. Our students have individual career goals and our Career Connections office takes an individualized approach to advising. Career Connections begins a partnership with each MBA student at orientation and continues that support throughout the program. Offering intensive resume work, career assessment, networking, and interview preparation, Career Connections takes an active role in guiding MBA students to make strategic choices over the life of their career.
Planning a career change? A summer internship is a key component to restructuring your skills and resume for a new industry or functional area. Our Boulder location affords students opportunities for unique experiences in start-up ventures and innovative industries like renewable energy and organic consumer products. The diversity of the Denver metro area economy means that students also have access to a wide variety of traditional industries like technology, energy, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, financial services, real estate, hospitality and tourism, etc. Colorado consistently outpaces the country in employment rates and is known for its high quality of life. Students who wish to build a career in the area are well positioned to do so with a combination of solid business skills and a robust network of connections.
Financing Your MBA
Estimated Expenses
The decision to invest in your graduate education is an important step toward meeting your future goals. As a public institution, the University of Colorado offers comparatively low tuition rates and was recently ranked by Forbes magazine as one of "The Best Business Schools for the Buck" and as a "best buy" in a recent edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Below is the cost for the current academic year (2012-2013 fall and spring semesters) for Colorado resident and non-resident students.
Colorado Resident MBA Estimated Expenses
Tuition & Fees
- Resident Tuition: $15,282
- Mandatory Fees: $1,436
Estimated Living Expenses
- Books/Supplies: $1,800
(Varies per year based on course load.) - Room and Board: $12,050 ( A 10 month (academic year) estimate for rent, utilities, and food.)
- Personal: $1,314 (Includes personal, recreation, and clothing costs—varies by student.)
- Transportation: $1,296 (Based on Colorado resident. Expenses may increase for non-residents.)
- Medical Expenses: $2,232
(Includes costs for student health insurance plan. Health insurance is mandatory however students may opt out of the university plan if covered by other insurance.)
Total Resident Budget (one academic year): $35,410
Non-resident MBA Estimated Expenses
US citizens and permanent residents who are not Colorado residents can establish residency during the first year of the program and qualify for in-state tuition for their second year. That is an advantage not offered by many public institutions, and will significantly increase the return on the investment for non-Colorado residents.
Information related to establishing Colorado residency is available from the Tuition Classification Office.
The budget below is prepared by the Office of Financial Aid and includes tuition and fees, along with estimated living expenses and other costs, in an attempt to represent the full cost of attendance for the academic year.
Tuition & Fees
- Non-Resident Tuition: $29,898
- Mandatory Fees: $1,436
Estimated Living Expenses
- Books and Supplies: $1,800 (Varies per year based on course load.)
- Room and Board: $12,050 (A 10 month (academic year) estimate for rent, utilities, and food.)
- Personal: $1,314 ( Includes personal, recreation, and clothing costs—varies by student.)
- Transportation: $1,296 (Based on Colorado resident. Expenses may increase for non-residents.)
- Medical Expenses: $2,232
(Includes costs for student health insurance plan. Health insurance is mandatory however students may opt out of the university plan if covered by another carrier.)
Total Non-resident Budget (one academic year): $50,026
Scholarships
The Leeds School of Business offers merit scholarship awards to selected admitted candidates to the full-time MBA program. All candidates will be automatically considered for Leeds School of Business scholarship awards. Candidates may also be considered for other specialized scholarship awards (Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, Diversity, NSHMBA University Partnership) by submitting the required additional information in the online application for admission. Applicants are encouraged to apply in the first or second round of the admissions process for best consideration for scholarship awards.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
The Leeds School of Business does not offer teaching or research assistantships for first year students. Second year students who have established high levels of achievement in their core courses may be chosen by faculty for paid teaching assistantships for first-year MBA core courses or for research positions.
Loan Funding
Eligible MBA students may apply for federal financial aid in the form of student loans. To apply you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year as soon as possible. The priority deadline for financial aid consideration at the University of Colorado at Boulder is April 1. For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid at 303.492.5091, by email at finaid@colorado.edu.
Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans (Stafford Loans) are fixed-rate student loans for graduate students attending a college or university at least half time. Eligible graduate students may borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans which have a loan limit of $20,500 per year and a fixed interest rate of 6.8%.
Graduate PLUS Loans
Graduate PLUS student loans are also unsubsidized and require a credit check. The yearly limit on a Graduate PLUS Loan is equal to your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive. For example, if your cost of attendance is $20,000 and you receive $5,000 in scholarships and a $5,000 Federal Direct Loan, you could borrow up to but no more than $10,000. Graduate PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 7.9%.
Private Loans
For students who are not elgible for federal loans (international students), or who need additional assistance beyond the federal loan programs, there are a variety of private lenders who offer loan options for graduate study. More information on student loans and graduate financial aid is available from the CU-Boulder a href="http://www.colorado.edu/finaid/grad.html" title="Financial Aid">Office of Financial Aid.
Important Resources
Video
MBA Stories
News
Bloomberg Businessweek
June 18, 2012
In the past few years the number of undergraduate finance majors and MBA students interested in taking the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam has been on the upswing as students look to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive job market.
Leeds School of Business
May 2, 2012
An MBA team from the CU Real Estate Center developed a winning proposal for the former Mile High Greyhound Park in Commerce City at the annual Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge.
Leeds School of Business
April 17, 2012
A team of CU-Boulder MBAs and a Colorado Law student win first place in an international event for venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Leeds School of Business
April 6, 2012
Chad Murphy and Alex Atherton, two MBA candidates in real estate from CU-Boulder, are part of a joint team between the University of Colorado and Harvard University which won the first place grand prize of $50,000 in a national urban design competition.
KUHF FM Houston Radio
March 12, 2012
MBA students, Chad Murphy and Alex Atherton, join a team from Harvard University in the 2012 ULI Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition to redesign a site in Houston, Texas.
Events
Event
June 11, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
July 9, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
August 6, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Past Events
Event
April 26, 2013
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Koelbel Atrium
The Barney Ford Diversity Benefit is a fundraiser for the Barney Ford Fellowship Fund, which enables the Leeds School of Business to build a more diverse graduate student population.
By invitation only. Semi-formal attire.
Event
April 13, 2013
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Koelbel 210
Thinking of about an MBA? The Leeds MBA Preparation Program is designed to prepare you to be a competitive applicant to an MBA program. This session will provide guidance and education on GMAT and GRE test preparation, essay writing, interviews and other topics.
Register online
Event
April 3, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
March 6, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
February 6, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
January 2, 2013
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
December 5, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
November 7, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register online
Event
November 1, 2012
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Take the next step in your career and find the best MBA program at the Denver MBA event.
Register online
Event
October 22, 2012
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hotel Monaco
1717 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80202
Inside the MBA provides an opportunity for prospective MBA students to gain insights about MBA programs, including how to choose an MBA program and navigating the MBA admissions process. The event includes a panel discussion and the chance to meet representatives from a variety of schools.
Register online
Event
October 10–11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 3:30-9:30am
Thursday, October 11, 12:00-6:00pm
The GMATCH Virtual MBA Fair is a global recruiting event that is delivered online. All you need is a computer and Internet connection to meet and interact with MBA programs from around the world.
Register online
Event
October 3, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register Online
Event
September 5, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Join us to learn more about the full-time MBA and Evening MBA programs. We will discuss curriculum, student life, admissions and financial aid. In addition, current students will lend their perspective and answer questions.
Register Online
Event
August 13, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Register online
Event
July 25, 2012
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Denver Country Club
1700 E 1st Ave
Leeds School of Business is sponsoring the Denver Business Series Summer Social at the Denver County Country Club in Cherry Creek.
Event
July 19, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Register online.
Event
May 4, 2012
CommonGround Golf Course
10300 E. Golfers Way
Aurora, Colorado
Please join us for the 1st Annual Leeds Alumni Golf Classic. Alumni, faculty, employers, and current students are all encouraged to come out and enjoy a round of golf.
Event
April 27, 2012
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Koelbel Atrium
The fundraiser for the Barney Ford Fellowship Fund, which enables the Leeds School of Business to build a more diverse graduate student population.
Event
April 3, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19 2011 at 6pm and ends on April 3, 2012 at 2pm.
Event
March 22, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19, 2011 at 6pm and ends on March 22, 2012 at 2pm.
Publications
Publication
May 2011
2011 MBA and Doctoral Programs Commencement Booklet
Read/Download
Full Publication
Publication
February 2011
Leeds MBA Program Brochure
Full Publication
