Top MBA Programs in Arizona

Arizona is home to a diverse range of MBA programs, offering students the opportunity to pursue advanced business education across a variety of formats, including full-time, part-time, executive, online, and accelerated programs. With a strong emphasis on career development, global networking, and specialized knowledge, these programs cater to professionals at various stages of their careers, providing both flexibility and academic rigor. Arizona's top universities offer MBA programs that are consistently recognized for their quality, ROI (return on investment), and overall academic excellence. Below are some of the most notable MBA programs offered by leading institutions in the state of Arizona.

University of Arizona – Eller College of Management

The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management offers one of the state’s most recognized MBA programs, with a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. According to Forbes magazine’s 2005 rankings, the MBA program at Eller was rated 33rd overall for providing one of the best Return on Investment (ROI) in the country. This reputation for providing value, along with its strong academic and career support services, has made Eller a top choice for MBA candidates.

The full-time MBA program at the University of Arizona is a comprehensive 21-month program that offers students a robust curriculum, leadership development opportunities, and a wide array of specialization areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management information systems (MIS). For students seeking a more accelerated path, the Eller College also offers the Accelerated MBA, which is an intensive one-year program designed for professionals who already have significant work experience.

Additionally, the University of Arizona provides several other flexible MBA options, including the Evening MBA program for working professionals, Dual-Degree programs for students interested in combining business education with other fields, and an Executive MBA (EMBA) program designed for senior professionals. The EMBA program was included in WOMEN 3.0 magazine’s 2008 list of Top 50 Executive MBA Programs, underlining its global reputation for leadership development and business acumen.

Eller's commitment to diversity and leadership development makes its programs an attractive choice for aspiring business leaders who are looking to make an impact on both local and global scales.

Arizona State University – W. P. Carey School of Business

Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the largest and most prestigious business schools in Arizona, known for its diverse range of MBA programs, academic rigor, and research-driven approach to business education. The W. P. Carey School of Business offers a variety of MBA options, making it a versatile choice for students at different stages in their careers.

In 2008, ASU’s MBA program was ranked 88th globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, indicating its solid international standing. The W. P. Carey School offers several flexible MBA options, including the full-time MBA, evening MBA, and an online MBA program, all of which are accredited by AACSB, the highest standard of business education accreditation. The full-time MBA program lasts 21 months, while the evening and evening accelerated MBA programs offer flexible options for working professionals, allowing them to complete their degree in 21 months or 18 months, respectively.

The school also offers an Executive MBA program for senior-level professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. This program is tailored to individuals with significant professional experience, providing advanced knowledge of business strategy, global markets, and leadership dynamics.

The online MBA program, which is also a key offering at W. P. Carey, has become increasingly popular for those seeking a flexible, high-quality MBA experience that allows students to balance their education with their professional commitments. The program offers the same rigorous curriculum as its on-campus counterparts, giving students access to a global network of faculty, peers, and alumni.

DeVry University – Keller Graduate School of Management

DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management provides another option for students interested in pursuing an MBA. One of the key advantages of Keller’s MBA program is its flexibility. The program is available online, making it an attractive choice for working professionals who need to balance their education with job commitments.

Keller offers a wide variety of MBA concentrations, allowing students to specialize in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, project management, international business, and information security. These diverse concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their career goals. The program is designed to be accessible, with no GMAT requirement for admission, making it an appealing choice for students who may not have taken the GMAT exam or who have significant professional experience.

In addition to the flexibility of online learning, the Keller MBA provides students with the opportunity to pursue their degree in a manner that fits their individual pace, with options for part-time or accelerated completion. This flexibility, combined with a comprehensive curriculum, allows students to advance their careers while obtaining the necessary business knowledge and leadership skills.

Northern Arizona University – College of Business

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a strong MBA program through its College of Business, which is fully accredited by AACSB International. NAU’s MBA program has gained recognition for its academic excellence, particularly in categories such as faculty quality, campus facilities, and diversity.

In The Princeton Review 2008 rankings, NAU’s MBA program was placed in the Top 10 nationally for several categories, including Best Professors (#4), Best Campus Facilities (#9), and Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students (#10). These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive, inclusive environment.

NAU’s MBA program is available in two formats: a 10-month accelerated program for students with an undergraduate business degree and an 18-month program for students with a non-business undergraduate degree. This flexibility makes NAU’s MBA program an appealing choice for a diverse range of students. The program offers concentrations in areas like entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance, and is designed to provide students with the tools they need to excel in today’s dynamic business world.

Grand Canyon University – Ken Blanchard College of Business

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is another prominent institution in Arizona offering flexible MBA programs. GCU’s Ken Blanchard College of Business offers a variety of MBA options, including a 12-month Executive MBA program, which is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and business acumen.

GCU is well-regarded for its focus on providing high-quality online education. The university’s online MBA program is consistently ranked as one of the top online education programs in the U.S., according to sources such as OEDb (Online Education Database). It is also recognized as one of the top five online colleges for entrepreneurs by Fortune in its rankings of America's Best Colleges for Entrepreneurs.

The Executive MBA program at GCU emphasizes leadership development, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making in complex business environments. This program is ideal for students seeking to transition into higher-level managerial or executive roles. In addition, GCU’s flexible format allows students to earn their MBA online, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance their education with work or other personal commitments.

Northcentral University – School of Business & Technology Management

Northcentral University offers a flexible online MBA program through its School of Business & Technology Management. The university is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which ensures that its business programs meet rigorous academic standards.

Northcentral’s MBA program allows students to specialize in a wide range of fields, including applied computer science, health care administration, international business, marketing, project management, and public administration, among others. The program’s online format provides flexibility for students to complete their coursework at their own pace, making it a good option for working professionals who need to manage their studies alongside full-time employment.

While Northcentral’s MBA program is entirely online, it is designed to maintain a high level of interactivity and engagement, with a focus on applied learning. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the strategic and leadership skills they need to succeed in a variety of industries.

Conclusion

Arizona offers a diverse selection of high-quality MBA programs that cater to students with a range of professional goals, academic backgrounds, and career aspirations. Whether students are looking for a traditional full-time program, a flexible online MBA, or an Executive MBA for seasoned professionals, Arizona’s universities provide the resources and expertise to help them succeed. Programs such as the MBA offerings from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, and Northern Arizona University’s College of Business provide students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in the competitive global business environment.

These programs, combined with their flexibility, academic rigor, and strong career support services, make Arizona an attractive destination for MBA students looking to further their education and advance their careers. Whether pursuing an MBA in-person or online, Arizona’s top institutions provide valuable opportunities for aspiring business leaders.