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Hamburger University: A McDonald’s College Degree

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Updated September 18, 2023

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Mcdonalds hamburger university.

McDonald’s is among the biggest employers in the world, a multinational company with countless opportunities for leadership and career development. Most of these opportunities require enrollment in Hamburger University, the intensive five-day crash course education in management, leadership, and company culture. Oh, did we mention that you may be able to earn actual college credits with your degree in Hamburgerology? Read on to find out how…

Interested in running your own business, gaining valuable management training, and taking on a leadership role with one of the world’s most recognized brands? Then you might be an excellent candidate for Hamburger University, the official training and education program for aspiring leaders in the McDonald’s restaurant chain.

By revenue, McDonald’s is the single largest restaurant chain in the world. Of course, it takes a lot of talent and a lot of hard work to run a show that big. Those iconic golden arches first appeared in San Bernadino, California, where the flagship burger joint opened its doors in 1940. Today, the company’s more than 1.7 million employees could fill the city of San Bernadino six times over. McDonald’s is the second largest employer in the world — just behind Wal-Mart. A company of this magnitude requires excellent leadership.

That’s where Hamburgerology comes in. Yes, Hamburgerology is an actual thing; not just a thing, but a degree you can earn upon graduating from McDonald’s Hamburger University. Management professionals who will work in various areas of the fast-food giant’s corporate structure must first complete training and career development courses at a sprawling 130,000 square foot Chicago campus.

We wanted to learn more about the Hamburger University experience, and the opportunities it makes possible for ambitious members of the McDonald’s family. We had a chance to speak with Rob Lauber, Senior VP and Chief Learning Officer for McDonald’s Corporation. As part of his overall responsibilities for McDonald’s, Rob is the head of Hamburger University operations around the world. Though he joined McDonald’s in 2014, 2019 also marks 30 years in the Learning & Development profession for Rob. With a career spanning six companies in four different industries, Rob’s insight transcends the inner-workings of McDonald’s and offers an illuminating glimpse at the world of professional training and corporate education.

To read the full transcript of Rob’s interview, check out our conversation as part of our Ask An Expert series.

  Hamburger History

Hamburger University has a history that stretches back almost as far as the McDonald’s chain itself. Its roots are deeply entwined with the founding of the company itself. This makes Hamburger University one of the first corporate education programs of its kind. The McDonald’s chain was famously born when an ambitious milkshake mixer salesman named Ray Kroc partnered with, and eventually bought out, Maurice and Richard McDonald, two brothers with a small but popular chain of hamburger restaurants. He opened his first new location in Des Plaines, Illinois 1955.

It was there that Fred L. Turner first found work as a grill cook in 1956. Of course, Ray Kroc would go on to become one of the most successful businessmen in the world. Fred Turner’s visions for branding, consistency and quality control would help him get there. In addition to quickly ascending the ranks in the fledgling company, and landing a spot as operations manager by 1958, Fred Turner founded Hamburger University in 1961.

The corporate education and training program was a pioneering concept. Business Insider notes that the grill man, who would ultimately become McDonald’s senior chairman, started Hamburger University in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant in Elk Grove Village. Fifteen students graduated from the first class in February 1961.

Those who attended Hamburger University in its earliest days received instruction not only from Fred Turner, but from Ray Kroc himself.

In 2015, Business Insider reported There are seven Hamburger Universities around the world, including the newest in Shanghai, which opened in 2010. Numerous McDonald’s executives have taken courses at Hamburger University, including McDonald’s USA President Mike Andres. Easterbrook took operations training at the school’s London location. Overall, 40 percent of McDonald’s global leadership has attended HU.

Senior VP and McDonald’s Chief Learning Officer Rob Lauber notes that today, Hamburger University trains roughly 5000 restaurant managers and franchise owners a year. More than 350,000 McDonald’s employees have been through its management, leadership, and business administration programs.

The flagship Hamburger University campus spent most of its history seated in Ray Kroc’s hometown, Oak Brook, Illinois. In 2018, the campus moved to an exciting new location in Chicago. (Oprah’s old studio complex, as it happens.)

This is where the burgers are made…figuratively that is. More literally, this is where the next generation of business leaders are shaped, both within the McDonald’s company and beyond. With Rob Lauber’s help, we offer a quick look at how you can attend Hamburger University, what you’ll experience if you do, and what you can do with this education. We’ll also look at a few tips for financial assistance, McDonald’s scholarships, and even ways you can turn your McDonald’s education into college credits.

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  is hamburger university right for you.

If you think you’d be interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll need to get your start just as Fred Turner did all those years ago. The path to Hamburger University begins with a job at McDonald’s, especially in a leadership capacity.

Rob notes that any person who is a restaurant manager or is in line to become a restaurant manager in the McDonald’s system can attend Hamburger University. In 2019, we expanded offerings to franchise owners themselves and have had more than 100 attend offerings at Hamburger University.

As Rob points out, this experience does position management level personnel to advance to the highest levels of the business. Those that attend Hamburger University, he said, leave better equipped to run great restaurants — a foundational part of our business strategy. Many who attend are running multi-million dollar locations at a fairly young age. This, in turn makes them excellent business owners in the long term.

  What is Hamburger University like?

If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you’re probably wondering what life is like on the inside of the program. The answer to that question can be found in West Loop Chicago. After the recent move, Hamburger University now calls this neighborhood home.

Rob Lauber describes the original Oak Brook campus as an iconic place, one where countless future leaders came to learn and grow. However, with the recent move to Chicago, Hamburger University has modernized the educational experience. Rob notes that our space contains cutting-edge digital features that provide personalization for our participants, as well as video broadcast capabilities that enable ’outside-in’ participation by our franchise owners where they can share their journey, experiences, and lessons learned.

Rob tells us that the new location is in an exciting part of the city so that certainly adds to the ’wow’ experience for participants. Many actually put photos up on Instagram under the #HamburgerUniversity tag and we can bring those posts into our facilities in real time. It has all the traditions of a classroom facility combined with significant technology enablement. It is exciting!

  How hard is it to get into Hamburger University?

Now that you’re sufficiently pumped about the opportunity, you’re probably wondering how you can enroll. As Rob notes Hamburger University has been typically only available to restaurant managers and those directly in line to become one. That makes the eligible pool in the neighborhood of 75,000 people in our system of nearly two million worldwide. Typically our independent franchise owners will nominate people to attend — so while there are not academic requirements, per se, attendance is quite selective.

So if you are a restaurant manager, or you’re in line to become one, and you’re interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll want to be sure that your franchise owner is aware of your ambition. Make yourself visible and be sure to communicate your desire to advance through this program. This could be your ticket onto the Chicago campus.

For international students, requirements may differ. In fact, admission to the more recently minted Shanghai campus is notoriously selective. Bloomberg News once reported that, with an acceptance rate of just under 1% of all applicants, Shanghai’s Hamburger University was far more selective a school than Harvard University — with its loosey-goosey 7% acceptance rate.

  What will you study at Hamburger University?

According to the Chicago Tribune Each year, hundreds of new McDonald’s U.S. general managers spend five days at Hamburger University on the burger giant’s corporate campus, working toward an honorary bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology. During their visits, they role play, have meetings with their boss — in this case, a professor — and prepare to return home and make real improvements at the restaurants they run

So what does Hamburgerology really mean though? And how can it position graduates to better lead within their restaurants and beyond?

Rob notes that specific courses include shift management, introduction to management and guest services and a session known as GM Capstone. Rob notes that there are training classes for other leaders as well.

Rob goes on to note that A typical day in the life of a participant at Hamburger University would be focused on several things: building their leadership capability, learning from peers and experts, and engaging in challenging scenarios that generate insights into their own styles, opportunities, and strengths.

  What does Hamburger University cost? Are there scholarships or financial aid?

If you’re interested in attending Hamburger University and cost is a factor, we’ve got great news. Rob tells us that Costs for executing the programs at Hamburger University are shared between McDonald’s and its franchisees. As such, there are no costs for participants.

Of course, this means that Hamburger University students don’t really need scholarships or financial aid. However, McDonald’s does sponsor a number of scholarship and tuition assistance programs aimed at helping its employees and community members make the leap into accredited two- and four-year colleges.

Though not directly affiliated with the Hamburger University experience, McDonald’s does offer the following scholarship and financial aid programs:

This underscores the McDonald’s company’s commitment not just to advancing employees within its own organization through Hamburger University but to providing its employees with access to broader educational and professional opportunities. In fact, Hamburger University may be worth a lot more than its weight in beef…

  Can I get college credits for attending Hamburger University?

To reiterate a point from above, Hamburger University is free of charge to eligible attendees. Within the context of Hamburger University, students can earn 23 credits toward a degree in Hamburgerology. This degree can have real-world value even beyond McDonald’s. According to Business Insider , students can also apply some of these credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree at 1,600 US colleges and universities, the American Council on Education reports.

This means that, free of charge, you can get a head start on earning college credits through Hamburger University.

Rob Lauber highlights this opportunity, telling us that In many countries, including the USA, attendance and completion of our curricula will translate into accreditation towards a higher education degree or a nationally recognized certification level. For example, our programs in the USA help managers receive college credit for [completion]…In countries like the UK or Australia, they can receive certification towards a nationally recognized qualification.

Rob points out that McDonald’s maintains an array of working partnerships with accredited colleges and universities. He explains that Through our Archways to Opportunity program, participants can receive college credit towards their training.

Click here to find out more about partnership programs between McDonald’s and colleges or universities .

To learn more about earning college credits, check out the details at the Archways program website .

  What can I do with a degree from Hamburger University?

All the features above suggest that a job at McDonald’s, and a degree from Hamburger University, could really be an excellent point of entry into a regionally accredited university or a practical professional certification. Those college credits could be extremely valuable — translating to real money saved — if you can effectively transfer them into a program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

If that’s something you’d be interested in pursuing even as you continue to advance your leadership career within McDonald’s, check out the very Best Online Colleges . Most of these programs are distinguished by their convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for working adults and other non-traditional students.

With a degree from Hamburger University, you’ll qualify not only to advance in the McDonald’s leadership structure, but to lead and excel in a variety of business and organizational settings. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain here may apply in a great many business contexts. And if you’re anything like Hamburger University founder Fred Turner, your path to success, leadership, and innovation could begin with a simple job as a grill cook.

If you view Hamburger University as a jumping off point to a degree in business administration, consider following your McDonald’s training with one of the following online programs:

We’ll close with some words of wisdom for anybody considering this path. Rob notes that Ray Kroc’s legacy (as well as Fred Turner’s) carry on to this day. We have a quote in Hamburger University that says ’Because we have learned, we have grown.’ And it still holds true. Ray started Hamburger University with the idea of being able to help Restaurant Managers be competent and confident leaders. Our focus on this principle remains true today.

And if you’re looking for a way to balance your advancing career as a leader in the McDonald’s corporation with the pursuit of a flexible college or graduate degree, jump to the Best Online Colleges .

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Hamburger Education: Inside McDonald’s University

Updated: February 9, 2024

Published: March 10, 2021

You may know McDonald’s as that place where students go to get a cheap fast food meal to fuel their studies. But did you know that McDonald’s is also responsible for educating the next generation of successful restaurant managers and owners?

As one of the world’s largest employers with restaurants dotting the globe, McDonald’s has created an educational institution where they can train their staff members. In some ways, McDonald’s University is more difficult to get into than Harvard and staff members who attend this school can graduate with a very unique degree in Hamburgerology.

If you’re passionate about the fast-food industry, you’ll want to read on to learn more about McDonald’s University, including its history and what you can study.

Photo by Joiarib Morales Uc on Unsplash

What is mcdonald’s university.

McDonald’s University, also known as Hamburger University, was established in 1961 for the purpose of teaching its employees the business of restaurant management. The university’s first graduating class in Illinois had 14 students, but today, there are over 5,000 McDonald’s University students worldwide every year.

According to its website , McDonald’s University’s mission is to become an “organizational culture hub, introducing a continuous education process for the value chain and transforming knowledge into actual business results.” The History of McDonald’s Hamburger University

Hamburger University is historically significant since, at the time of their establishment, McDonald’s was the first restaurant company to offer a global training program in the world.

When it was founded in 1961, the original campus was located in Oak Brook, Illinois. It began in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant, where Fred Turner, a grill cook, operated the educational program.

With the help and support of Ray Crock, the founder of McDonald’s, Turner would go on to contribute significantly to the growth of McDonald’s and eventually became the CEO for 20 years. In 2018, the campus along with the McDonald’s headquarters were both moved to Chicago.

At the time of their establishment, McDonald’s was the first restaurant company to offer a global training program in the world. After growing from humble beginnings, today, Hamburger University has eight international campuses. Aside from Illinois, there are also campuses in Tokyo, Munich, London, Sydney, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Moscow.

Hamburger University has trained more than just restaurant staff and managers. Many of the company’s senior leadership has also studied there, including former McDonald’s USA president, Mike Andres. In fact, Business Insider reports that approximately 40% of McDonald’s global leadership has attended Hamburger University.

What Can You Study at McDonald’s University?

Before you get your hopes up, no, a degree in Hamburgerology doesn’t involve grilling and eating burgers all day. Students of the university take courses about restaurant operations, leadership skills, customer service, operations, procedures, and more.

General managers are brought into McDonald’s University to partake in role-playing scenarios, have meetings, and take courses that will teach them skills they can take back and implement in their restaurants.

A student from a class at the US campus reported her roleplaying experience to the Chicago Tribune . Students visited a mock McDonald’s restaurant and were then given foods to sample. They had to identify what was wrong with the food and what mistakes by the staff caused the food to taste different.

Besides role-playing experiences, students at Hamburger University can also take classes related to shift management, guest services, and general management. The courses are focused on developing leadership skills, working and learning in a team, and preparing for challenging scenarios.

What Does Hamburger University Cost?

Sure, a degree in Hamburgerology sounds great, but what does this all cost?

Well, nothing.

Since the program is only open for McDonald’s employees, the company and its franchisees pay the cost of attending Hamburger University, leaving no costs to the students. Since studying at McDonald’s University is seen as employee training, McDonald’s wants to make it as accessible as possible for successful applicants.

That being said, McDonald’s also offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs for McDonald’s employees and Hamburger University graduates who want to pursue a college degree.

The even better news? Some of the credits you earn from your degree in Hamburgerology can be transferred to other colleges and universities, giving you a free head-start on your higher education.

What Can You Do With a Hamburgerology Degree?

A free degree that helps you grow in your current role is a great gift, but what else can you really do with a degree from Hamburger University? Here are a few things you can do to put your Hamburgerology degree to good use:

• Grow in a management role at a McDonald’s restaurant
• Seek management roles at McDonald’s corporate offices
• Take the restaurant business skills you’ve learned to a different management job
• Apply your credits towards a university degree or professional certification

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

When looking for a university to further your studies after graduating from McDonald’s University, consider looking at online schools. With online distance education, such as University of the People , you can keep your current job (at McDonald’s or elsewhere) to sharpen the management skills you learn while you study for an accredited degree.

Fun Facts About McDonald’s Hamburger University

Are you still hungry to know more about McDonald’s fascinating Hamburger University? Check out these fun facts to get a better understanding of the school and the coveted Hamburgerology degree.

• Getting into Hamburger University is no easy feat. In fact, the acceptance rates are lower than both Oxford and Harvard! Some McDonald’s University campuses have an acceptance rate of about 1%, making this a very competitive program for McDonald’s employees.
• Hamburger University is no piece of cake. Students have an intense course load, including 2,000 hours of training.
• There are no academic requirements to apply. Rather, participants are nominated by franchise owners if they demonstrate exemplary work performance or management potential.
• To date, Hamburger University has graduated about 300,000 students from its program.
• There are a handful of full-time college professors that teach at McDonald’s University, with the ability to teach in over two dozen languages.
• The university houses cutting-edge technology to ease learning, as well as over a dozen teaching rooms, three kitchen labs, an auditorium with hundreds of seats, and interactive-education rooms.
• Finally, as you were probably wondering, yes, you will receive an official diploma upon graduation for your degree in Hamburgerology, which you can proudly hang at home or at your McDonald’s restaurant.

While many people may see the Hamburger University jokingly, its students see it as an incredible opportunity. There aren’t many chances to get a free education that can substantially impact your career, but McDonald’s has made sure to reward its outstanding employees with this unique opportunity.

If you’re looking for other tuition-free ways to learn new and useful skills and earn a degree while working, check out the University of the People’s business administration programs , a fantastic place to get started on your higher education and earn a prestigious degree from anywhere in the world.

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Hamburger University Photos: A Tour of the World's Most Famous Burger School

H2 Heading: A History of Hamburger University

Hamburger University is a global training facility for McDonald's employees and franchisees. Established in 1961, the institution provides education on various aspects of the fast-food chain industry, including operations, leadership, and management.

H2 Heading: Locations of Hamburger University

There are currently six Hamburger University locations worldwide, including Oak Brook, Illinois; London, England; Sydney, Australia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai, China; and Tokyo, Japan. Each campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to provide top-quality training to McDonald's employees and franchisees.

H2 Heading: A Tour of Hamburger University

One of the main attractions at Hamburger University is its museum, which showcases the history of McDonald's and the evolution of its brand and menu. Visitors can also conduct a factory tour to see the food production process up close.

H2 Heading: Photos of Hamburger University

The university has a beautiful and modern architecture and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can catch views of the university's signature golden arches and McDonald's flags fluttering in the breeze.

At Hamburger University, visitors can take pictures with life-size statues of McDonald's iconic characters, such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and Hamburglar. There is also a photo opportunity with a McDonald's delivery truck that has been converted into a miniature version of the university.

H2 Heading: Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of McDonald's or simply interested in the fast-food chain industry, Hamburger University is a must-visit destination. From its beautiful architecture and lush surroundings to its world-class training facilities and museum, this burger school has something for everyone.

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Hamburger University: Earn Your Degree on McDonald’s

Find your perfect school.

Think of McDonald’s – they’re EVERYWHERE! That means they need tons of workers. When you think about McDonald’s, flipping burgers is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that it’s more than that? They actually have their own school called Hamburger University. And it’s not for making food (well, not exactly ).

It’s a place where McDonald’s employees learn to become managers, leaders, even big-time bosses. Plus, consider this: Hamburger University has been around almost as long as those golden arches themselves.

What Is Hamburger University?

Hamburger University is a college, but instead of classes like math or science, you learn the secrets of running a successful McDonald’s. You also learn how to manage a whole team, make customers happy, and keep everything running smoothly. What’s more, you get to train on a cool campus in Chicago. It’s where thousands of McDonald’s managers from all over have gone to level up their skills. It’s essentially a boss training boot camp.

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How to get in.

First things first: To get into Hamburger University, you need to already be part of the McDonald’s crew. This school is for employees who want to take their career to the next level. We’re talking becoming a manager, running your own restaurant, that kind of stuff!

If you’re a hard worker, love learning new things, and see yourself as a leader, this could be the path for you. The best way to find out more is to talk to your manager. They can tell you if Hamburger University is a good fit based on your goals and what opportunities are available. You can always check out the Hamburger University website to learn more.

What Hamburger University is Like

Keep in mind that the Hamburger University campus is in Chicago. If you know anything about the Windy City, it’s a lively locale with tons to see and do. Adding to the intrigue, the school itself is modern and high-tech, which makes learning all the more exciting. Think less like a boring classroom and more like a cool training center.

A typical day involves a mix of things. You’ll have some time in the classroom learning the ins and outs of running a successful McDonald’s. But there’s also plenty of hands-on practice, where you get to try out your new skills.

Even better, you’re surrounded by other ambitious McDonald’s employees from all over. It’s a chance to network, make friends, and learn from each other.

You should also know that Hamburger University is completely FREE for those who are selected to attend. Now that’s a major perk!

Is Hamburger University Worth It?

While the “Hamburgerology” may sound pretty odd, it’s a real thing. Moreover, McDonald’s Hamburger University offers significant training and development opportunities. This program shows your commitment to mastering the company’s operational standards, making you increasingly valuable to the organization.

It’s a testament to your dedication within the McDonald’s system. Importantly, Hamburger University courses can translate into accredited college credits that are transferable to many universities.

This means your training can pave the way for further education and advancement, even beyond McDonald’s. The program equips you for various roles. Many graduates become successful managers or even franchise owners.

The leadership, problem-solving, and people management skills acquired through Hamburger University are highly sought-after across many industries, not just within the fast-food sector.

McDonald’s demonstrates its commitment to employee development, offering scholarships and tuition assistance for those desiring a traditional college education. This support makes McDonald’s a compelling option for those seeking both professional growth and the pursuit of higher education.

A job at McDonald’s can be much more than just a paycheck. If you have big goals and like the idea of working your way up, Hamburger University could be your ticket.

It’s a chance to learn valuable skills, get a head start on college, and unlock opportunities you never imagined. Maybe you’ll run your own restaurant or use those skills to start a business of your own. You never know—you could end up becoming the next McDonald’s success story!

The Untold Truth Of McDonald's Hamburger University

McDonald's didn't become the world's biggest fast food chain by accident. Behind those decades of success lies plenty of innovation and outside-the-box corporate strategy, characteristics that have defined the chain since the first McDonald's  opened in the late 1940s.

Arguably one of the most important innovations behind the worldwide expansion of McDonald's that followed has been McDonald's Hamburger University . What began as a small training seminar held within a McDonald's location in the early 1960s has grown to become the gold standard of corporate training facilities, headquartered in a sprawling campus outside Chicago. And while some may snicker about graduates coming away with a "Bachelor of Hamburgerology," there's a lot more to Hamburger U than learning how to make the perfect Big Mac . In fact, those who've trained at the Chicago-area campus or one of the numerous Hamburger University satellite locations throughout the world gain invaluable experience designed to help them rise up within the corporate ranks.   

There's a lot that the average person may not realize about this unique training program . Read on to discover the untold truth of McDonald's Hamburger University.

McDonald's Hamburger University has been around since the early '60s

From its humble origins in the early '60s, McDonald's Hamburger University has grown to become a groundbreaking educational facility that's changed the game for American fast food. According to  The Best Schools , Hamburger U was founded in 1961 by Fred L. Turner , a former McDonald's fry cook who ascended the ranks to become McDonald's manager of operations. As the  Chicago Tribune recalled, the first Hamburger University graduating class consisted of just 15 students, with classes held in the basement of a McDonald's restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. 

From that tiny little burger-flipping acorn grew a giant tree; in 1983, the $40-million Hamburger University campus opened its doors, a sprawling facility located on 80 acres in Oak Brook, Illinois. That campus, noted  Business Insider , "includes 17 teaching rooms, three kitchen labs, a 300-seat auditorium, and eight interactive-education team rooms."

Also part of Hamburger University is "Heritage Hall," a museum exhibit devoted to the history of McDonald's. Among the memorabilia on display in the "golden archives" is the original clown suit worn by the very first Ronald McDonald . 

McDonald's Hamburger University is about a lot more than burgers

It would be understandable to assume that the lessons students learn at McDonald's Hamburger University are focused on creating uniform burgers and cooking techniques. That, however, is only a small part of the curriculum. According to a report on the facility from  Bloomberg Quicktakes ,  this is where future McDonald's managers and franchise owners are taught everything necessary to run a successful McDonald's franchise operation. "If we're going to go anywhere, we've got to have some talent, and I'm gonna put my money into talent," said legendary McDonald's chief Ray Kroc in a vintage interview . 

That philosophy has guided Hamburger University since the beginning, and Hamburger University's goal is to hone and shape that talent. As  Bloomberg Quicktakes  pointed out, "Hamburger U is not a cooking school." Rather, the goal is to give managers the business acumen needed to run a restaurant that, on average, rakes in about $2.6 million in revenue. "They have to think bigger picture,"  explained Hamburger U professor Rochelle Tandy. "A lot of times we get bogged down in the day-to-details. It's about the big, big picture and really diagnosing the situation to make it better." 

There are McDonald's Hamburger University locations all over the world

Not only did McDonald's Hamburger University evolve far beyond its humble beginnings in a restaurant basement, the concept has also expanded into other parts of the world. In fact, a 2011 article in  Bloomberg   listed the various international Hamburger University campuses, including one in Tokyo (which is housed within a skyscraper) that opened in 1972, and another in Munich, launched in 1982. Additionally, in 2010, McDonald's opened a 28-storey Hamburger University in the Chinese city of Shanghai. In its first year of operation, the Shanghai Hamburger U trained 1,000 out of about 70,000 McDonald's employees in mainland China. Furthermore, as noted by  Mirror , there are also Hamburger University campuses in London, Sydney, São Paulo, and Moscow. 

Joel Silverstein, president of Hong Kong-based restaurant consultants East West Hospitality Group Ltd., explained the rationale behind opening up all those international campuses. "It's getting harder and harder to hire employees in the food-service business," Siverlstein shared. "The main reason that McDonald's put up the Hamburger University is to professionalize the sector, making it easier to recruit better people."

Students earn an honorary Bachelor of Hamburgerology from McDonald's Hamburger University

Students who complete the training at McDonald's Hamburger University take home more than just invaluable knowledge about running a fast food franchise. They also come away from the experience with a "Bachelor of Hamburgerology" diploma. And while some may joke about graduating from Hamburger University, the philosophy behind those degrees is dead serious. "If you think about it, each of them is running a multimillion-dollar business," Rob Lauber, vice president and chief learning officer of McDonald's Restaurant Solutions Group, told the Chicago Tribune of Hamburger U graduates. "So we want to make sure they have good business grounding."

So how does one earn a Bachelor of Hamburgerology? Students are graded on how they respond in simulations of actual scenarios that would take place within a restaurant, in addition to a putting together a group presentation given at the end of the course. Anyone who manages to score above 90 percent earns a coveted position on the dean's list — along with a gold seal on that diploma; on average, just 10 percent of students make it onto the dean's list. 

Studying at McDonald's Hamburger University can be used as college credits

In addition to those Hamburgerology degrees, studying at McDonald's Hamburger University can also count toward college credits. As  CNN   reported, McDonald's employees who study at Hamburger U "can earn up to 23 credits toward associate or bachelor degrees." Meanwhile, those on a higher rung of McDonald's corporate ladder can earn up to 27 credits. 

Enterprising employees have taken the opportunity to advance their educations, using Hamburger U as a springboard. For example, CNN pointed to Shelly Hicks, who was the manager of a Nashville-area McDonald's; she used her McDonald's University credits as a springboard to get a business degree, and ultimately a master's degree in adult education. She's not alone; according to Kevin Clark, who leads McDonald's education program, 350 of the 5,000 managers who study at Hamburger University each year go on to "take the extra step" of getting their McDonald's U transcripts approved in order to use them toward earning a college degree. 

Hicks has come full circle in her journey through higher education; after earning her degree, she's now one of 16 "professors" training employees at the Oak Brook campus of Hamburger University. 

Attending McDonald's Hamburger University can be tougher than getting into Harvard

Being accepted as a student at McDonald's Hamburger University isn't easy. As  Bloomberg reported, this is particularly true of the Chinese Hamburger U in Shanghai, where the acceptance rate of applicants is a mere one percent. Meanwhile, Britain's  Mirror noted that the London Hamburger U only accepts eight out of every 1,000 applicants, an even lower percentage. When compared to Harvard University (with an acceptance rate of about seven percent) and Oxford University (18 percent), Hamburger University is far tougher to get into than both of those storied bastions of higher education.

That competitiveness makes sense when considering the role Hamburger University can play in propelling its students up the company's ranks. Peter Jankovskis, co-chief investment officer of Oakbrook Investments LLC (which owns approximately 300,000 shares of McDonald's stock), said, "It's certainly possible to move up through the hierarchy. Many people do consider fast food in general is kind of a dead end, but in the case of McDonald's, they have a very strong professional organization."

Case in point:  Bloomberg  notes that former McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner started out as a management trainee in 1971; in 2009, he earned $17.6 million.

McDonald's Hamburger University boasts hundreds of thousands of graduates

That first graduating class of McDonald's Hamburger University may have only had 15 students, but those numbers have exploded, especially after all those international campuses sprang up in far-flung parts of the world. As the  Chicago Tribune reported in 2015, by that point more than 330,000 people worldwide had taken courses at Hamburger U.

For many of the thousands upon thousands of McDonald's employees to seek training at Hamburger U, it marks their first experience with higher education. "We estimate between 20 and 30 percent of our restaurant managers haven't finished high school," said Rob Lauber, vice president and chief learning officer of McDonald's Restaurant Solutions Group, who also oversees Hamburger University. 

Additionally, the way that education has been imparted to students at Hamburger University has changed significantly over the years. According to Bill Mitchell, dean of the flagship Hamburger University in Oak Brook, classes used to primarily consist of lectures, but have since evolved to incorporate a lot more team exercises.

McDonald's Hamburger University inspired a 1986 comedy movie

McDonald's Hamburger University has not only provided opportunities and education to thousands of the company's employees over the years, it's also served as the inspiration for a movie: the 1986 cult comedy  Hamburger: The Motion Picture . As a synopsis on the website of the  British Film Institute makes clear, the name "McDonald's" is never used, but it's not much of a stretch to see where the idea for the film originated. "A gang of teenagers are trying to graduate from a 12-week course at Busterburger University, a school for those who wish to learn about fast food," the synopsis stated. "The final test is to run a fast food outlet for the public, which causes mayhem."

Described as a "great bad movie" by  Reel Rundown ,  Hamburger: The Motion Picture  didn't exactly sweep the Oscars. It did, however, boast a cast that can generously be described as eclectic. As  IMDb noted, Leigh McCloskey (who subsequently found success in various soaps, including  The Young and the Restless ) starred, alongside Chuck McCann (who earned his Z-movie cred in  Attack of the Killer Tomatoes ), NFL great Dick Butkus, and Sandy Hackett, progeny of comedian Buddy Hackett.

Burgers aren't the only things that get grilled at McDonald's Hamburger University

Students at McDonald's Hamburger University who expected to sail through with minimal effort no doubt received a big wake-up call when they actually began their studies. As the Chicago Tribune  reported, students are put through their paces in courses such as "shift management, introduction to management, and guest services before they get to the session known as GM Capstone."  Training  magazine described that grand finale, GM Capstone, as an intensive five-day simulation to train McDonald's general managers, designed to help them "learn to think and perform in ways that improve their restaurant's performance."

"At the staff level, our performance development system is based on performance drivers considered key to leadership, with training and performance reviews aligned around eight leadership competencies and expected behaviors for each level," McDonald's vice president of U.S. training Diana Thomas explained. "Individual development plans, created in collaboration with the boss, map out leadership training in support of one's performance and career goals."

Training at McDonald's Hamburger University gets pretty intense

Anyone who believes that McDonald's Hamburger University is a walk in the park will be surprised by the level of difficulty posed by the curriculum. According to a report on Hamburger U by the Chicago Tribune , training can be "intense." In fact, each Hamburger University is equipped with a down-to-the-last-detail simulation of an actual McDonald's restaurant. Students are tasked with doing a walkthrough in order to spot deficiencies, with the Tribune  listing such examples as boxes of McDonald's French fries stacked on a floor (they're supposed to be stored in a freezer) and a salt shaker next to the deep fryer that had no salt in it.

One student who excelled at Hamburger University is Richard Tutor of Marquette, Michigan. According to  The Mining Journal , he earned Hamburger University's highest academic achievement, the Fred Turner Award, presented to the student in each graduating class to achieve the highest grades in all courses. 

As Tutor told the newspaper, the training he received at Hamburger University helped him "not only professionally, but personally." The experience at Hamburger U, led him to learn "more about myself than I did about McDonald's."

Owners of a McDonalds franchise are expected to put in some serious time at Hamburger University

McDonald's Hamburger University isn't just a resource that the fast-food chain's franchise owners can take advantage of — it's actually mandatory. According to  Franchise Business Review , owners are required "to spend 12 to 18 months learning the ropes."

Of course, that doesn't mean that franchise owners have to spend a full year at Hamburger University; a number of the courses can actually be completed online, on a part-time basis. However, owners are required to be "fully trained in its core Restaurant Leadership Curriculum" before being able to actually "own and operate" a McDonald's restaurant. The costs of all that study, however, aren't paid by the owner; McDonald's itself absorbs the training costs. 

However, owning a McDonald's franchise is not an inexpensive proposition. As Franchise Business Review explained, an owner's initial investment will typically range between $1.263 million to $2.235 million, which includes a one-time franchise fee of $45,000. For that, the owner will receive four percent of the restaurant's total gross sales.

Traditional educators can learn a thing or two from McDonald's Hamburger University

It's no secret that McDonald's Hamburger University is not your typical educational institution. However, its relatively brief history has been one characterized by innovation, evolution, and the execution of bold new ideas. According to Donna Kidwell, chief technology officer of Arizona State University's EdPlus, there are some lessons that traditional educators can learn from Hamburger University and its training techniques. "If you buy a franchise, you're essentially taking on a business model. That's what you're actually getting," Kidwell explained in an interview for EdSurge . "You're adopting their practices."

In fact, Kidwell's own participation in a corporate training program similar to Hamburger University led her to realize "how extremely powerful it was to have well-thought-out educational experiences. Not just training, but educational experiences that were relevant and that someone could then immediately use — and how that made them hungry to come back."

McDonald's Hamburger University was the site of a protest resulting in mass arrests

McDonald's Hamburger University has won much acclaim, yet it's occasionally been associated with controversy. In 2014, according to  Bloomberg ,  a crowd of protesters (estimated at numbering between 1,000 and 1,500) assembled at Hamburger University's campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. The mob — which included 325 McDonald's employees in their uniforms — "stormed through the company's campus entrance."

The protesters were demanding to form a union, as well as a wage increase to $15 per hour. As McDonald's employee Melinda Topel explained, she was earning a measly $7.50 an hour, and had travelled from Kansas to participate in the protest. "We deserve a livable wage," she said, noting that she relies on government assistance to get by. 

The protest was ultimately halted by police in riot gear, with more than 100 protesters placed under arrest. "We respect the right to protest, to peacefully protest. And I think that's what you saw here today," Heidi Barker, McDonald's spokesperson, told Chicago's ABC 7 Eyewitness News . "When it comes to the minimum wage, that's a national discussion. It's not a McDonald's issue, it's an economic issue. We'll look to the folks in Washington to determine what happens." 

One McDonald's Hamburger University grad was forced to defend her degree

Graduates of McDonald's Hamburger University receive a "Bachelor of Hamburgerology" diploma at the end of their two weeks of intensive training. What precisely that means was at the center of a controversy involving Diana LaPorta during her 1996 run for a spot on the school board of Florida's Volusia County. LaPorta had landed in hot water with the local media over claims she was misrepresenting her education by claiming to hold a "bachelor's degree in business administration" from Hamburger University. "It says bachelor's degree on the diploma, and that's what I told you," she declared in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel . "Let's not make this nonissue into something it isn't."

LaPorta's claim didn't receive a whole lot of support from Hamburger University's former dean, Hal Theis. He told the  Sentinel  that characterizing her Hamburgerology degree in the manner that she did was somewhat disingenuous. "It's a bit misleading that she would say it that way," Theis said. "And that's the polite way to put it."

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Here's everything you need to know about Hamburger University

Warning: health freaks and slow food junkies , LOOK AWAY right now. Established in 1961 , McDonald’s ‘Hamburger University’ was founded by one of the most prominent faces of the McDonalds Corp, Ray Kroc. The Hamburger University was created to train McDonald’s employees in the art of restaurant management. Today, the Hamburger University enrolls more than 5000 students annually. It has 8 campuses around the world including the ones in the UK, Australia, Germany, etc.

Although it would be ideal, classes at the University aren’t just about grilling up juicy burgers, frying up God--sent McDonalds fries, or opting for Big Mac 101 classes either.  To successfully complete their degree in Hamburgerology, students learn various disciplines such as leadership, operations, business growth, and customer appreciation.

A student is expected to complete at least 2000 hours of training in order to complete the course. Furthermore, as a cherry on the McFlurry , the credits earned at the Hamburger University can go towards an Associate Bachelor’s degree in over 1600 colleges and Universities .

The 80 acre main campus located in Oak Brooke, Illinois , has 19 full time professors who are trained to teach in over 28 different languages. The university is fitted with 17 teaching rooms, state-of-the-art simulation kitchens, 4 labs (called Grill, Beverage, Shake/Soft Serve and Fryer), a lecture hall, and twelve interactive education rooms. 

A big part of the training here are the pressure tasks . These are designed so that students can learn the most effective way of managing a

McDonald’s restaurant. From getting hundreds of perfect  ready within a given time, to serving fake customers, the course aims to provide all-round skills to its employees. Students are often given problem- based case studies, where they are expected to solve a common restaurant problem using the three solution principles - checking the operation procedure, the raw product, and finally the equipment. 

Over 300,000 successful students and future restaurant managers have graduated from the Hamburger University. And it’s not as easy as you think. According to a recent Bloomberg finding, the Hamburger University is reportedly harder to get into than the better-known Oxfords and Harvards.

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What it's like to graduate from McDonald's Hamburger University

Just graduated from Hamburger University. pic.twitter.com/WUDIMkmyQd — Angelica Fajardo (@angelicafajard0) October 16, 2015

Almost 55 years ago, McDonald’s became the first restaurant company in the world to develop a global training center. Today, there are more than 4,000 corporate universities in the world.

It was founded in 1961 in the basement of a McDonald’s in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, by Fred Turner, the first grill man for McDonald's and, later, the CEO for 20 years. Over the past 55 years, more than 275,000 people have attended a Hamburger University.

The first graduating class in 1961 had 14 students. Today, Hamburger University has more than 200 students in one class and, just this year, more than 60 sessions of the "Restaurant Manager experience" have been completed.

A lot of the graduates hope to advance their McDonald’s careers by landing a leadership role in the company. In fact, more than 40% of McDonald's senior leaders are graduates of Hamburger University.

Hamburger University has 16 full-time college professors on staff in the US with the ability to teach in 28 languages.

Despite the school’s name, its professors don’t teach the students how to flip patties. In fact, all of the food in the test kitchens and labs are fake.

Hamburger University focuses more on leadership development, business growth, and operations procedures, with a special emphasis on service, quality, and cleanliness to help prepare students for managerial positions in the restaurant industry.

The teaching style has progressed from showing training films in 1961 to demonstrating proper procedures in a more hands-on and simulation driven environment in 2015, which provides real-world learning opportunities.

During one training exercise, "fake" customers test the students' service skills by asking for progressively longer and more complicated orders.

Ray Kroc, the Illinois native who bought McDonald’s in 1961 for $2.7 million, is known for implementing the "three-legged stool" business model to represent the triangular relationship between owner/operators, suppliers, and company employees.

Hamburger University currently has seven campuses worldwide, but Oak Brook, Illinois, is the site of the premiere Hamburger University training facility, as well as the original McDonald’s corporate offices.

Blessed to say that I finally committed to #HamburgerUniversity ?????? pic.twitter.com/wqSFylVkE6 — Schmidty (@_nschmidty) December 17, 2015

The $40 million facility was opened in 1983 on an 80-acre campus and includes 17 teaching rooms, three kitchen labs, a 300-seat auditorium, and eight interactive-education team rooms.

Hamburger University in Oak Brook also has a McDonald’s history museum, titled "Heritage Hall," which features artifacts from the Golden Archives that tell the story of the famous double arches' brand from past to present.

Oak Brook may be the premiere campus, but the Tokyo campus, built in 1971, was the first skyscraper campus.

And the Munich campus, built in 1982, features modern architecture.

The fast-food chain’s newest campus opened in Shanghai in 2010. Only eight students out of 1,000 applicants are selected for each term. That's an acceptance rate of less than 1% — well below Harvard University’s 5.9% acceptance rate.

To celebrate not only being accepted but also graduating from such an exclusive school, each graduate receives an official “Bachelor of Hamburgerology” diploma.

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Things To Know About the Famous Hamburger University

Have you ever heard of Hamburger University? If you have, great. If you haven’t, know McDonald’s? I think you got a fair idea where this discussion is headed to. We are going to talk about the training facility of one of the biggest burger-chains in the world, McDonald’s.

Hamburger University is an educational ground for the staff of McDonald’s employed in various areas of management. Believe me, when I say this, it is not just your regular university, and I will totally give you facts to prove that I am not wrong.

Motto: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow Location: Chicago, Illinois (prior to 2018 – Oak Brook, Illinois) Established: 1961 The first graduating class (1961): 14 students

Here are 6 things you should know about Hamburger University:

• What degree? Yes, you are not going to get out of this place with just a diploma. You will get a full-fledged, recognized professional degree. That degree is called a Bachelor Degree in Hamburgerology—I know what you are thinking, but it is a real thing.
• Worldwide presence Did you think that Hamburger University is just an American thing? Well, you wrong because there are many campuses of the university situated across the globe. Presently, there are 8 campuses located in the cities of Oak Brook, Tokyo, Sydney, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, London, Moscow, and Munich. Moscow, as a matter of fact, is the latest addition to the series of the campuses. It is to be noted that the University recently moved its main campus from Oak Brook, Illinois to Chicago.
•  It Is Not New In Town Hamburger University sounds like a 21st-century idea, but it is not. The university started in the year 1961. When it started, Ray Kroc, monitored the lessons and eventually, the fame and reputation of the university grew—and now it is on another level. The University was actually started by the first grillman of McDonald’s, Fred Turner, who, for the record, went on to spearhead the company as its CEO for 20 years.
• Ray Kroc? I mentioned Ray Kroc in the preceding point. Curious, who he was? You should know this man because he has been monumental in the fast-food business. He joined McDonald’s in 1954 and channeled all his energy into the expansion of the fast-food chain across the globe. It is said that it was Kroc who strengthened the global roots of the company and made it where it is now. His reputation was noted by many reputed magazines and he has been placed among Time’s 100 The Most Important People of the Century.
• Selection Process Can Be Intense If you thought that a degree in Hamburgerology is a piece of cake, then you are too wrong. You might not believe but Hamburger University, considering all its campuses, has a very strict selection process. You cannot just walk into the reception and say that “you want an admission here”. If you don’t believe me, believe the facts at least which say that the Shanghai campus has a selection rate of just 1 percent. Reports show that it is more difficult to get into the Hamburger University than in Harvard and Oxford.
• Intense Coursework To become a successful graduate of this University, you go through more than just textbooks. The curriculum has put in place many assignments which involve students catering to various managerial tasks in an artificial McDonald’s setting. They get to serve fake customers, consider menus, and guide the operations and others. These assignments are usually called pressure tasks and are quite intense. A student is required to finish at least 2000 hours of training for successfully completing the course. The credits which you earn at the university can be useful for an Associate Bachelor’s Degree in more than 1500 universities and colleges. Imagine a week-long program being worth a degree! Basically, you get to learn everything which is required to become efficient restaurant managers.
• Many Graduates Until today, graduates from the various campuses of Hamburger University are around 300,000. These include well-established as well as future restaurant managers, mid-managers and operators.

So, every time you go to a McDonald’s, remember that there is a brilliant mind behind the operations of the restaurant because it is a mandatory condition that all McDonald’s Branch heads must be graduates from this university.

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This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

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College Reality Check

Is It Hard to Get Into Hamburger University?

There are more than 13,000 McDonald’s restaurants in the US alone. However, the educational institution affiliated with it, Hamburger University (Hamburger U or HU) has only one campus in the country. And now you may be wondering if getting into it is as easy as finding a nearby McDonald’s branch or as hard as getting accepted into an Ivy League.

Getting into Hamburger University is not as easy as getting into traditional colleges and universities. That’s because only eligible applicants are McDonald’s employees, particularly current and emerging managers, and, until recently, franchise owners. At one HU campus, the acceptance rate is 1%.

Here’s a fun fact about Hamburger U that you might want to know before reading the rest of this post: the very first HU classes were held in the basement of a McDonald’s branch in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

And now, here are some quick stats on Hamburger University worth checking out:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois (main campus)
• Founding date: 1961
• Motto: Learning today, leading tomorrow
• Campus size: 80 acres
• Campus type: Urban
• School type: Corporate university
• Reputation: Non-party school
• Selectivity level: Highly selective
• Number of degrees conferred: 1
• Student body: More than 5,000 per year
• Number of graduates: Around 300,000 since its founding

Keep on reading whether you are simply curious about this training facility affiliated with McDonald’s or actually planning on earning a degree from it. Below, you will come across practically everything you need to know about Hamburger University prior to finally deciding to include it in your college list.

But before anything else, let’s deal with the elephant in the room by answering this pressing question…

Is Hamburger University a Real College?

Hamburger University is a real degree-granting institution. Besides its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, Hamburger U has seven other branches across the globe. HU is an actual college, so much so that credits earned from it can be applied toward an associate or bachelor’s degree at other institutions.

There are a couple of reasons why many wonder whether or not Hamburger U is an actual school.

First, there’s the fact that it bears a name that sounds like it’s completely made up — it’s not uncommon for many diploma mills and fly-by-night educational institutions to christen themselves after well-known colleges and universities in order to make themselves appear totally legit and reliable. Hamburg University. Hamburger University. Need I say more?

HU is named as such because it was founded first and foremost to train employees of McDonald’s in the art of restaurant management — to date, it has produced around 300,000 degree holders.

Second, it seems like none of the most popular and trusted college ranking sites include Hamburger University on their lists. It doesn’t mean right away, however, that the institution should be avoided at all costs.

US News itself, for instance, admits that it does not rank specialty schools, such as Hamburger U, because usable data from these institutions in various categories are too few, which can fend off a fair comparison. The well-known college ranker agrees that specialty schools would require a different system of ranking altogether.

Despite having such a name and not appearing on college rankings, there is no denying that Hamburger University is a legitimate institution that offers legitimate degrees.

One proof of this is that Hamburger U is a member of an accredited association of degree-granting schools in the US — had HU not been a real college, it would have never been a part of the alliance in the first place. We will discuss this matter thoroughly in a few — so don’t stop reading now if you are interested in attending the school!

Hamburger University has various campuses all over the world. As of this writing, there are eight of them.

Then there is the fact that HU is affiliated with McDonald’s, which is considered the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chain on the face of the planet, with over 39,000 branches in about 100 countries.

Because there are so many things that make Hamburger U legit, it cannot be denied that it’s a real college.

Acceptance Rate at Hamburger University

The acceptance rates at some Hamburger University campuses are lower than some of the most selective colleges and universities in the US. For instance, at its Shanghai, China campus, it is said that only 1% of applicants get admitted. In order to be allowed to attend Hamburger U, one must be nominated.

When building a college list, many college-bound teens look at the acceptance rates of schools before deciding whether or not they should be shortlisted.

For most students far from being top-performing, the lower the acceptance rate, the lower the admissions chances.

Well, it’s not just Hamburger University itself that some people may find surprising but also its acceptance rate — at some campuses, the number of applicants getting an acceptance letter can be very low. As a matter of fact, your chances of gaining admission at any Ivy League school are higher than at HU.

For the class of 2025 , the Ivy League with the lowest overall acceptance rate is Harvard University, admitting only 3.4% of all applicants. The acceptance rate at the Shanghai campus of Hamburger University is a mere 1%.

Hamburger U is not only a legit college — getting into it can be legitimately hard!

In order for your application to be considered by the admissions officers at HU, you will have to be a manager or in line to become one at any McDonald’s branch.

Otherwise, chances are that your application will wind up in the denied pile. It’s exactly because of this requirement why Hamburger U can be considered as one selective school.

But refrain from assuming that just because you are a manager or being groomed to take on such a role within the McDonald’s system means that you can have the privilege to attend Hamburger University — you will have to be really good at what you do in order to receive a nomination from the franchise owner.

Speaking of which, since 2019, Hamburger University has also opened its doors to independent franchise owners who wish to earn a degree from it.

Is Hamburger University Accredited?

Hamburger University is accredited. HU is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), which is the only major association of higher education to represent various accredited degree-granting institutions in the US. As a matter of fact, in 2005, it was awarded 46 college credit recommendations by ACE.

When in doubt as to the legitimacy and reliability of a college or university, there is one simple step that you can take in order to bring the confusion to an end: check whether or not it’s accredited.

Accreditation-wise, you can rest assured that you can put your trust in Hamburger U.

That’s because it’s a member of an association where only accredited degree-granting institutions, two-year and four-year alike, are welcomed. The Washington, DC-based council, to date, has a membership of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations and other organizations in the US and abroad.

It’s true that Hamburger University first came into being in order to provide McDonald’s employees training. However, refrain from assuming that everything you will gain from attending it is only good if you are planning to work for the top fast-food chain with a net worth of around $170 billion.

Because of the fact that HU’s curriculum has credit recommendations from ACE, the degree and the corresponding credits you can earn from it can have real-world value outside of McDonald’s.

For instance, you can use it to apply for a job or enroll in an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

In addition, thanks to ACE’s college credit recommendations, McDonald’s employees can also gain Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which they can leverage to their advantage at accepting college. Simply put, this lets the fast-food chain’s workers earn credits for knowledge and skills gained outside a traditional classroom.

Whether earned by attending Hamburger U or working at a McDonald’s branch, credits can be transferred to colleges and universities that honor them, thus allowing degree-seeking students to save both time and money.

What Degree Can You Earn at Hamburger University?

Hamburger University confers only one degree since its inception: a bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology. Unlike a traditional bachelor’s degree, a Hamburgerology degree consists of only 23 credits, although students holding senior managerial positions within the McDonald’s system can earn up to 27 credits.

There are literally hundreds of undergraduate degree options available for graduating high schoolers to choose from, which can make the college application process both exciting and stressful.

After all, a college degree can make it possible for one to be able to take a preferred career path.

At Hamburger University, on the other hand, there is only one degree available, and it’s none other than what the school refers to as a bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology. With a name such as that, many can’t help but suppose that the degree conferred by HU is all about mastery in cooking and eating McDonald’s hamburgers.

Completing a Hamburgerology degree program involves taking courses about leadership skills, customer service, procedures, restaurant operations and many others. Besides reading textbooks, students are also required to partake in meetings and role-playing scenarios held at on-campus laboratories and interactive rooms.

Besides the pre-requisite courses for the bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology, there are also specific courses available for other types of leaders within the McDonald’s system.

Some examples include introduction to management, general management, shift management and guest services.

These courses are required to be completed successfully before attendees can take what’s called GM capstone, which, as the name suggests, is designed for individuals who are aiming to shine in top-level management positions.

It is said that over 40% of McDonald’s senior leaders across the globe are graduates of Hamburger U.

What Can You Do With a Hamburger University Degree

A degree earned at Hamburger University allows the holder to advance his or her leadership career within the McDonald’s system. Because of the knowledge and skills established by the coursework, a bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology can also be used in various business and organizational environments.

It’s true that you will have to be a McDonald’s employee, in particular a current or emerging manager, or a franchise owner before you can gain admission into Hamburger U.

However, it isn’t just within the McDonald’s structure that you can employ a degree obtained from HU.

The goal of Hamburger University is to teach its students the art of restaurant management, equipping them with an assortment of skills that they can take home with them and implement in their respective McDonald’s branches.

So, in other words, HU graduates are authorities in running and managing restaurants.

As mentioned earlier, it wasn’t too long ago when Hamburger U also started admitting franchise owners, having a curriculum specifically designed for them.

Because of the various leadership and ownership skills that one can master from attending HU, a degree the institution confers can be used to climb up the corporate ladder within the McDonald’s system, either by taking on a higher-level managerial position or seeking a post at the leading fast-food restaurant chain’s corporate office.

A bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology, however, can also prove to be valuable outside the McDonald’s structure.

For instance, you can use your HU degree to apply for an administrative job at another organization or company (although taking it to a direct competitor of McDonald’s may prove to be not the smartest move). You may also use it as a credential to establish your own money-making venture whether in the food industry or otherwise.

Finally, you can also use the credits you have earned at Hamburger University to get your hands on a certificate, diploma or even an associate or bachelor’s degree — according to ACE, around 1,600 colleges and universities in the US honor HU credits, which can mean a cheaper cost of attendance and faster graduation, too.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Hamburger University

The cost of attending Hamburger University is zero. That’s because the company and/or franchise owners are the ones who pay for the Hamburgerology degree program of its employees. McDonald’s considers attending HU a form of training, which is why it makes going to it accessible to qualified individuals.

Most graduating high schoolers and their parents consider cost as one of the most important factors in the college selection process. This is especially true for those from low-income backgrounds.

College costs can be steeper at selective private institutions and out-of-state public schools.

Because Hamburger University has only eight campuses all over the globe and only one of them is situated in the US, chances are that you will attend HU as an out-of-state student if you are a non-resident of Illinois, which is where its main campus is located and may be worrying about the costs if you are planning on earning a degree from it.

Well, there’s good news: attending Hamburger U is absolutely cost-free. This means that there are no tuition and fees and room and board and textbooks and supplies to worry about — everything is taken care of by HU!

It’s also important for many students gearing up for college to choose schools that offer some of the most competitive financial aid packages out there, which is why filling out the FAFSA is a critical part of the college application process, too. But because going to Hamburger University costs zero dollars, one need not worry about scholarship-related matters.

While pursuing a degree at Hamburger U is completely free of charge, pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree afterward, isn’t. But fret not as McDonald’s offers scholarships to HU graduates who like to further their education.

As mentioned a few times already in this post, the credits you earn from Hamburger University are transferable to colleges and universities that accept them, which results in reduced college costs.

When it comes to becoming an HU student, shelling out money should be the least of your concerns. What you will have to invest, on the other hand, is your time and dedication — you will have to be a McDonald’s employee who is holding a managerial position or is about to be promoted as one before you can become eligible to attend it.

Of course, attending Hamburger University is not the only option.

Thinking about getting your hands on a degree at your top-choice traditional college or university while being a McDonald’s employee?

Then you may be eligible for an Archways to Opportunity scholarship, which provides tuition assistance amounting to as much as $7,500 to individuals employed by McDonald’s.

Just Before You Apply to Hamburger University

You can’t just apply to Hamburger University through the Common App or Coalition App — you have to be invited to attend it. And before you get an invitation to attend it, you need to be either a manager or upcoming manager at a McDonald’s branch or a franchise owner first.

Contrary to what many people assume, Hamburger U is a real college.

The degree it confers, which is a bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology, can be used to further one’s career in the McDonald’s system or apply for a managerial or administrative job at another company. The credits students earn from it can also be transferred to some two-year or four-year degree-granting institutions for undergraduate studies.

I graduated with BA in Nursing and $36,000 in student loan debt from the UCF. After a decade in the workforce, I went back to school to obtain my MBA from UMGC.

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

At McDonald’s, we offer a wide spectrum of career opportunities. Many of our restaurant managers have successfully developed careers with us starting out as crew members. Our future managers get to earn while they learn. McDonald’s provides training and development for all its employees.

We Offer an Employee Value Proposition

We value our employees, their growth and contributions. Therefore, all our employees are well trained and appreciated for the work they do. We offer motivating career incentive programs, engaging internal events such as Stars of McDonald’s and always procure a fun environment with a friendly team. We, at McDonald’s are proud of our people practices and our commitment to employee morale and satisfaction is second to none.

Hamburger University

McDonald’s has established the Hamburger University in the region to offer our employees the best McDonald’s training, empowering them to perform their tasks optimally. Hamburger University is a global training centre dedicated to developing individuals’ skills and knowledge in restaurant operation procedures: quality, service, cleanliness, value. HU is recognized as McDonald’s global centre of excellence for operations training and development, with numerous campuses in Chicago, Hong Kong, Sydney, Hamburg, Tokyo, China, Singapore and Dubai, among others.

References to “we” and “our” include McDonald’s company-owned restaurants and independently owned and operated franchisees. McDonald’s independently owned and operated franchisees are the exclusive employer for their employees and as such are solely responsible for all employment-related matters in their restaurants. The benefits referenced may not be available at all McDonald’s restaurants. McDonald’s and its independent franchisees are equal opportunity employers committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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Lessons from McDonald’s Hamburger University: Training For Retention

When training is framed as a classroom experience, it brings out the student in people. This can increase knowledge and employee retention.

What is hamburger university.

Know by many as HU, it was founded in 1961. The restaurant training institution has taught leadership skills to almost 300,000 McDonald’s managers in the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Australia.

A degree in Hamburgerology represents the premier hospitality education a foodservice professional can attain. The acceptance rate at the Shanghai campus is 1%.

Is it really a college?

Yes! HU features classroom-based learning where students participate in group discussions and role-playing exercises. Classes for American shift managers and department leaders take place all over the country, and general manager classes are taught at MHQ in Chicago.

HU Professors are corporate Learning & Development consultants, many of whom worked their way up from restaurant jobs. They teach best practices on customer service and sharpen manager’ business acumen, which can translate to credits at partner institutions.

‍ Why start a school for running restaurants?

McDonald’s was the first restaurant chain to establish a global training facility. Their standardized operations had become a manual for serving simple food quickly.

Hamburger University courses initially focused on teaching managers the production and service processes they needed to know to run efficient shifts. The curriculum has evolved to develop universal managerial skills like effective communication and emotional intelligence.

‍ Why is training so important?

Restaurant owners spend most of their money on paying their staff. Employee turnover generates the highest labor cost.

The time spent on recruiting, interviewing, and training new hires eats into profit margins.

Losing a shift manager translates to about $5000 walking out the door, that how much an owner would needs to spend to replace someone. Investment in training that is designed to retain managers and team members creates high returns.

How does Hamburger University retain employees?

HU provides a continuous education experience. Studies show that employees are more likely to stay in their jobs when they feel they’re learning new things.

Lack of training is the #1 reason why McDonald’s employees leave the restaurant. Average employment tenure is only a month.

On average, an operators losses $1,300 every time a crew members quits. It adds up quickly.

HIRING TIP: When hiring, remember a shift manager with high EQ helps create work environment where crew members want to keep working.

What can other restaurants learn from HU?

Branding goes a long way. Hamburger University clothing is wildly popular among any McDonald’s restaurant employees. It doesn’t have to be named after a signature dish, but a school-like onboarding experience can put folks in an open mindset that improves knowledge retention.

Whatever you call it, an academic approach provides structure for a new hire so they feel they’re progressing toward being a competent, satisfied employee.

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McFranchisee (@mcfranchisee on Twitter) shared they're “excited for the big change of onions going on the beef while on the grill”.

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McDonald's Massive $250 Million Headquarters Is a Sight to See

McDonald's recently spent $250 million to open a new headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and fans [...]

By Stephen Andrew - February 24, 2022 03:03 pm EST

Back in 2018,  McDonald's spent $250 million to open a new headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Fans of the fast-food company can take a visual tour of the incredible facility, even if they aren't able to see it in person. The new building opened on June 18, 2018, with CEO Steve Easterbrook saying that the new structure is part of an effort for McDonald's to be a "more modern and progressive burger company."

"We were based on the edge of the city for about the last 40 something years," Easterbrook added while speaking to CNBC . "It's been a wonderful facility for us, but it was a little detached from everyday life." The new headquarters features state-of-the-art workspaces and an employee exclusive McCafe that offers delicious eats and treats for workers. Scroll down to see photos and learn more about the new McDonald's HQ !

Hello, Chicago!

A little under 50 years ago McDonald's moved its headquarters from downtown Chicago out to the suburbs of Oak Brook, Illinois. Now, the fast food conglomerate has returned to its roots, setting up its gorgeous new facility in Chicago's West Loop, a trendy and up-and-coming area of the city.

A "Royale with Cheese"

Bearing the company's classic logo on the front of the building, the new McDonald's facility features a restaurant that is open to the public. Interestingly, this is not just any regular McDonald's spot, as it offers McDonald's menu items from all around the world , such as the McSpicy Chicken Sandwich from Hong Kong and the Cheese & Bacon Loaded Fries from Australia.

"Hamburger University"

Dubbed "Hamburger University," the second floor of the new McDonald's headquarters is where managers are trained. Originally founded in 1961 by Fred Turner — McDonald's grill-master turned senior chairman — Hamburger University has trained more than 80,000 managers, mid-managers, and owners/operators.

When McDonald's staff who work at the new headquarters get hungry, all they have to do is pop down to the employee cafe, which features stadium seating so that they can work on projects if they feel creative while they munch on some lunch. The eatery also features a genuine McCafe, complete with international pastries and barista-style coffee.

"Work Neighborhoods"

One of the new concepts that McDonald's has implemented with their new facility is called "work neighborhoods." These are areas that, rather than segmenting workspace by cubicles , use an open floor plan with different environments that allow employees to choose what space works best for their creative low at the moment. Each work neighborhood comes equipped with communal tables, huddle rooms, individual workstations, personal lockers, and private phone rooms.

Collaboration Space

While there are plenty of spaces for individual work to get done, McDonald's also created plenty of space for collaborative efforts as well. In addition to the many conference rooms — including one that is large enough for 700 people — there are numerous benches, couches, and cafe-style tables that are unassigned and always available for whenever groups may need to get together for project discussions. After all, teamwork does in fact make the dream work .

"Top of the World"

Finally, the brand new headquarters features a fitness center on the ninth floor for employees to use at their leisure. There are also adjacent outside areas that allow employees to have a beautiful view of the city while they get some fresh air.

Step Inside The Building Where McDonald's Runs Its Global Empire

We visited McDonald's global headquarters in Oak Brook, Il., to see how the fast food behemoth handles its business.

The huge campus includes office buildings, a Hyatt hotel, and Hamburger University.

The main office building, called the C.O.B. — for Campus Office Building — is the mothership of McDonald's.

Disclosure: McDonald's provided travel and accommodations for the trip.

Here we are at the McDonald's headquarters' main office building.

Inside the main atrium, the first thing you notice is the building's three big tiers.

Directories on each floor are key since the place is so huge.

The building is broken up in big sections of cubicles. The office was pretty quiet while we were there.

Famous McDonald's quotes are found around the office. This one, from Ray Kroc, says "It's not real until it's in the restaurants."

The carpeting is done in squares so that when there's a spill, they can just remove the affected square without having to tear everything up.

The conference rooms are named after important people in McDonald's history. This one's the Fred Room — for former CEO Fred Turner.

Each of the main "streets" in the building are McDonald's-themed too.

A series of kitchens and the campus cafeteria are all located on one side of the office building, on Big Mac Blvd.

The Culinary Center is here. It's where the chefs test all sorts of potential products.

The test kitchens are outfitted with all the equipment that you would find a regular McDonald's.

Chefs were hard at work trying to figure out the next big thing.

This is the Campus Arch — the building's one cafeteria.

And yes, it's a McDonald's.

Outside the Arch there's some company paraphernalia on display.

Like this jersey from the Olympics. McDonald's was a big sponsor.

Walking around the complex, you're quick to notice that the place is designed to let in a lot of natural light.

There are lots of paneled windows in the walls and roof.

Need more proof? The main entrance has a big, three-story wall of windows.

You can see all the way across the campus from the third floor.

Drink stations are found throughout the building, complete with fountain drinks. They're Coca-Cola brands, of course.

We headed over to where the communications folks sit. Halloween was in full swing and they had some decorations up.

There's Margaret Bode, a manager for McDonald's Global External Communications, with one of those drinks on her desk.

Some employees are more enthusiastic about showcasing their affinity for the McDonald's brand than others. Look at all this McDonald's gear in Lizzie Roscoe's workspace!

She loves — LOVES — Grimace.

And even has a little McDonald's lego drive-thru.

We stumbled upon a Big Mac business card holder.

And a gigantic french fry box.

This desk has a french fry mouse pad.

Nowadays, no office is complete without an Angry Birds toy.

They have a quaint little patio for workers to hang out and get some fresh air when the weather's nice.

Art sculptures are all over the place, like this display of kids with a McDonald's kite.

And this wheel.

The design folks had a bunch of related reading on display.

The walls throughout the HQ are adorned with all kinds of paintings.

All right — time to head out. Below the offices, there's a large underground parking lot.

Now lets go down the supply chain...

A Step-By-Step Look At How McDonald's Makes Its Fries >

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• uno to host french urbanist carlos moreno at understanding proximity

CAMPUS NEWS: APRIL 22, 2024

Understanding proximity, uno to host french urbanist carlos moreno at understanding proximity academic forum.

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The University of New Orleans is hosting a forum that gives an overview of the 15-minute City planning concept, featuring famed urbanist Carlos Moreno.

French urbanist and professor Carlos Moreno, who popularized the planning concept of the “15-minute City,” will be the guest lecturer at a University of New Orleans seminar in May. Moreno will discuss that planning concept at UNO’s “Understanding Proximity: 15-minute City in New Orleans” Office of the Provost Academic Forum scheduled for May 10 in the University Center.

The “15-minute City” defines an urban vision in which residents can access their daily needs and essential services within a 15-minute trip by foot or bike. The term, coined in 2016 by Moreno and popularized by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, has become shorthand for “walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that provide easy access to transit and amenities.”

Moreno, of Chaire ETI, IAE Paris Sorbonne, University Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, will discuss the 15-minute City concept, focusing on sustainable cities and climate action. He will also discuss his new book, “The 15-Minute City: A Solution for Saving Our Time and Our Planet,” which looks at how this idea can improve urban living by making essentials quickly reachable by foot or bike.

In addition, Catherine Gall, of Chaire ETI, IAE Paris Sorbonne, University Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, will highlight how the 15-minute City model works worldwide. She will use her experience to outline the triumphs and hurdles in applying the concept to various cities and share tips for North American urban centers like New Orleans.

UNO planning and urban studies professor Michelle Thompson will share findings from her collaborative neighborhood proximity analysis of the Hoffman Triangle, an evolving, revitalized New Orleans neighborhood that has been discussed as a potential model for a 15-minute City neighborhood. Thompson partnered with the Associated Neighborhood Development (AND) to evaluate quality-of-life indicators within Hoffman Triangle, which is located in Central City.

Thompson’s discussion will describe findings from the Hoffman Triangle 2024 Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) project compared with neighborhood profiles conducted in 2011 and 2012.

The Hoffman Triangle PPGIS project is an example of how the community, the City of New Orleans and the University can work together to monitor, evaluate and influence neighborhood change “from the ground up,” Thompson said.

The goal of planning and conducting the neighborhood profile is to be able to take the “15-minute City” global model, but apply it locally, Thompson said.

“What does 15-minutes really look like in a community or neighborhood or city where you don’t have equal access to equipment—health, parks, schools, et cetera?” Thompson said. “It’s very different. Maybe we’re really a 20-minute city, so that’s why I changed it to a “proximity” analysis.”

The forum is sponsored in partnership with the Louisiana chapter of the American Planning Association, Who Data.org, Crescent City Shapers, the University of Paris, the University of New Orleans’ Student Government Association and University Ambassadors.

The forum, which begins at 5 p.m., is free but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit “Understanding Proximity: 15-minute city in New Orleans .”

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Fact Check: Image of Columbia University president giving Nazi salute is satire

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Fact check: israel does not have the world’s second highest skin cancer rate.

Data from 2022 on skin cancer rates worldwide show that Israel ranks 23rd, not highest “outside Australasia” or “second highest in the world”, contrary to posts online tying a statistic from a 21-year-old newspaper report to a narrative that people in Israel are not native to their region.

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• Week of April 22

5 things you need to know this week

By Life@TheU 04-22-2024

Participate in Denim Day, raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.   Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. Join the University community in solidarity with survivors and help raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hosted by the Dean of Students Office, It’s On Us student organization, and the Title IX office, Denim Day commemorates a significant moment in history when women in the Italian Parliament wore denim to support a victim of sexual assault. Today, people worldwide wear denim on the last Wednesday in April to challenge harmful behaviors surrounding sexual violence. Dress in denim and join fellow ’Canes at the U statue on the Coral Gables Campus at 11 a.m. for a group photo. Learn more .

Tune in to Earth Month programs. This week. On April 22, stop by the Earth Day fair on the Lakeside Patio on the Coral Gables Campus to connect with students, faculty and staff members, vendors, and community partners. Reflect on our interdependent relationship with the natural world and engage in dialogue with the earth to tap into grief’s wisdom and become true, resilient allies. On April 24, join a mindfulness program offered by the University Libraries; select the April 24 session to register . Mindfulness programs are offered virtually at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and in person at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Otto G. Richter Library throughout the semester. Explore the calendar of Earth Month events .

‘Urinetown, The musical’ Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m.; Friday, April 26, 8 p.m.; and Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. Join a revolt in a dystopian future where water is worth its weight in gold, and one of the most basic human needs is under the control of an evil bureaucracy. Wickedly witty, this Tony Award-winning musical satire pokes fun at politics, social irresponsibility, capitalism, and musical theater itself. University students and staff and faculty members can use code THSUTOWN before selecting their seats to receive a discount. University students can obtain free entry to an 8 p.m. show on Thursday, April 25 , by presenting a valid ’Cane ID. Purchase tickets for the Friday and Saturday performances. View the full calendar of arts events .

Learn grounding techniques for managing stress and anxiety. Tuesday, April 30, noon and 4 p.m. Grounding techniques can help you feel safe and assist you to regain control over your emotions when feeling distressed, triggered, or overwhelmed. Hosted by the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program , webinar participants will be led through a guided meditation. Register for the session at noon or 4 p.m.

Applaud a colleague on reaching a career milestone. Now. This year's Faculty and Staff Long Service Award Ceremony recognizes 316 University faculty and staff members who have reached a long service milestone of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. Show our long service honorees some appreciation by sending a heartfelt card through the Thank a 'Cane tool . View a full list of this year's honorees .

Review submission guidelines and share your ideas for consideration in 5 Things You Need to Know.

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Mike Johnson Columbia University visit met with boos and heckling from protestors

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived on the campus of Columbia University on Wednesday armed with a stern message for school administrators and protesters after days of anti-war demonstrations, arrests and campus closures at colleges across the country.

Johnson, R-La., described instances of antisemitism on college campuses, called for the resignation of the university president and warned that students perpetrating violence should be arrested.

His lecture was met with boos from nearby protesters and chants of “We can’t hear you!”

“Enjoy your free speech,” Johnson shot back.

In his remarks on campus, Johnson shamed students and faculty involved in the protests, as well as administrators for not doing enough to prevent them.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

“It's detestable. As Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over, the virus of antisemitism has spread across other campus,” Johnson told the crowd. “Anti-Israel encampments are popping up in universities all across this country. The madness has to stop.”

Students at Columbia University have pledged to continue protesting in an encampment they set up last week until the university agrees to a complete divestment from Israel. Protesters have demanded divestment from a student-exchange program and the university's campus in Tel Aviv.

More: Ukraine, Israel aid package heads to Biden as Congress caps monthslong struggle

The contentious protests led to the arrest and suspension of more than 100 students from Columbia University and Barnard College last week − including U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi.

As Johnson finished, he turned things over to Republican Rep. Virgnia Foxx (R-NC), the Chair of the House Committee on Education, who said Columbia University is "in a free fall.”

“As Speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear,” Johnson said. “We have passed a number of statutes to address this matter and we call upon the U.S. Senate to act upon our legislation.” 

Some Columbia University leaders said they were open to negotiating with protesters, but students from a group called Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine said they are not currently interested.

In a statement Tuesday, the group alleged that university negotiators threatened to call the National Guard and NYPD if they "do not acquiesce to their demands."

In a campus update Tuesday, Shafik said the university is working to identify and discipline protesters who violated its policies against discrimination and harassment.

"The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness," Shafik said in the statement.

The protests have fueled an ongoing national debate about Jewish students' safety after a documented rise in antisemitism on college campuses following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel's military response .

More: Harvard, Stanford and MIT get an 'F' from ADL on antisemitism report card

"Amid anti-Israel protests, Jewish students at Columbia University don't feel safe," Johnson said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Let's be clear: these are not peaceful protests, these are antisemitic mobs."

According to a spokesperson from the Speaker’s office, Johnson wanted to speak to students at Columbia because he felt New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has not done enough to protect them.

“Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party,” Athina Lawson said in a statement. “We wish it weren’t necessary.”

House Republicans Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Nicole Mallotakis (R-NY) joined Johnson and Foxx at the campus Wednesday.

"Together, we're going to send a message that Shafik's failure to secure campus for her Jewish students is unacceptable. She MUST resign," D’Esposito said in a post ahead of their visit.

More: Columbia University president fends off questions that took down her Ivy League peers

Their visit comes two days after House Democrats Dan Goldman (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Kathy Manning (D-NC), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) met with administrators and Jewish students on campus Monday.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_