Financial Times EMBA Ranking - The Top 50

The 2006 Financial Times (FT) Executive MBA (EMBA) ranking presented a detailed assessment of the world’s leading Executive MBA programs, placing emphasis on the global appeal and financial return on investment of these programs. As more and more executives sought to advance their careers while balancing the demands of professional and personal life, the FT ranking helped prospective students navigate the complex landscape of executive education by offering a comparative view of top-tier programs. The ranking took into account various factors, including career progression, salary increase post-MBA, international exposure, and the quality of faculty and alumni networks, providing a comprehensive picture of which programs offered the most substantial benefits.

Among the top five programs in the 2006 FT EMBA ranking, some of the most renowned names in business education stood out: the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, a consistent leader in the rankings; a joint program between Columbia Business School and the London Business School, which combined the strengths of both schools and offered a highly globalized approach; the Kellogg School of Management’s collaboration with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which bridged Western business practices with the dynamic growth of China; the Trium program, a highly international offering from HEC Paris, the London School of Economics (LSE), and New York University’s Stern School of Business; and the Instituto de Empresa (IE) in Spain, known for its strong international orientation and emphasis on leadership. Each of these programs showcased distinct characteristics and strengths, reflecting the growing trend of global connectivity in business education.

1. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (USA)

Ranked first in the 2006 FT Executive MBA rankings, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania continued to maintain its position as one of the top business schools globally. Wharton’s Executive MBA program was well-known for its rigorous academic curriculum, which integrated the school’s cutting-edge research and strong practical approach to business education. The program placed a strong emphasis on leadership development, strategic thinking, and global business perspectives, preparing its students for executive roles in top-tier organizations worldwide.

A key component of Wharton’s EMBA program was its extensive alumni network, one of the largest and most influential in the world. Wharton alumni were regularly recruited for senior leadership positions across industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare. The school's faculty, renowned for their expertise in a range of business disciplines, contributed to Wharton’s reputation for excellence in academia. Moreover, Wharton’s curriculum was designed to meet the needs of mid-career professionals who wanted to continue working while earning their degree, offering flexible schedules and various options for international study.

The success of Wharton’s EMBA program was also evidenced by its strong return on investment. Graduates from the program saw significant increases in their post-MBA salaries, reflecting the value that organizations placed on the Wharton brand and the skills it imparted. For many executives, a Wharton MBA was a stepping stone to senior management roles or new career opportunities, particularly in leadership positions at multinational corporations or as entrepreneurs in emerging industries.

2. Columbia Business School / London Business School (USA / UK)

In second place, the collaboration between Columbia Business School and the London Business School (LBS) stood out for its truly international approach to executive education. This joint program combined the strengths of two of the world’s leading business schools, offering students access to premier academic resources, a diverse and globally connected alumni network, and the opportunity to study in two of the world’s most dynamic business hubs—New York and London.

The Columbia-LBS program provided a highly flexible learning experience, with students able to take courses at both campuses, benefiting from exposure to the business environments and cultures of both the U.S. and Europe. This international experience was invaluable for executives who were either working in global firms or aspiring to take on leadership positions with multinational corporations. Columbia Business School’s strengths in finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship were complemented by LBS’s expertise in leadership and global business.

The program’s flexible structure allowed students to balance the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum with their professional obligations. By attending classes on alternating weekends or during modular sessions, students were able to apply their learning to real-world business problems immediately. The program also included a range of international opportunities, such as global immersion projects and study tours, which enabled students to engage with business practices in emerging markets.

Like Wharton, the Columbia-LBS EMBA program also offered substantial financial returns. Graduates saw significant salary increases, with many moving into senior leadership roles in both private sector companies and public organizations. The dual-campus nature of the program, combined with the prestige of the two schools, made this EMBA offering particularly attractive for professionals seeking to strengthen their global business acumen.

3. Kellogg School of Management / Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Kellogg-HKUST) (USA / China)

The third-ranked program in the 2006 FT EMBA ranking was the partnership between the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). This collaboration provided a unique opportunity to experience both Western and Asian business cultures, making it especially appealing to executives seeking to expand their international business knowledge and leadership capabilities.

The Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program offered students the chance to study in two of the most influential business centers in the world: Kellogg’s Chicago campus and HKUST’s Hong Kong campus. Students participated in courses that were designed to bridge Western management practices with the dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment in China and the Asia-Pacific region. This exposure to the fast-growing Asian markets, combined with Kellogg’s global reputation in business education, made this program a strong choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in international markets.

The program’s unique combination of East and West provided a holistic view of global business practices, and it placed a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Students were able to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and industries, gaining valuable perspectives that enhanced their ability to manage across borders and cultures.

The financial returns for graduates of the Kellogg-HKUST program were substantial, as the program catered to high-level executives in industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and manufacturing. Graduates from this program often moved into high-ranking positions in multinational corporations or started their own ventures, benefitting from the global networks and leadership skills they acquired during their studies.

4. Trium: HEC Paris / London School of Economics / NYU Stern (France / UK / USA)

Ranked fourth in the 2006 FT Executive MBA ranking was the Trium program, a unique collaboration between three prestigious institutions: HEC Paris, the London School of Economics (LSE), and New York University’s Stern School of Business. The Trium EMBA program was designed for senior executives who wanted a truly global and multidisciplinary approach to business education.

The Trium program stood out for its strong international orientation and its emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship. By offering courses at three of the world’s leading business schools, students benefited from diverse academic perspectives and teaching styles, as well as access to a global network of alumni and corporate partners. The program’s global structure allowed students to study in key business hubs, including Paris, London, and New York, which enhanced their ability to engage with global business trends and cross-cultural management practices.

The curriculum was highly customized, allowing students to focus on areas such as finance, leadership, strategy, and international business. In addition to rigorous academics, the Trium program also offered opportunities for students to apply their learning through real-world projects, international immersion experiences, and networking with influential business leaders. The combination of theoretical depth and practical exposure to global business made the Trium program a highly appealing choice for senior executives who were looking to further hone their leadership capabilities in a rapidly changing business environment.

Financially, the Trium EMBA provided strong returns for graduates. Many students were able to leverage the global connections they built throughout the program to advance their careers in international organizations or to take on senior leadership roles in multinational corporations.

5. Instituto de Empresa (IE) (Spain)

Ranked fifth in the 2006 FT EMBA rankings was the Instituto de Empresa (IE), based in Madrid, Spain. Known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, IE was a top choice for executives looking to build their business skills in an international setting. IE’s emphasis on practical business experience, as well as its strong commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, attracted executives from around the world, particularly those interested in global business and technology.

The IE EMBA program was designed to be highly flexible, with students able to tailor their curriculum to fit their specific career goals. The program featured a global perspective, with modules offered in locations around the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This exposure to diverse business environments made IE an excellent choice for executives looking to enhance their leadership skills while expanding their understanding of international markets.

IE also placed a strong emphasis on collaboration, with students working closely with peers from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. This collaborative learning environment, combined with the program’s focus on innovation and leadership, helped students develop the skills necessary to lead in complex, fast-paced global environments. The program’s return on investment was impressive, with graduates reporting significant increases in their salaries and career advancement. Executive MBA Ranking Top 50 (2006)

1. U of Pennsylvania: Wharton - U.S.A
2. Columbia/London Business School - U.S.A./U.K.
3. Kellogg/Hong Kong UST Business School - China
4. Trium: HEC Paris/LSE/New York U: Stern - France/U.K./U.S.A.
5. Instituto de Empresa - Spain
6. U of Chicago GSB - U.S.A./U.K./Singapore
7. London Business School - U.K.
8. Washington U: Olin - China
9. Duke U: Fuqua - U.S.A.
10. Northwestern U: Kellogg - U.S.A.
11. Columbia Business School - U.S.A.
12. Purdue/Tias/CEU/GISMA - U.S.A./Netherlands/Hungary/Germany
13. Kellogg/WHU-Otto Beisheim School - Germany
14. Warwick Business School - U.K.
15. Chinese U of Hong Kong - China
16. City U: Cass - U.K.
17. Ceibs - China
18. New York U: Stern - U.S.A.
19. Cornell U: Johnson - U.S.A.
20. IMD - Switzerland
21. Iese Business School - Spain
22. Imperial College London: Tanaka - U.K.
23. Australian Graduate School of Management - Australia
24. U of California at Irvine: Merage - U.S.A.
25. U of Western Ontario: Ivey - Canada/China
26. U of Toronto: Rotman - Canada
27. Emory U: Goizueta - U.S.A.
28. RSM Erasmus U - Netherlands
29. National U of Singapore - Singapore
30. U of Texas at Austin: McCombs - U.S.A.
31. Essec/Mannheim - France/Germany Essec-Mannheim
32. UCLA: Anderson - U.S.
33. U of Bath School of Management - U.K.
34. U of Southern California: Marshall - U.S.
35. SMU: Cox - U.S.
36. U of Pittsburgh: Katz - U.S./Brazil/Czech Republic
37. ESCP-EAP - France/U.K./Germany/Spain/Italy
38. Stockholm School of Economics - Sweden/Russia
39. U of Bradford/Universiteit Nimbas - U.K./Netherlands/Germany
40. Cranfield School of Management - U.K.
41. Temple U: Fox - U.S.
42. Henley Management College - U.K.
43. Arizona State U: Carey - U.S.
44. University of Notre Dame: Mendoza - U.S.
45. U of Wisconsin-Madison - U.S.
46. U of Alberta/University of Calgary: Haskayne - Canada
47. U of Minnesota: Carlson - U.S.
48. U College Dublin: Smurfit - Ireland
49. U of Texas at Dallas - U.S.
50. U of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler - U.S.

Source: Financial Times