FT EMBA Ranking - Best Executive MBA

The Financial Times’ 2011 rankings of Executive MBA (EMBA) programs provide a valuable snapshot of the shifting dynamics in the global business education landscape. The schools featured in the 2011 ranking—Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Tulane University’s Freeman School, Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, and the EMBA program in Shanghai run by Washington University in St. Louis in partnership with Fudan University—illustrate a diverse range of institutions excelling in different areas of EMBA education.

Georgetown McDonough School of Business

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business made a significant leap in the 2011 rankings, rising 11 positions to secure the 35th spot globally and the 9th position among U.S.-based EMBA programs. This remarkable improvement in the rankings highlights the growing recognition of Georgetown’s Executive MBA program, particularly in terms of its career impact for alumni. Notably, Georgetown’s EMBA program was ranked first in the United States for alumni career progress and salary increase, a crucial measure of the return on investment that prospective students consider when evaluating business schools. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the McDonough School’s program in providing tangible career advancement for its graduates.

Georgetown’s EMBA program is designed to develop well-rounded, strategic leaders with a focus on global business challenges. The program offers a rich combination of classroom learning, case studies, and interactive leadership development experiences, allowing students to directly apply what they learn in real-world settings. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., Georgetown provides students with unique access to political leaders, business executives, and international organizations, which enriches their educational experience. This combination of academic rigor and career-oriented outcomes has made Georgetown a top choice for mid-career professionals looking to accelerate their career trajectory.

Tulane University Freeman School

Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, with its Executive MBA program ranked 74th in the world and 34th in the United States in the 2011 Financial Times rankings, also stands out for its focus on the quality of work experience among its students. The Freeman School’s EMBA program was ranked 19th globally in the category of "work experience," which measures the depth and seniority of participants' professional experience, the number of years spent in each position, the size of the companies they have worked for, and any international exposure prior to starting the EMBA. This ranking speaks to the high level of professional expertise and leadership experience that Freeman students bring to the classroom.

Tulane’s Executive MBA program combines a strong academic foundation with a focus on practical, hands-on learning. The program is designed to appeal to working professionals who want to broaden their knowledge and skills without interrupting their careers. Freeman’s location in New Orleans, a vibrant and diverse city, adds an additional layer of cultural richness to the program, which is particularly appealing to students interested in international business or working in global markets. By fostering a diverse and experienced cohort, the Freeman School helps students leverage their prior knowledge and professional networks, making the program particularly impactful in terms of career development and long-term professional growth.

Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College of Business

Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business also made a strong showing in the 2011 Financial Times rankings, securing the 24th spot among U.S.-based EMBA programs and the 64th position globally. One of the standout features of the Robinson College’s Executive MBA program is its emphasis on faculty research productivity. The college was ranked 24th among U.S. programs for faculty research productivity, a key metric that assesses the number of faculty publications in leading academic and practitioner journals. This recognition speaks to the academic rigor of the program and the wealth of knowledge and thought leadership that faculty members bring to the classroom.

The Robinson College’s focus on high-quality faculty research allows students to engage with cutting-edge business theory and practice, particularly in areas such as finance, economics, and international business. This research-driven approach equips students with the tools they need to navigate complex business challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Robinson’s EMBA program also provides extensive networking opportunities, thanks to its location in Atlanta, one of the largest business hubs in the United States. The college has strong connections to top companies in various industries, giving students access to career development resources, internships, and post-graduation employment opportunities.

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Emory University’s Goizueta Business School also performed well in the 2011 rankings, with its Executive MBA program ranked 41st globally and 12th among U.S.-based programs. Goizueta has a long-standing reputation for excellence in business education, and its EMBA program reflects the school’s commitment to developing leaders who are capable of managing complex business challenges. The program’s national ranking of 12th places it among the top schools in the United States, and its global ranking demonstrates the school’s increasing appeal to international students as well.

Goizueta’s EMBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic rigor with practical leadership training. The program is designed to provide executives with the skills needed to lead organizations effectively in a rapidly changing business environment. Additionally, Goizueta’s strong focus on leadership development and ethical decision-making helps to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of modern business with integrity and insight. The school’s location in Atlanta, a key financial and business center, provides students with ample opportunities to engage with leading companies, expanding their professional networks and enhancing their career prospects.

The EMBA Program in Shanghai

The joint Executive MBA program in Shanghai, offered by Washington University’s Olin Business School in partnership with Fudan University’s School of Management, achieved an impressive 15th-place ranking in the 2011 Financial Times global rankings. This program reflects the growing importance of China as a hub for global business and the increasing demand for high-level business education in the Asia-Pacific region. By combining the strengths of two prestigious institutions—Olin and Fudan—the program offers a rich and diverse educational experience that blends Western business practices with Eastern market insights.

The Shanghai EMBA program is uniquely positioned to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly growing Chinese market, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. The program’s international focus, combined with the expertise of faculty from both Olin and Fudan, ensures that students gain a deep understanding of global business trends while also learning to navigate the specific challenges of the Chinese market. Graduates of the Shanghai EMBA program are well-equipped to pursue high-level executive roles in both multinational corporations and Chinese companies, and the program’s strong alumni network provides valuable career support and professional connections.

The top 5 EMBA programs in the world:
1 Kellogg / Hong Kong UST Business School
2 Trium: HEC Paris / LSE / New York University: Stern
3 Columbia/London Business School
4 Insead
5 University of Chicago: Booth
Source: Financial Times