Executive MBA Ranking - Top 20 List

According to the 2009 Financial Times rankings, the top three EMBA programs were dominated by international collaborations, reflecting the importance of global perspectives in modern business education. These partnerships exemplified how schools from different parts of the world are coming together to offer students access to a wider range of expertise, networks, and global experiences.

At No. 1, the partnership between Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School (HKUST) captured the top spot. This collaboration has been highly regarded for its innovative approach to business education and its ability to offer students a deep understanding of the global business landscape. The program’s international focus, combined with the academic rigor of both institutions, allows graduates to be well-prepared for leadership roles in diverse, complex environments. The Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program is particularly noted for its blend of East-West perspectives, which is highly valued in today’s globalized economy. The school’s high rankings in career progression and salary increase also reflect the strong return on investment for graduates of this program.

In 2nd place, the HEC Paris partnership with the London School of Economics (LSE) and NYU Stern continued to maintain its prestigious standing in the rankings. This trio of institutions has long been seen as a powerhouse in global business education. The HEC Paris-LSE-Stern collaboration is particularly strong in its academic offerings, global network, and access to some of the most respected faculty members in the business world. These schools bring together diverse academic traditions and geographical perspectives, offering students not just knowledge, but a global business outlook. The combination of European and American academic rigor, with strong international ties, has made this partnership one of the most sought-after in the world. Graduates from this program benefit from access to extensive global networks, making them highly attractive to multinational corporations and organizations with an international reach.

The 3rd place ranking went to the collaboration between Columbia Business School and London Business School. This partnership reflects a strong combination of two institutions with long histories of producing influential business leaders. Columbia, located in the heart of New York City, is renowned for its strengths in finance, leadership, and strategy, while London Business School offers deep expertise in international business and economics. Together, these schools provide a program that balances both academic rigor and practical experience. The program is also known for its access to an influential global network and its ability to offer students unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and international business exposure. Graduates from this program consistently secure positions at the highest levels of global organizations.

Notable Movers in the 2009 Rankings

The 2009 Financial Times rankings also highlighted significant improvements for several schools that made impressive gains in the global standings.

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business saw a dramatic improvement, moving up from 17th place in the 2008 rankings to secure a spot in the top 10 in 2009. Fuqua’s rise reflects its commitment to providing students with a comprehensive, globally-focused business education, as well as the school’s strong ties to industries across the United States and globally. Known for its collaborative and innovative culture, Fuqua's EMBA program offers students a personalized learning experience and access to a robust alumni network that has contributed to the school’s growing prestige.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Business experienced a significant leap, moving up 9 places to secure the 11th position in the 2009 rankings. This rise reflects NUS’s increasing prominence in global business education. Singapore, as a business hub in Asia, offers students in the NUS EMBA program access to one of the world’s most dynamic economies. NUS’s emphasis on leadership development and its global network make it a top choice for students seeking an Asian perspective on business education.

Similarly, UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and Columbia Business School both moved up in the rankings, with UC Berkeley/Columbia rising from 16th to 13th globally. This upward movement indicates the growing strength of these schools in executive education. Haas, in particular, has become known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, which are highly valued in the tech-driven business world. The school’s connections to Silicon Valley, combined with its strong emphasis on social responsibility and sustainability, provide graduates with the tools needed to excel in an increasingly complex global market.

New York University’s Stern School of Business also moved up in the rankings, jumping 3 places to secure a spot in the top 15. NYU Stern’s reputation for excellence in finance, global business, and leadership continues to make it a highly respected name in the world of executive education. The program’s strength lies in its ability to provide a well-rounded education, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world application, and in offering students the opportunity to study in New York City, one of the world’s most important financial centers.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, another strong performer in the rankings, made its way into the top 20 (from 21st in 2008). Kellogg’s position reflects the continued excellence of its EMBA program, which emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and global business education. Kellogg’s collaborative approach to learning and its strong alumni network make it a top choice for executives looking to advance their careers in international business.

One of the biggest jumps in the 2009 rankings was made by IESE Business School, which surged from 31st to 16th, up an impressive 15 places. This jump reflects the school’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality business education and its emphasis on developing ethical, responsible leaders. With campuses in both Europe and North America, IESE’s EMBA program offers a truly global perspective, preparing students for leadership roles across different regions of the world.

Finally, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business rose by 8 places to secure a spot in the top 20 in 2009. The Ross EMBA program is known for its strong focus on leadership, innovation, and strategy. Michigan’s emphasis on action-based learning, combined with its global network and strong ties to industries in the U.S. and around the world, make it an attractive option for executives seeking to advance their careers in an increasingly competitive global business environment.

The Top 20 EMBA programs are as follows:

1- Kellogg/Hong Kong UST Business School (China)
2- Trium: HEC Paris / LSE / New York University: Stern (France, UK, USA)
3- Columbia/London Business School (USA, UK)
4- University of Chicago: Booth (USA, UK, Singapore)
5- Insead (France, Singapore)
5- University of Pennsylvania, Wharton (USA)
7- IE Business School (Spain)
8- London Business School (UK)
9- Columbia Business School (USA)
10- Duke University: Fuqua (USA)
11- National University of Singapore School of Business (Singapore)
12- Washington University: Olin (China)
13- UC Berkeley/Columbia (USA)
14- IMD (Switzerland)
15- New York University: Stern (USA)
16- IESE Business School (Spain)
17- Northwestern University: Kellogg (USA)
18- Kellogg/WHU-Otto Beisheim School (Germany)
19- Chinese University of Hong Kong (China)
20- University of Michigan: Ross (USA)

Source: Financial Times