Millsaps College MBA Ranking

Millsaps College, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a selective, nationally ranked, and privately supported liberal arts institution that has earned recognition for its academic rigor and dedication to student development. Established with a mission of cultivating intellectual growth and leadership, the college integrates a strong liberal arts foundation with professional programs that prepare graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Among its most prestigious offerings is the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program housed within the Else School of Management. The Else School has developed a reputation as one of the South’s most respected business schools, with programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction shared by less than five percent of business schools worldwide. This recognition places Millsaps among an elite group of institutions delivering business education at the highest international standards.

The MBA program at Millsaps is designed to be flexible and rigorous, serving students with diverse backgrounds. For those who already have a strong academic foundation in business, the degree can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students who are new to the discipline can complete the degree in approximately 20 months. In addition to the traditional MBA, the Else School of Management offers an Executive MBA (EMBA) tailored specifically for mid- to high-level managers and executives preparing for senior leadership roles.

Millsaps College has earned significant recognition for its MBA program and its faculty. The Princeton Review has ranked Millsaps among the top programs in the nation for both Best Professors and Best Classroom Experience. Furthermore, the Else School’s MBA program has been listed as a Top 10 Rising Star by FindYourMBA.com, placing it in the company of internationally renowned business schools.

This guide explores Millsaps College in depth, examining its history, mission, academic philosophy, and its Else School of Management. Special emphasis will be given to the MBA and Executive MBA programs, as well as the rankings, recognition, and accreditation that affirm Millsaps’s place among the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges and business schools.

A Tradition of Liberal Arts and Leadership

Millsaps College was founded in 1890 through a gift from Major Reuben Webster Millsaps, a successful businessman and philanthropist, who envisioned a college that would cultivate intellectual excellence in Mississippi. Since its founding, the college has maintained a strong commitment to the liberal arts, emphasizing the value of a broad-based education that develops critical thinking, communication, creativity, and ethical judgment.

This liberal arts foundation remains central to the Millsaps experience, even as the college has expanded its professional and graduate programs. The philosophy is that students prepared with a liberal arts education are not only ready to succeed in specific careers but also capable of adapting to change, leading diverse teams, and addressing complex problems. By pairing the liberal arts tradition with specialized professional education, Millsaps College ensures that its graduates are well-rounded, thoughtful leaders.

The college’s location in Jackson, Mississippi, enriches its mission by providing students with access to opportunities for internships, networking, and service in the state’s political, cultural, and economic center. Millsaps has become known for cultivating graduates who are deeply engaged with both local communities and global issues.

The Else School of Management

The Else School of Management is the cornerstone of business education at Millsaps College. Named after benefactors who recognized the need for advanced business leadership in Mississippi and beyond, the Else School combines the college’s liberal arts philosophy with the rigor of a top-tier business school.

AACSB accreditation distinguishes the Else School as part of an elite group of institutions worldwide. This accreditation ensures that the school meets rigorous standards for faculty qualifications, curriculum development, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement. For students, AACSB accreditation provides assurance that their degree carries international credibility and prepares them to compete in global markets.

The Else School of Management emphasizes personal attention and close interaction between students and faculty. Class sizes are smaller than those found in many larger business schools, creating an environment where collaboration, mentoring, and discussion flourish. This commitment to personalized education is one of the factors that led to Millsaps being ranked so highly by the Princeton Review in categories such as Best Professors and Best Classroom Experience.

The MBA Program

The MBA program at Millsaps College is structured to accommodate students with varying academic and professional backgrounds. For those who already hold undergraduate business degrees or who have completed foundation coursework, the program can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study. This accelerated path is particularly attractive to students eager to advance quickly into leadership positions or shift into new career trajectories.

For students with no prior business education, the program typically takes 20 months to complete. These students begin with foundation courses that provide essential grounding in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and management. Once these foundations are established, they move into the advanced MBA coursework alongside their peers.

The curriculum emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and global awareness. Students engage with real-world case studies, simulations, and projects that mirror the complexity of modern business environments. Courses in leadership, finance, operations, marketing, and strategy prepare students to manage organizations effectively and respond to the challenges of rapidly changing markets.

One of the distinguishing features of the Millsaps MBA is its integration of interpersonal and managerial skills. The program stresses communication, negotiation, teamwork, and decision-making. Students graduate with not only the analytical tools to evaluate business problems but also the human relations skills to lead diverse teams and organizations successfully.

The Executive MBA Program

In addition to its traditional MBA, Millsaps College offers an Executive MBA designed for mid- to high-level managers and executives. The EMBA program recognizes the unique needs of professionals who are already established in their careers but who aspire to senior leadership roles.

The program’s structure is designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of executives. Courses are often delivered in formats that allow participants to continue working full-time while pursuing their degree. The curriculum emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational change, innovation, and global perspectives, preparing executives to lead at the highest levels of business and government.

Participants in the EMBA program bring with them a wealth of professional experience, which enriches classroom discussions and creates a collaborative learning environment. The networking opportunities within the program are invaluable, as executives build connections with peers across industries. For many, the EMBA serves not only as a degree but also as a transformative professional experience that broadens perspectives and enhances leadership effectiveness.

Rankings and Recognition

Millsaps College and its Else School of Management have received substantial recognition at both the national and international levels. The Princeton Review ranked the MBA program at Millsaps third in the nation in the category of Best Professors and eighth in the nation in the category of Best Classroom Experience. These accolades speak to the quality of faculty and the engaging, interactive learning environment at Millsaps.

The Else School’s MBA program was also recognized as a Top 10 Rising Star for 2011 by FindYourMBA.com. This recognition placed Millsaps alongside globally renowned institutions such as IE Business School in Madrid, the Charlton College of Business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and Cass Business School in the United Kingdom. Being listed among such prestigious company reflects the Else School’s growing reputation as an innovative and impactful business school.

These rankings reinforce the distinctive qualities of Millsaps’s MBA program: exceptional faculty, personalized learning, and rigorous academics. They also affirm that Millsaps is not merely a regional institution but a nationally and internationally recognized player in business education.

Accreditation and Academic Standards

Millsaps College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation affirms the institution’s commitment to academic integrity, faculty excellence, student support, and governance.

The Else School of Management’s business programs carry the prestigious AACSB International accreditation. AACSB is widely regarded as the gold standard of business school accreditation. It ensures that programs meet the highest standards for quality, relevance, and continuous improvement. For students and alumni, AACSB accreditation means their degree is recognized worldwide and valued by employers and professional organizations.

Accreditation is not merely a static credential but an ongoing process. Millsaps and the Else School of Management undergo regular reviews and assessments to ensure that they continue to meet the evolving needs of students and the demands of the global business environment. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that graduates remain competitive and well-prepared for leadership roles.

Millsaps College in the Context of Higher Education

Within the broader landscape of American higher education, Millsaps College occupies a distinctive niche. It combines the intimacy and intellectual rigor of a liberal arts college with the professional opportunities of a business school. This dual focus reflects the college’s recognition that today’s leaders need both breadth and depth: the broad perspective of the liberal arts and the specialized expertise of professional education.

The college’s location in Jackson, Mississippi, further enriches its role. As the state capital and a hub of commerce, Jackson offers students access to internships, networking, and service opportunities that enhance classroom learning. The college maintains strong connections with local industries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, ensuring that its students engage with real-world challenges.

At the same time, Millsaps emphasizes global perspectives, encouraging students to think beyond regional or national boundaries. This dual emphasis on local engagement and global awareness prepares graduates to be effective leaders in a wide range of contexts.

The Value of a Millsaps MBA

The value of a Millsaps MBA lies in its distinctive combination of rigorous academics, exceptional faculty, personalized education, and ethical leadership. Graduates of the program leave with the analytical tools, strategic insight, and interpersonal skills necessary to excel in today’s competitive business environment.

Employers consistently seek leaders who can navigate complexity, adapt to change, and inspire teams. Millsaps graduates are uniquely prepared to meet these demands, not only because of their technical expertise but also because of the broader liberal arts foundation that fosters critical thinking and adaptability. The program’s emphasis on ethical leadership ensures that graduates are not only effective managers but also responsible leaders committed to integrity and service.

For executives pursuing the EMBA, the value extends beyond technical skills. The program offers a transformative experience that broadens horizons, deepens leadership capacity, and provides access to a powerful network of peers.

Future Opportunities and Challenges

Like all institutions of higher education, Millsaps faces challenges in a rapidly changing educational landscape. The rising costs of college, the growth of online programs, and the increasing demand for practical skills require ongoing innovation. However, Millsaps’s strengths position it well for continued success.

Expanding online and hybrid delivery options for the MBA and EMBA programs represents one opportunity to attract students beyond Mississippi and the Southeast. Strengthening partnerships with industries and global organizations can further enhance experiential learning opportunities. By leveraging its liberal arts tradition alongside the strengths of the Else School, Millsaps can continue to produce graduates who are both intellectually agile and professionally capable.

Conclusion

Millsaps College stands as a distinctive institution in American higher education, combining the traditions of a liberal arts college with the excellence of a nationally recognized business school. The Else School of Management, with its AACSB accreditation and its innovative MBA and Executive MBA programs, exemplifies the college’s commitment to preparing leaders who are not only competent professionals but also thoughtful, ethical decision-makers.

Recognition from the Princeton Review and FindYourMBA.com underscores the exceptional quality of the Millsaps MBA, particularly in the areas of faculty expertise and classroom experience. Accreditation by SACSCOC and AACSB further affirms the college’s adherence to the highest standards of academic excellence.

By blending rigorous academics, ethical leadership, and personalized education, Millsaps College and the Else School of Management equip students to lead with integrity in a complex world. Whether completing the MBA in 12 months, the 20-month track, or pursuing the Executive MBA, graduates emerge prepared to make meaningful contributions in their organizations and communities.

As it continues to build on its tradition of excellence, Millsaps College remains a beacon of liberal arts education and business leadership in Mississippi, the South, and beyond.