World Top 35 Executive MBA Programs

The ranking of the top Executive MBA (EMBA) programs in the world, as published by BusinessWeek in 2002, remains an important reference for prospective students looking to pursue advanced business education.

The 2002 rankings highlight the dominance of U.S.-based schools in the field of executive education, particularly those located in major business hubs such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Here, we will explore the top 10 schools from this ranking, delving into what made them stand out in the eyes of both graduates and admissions directors at the time.

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University claimed the number one spot in BusinessWeek’s 2002 ranking of Executive MBA programs. Known for its collaborative culture and strong emphasis on teamwork and leadership, Kellogg had solidified its position as a leader in business education by offering a flexible EMBA program that catered to working professionals. The school's well-rounded curriculum, with a focus on both strategic decision-making and innovation, allowed students to deepen their business expertise while maintaining their careers. Furthermore, the school's extensive global network and prestigious faculty ensured that Kellogg graduates were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global business environment. The focus on building leadership and managerial capabilities through practical learning experiences made Kellogg's EMBA highly attractive to executives seeking a program that would enhance their leadership skills while providing an academically rigorous experience.

Ranking second in 2002 was the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Chicago Booth’s EMBA program stood out for its intellectual rigor and its emphasis on analytical thinking. As one of the leading business schools in the world, Chicago Booth offered a challenging environment for experienced professionals looking to sharpen their strategic and managerial skills. Booth’s curriculum was renowned for its quantitative focus, particularly in finance and economics, and the school’s use of data-driven decision-making models provided students with the tools necessary to tackle complex business problems. The flexibility of the program allowed students to customize their learning experience, and Chicago Booth’s global alumni network was another major draw for prospective EMBA candidates. The school’s focus on critical thinking and problem-solving made it an attractive option for those aiming to make high-level strategic decisions in their organizations.

In third place was The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which has long been regarded as one of the world’s top business schools. Wharton’s EMBA program offered a unique blend of academic rigor, global business exposure, and practical leadership training. Known for its comprehensive curriculum, Wharton’s EMBA program combined core courses in management, finance, and marketing with elective courses that allowed students to tailor their education to their career goals. One of the standout features of Wharton’s EMBA program was its extensive focus on global business, offering students numerous international study options and opportunities to work with peers from around the world. Wharton’s alumni network, which includes some of the most successful business leaders globally, was another compelling reason why professionals chose to pursue their EMBA at this prestigious institution. The school's exceptional reputation and its historical association with business success contributed to its continued prominence in the rankings.

The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University claimed the fourth spot in 2002. Fuqua’s Executive MBA program was known for its distinctive approach, which focused heavily on leadership development and the cultivation of a global perspective. The program offered flexibility to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, and its curriculum emphasized real-world applications of business theory. Fuqua’s commitment to experiential learning, leadership training, and teamwork made it a strong choice for senior executives looking to advance their careers while gaining a deeper understanding of the global business landscape. Fuqua’s innovative approach to executive education, combined with its strong connections to the business community, made the school a highly desirable destination for aspiring business leaders.

Ranking fifth was the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. Kenan-Flagler’s EMBA program offered students the opportunity to build a solid foundation in business fundamentals while developing leadership skills that could be applied immediately to real-world business challenges. The program’s emphasis on leadership and its practical approach to solving business problems set it apart from other EMBA offerings. Additionally, the program's focus on global business, sustainability, and corporate responsibility made it particularly attractive to executives seeking to lead in an increasingly interconnected and socially conscious world. Kenan-Flagler’s supportive learning environment, strong faculty, and solid alumni network further contributed to its high ranking.

The Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC) was ranked sixth in the 2002 BusinessWeek survey. USC Marshall’s EMBA program emphasized collaboration, innovation, and leadership development, all of which were crucial for executives who wanted to drive change within their organizations. The school’s faculty were experts in their respective fields, and students benefited from the cutting-edge research and insights they brought into the classroom. Marshall’s location in Los Angeles, a global business hub, offered students access to a wealth of opportunities in industries such as entertainment, technology, and international business. The school’s emphasis on hands-on learning, combined with its strong connections to business leaders and industries, made USC Marshall a standout option for those seeking to elevate their careers in the competitive business world.

New York University’s Stern School of Business, ranked seventh, continued to be one of the most prominent business schools globally. Stern’s Executive MBA program was known for its exceptional academic rigor and its strong focus on finance, international business, and leadership. Stern's location in New York City, the financial capital of the world, provided students with unparalleled opportunities to interact with industry leaders and executives across various sectors. The program offered flexible scheduling options that allowed students to continue working while pursuing their degree, and its global perspective prepared students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world. Stern’s reputation for academic excellence and its strong ties to the global business community made it a top choice for aspiring business leaders.

In eighth place was Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, which offered a world-class EMBA program that combined academic rigor with real-world application. Goizueta’s program was designed to challenge experienced professionals and equip them with the tools necessary to lead in complex business environments. The school’s curriculum focused on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and global business, and its flexible schedule allowed students to balance their education with their careers. Goizueta’s strong faculty, combined with its focus on practical, hands-on learning, made it a standout in the field of executive education.

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business claimed the ninth spot in the 2002 rankings. McDonough’s Executive MBA program offered a comprehensive curriculum that blended leadership development, strategy, and global business, preparing students to tackle the challenges of an increasingly globalized economy. Located in Washington, D.C., McDonough provided students with unique opportunities to engage with leaders in government, business, and international organizations, creating a distinct environment for learning and networking. The program’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with its strong focus on global business, made it a popular choice for executives seeking to broaden their business acumen.

Finally, the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), rounded out the top 10 in the 2002 rankings. UCLA Anderson's EMBA program was renowned for its strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program provided students with the tools they needed to drive organizational change while developing the skills necessary to succeed in global business. UCLA Anderson’s location in Los Angeles provided access to a dynamic business environment, and its alumni network, which spans a wide range of industries, offered students valuable connections and career opportunities.

Ranking of Top 35 Executive MBA Programs in the world:
(Based on survey of Graduates and Directors of Schools)
1- Northwestern,Kellogg;
2- Chicago;
3- Pennsylvania, Wharton;
4- Duke,Fuqua;
5- UNC,Kenan Flagler;
6- U Southern Calif, Marshall;
7- NYU,Stern;
8- Emory U;Goizueta;
9- Georgetown;
10- UCLA,Anderson;
11- Pepperdine;
12- Texas Austin;
13- IMD;
14- Purdue,Krannert;
15- Western Ontario;
16- Washington,Olin;
17- Vanderbilt,Owen;
18- Columbia;
19- Southern Methodist,Cox;
20- Georgia State;
21- Thunderbird;
22- Boston U;
23- London Bus School;
24- Queen's U;
25- Minnesota,Carlson;
26- Wake Forest;
27- Michigan State;
28- Tulane;
29- Case Western;
30- Arizona State;
31- Pittsburgh,Katz;
32- U of Calif Irvine;
33 Chinese U Hong Kong;
34- Rotterdam;
35- Illinois Urbana

Source: Business Week (USA) 2002