Fordham University MBA Ranking

Introduction

Fordham University, founded in 1841, is one of the oldest and most prestigious private universities in New York City. Known as the Jesuit University of New York, Fordham has earned a reputation for academic rigor, social responsibility, and professional excellence. Its Graduate School of Business Administration, now commonly referred to as the Gabelli School of Business, is a premier business institution that attracts students from across the country and around the world.

The Fordham MBA program is recognized for blending a rigorous academic curriculum with a global outlook and a commitment to ethical leadership. It is designed to provide students with both the technical expertise and the critical thinking skills required to excel in today’s fast-changing business environment. With its location in*New York City—the global capital of finance, media, and commerce—the program provides students unparalleled access to industry leaders, internships, and career opportunities.

Students pursuing an MBA at Fordham have the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of concentrations and dual-degree opportunities, making it one of the most comprehensive and customizable graduate business programs in the nation.

The MBA Program

The Fordham MBA offers a strong foundation in core business disciplines while also allowing students to specialize in areas that match their professional goals. The concentrations offered are particularly notable for aligning with New York’s competitive business sectors, and include:

• Accounting & Taxation
• Communications & Media Management
• Finance & Business Economics
• Information & Communications Systems
• Management Systems
• Marketing

Students in the traditional full-time MBA, the Executive MBA (EMBA), and the MBA in Public Accounting all have the opportunity to pursue dual concentrations, which provides a broader academic experience and makes graduates more versatile in the job market.

The curriculum emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches to business decision-making. Courses are designed not only to teach technical skills in finance, data analytics, and accounting but also to foster leadership, communication, and ethical responsibility. Fordham’s Jesuit heritage infuses the program with a commitment to social justice and ethical business practices, distinguishing it from many other MBA programs in the region.

Executive MBA (EMBA) Program

The Executive MBA program is one of Fordham’s flagship offerings. It is designed for mid-career professionals who are poised to move into higher leadership roles. Delivered in a format that accommodates the schedules of working executives, the EMBA combines intensive classroom sessions with team-based projects, case studies, and international components that prepare students to manage global enterprises.

The EMBA emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to bring their professional challenges into the classroom and develop practical solutions with the guidance of faculty and peers. With a diverse student body that includes professionals from industries such as finance, media, healthcare, and technology, the EMBA fosters collaboration and cross-industry insights that enrich the learning experience.

The program has been consistently ranked among the top EMBA programs in the country and internationally, reflecting both its academic rigor and the career outcomes of its graduates.

Specialized MBA Programs

In addition to the traditional MBA and EMBA, Fordham offers several specialized MBA pathways that serve unique professional goals:

• MBA in Public Accounting – Designed for students pursuing careers in accounting and taxation, this program prepares graduates for leadership positions in auditing, tax advisory, and financial compliance. The program may be combined with a Master of Science in Taxation (MTA), offering graduates dual expertise in accounting and tax law.
• JD/MBA Program – This dual-degree program allows students to simultaneously earn a Juris Doctor from Fordham’s School of Law and an MBA from the Graduate School of Business. It is ideal for those seeking careers at the intersection of law, business, and regulation.
• MBA/MS in Information Systems – Recognizing the growing importance of technology in business, Fordham offers a dual-degree option in partnership with its information systems program. This path equips graduates with both managerial expertise and advanced knowledge in IT systems, making them highly competitive in the fields of data management, digital transformation, and business analytics.
• MBA/Master’s in Global Management – This dual-degree program emphasizes international business education and prepares graduates to operate effectively in multinational corporations, NGOs, and government agencies. With global trade, cross-cultural management, and international finance as core components, this degree reflects Fordham’s commitment to producing globally minded leaders.

These dual-degree options make the Fordham MBA highly attractive to students who want to broaden their expertise and position themselves for careers requiring multidisciplinary knowledge.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

The Fordham MBA curriculum blends academic theory with practical application. Core courses cover topics such as financial management, managerial economics, marketing strategy, operations management, organizational behavior, and business ethics. Students then select elective courses in their chosen concentration(s), which allow for specialization and deeper knowledge in fields such as finance, media management, or marketing.

Fordham places a strong emphasis on team-based learning and experiential projects. Students often work in groups to solve real business challenges presented by corporations and non-profit organizations. This collaborative environment mirrors the dynamics of the workplace and develops critical leadership and teamwork skills.

Another defining feature of the Fordham MBA is its commitment to global business education. Students have access to study-abroad programs, international residencies, and partnerships with universities worldwide. These experiences broaden cultural awareness and provide insights into international markets, equipping graduates to compete in an interconnected economy.

The location of the school in Manhattan offers additional advantages. Students are surrounded by global financial institutions, Fortune 500 corporations, startups, media companies, and consultancies. This proximity allows for frequent guest lectures by industry leaders, networking events, and internship opportunities that enhance the classroom experience.

Rankings and Recognition

The Fordham MBA has consistently been recognized among the top business programs in the United States and globally. Its rankings across specialties highlight both the program’s academic excellence and its alignment with New York City’s key industries.

In 2012, CEO Magazine ranked Fordham’s Executive MBA program in the Top Tier (Top 25) for North America and Global EMBA Rankings. This recognition placed Fordham among the best executive MBA programs worldwide, reflecting the caliber of its students, faculty, and career outcomes.

In the same year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Fordham Graduate School of Business Administration’s Finance program 14th in the nation, its Marketing program 23rd, and its Part-Time MBA program 50th. These rankings confirm Fordham’s position as a leader in specialized MBA education, particularly in finance—a field where New York City offers unparalleled professional opportunities.

Bloomberg Businessweek (2011) ranked the Fordham Executive MBA program 39th worldwide, underscoring its international reputation for excellence.

Earlier rankings further highlight the program’s strengths. In 2010, U.S. News ranked Fordham’s Executive MBA program 25th nationally and its Marketing graduate program 23rd, reaffirming Fordham’s competitive edge in specialized fields. In 2009, U.S. News ranked the Finance MBA 21st nationally and the Part-time MBA 30th out of more than 100 schools, again showcasing Fordham’s leadership in finance and part-time education.

Forbes Magazine (2009) ranked Fordham’s MBA program 57th in the nation, measuring return on investment and career advancement for graduates. The Wall Street Journal (2008) ranked Fordham’s EMBA 20th internationally for Return on Investment, a clear indicator that the program delivers strong professional outcomes relative to cost and time invested.

These rankings collectively affirm Fordham’s position as one of the top-tier business schools in the U.S. and globally, especially in finance, marketing, and executive education.

Accreditation

The Fordham MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This accreditation is held by less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide and represents the highest standard of achievement for business education.

AACSB accreditation ensures that Fordham meets rigorous standards of quality in faculty qualifications, curriculum, student outcomes, and continuous improvement. For students, this accreditation provides assurance that their education meets the global benchmark for excellence in business education and that their degree will be respected by employers worldwide.

Faculty Excellence

Faculty members at Fordham’s Graduate School of Business are distinguished scholars and practitioners who bring both academic rigor and industry expertise to the classroom. Many have extensive professional experience in finance, consulting, marketing, media, and international business. Their ability to bridge theory with practice enriches the classroom experience, exposing students to real-world insights and current industry trends.

Beyond their academic and professional accomplishments, Fordham faculty are deeply committed to student mentorship and individualized attention. With relatively small class sizes compared to other New York MBA programs, students benefit from close interaction with professors, who often serve as mentors, advisors, and career coaches. This personal engagement enhances the overall quality of the learning experience and contributes to Fordham’s strong record of student satisfaction.

Career Preparation and Alumni Network

Fordham University leverages its location in New York City to provide students with access to unparalleled career opportunities. The Office of Career Management offers a full range of services, including career coaching, resume workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and internship placements.

Graduates of the Fordham MBA program pursue careers in diverse industries, with many finding opportunities in finance, consulting, marketing, accounting, technology, and media. The school’s strong reputation in finance is particularly beneficial for students seeking roles on Wall Street or in major investment banks, private equity firms, and financial consulting practices.

The Fordham alumni network is another significant asset. With thousands of graduates in leadership roles around the world, the alumni community provides valuable professional connections, mentorship opportunities, and career guidance. Alumni frequently return to campus to engage with current students, reflecting the strong sense of community and loyalty that characterizes the Fordham MBA.

Conclusion

The Fordham University Graduate School of Business MBA program stands as one of the premier business education options in New York City and beyond. With its broad selection of concentrations, dual-degree programs, highly ranked EMBA, and strong record in finance and marketing, the program combines academic rigor with practical relevance.

Accredited by AACSB International, the Fordham MBA provides assurance of quality and global recognition. Its rankings by U.S. News, Businessweek, Forbes, CEO Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal underscore the program’s excellence and value.

The program’s commitment to flexibility, experiential learning, faculty mentorship, and global awareness, combined with its location in the financial capital of the world, makes it a compelling choice for ambitious students seeking to advance or transform their careers.

Whether pursuing the full-time MBA, part-time MBA, EMBA, or one of the many dual-degree options, students at Fordham Graduate School of Business receive not only a top-quality education but also a transformative experience that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.