Kelley School of Business: A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation in Business Education

The Indiana University Kelley School of Business (KSB), with campuses in Bloomington and Indianapolis, has a rich history and a strong reputation as a leading business school. From its humble beginnings as the "School of Commerce and Finance" in 1920 to its current status as a top-ranked institution, Kelley has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of students and the business world.

A History of Growth and Transformation

The Kelley School of Business traces its roots back to the first business course offered at Indiana College in Bloomington in 1830. The School of Commerce and Finance was established in 1920 with 70 students enrolled. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, becoming the "School of Business Administration" in 1933 and the "School of Business" in 1938. In 1997, it was named the "Kelley School of Business" in honor of alumnus E.W. Kelley, chairman of the Steak 'n Shake Company, following his generous donation.

While classes had been offered in Indianapolis since 1961, the School of Business officially expanded to Indianapolis in 1974. Maintaining "one school, one faculty, one curriculum in two locations," the rankings applicable to the Bloomington campus also apply to the Indianapolis campus for shared programs. This expansion allowed Kelley to extend its reach and impact within the state.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

The Kelley School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, a testament to its commitment to high-quality business education. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including specialized master's programs and a Physician MBA program on the Indianapolis campus.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program at Kelley is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Bloomberg Businessweek ranked it 1st among public business schools. Poets&Quants ranked the Kelley School of Business 7th in the nation and 2nd among public schools. Ten of Kelley's business concentrations have been ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

Full-Time +Flex MBA Program

The Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA program provides a personalized, flexible experience that blends rigorous academics, hands-on career preparation, and a supportive community. The program is designed to help students master business fundamentals and develop the skills needed to succeed in today's competitive job market.

The first 15 weeks are dedicated to mastering business fundamentals through a fully integrated core curriculum taught by a team of expert faculty. Students can complete their second year on campus or online through Kelley Direct, the nation’s #1-ranked online MBA, while still enjoying full access to career services, networking, and leadership development.

Online MBA Program

The Kelley Direct Online MBA program is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Kelley Direct Online MBA program No. 1. The program offers a flexible and convenient way for working professionals to earn an MBA from a top-ranked business school.

Experiential Learning and Career Development

Kelley emphasizes experiential learning to provide students with practical skills and real-world experience.

Academies

Kelley Academies provide students with in-depth knowledge and networking opportunities in their chosen fields. Students learn about their field of interest inside and out. Networking opportunities, company visits, industry speakers, focused skill development, and company-based consulting projects prepare students for their summer internship.

Examples include the Consulting Academy and the PLUS Life Sciences Academy, which caters to students interested in the business of healthcare. The PLUS Life Sciences Academy has electives to learn formally, and networking events with leaders in the industry.

Academy consulting projects, company treks, and industry-focused events connect students directly with recruiters, alumni, and executives from top firms across various industries.

GLOBASE Program

The Global Business and Social Enterprise (GLOBASE) program provides students with the opportunity to work on consulting projects for small companies in emerging economies. The GLOBASE program takes learning even further, pairing virtual consulting projects with immersive international travel. These experiences prepare students to make a difference on a global scale.

Career Services

Career development is built into the Kelley experience from the very beginning. Right from the start, students partner with a dedicated career coach, learn from Academy Directors who connect them with industry expertise, and receive mentoring from peers and alumni across 137,000+ professionals worldwide. This individualized support continues throughout the program, whether students complete their second year on campus or online through the +Flex option.

The Full-Time +Flex MBA Program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business offers an exceptional ROI because of the program’s top 22 ranking, nationwide job placements, and affordability. Over 90% of students receive merit assistance ranging from $15,000 to full tuition.

Read also: IU Bloomington Fall Semester

A Vibrant Community

The Kelley School of Business fosters a close-knit community among students, faculty, and staff. Kelley MBAs graduate ready to make an impact. The Kelley community is a result of small class size, greater faculty interactions, and personalized coaching, which gives numerous opportunities to interact and communicate.

Bloomington: A College Town with a Cosmopolitan Feel

Set in Bloomington, Indiana, Kelley MBAs graduate ready to make an impact. Bloomington offers the resources and energy of a Big Ten campus with the accessibility, affordability, and community feel of a welcoming college town. The town is big enough to have lots to do, but small enough to feel like real community.

The Kelley Clap

The Kelley Clap is an iconic tradition indicative of the Kelley community. At the end of each class, Kelley students clap to celebrate and express gratitude for the learning that had taken place. This tradition, started by a distinguished Kelley professor, Walt Blacconiere, continues in every classroom.

Rankings and Recognition

The Kelley School of Business consistently receives high rankings and recognition from leading publications. These rankings reflect the school's commitment to academic excellence, career development, and student satisfaction.

The Full-Time +Flex MBA Program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business offers an exceptional ROI because of the program’s top 22 ranking, nationwide job placements, and affordability.

News & World Report ranks the Kelley MBA 22nd in the nation, 7th among public business schools.

A Global Network

When students join Kelley, they are entering one of the largest and most active business school alumni networks in the world, with over 137,000 professionals worldwide. Kelley graduates are shaping industries worldwide, from Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs launching startups on multiple continents, and they’re committed to helping the next generation succeed.

The school also has student exchange programs with universities across the world, including Aix-Marseille University, National University of Singapore, Technical University of Munich, and Alliance Manchester Business School.

Research and Innovation

The Kelley School of Business is a hub of research and innovation. The business school publishes Kelley Research Bulletin which highlights research activities at the school. The school's faculty members are actively involved in research that advances both theory and practice.

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