WFU School of Business Welcomes Aspiring Leaders for New Academic Year

The Wake Forest University School of Business recently welcomed more than 700 incoming graduate and undergraduate students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

This year marks a triple celebration for the School as it honors 75 years of business education being established at Wake Forest University. Additionally, it commemorates two significant milestones; the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of MBA students, the Class of 1973, and the 10th anniversary of the opening of Farrell Hall, its Reynolda campus location.

Incoming Student and Program Highlights:

• Students hail from 40 states and 21 countries
• Graduate students represent 189 undergraduate institutions
• 64 companies are represented among working professional students
• Working professionals average 6.8 years of work experience
• 109 students are “Double Deacons” who earned more than one degree from Wake Forest
• International students represent 20 percent of the incoming class
• More than 72 percent of students have been awarded scholarships

“The start of a new academic year certainly fills our business school with energy and anticipation of things to come,” said Dean Annette Ranft. “Our new and returning students are embarking on a new semester of engaged learning and growth. Together, they shape the vibrant community that defines our institution.”

In addition to coursework, both undergraduate and graduate students participated in a student involvement fair designed to introduce them to a variety of opportunities to get involved and connect with campus partners.

Undergraduate Business (UG)
The Wake Forest Undergraduate Business program is among the nation’s best, ranking among the top 10 percent of the best business programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The program offers four academic majors: accountancy, business and enterprise management, finance, and mathematical business.

Master of Science in Management (MSM)
The Wake Forest Master of Science in Management degree is designed specifically for non-business majors and business minors who want to excel in today’s marketplace. Central to the program is a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on core business functions and practical, collaborative experiential learning. Students have the option to pursue specialized pathways in healthcare, marketing, and business enterprise management. Additionally, the program offers an Emerging Leaders Program for students interested in obtaining dual degrees in management and physician assistant studies as well as an International Leaders Program for international students who desire to complete both an MSM and business analytics degree.

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Wake Forest’s Master of Science in Accountancy is recognized as one of the top programs in the country due to its world-class faculty, internship opportunities and unmatched CPA pass rate success. The program boasts the highest CPA pass rate more often than any other school for the past 20 years and a near 100 percent employment rate for graduates. With specialized career tracks in assurance services, tax consulting, and financial transaction services, the MSA program offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience that incorporates data analytics and is STEM certified.

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
The Master of Science in Business Analytics at Wake Forest University is an immersive program that blends applied statistics, management science, and business domain knowledge. The School’s Center for Analytics Impact provides MSBA students with unique access to live real-time data from partners like CVS Health and Lowes Foods for hands-on experience in data mining and predictive modeling. Additionally, the MSBA Practicum Project allows students to gain real-world, project-based experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor and in collaboration with a corporate partner. The Wake Forest MSBA program is offered both on-campus in Winston-Salem and online.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Wake Forest Master of Business Administration program is among the best programs in the country, ranking at No. 1 among part-time programs in North Carolina and among the top 10 percent of programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. For 14 consecutive years, Wake Forest has held the highest statewide ranking among part-time MBA programs in North Carolina business schools. Wake Forest’s MBA, which is specifically designed for working professionals who want to continue working while they complete their studies, is offered in the evenings on its main campus in Winston-Salem and its Charlotte Center campus in Uptown Charlotte. The program also offers hybrid and online options.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
New this year, the School is offering a fully online accounting masters program that will seat its first class in 2024. Designed for working professionals, the new program emphasizes the importance of analytics and technology in accounting while simultaneously showcasing key skills related to audit and tax. Those interested in the program can find details and enrollment information on the program website.

---