Wall Street Journal EMBA Ranking - Kellogg ranked Top

In 2008, the Wall Street Journal published its rankings of the top 25 Executive MBA (EMBA) programs globally, reflecting the growing importance of high-caliber business education for senior professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and strategic thinking.

At the top of the 2008 Wall Street Journal rankings was Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, which was ranked first for its EMBA program. Kellogg’s EMBA program has long been known for its innovative approach to executive education, combining rigorous academic coursework with hands-on, practical leadership training. The program is designed to develop the leadership skills necessary for high-level management positions while fostering a collaborative learning environment. One of the key strengths of the Kellogg EMBA program is its global perspective. With a focus on building international business acumen, Kellogg attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment. This international exposure is complemented by the program's emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, which allows students to draw on each other’s expertise and experiences in a way that mirrors real-world business situations.

In second place was the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, another U.S.-based powerhouse in business education. Wharton’s EMBA program is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. The program attracts a wide range of senior executives, many of whom are already in high-level positions, which allows for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences in the classroom. Wharton’s faculty is made up of world-renowned experts in various fields, which provides students with cutting-edge knowledge on everything from finance to marketing. The program also offers students the opportunity to engage in global learning experiences, making it an ideal choice for executives seeking to broaden their perspectives on international business. The Wharton alumni network is another major draw, providing graduates with access to a powerful and influential group of business leaders around the world.

The third position in the rankings went to Thunderbird School of Global Management, which is recognized for its strong emphasis on global business and leadership. Thunderbird, now part of Arizona State University, has long been a leader in preparing executives for international business roles. The school’s EMBA program is designed for professionals who want to develop a deep understanding of global markets and enhance their cross-cultural management skills. Thunderbird offers a unique global business experience, with students often traveling abroad as part of the curriculum to gain firsthand experience in international markets. The program’s focus on leadership development and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing global business environment make it an attractive option for senior professionals seeking to enhance their careers.

The University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business claimed the fourth spot in the rankings. Marshall’s EMBA program is renowned for its strong academic foundation and its ability to blend theory with practical application. The program attracts experienced professionals from a range of industries, including technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance. One of the distinctive features of Marshall’s EMBA program is its focus on fostering entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, making it a great option for executives who want to enhance their ability to drive business growth and transformation. The program also offers students opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, consulting projects, and global business immersions, allowing them to directly apply what they have learned to real-world situations.

In fifth place was the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, known for its strong emphasis on leadership and its rigorous academic curriculum. Kenan-Flagler’s EMBA program is designed to provide senior executives with the tools they need to lead complex organizations and navigate the challenges of the global marketplace. The program focuses on both leadership development and business acumen, with a curriculum that covers everything from strategic management to global economics. Kenan-Flagler’s close-knit community and collaborative learning environment are another key feature, as the program places a strong emphasis on teamwork and peer learning. The school also offers a variety of global immersion experiences, providing students with the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into international markets and cultures.

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business was ranked sixth in 2008. Ross has long been a leader in business education, and its EMBA program is no exception. The program is known for its emphasis on action-based learning, allowing students to work on real-world business projects and challenges during their studies. The Ross EMBA program focuses on developing strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex business environments. Ross students also have access to a vast network of alumni, many of whom hold senior leadership positions in major global companies, providing valuable career networking opportunities.

Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management secured the seventh spot in the Wall Street Journal rankings. Cornell’s EMBA program is designed for mid-career professionals looking to develop the strategic leadership skills required for high-level management roles. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum, which blends academic theory with practical applications, and its focus on developing leadership capabilities through hands-on learning experiences. The Johnson School places a strong emphasis on collaboration, offering students ample opportunities to work closely with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. The school’s extensive alumni network also provides graduates with valuable connections in a wide variety of industries.

Columbia University’s New York Program, ranked eighth, offers one of the most prestigious and flexible EMBA programs in the world. Columbia’s program is designed for experienced professionals who are looking to take their careers to the next level. The program’s rigorous curriculum focuses on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and financial management, and it includes opportunities for global learning experiences. Columbia’s location in New York City provides students with access to a vast array of business and networking opportunities, and the school’s reputation as one of the world’s top business schools further enhances the value of the EMBA program.

In ninth place was the University of Chicago, known for its analytical approach to business education. Chicago’s EMBA program is designed to provide senior executives with a strong foundation in business theory and practice, with a particular focus on economics, finance, and strategic management. The program’s curriculum is rooted in the Chicago School of Economics, known for its data-driven approach to decision-making. Chicago’s EMBA students are typically highly accomplished professionals with significant work experience, and the program encourages them to apply the skills they acquire in class to real-world business problems.

Finally, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, ranked tenth, offers an EMBA program known for its focus on leadership development, team collaboration, and global business perspectives. Fuqua’s program is highly collaborative, allowing students to work closely with peers from diverse professional backgrounds. The school’s focus on leadership is complemented by a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students to lead in today’s complex and rapidly changing global marketplace. Fuqua also offers a variety of global immersion opportunities, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in international markets and cultures.

World Top 25 Executive MBA Ranking by Wall Street Journal:

Rank, School, Country
1 Northwestern University (Kellogg) USA
2 University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) USA
3 Thunderbird School of Global Management USA
4 U of Southern California (Marshall) USA
5 U of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) USA
6 U of Michigan (Ross) USA
7 Cornell Uni (Johnson) USA
8 Columbia Uni (NY Program) USA
9 U of Chicago USA
10 Duke Univ (Fuqua) USA
11 Emory Univ (Goizueta) USA
12 U of California -- Berkeley (Haas) -- Columbia USA
13 Columbia -- London Business School (Global) UK
14 New York Univ (Stern) USA
15 Univ of Texas – Austin (McCombs) USA
16 Southern Methodist Univ (Cox) USA
17 Univ of California -- Los Angeles (Anderson) USA
18 ESADE Spain
19 Vanderbilt Uni (Owen) USA
20 Rutgers Uni USA
21 Ohio State Uni (Fisher) USA
22 Purdue Uni (Krannert) USA
23 IPADE Mexico
24 IESE Spain
25 U of Western Ontario (Richard Ivey) Canada

Source: Wall Street Journal 2008