Founded by William Larimer Mellon, Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business is known for its introduction of management science, a teaching alternative to the Harvard case method approach, into business school curricula. Tepper's MBA program operates on a full-time or part-time schedule, as well as a 'flexmode' distance-learning format. Terms are split into 'mini-semesters,' with core course focused in the first three of them and distribution requirements in the second year. Students can follow eight specialized tracks, spanning from financial engineering to biotechnology, or earn a general management MBA without concentrating.

Tepper has strong information systems and operations management programs; both specialties earned No. 2 spots in their respective categories in the 2008 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school is also well respected in finance and supply chain management, among other areas. Graduates are heavily recruited by East Coast companies, but the school's name opens doors nationally.

Tepper doesn't have any on-campus housing, so students take apartments around Pittsburgh, particularly in the Shadyside and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. The school hosts a slew of organized social and networking events, and students can always check out the cultural and entertainment options in downtown Pittsburgh.