Understanding the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University
The W.P. Carey School of Business, part of the Arizona State University System, stands as a prestigious institution known for excellence in business education. Once known as the Arizona State University Department of Commerce, the school adopted its current name following a generous $50 million donation by the W.P. Carey Foundation.
Widely respected, the school consistently ranks in the top tier of both domestic and international university evaluations, frequently placing in the top 50 business schools and the top 100 overall schools.
Highlights that Set W.P. Carey Apart
- Excellence in Education: Renowned for top-tier business programs
- Legacy of Support: Named after significant benefactor William Polk Carey
- Vast Alumni Network: 120,000+ alumni as of 2022 across various industries
The History and Academics of W.P. Carey School of Business
Founded in 1961 and located in Tempe, Arizona, the W.P. Carey School of Business boasts a large and diverse academic staff, and serves approximately 20,000 students. The school was named after William Polk Carey, a prominent real estate businessman and philanthropist.
W.P. Carey offers a variety of prestigious programs, including a well-regarded Master of Business Administration (MBA) with multiple formats, including an online option. Other master’s degrees span areas like accounting, data science, finance, logistics, and real estate development. In 2022, graduates reported an average starting salary of $56,404.
Success Stories: Building Leaders of Tomorrow
In 2015, the W.P. Carey School of Business made headlines by introducing a tuition-free MBA initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers and promoting diversity among its student body.
Noteworthy alumni include executives such as Michael Ahearn, CEO of First Solar; Bill Post, CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation; and Eric Crown, co-founder of Insight Enterprises.
Diversity and Demographics: Beyond Borders
The W.P. Carey School of Business is celebrated for a diverse student body from over 100 countries, offering more than 50 pathways to earn a degree. In Fall 2022, the school recorded substantial attendance figures, including:
- 18,456 undergraduate students
- 1,753 international undergraduates
- 627 MBA students
- 618 specialized master’s program students
- 141 doctoral students.
Strong retention rates reflect the school’s dedication, with 84.1% of first-year undergraduates continuing their studies, surpassing the national average for similar institutions.
William Polk Carey: The Man Behind the Legacy
The school’s name honors the late William Polk Carey, a visionary real estate investor and philanthropist whose $50 million donation in 2003 marked one of the largest gifts to a U.S. business school at the time.
Carey’s commitment to education was driven by his belief in its role in fostering economic growth, aiming to shape future American business leaders. His contributions were pivotal in establishing W.P. Carey as a globally recognized business school.
Wide Range of Academic Programs
W.P. Carey offers an extensive portfolio of academic programs. These include undergraduate degrees in business administration and specialized master’s programs in fields like finance, marketing, and supply chain management. The school also provides various MBA options and doctoral programs.
A Mission to Innovate and Inspire
W.P. Carey is dedicated to creating new knowledge through research and developing principled, innovative leaders. The school’s mission centers on sparking positive change in business and society, emphasizing student education, talent growth, cutting-edge research, and community engagement.
Admission Requirements: What You Need to Know
Admission requirements for W.P. Carey vary by program but commonly include academic qualifications, standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE for graduate programs), recommendation letters, and application essays. The school encourages prospective students to inquire about GMAT and GRE waivers.
Conclusion
The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is renowned for its rich legacy, commitment to innovation, and ethical leadership. It attracts a diverse student body from over 100 countries and offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Related Terms: business education, graduate programs, entrepreneurship, business management.
References
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “W. P. Carey Foundation and ASU Announce $50 Million Campaign for W. P. Carey School of Business”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “W. P. Carey School of Business Rankings”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “Facts and Figures”.
- W.P. Carey Foundation. “Our Founder”.
- W.P. Carey Foundation. “Business and Legal Education”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “W. P. Carey Master’s Programs”.
- Bloomberg. “This School Will Give You a Completely Free MBA”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “W. P. Carey Alumni Hall of Fame”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “Second Look: Michael Ahearn of First Solar Inc. Says Europe’s Energy Policies Leaving U.S. Behind”.
- Arizona State University, Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation. “William Post: Chairman of the Board and CEO (Retired), Pinnacle West Capital Corporation”.
- W. P. Carey School of Business. “Eric Crown: The Swirling Computer Business of the Roaring ’90s”.
- W.P. Carey School of Business. “Facts and Figures”.
- Arizona State University. “About W.P. Carey”.
