World Top 25 EMBA Ranking - Kellogg ranked No. 1

In 2007, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University earned the distinction of being ranked first in the world for its Executive MBA (EMBA) program, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier institutions for executive education. This achievement, which placed Kellogg above other renowned business schools such as the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), was the result of a combination of factors that set Kellogg’s EMBA program apart from its competitors. The rankings, primarily based on surveys of graduates and assessments of the institutions’ academic offerings, faculty, and alumni success, reflected Kellogg's commitment to delivering an innovative, comprehensive, and highly relevant executive education that equipped professionals with the leadership skills, global perspectives, and practical knowledge needed to navigate the complex and dynamic business world.

The Kellogg School’s EMBA program stands out not only because of its academic rigor but also due to its unique approach to executive education. One of the key differentiators of the Kellogg EMBA program is its emphasis on collaborative learning. Students in the program come from diverse professional backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. This diverse environment fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, making the learning experience more dynamic and relevant to real-world business challenges. Kellogg places a strong focus on teamwork, leadership development, and strategic thinking. These components are critical for executives, who must constantly manage change, lead teams, and make high-stakes decisions in complex business environments.

Another important factor that contributed to the Kellogg School’s top ranking in 2007 was its global approach to business education. Kellogg has established partnerships with several prestigious business schools around the world, allowing it to offer students a truly international perspective on business. The school’s global network is an invaluable asset for students seeking to expand their horizons and understand the challenges of managing organizations in an increasingly interconnected world. This global focus is reinforced by the EMBA program’s curriculum, which includes a wide range of international case studies, cross-cultural business strategies, and the opportunity to participate in global immersions and exchange programs.

Moreover, Kellogg’s strong alumni network, which spans across various industries and geographical regions, plays a significant role in the ongoing success of its EMBA program. Graduates of the program not only benefit from the knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies but also from the opportunities provided by the extensive Kellogg alumni community. This network often proves invaluable as graduates continue to build their careers, navigate leadership challenges, and seek new opportunities in the global marketplace.

In addition to its academic excellence, the Kellogg School is known for its faculty, which consists of highly respected scholars and industry practitioners. The faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, bringing both theoretical knowledge and practical business experience to the classroom. This combination ensures that the curriculum is not only intellectually rigorous but also highly applicable to the challenges executives face in the real world. Faculty members are also actively involved in research and often bring cutting-edge insights to their teaching, helping students stay ahead of the curve in terms of the latest business trends and innovations.

Following closely behind Kellogg in the rankings were two other U.S.-based institutions: the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. Wharton’s EMBA program, renowned for its rigorous academic standards, leadership training, and global business curriculum, was ranked second in the world. Wharton’s program is also characterized by its ability to attract some of the brightest and most accomplished business leaders, many of whom are already executives with significant responsibilities in major corporations. Like Kellogg, Wharton emphasizes a collaborative approach to learning, fostering teamwork among students who are often senior managers and directors from various industries.

The University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, now known as the Chicago Booth School of Business, rounded out the top three in 2007. Chicago GSB’s EMBA program is known for its strong analytical focus, rigorous approach to business education, and the development of leadership skills grounded in data-driven decision-making. The program is designed to challenge students to think critically about complex business issues and to develop the skills necessary to lead organizations in highly competitive and volatile markets. Chicago’s faculty, which includes some of the world’s leading experts in economics, finance, and business strategy, ensures that the program remains at the forefront of business education.

While these top three U.S.-based institutions dominated the EMBA rankings in 2007, the landscape of global executive education is not limited to the United States. One noteworthy example of an international collaboration that has earned recognition on the global stage is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Executive MBA program, which is taught in conjunction with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In the 2006 Financial Times EMBA global rankings, this joint program was ranked third in the world, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality executive education in Asia and the program’s ability to attract top-tier professionals from across the globe.

The partnership between HKUST and Kellogg allows students to benefit from both institutions’ expertise and resources, providing a unique opportunity to experience a truly global business education. The program combines the academic rigor and leadership development focus of Kellogg with the deep knowledge of the Asian market provided by HKUST. Students enrolled in the program have the advantage of learning from two world-renowned business schools, gaining insights into the intricacies of global business operations, and participating in international exchange programs that allow them to develop a comprehensive understanding of both Western and Asian business practices.

The collaboration between Kellogg and HKUST is a testament to the growing globalization of business education and the increasing recognition of Asia as a key player in the global economy. It also reflects the need for business leaders to understand the complexities of different markets and how to navigate challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. By offering a joint EMBA program, Kellogg and HKUST provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a world where business is no longer confined to one region or market.

Overall, the rankings in 2007, with Kellogg, Wharton, and Chicago GSB occupying the top spots, underscore the increasing importance of executive education in shaping the future of business leadership. These institutions have established themselves as global leaders in EMBA programs, providing senior professionals with the tools they need to drive business success in an interconnected world. The recognition of the HKUST-Kellogg partnership as one of the top EMBA programs also highlights the global nature of executive education and the need for business schools to offer programs that prepare students for the challenges of leading organizations in a diverse and ever-evolving global market.

Rank, School, Country
1 Northwestern (Kellogg) USA
2 Wharton USA
3 Chicago GSB USA, UK, Singapore
4 University of Michigan (Ross) USA
5 Marshall (USC) USA
6 Columbia Business School USA
7 Goizueta (Emory University) USA
8 UCLA Anderson USA
9 Duke University (Fuqua-Global) USA
10 UNC (Kenan-Flagler) USA
11 Southern Methodist University (Cox) USA
12 McDonough (Georgetown) USA
13 Johnson (Cornell) USA
14 Ohio State (Fisher) USA
15 Instituto de Empresa Spain
16 IMD Switzerland
17 IESE Business School (Navarra) Spain
18 INSEAD France
19 Stern (NYU) USA
20 London Business School UK
21 ESADE (Barcelona) Spain
22 Thunderbird USA
23 Queen's School of Business (Ontario) Canada
24 Washington (Olin) USA
25 Villanova USA

Source: Business Week