Best Part-Time MBA Programs - UC Berkeley ranked No. 1

The 2015 U.S. News & World Report rankings for part-time MBA programs highlight the impressive diversity and competitiveness of graduate business education across the United States. These rankings are a highly regarded reference for students seeking part-time programs that allow them to continue their careers while pursuing an MBA. The rankings consider several key factors, including peer assessment, GMAT/GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, work experience, and the proportion of students enrolled in part-time MBA programs. The 2015 rankings reveal that several top business schools have maintained their positions, while others have experienced significant changes.

The University of California, Berkeley, stands out as the leader in this category, with its Evening & Weekend MBA Program consistently ranking No. 1 in the country. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business has long been regarded as a top institution for full-time MBA programs, and its part-time MBA offering has also gained significant recognition. The program’s ranking reflects the quality of education and the flexibility it offers to working professionals. A combination of factors, such as strong peer assessment scores, high GMAT scores, and an experienced student body, contribute to Haas’ continued dominance in the rankings. Moreover, the program’s ability to deliver rigorous academic training while accommodating students’ professional lives is an attractive feature for many candidates.

In terms of rankings, Berkeley’s program is evaluated based on various criteria, with peer assessment representing 50% of the total score. The program’s excellent reputation among business school deans and directors enhances its standing. Other contributing factors include the program's impressive average GMAT/GRE scores, competitive undergraduate GPAs, and strong work experience backgrounds from its students. This focus on quality, combined with the flexibility of its evening and weekend format, makes the UC Berkeley Haas Evening & Weekend MBA Program an excellent choice for students seeking both top-tier business education and flexibility to continue working while studying.

Another program that continues to climb the rankings is Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, which offers a highly respected Part-Time/Evening MBA program. Emory’s program ranked 11th nationally in 2015, an improvement of three spots from the previous year. The program is known for its strong faculty, emphasis on leadership development, and comprehensive curriculum. Emory University, located in Atlanta, offers students access to a robust network of professionals and businesses, which enhances career opportunities. The program’s flexibility also allows students to balance work and academics effectively, and it has developed a reputation for producing graduates who excel in leadership roles across various industries.

Boston University’s School of Management also features prominently in the rankings, with its part-time MBA program landing in the 34th spot in 2015. Though not at the top of the list, BU’s part-time program remains competitive due to its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. BU’s program also stands out for its strong Health Sector MBA, which continues to be ranked 11th overall, highlighting the university’s commitment to offering specialized education that aligns with the growing healthcare sector. BU’s part-time MBA attracts professionals from a wide array of industries, and the program’s emphasis on practical skills and academic rigor positions it as an appealing option for those looking to advance their careers without stepping away from work entirely.

Another notable school in the 2015 rankings is William & Mary’s Mason School of Business, which saw a significant rise of 12 spots to rank 57th nationally. This jump reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and reputation of its business programs. The Mason School of Business offers an MBA program that emphasizes leadership, ethics, and global business. Its flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their individual career goals, while its reputation as a top-tier business school in the Mid-Atlantic region makes it an attractive option for students seeking a rigorous yet manageable business education.

The Duquesne University Donahue Graduate School of Business also gained recognition in the 2015 rankings, with its part-time MBA program coming in at 125th nationally. While it does not rank among the top 100, Duquesne’s program is known for its personalized approach to business education. With small class sizes and a faculty dedicated to student success, the Donahue Graduate School offers an intimate learning environment that focuses on ethics, leadership, and global business. Duquesne’s part-time MBA program is tailored for working professionals who wish to pursue advanced business education while continuing to manage their professional and personal commitments.

Lastly, Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business received high marks for its part-time MBA program, which ranked 154th in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report rankings. While Texas Tech’s ranking does not place it among the top tier of part-time MBA programs, the Rawls College of Business offers a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. The program’s focus on practical, hands-on learning combined with a strong business network in Texas makes it a solid option for those seeking to enhance their skills in the state’s competitive job market. Although Texas Tech does not boast the same high profile as some of the other schools in the rankings, it is a respected program that continues to build its reputation.

In summary, the 2015 U.S. News & World Report rankings for part-time MBA programs reflect the ongoing evolution of graduate business education. Schools like UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, and Boston University’s School of Management maintain their positions at the top due to their strong academic programs, experienced student bodies, and impressive career outcomes for graduates. Other schools, like William & Mary’s Mason School of Business, Duquesne University, and Texas Tech University, have made significant progress in recent years, reflecting their commitment to enhancing their programs and improving their standings in the competitive field of part-time MBA education.

These rankings provide valuable insight for prospective students, allowing them to evaluate the strengths of different part-time MBA programs and make informed decisions about their graduate education. As more professionals seek to advance their careers while continuing to work, the demand for flexible and high-quality part-time MBA programs will continue to rise. This trend is reflected in the continued growth and competitiveness of these programs, ensuring that students have access to some of the best business education in the country while maintaining the flexibility to pursue their professional goals.