Applications open now — due October 25
Management
Scholars of Distinction
Management Scholars of Distinction (MSD) is the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship’s (M&E’s) signature professional development program that recognizes high-achieving, high-potential management undergraduates and prepares them to become effective leaders.
About The Program
Built for high-potential management students
MSD helps high-achieving management students build confidence, make valuable connections and prepare for their careers through hands-on, industry-focused experiences.
Created with input from employers, faculty and the department’s advisory board, the program develops the skills organizations want most in emerging talent, so scholars are ready to make an impact from their first day on the job.
“We are excited to bring this competitive experience to our top management students and help empower them for high-profile career opportunities.”
Jackie Jacobs, MSD Program Director and Teaching Professor
REASONS TO APPLY
Program Benefits
Industry Connections
Connect with alumni, corporate recruiters and business leaders through multiple touchpoints each year.
Exclusive Networking
Build professional relationships through exclusive networking events reserved for MSD members.
Personalized Career Coaching
Gain a competitive edge with individualized coaching, mentoring and career-readiness programming.
In-Demand Skills
Strengthen the professional skills employers value most, including problem solving, systems thinking, confidence and emotional intelligence.
Close-Knit Cohort
Join a cohort of top peers and build lasting connections with students and faculty, including a spring service project.
Resume Book
Resumes are shared with recruiters, hiring managers and industry professionals throughout the year.
How It Works
Program Structure
MSD programming helps scholars build professional skills, expand their networks and access exclusive career opportunities.
Each semester, students attend one mandatory professional event, then choose additional program offerings that match their interests and fulfill program requirements.
The cohort-based experience helps scholars build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers. Each spring, cohorts complete a service project together, creating a shared sense of purpose, accomplishment and pride.
MSD scholars’ resumes are featured in a resume book shared with recruiters, hiring managers and professional contacts throughout the year, helping them stand out for internships, jobs and other career opportunities.
Who Is Eligible
Academic Admission Criteria
Declared management majors who are rising sophomores, juniors or seniors can apply for MSD the semester before admission. MSD is a one-year program, and students must reapply each year to continue participating.
Rising Sophomores
- Cumulative GPA of 3.6 or greater
- B+ or better in MGT 202
- Faculty endorsement (any college)
Rising Juniors1
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater
- B+ or better in MGT 202
- Faculty endorsement (Haslam faculty member)
Rising Seniors2
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater
- B+ or better in MGT 202
- Faculty endorsement (Haslam M&E faculty)
- Completed internship, or confirmation one will be completed before joining
1Rising juniors and seniors must demonstrate leadership through campus involvement, community service or work experience.
2Rising seniors are eligible to apply for the 2027-2028 cohort; application opens in March 2027.
Spring 2027 Cohort
Application Dates
Only rising sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply for the spring 2027 cohort.
Ready to stand out?
Applications for the inaugural spring 2027 cohort open October 1 and are due October 25. Candidates will be notified the week of November 2.
Questions? Contact Jackie Jacobs at [email protected]
or email the program at [email protected]