Part-time MBA Ranking - Berkeley Haas ranked No. 1

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are among the most respected and influential metrics for evaluating business schools in the United States. These rankings are meticulously calculated using a variety of criteria, including academic reputation, graduation rates, faculty credentials, and, importantly for part-time MBA programs, the success of graduates in securing career advancements and the flexibility of the program. The 2017 rankings for the best part-time MBA programs provided a detailed snapshot of the evolving landscape of business education, showcasing some of the country’s top institutions for working professionals who wish to pursue an MBA while maintaining their careers.

In the 2017 U.S. News rankings, the University of California—Berkeley (Haas) claimed the top spot for the best part-time MBA program in the nation. Haas' program is known for its innovative curriculum, strong emphasis on leadership, and integration of social impact and sustainability into business practices. The Berkeley Haas Part-Time MBA Program is especially renowned for its flexibility, which allows students to balance rigorous academic coursework with their professional responsibilities. This flexibility, combined with the rich network of alumni in Silicon Valley and around the world, makes Haas a top choice for ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers in industries ranging from technology to finance. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning, leadership development, and its deep ties to the tech industry in the Bay Area further contribute to Haas’ prestigious ranking. Its top position reflects both the program's outstanding academic resources and its ability to foster career advancement for its graduates.

Close behind Haas, the University of Chicago (Booth) was ranked second among the best part-time MBA programs. Chicago Booth has long been regarded as one of the premier business schools in the world, and its part-time MBA program is no exception. Chicago Booth’s curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to their professional goals while benefiting from Booth’s renowned focus on analytical rigor and data-driven decision-making. The program attracts students who are keen to sharpen their leadership skills and business acumen in a highly collaborative environment. Booth’s part-time MBA students can take advantage of its world-class faculty, strong recruiting relationships with leading global companies, and robust career services, all of which make it an attractive option for professionals looking to advance in competitive fields such as consulting, finance, and technology. The program's highly ranked position is a testament to the rigorous academic framework that continues to distinguish Booth as a leader in business education.

The rankings also highlighted significant improvements in several part-time MBA programs that have demonstrated rapid growth and an increasing reputation. For instance, Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business made a remarkable leap in the 2017 rankings, rising 17 spots to land at No. 27 overall among part-time MBA programs. Even more impressive, Robinson College ranked No. 17 among public universities, climbing 11 spots from the previous year. This rise reflects the institution’s growing commitment to enhancing its business programs, particularly through innovative curriculum offerings, strong community engagement, and practical learning opportunities that enable students to develop tangible leadership skills while balancing the demands of their careers.

Georgia State’s part-time MBA program has gained recognition for its focus on providing a high-quality education to professionals seeking to enhance their expertise without interrupting their professional trajectories. The program’s strong reputation, combined with a relatively affordable tuition rate, has made it an increasingly popular choice among students in the southeastern United States and beyond.

Temple University’s Fox School of Business also demonstrated impressive performance in the 2017 rankings, with its part-time MBA program securing the No. 16 spot nationally and being ranked No. 1 in Philadelphia. Fox’s part-time MBA program has been among the nation’s top-20 part-time MBA programs for two consecutive years, marking consistent growth and improvement. This upward trajectory reflects the program’s focus on providing a high-quality education to working professionals, particularly in the areas of business leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. The program’s strategic emphasis on flexibility, hands-on learning, and professional development has made it a key player in the region's business education landscape.

Fox also benefits from its location in Philadelphia, which provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with top companies in sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology. The program’s job placement rate, strong alumni network, and focus on career development have contributed significantly to its national ranking, making it an increasingly attractive option for professionals seeking to advance their careers while pursuing an MBA.

Another notable development in the 2017 rankings was the rise of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. Belk’s part-time MBA program jumped an impressive 27 spots in the U.S. News rankings, landing at No. 59 overall among national universities, and No. 35 among public schools. This improvement reflects the growing strength of the Belk College’s MBA offerings and its ability to provide a quality education to professionals who are looking to balance their work and academic commitments.

The part-time MBA program at Belk is particularly attractive to professionals in the Charlotte region, which is a major financial and business hub in the southeastern United States. The program offers a flexible, hands-on approach to learning that equips students with the skills they need to succeed in leadership roles. The program's significant ranking improvement is a testament to the quality of education, faculty, and career services provided by Belk College, as well as its strong focus on local industry partnerships and practical applications of business concepts.

The 2017 U.S. News rankings demonstrate the diverse range of top-tier part-time MBA programs available to working professionals. While Haas, Booth, and other top-ranked schools are well-known for their global reputation and prestigious academic environments, institutions like Georgia State’s J. Mack Robinson College, Temple University’s Fox School of Business, and UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business are showing that regional institutions are increasingly able to offer competitive, high-quality MBA programs that meet the needs of students seeking to advance in their careers without taking a break from the workforce. The rankings also reflect the growing importance of factors such as flexible scheduling, career support, and professional development in determining the appeal and success of part-time MBA programs.