Top Ranked MBA Programs: Techno-MBA

In the late 1990s, the intersection of technology and business began to evolve in profound ways. As technology rapidly became a cornerstone of business innovation and global commerce, the need for professionals who could navigate both the business world and technological landscapes grew significantly. In response to this emerging need, many business schools across the United States began developing specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a focus on technology. These programs, commonly known as Techno-MBA programs, offered a unique blend of traditional business management education with cutting-edge technological expertise.

The annual survey conducted by Computerworld in 1999 highlighted the top MBA programs in the U.S. with a technology emphasis, providing an essential snapshot of the educational landscape for students pursuing careers at the crossroads of business and technology. The top five programs in this survey were Northeastern University in Boston, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Maryland, the University of Alabama, and the University of California, Irvine.

1. Northeastern University, Boston

Northeastern University’s MBA program in Boston stood out as the leader in the Computerworld 1999 rankings for Techno-MBAs, and for good reason. Boston itself was quickly becoming a major hub for technology and innovation during this period, home to firms in biotechnology, software development, and telecommunications. As such, Northeastern’s location gave students invaluable access to a wide array of tech companies and startups, making the school a natural fit for students eager to pursue careers at the intersection of technology and business.

What set Northeastern apart was its focus on experiential learning, which complemented its MBA program with a strong emphasis on real-world applications of business and technology. The university’s unique cooperative education (co-op) program allowed MBA students to work in full-time, paid internships while completing their studies. This structure allowed students to gain hands-on experience in the tech industry, working with companies that were shaping the future of technology. It was an essential part of the curriculum, providing students with an edge when they entered the job market.

Northeastern’s Techno-MBA program combined traditional MBA courses—such as finance, marketing, and strategy—with specialized courses in information systems, technology management, and entrepreneurship. The program was tailored for students interested in careers in high-tech industries, including software, hardware, telecommunications, and biotech. The focus on practical experience, combined with Northeastern’s deep connections to Boston’s technology sector, ensured that graduates were well-equipped to take on leadership roles in tech companies, startups, and consulting firms.

2. University of Texas, Austin

Ranked second in the Computerworld 1999 survey, the University of Texas at Austin was another powerhouse in the realm of technology-focused business education. Known for its top-ranked McCombs School of Business, the University of Texas offered an MBA program that emphasized the development of skills necessary to lead in technology-driven industries. Austin itself was becoming one of the country’s leading tech hubs, home to companies like Dell and a growing software and telecommunications sector.

What made the University of Texas’s Techno-MBA program distinctive was its dual focus on business management and technology innovation. The McCombs School of Business was known for offering a flexible curriculum that allowed students to specialize in areas such as information technology, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship. The program emphasized the strategic use of technology to solve business problems and improve organizational efficiency.

Additionally, the University of Texas’s reputation for cultivating strong ties to the business community and its extensive alumni network provided students with direct access to top tech employers. The school had developed a robust career services program that helped students secure internships and job placements in high-tech companies, which was a key factor in the program’s ranking. Graduates of the program were known to find success in roles that blended business strategy with technology, often working as IT managers, technology consultants, or product managers in tech firms. The program’s combination of cutting-edge technology education and solid business foundations helped establish the University of Texas at Austin as a top choice for aspiring Techno-MBA students.

3. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, ranked third for its Techno-MBA program in the Computerworld 1999 survey, was another notable player in the field. Located in close proximity to Washington, D.C., Maryland benefited from its strategic position in a region that was increasingly becoming a focal point for technology and government contracts. The University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business provided students with access to a diverse range of tech-related opportunities, particularly in sectors like defense technology, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.

The University of Maryland’s MBA program was highly regarded for its focus on the intersection of business strategy and technology management. The curriculum offered students a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals while also providing specialized courses in areas such as IT management, systems design, and technology commercialization. Maryland was particularly known for its faculty, many of whom had backgrounds in both business and technology, and its connections to major tech firms in the region.

The program also emphasized the importance of leadership in technology-driven companies. Students were given opportunities to work on real-world technology projects, and the school’s strong ties to the federal government and major defense contractors made it an attractive choice for students interested in tech roles in the public sector. Graduates from the University of Maryland’s Techno-MBA program were highly sought after by companies in government contracting, defense, and telecommunications, as well as by technology startups in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s MBA program, ranked fourth in the Computerworld 1999 survey, was a strong contender in the technology-focused business education space. While Alabama may not have had the same high-profile reputation as schools like Northeastern or the University of Texas, its MBA program was notable for its emphasis on the practical application of technology in business settings, particularly in fields such as manufacturing and logistics.

The University of Alabama’s Techno-MBA program was focused on equipping students with the skills necessary to integrate technology with traditional business practices. Students could choose from a variety of specializations, such as information systems, operations management, and supply chain logistics, all of which incorporated technology as a core component. The program was designed to prepare graduates to lead in industries where technology played a central role in improving efficiency and driving innovation.

The University of Alabama also placed a significant emphasis on affordability and accessibility. As one of the more cost-effective options for Techno-MBA students, it attracted a diverse cohort of students who were looking to advance their careers in technology without incurring significant student debt. The program's solid curriculum, combined with its focus on technology in operations and business management, made it a practical choice for students looking to break into tech-focused leadership roles.

5. University of California, Irvine

Rounding out the top five in the Computerworld 1999 survey was the University of California, Irvine, which offered a Techno-MBA program focused on the application of technology in the global business environment. UC Irvine’s MBA program was closely aligned with the technology-driven business landscape of Southern California, a region known for its thriving tech industry, particularly in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications, and software development.

UC Irvine’s MBA program provided students with a rigorous education in business management while also offering specialized courses in technology management, information systems, and entrepreneurship. The program was designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in leadership roles in technology companies, particularly in industries that were experiencing rapid growth and innovation.

UC Irvine’s MBA program also emphasized entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging students to think creatively about how technology could be leveraged to create new business models and drive industry change. The school’s location in Silicon Beach, with its proximity to major tech companies and startups, provided students with ample networking opportunities and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Graduates from UC Irvine’s Techno-MBA program were well-prepared for careers in technology management, consulting, and product development, and many went on to work for major tech firms or launch their own startups.

Top 10 Techno-MBA Programs by Computerworld (USA), 1999
(Annual Survey of American MBA programs with a technology emphasis, based on recruiters opinions and graduate placement rates)

1- Northeastern U, Boston;
2- U of Texas, Austin;
3- U of Maryland;
4- U of Alabama;
5- U of Calif, Irvine;
6- U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaigne;
7- Purdue U;
8- Southwest Missouri State U;
9- Carnegie Mellon U;
10- U of Florida
11- U of Minnesota;
12- U of Pennsylvania;
13- U of Southern Calif;
14- Temple U;
=15- Arizona State U;
=15- Boston U;
16- Bentley College;
17- Georgia Inst of Tech;
18- U of Georgia;
19- Northern Illinois U;
20- Brigham Young U;
21 - U of Virginia;
22- Texas A and M Univ;
23- U of Connecticut;
24- Miami U, Ohio;
25- Calif State U, Sacramento

Top 10 American Executive MBA Programs by Business Week (USA), 1999
1- Case Western;
2- Chicago;
3- Columbia;
4- Duke;
5- Emory;
6- Georgia State;
7- Illinois(Champaign):
8- Minnesota;
9- New York(Stern):
10- North Carolina
11 Kellogg, Northwestern
12 Wharton
13 Pepperdine
14 Katz, Pittsburg
15 Purdue
16 Marshall, S California
17 Cox, Southern Methodist
18 Texas, Austin
19 Anderson, UCLA
20 Olin, Washington