Top EMBA Programs by Financial Times

The 2006 Financial Times Executive MBA (EMBA) ranking represents one of the most prestigious global evaluations of business schools, offering detailed insights into the best EMBA programs available for experienced managers.

At the top of the 2006 rankings stands Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Wharton has long been recognized as one of the leading institutions for business education, and its Executive MBA program is no exception. Wharton’s EMBA program offers a rigorous curriculum and a unique approach that integrates leadership development with advanced business theory. The program is designed for seasoned professionals with significant managerial experience, allowing them to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights that can immediately be applied in their careers. A hallmark of the program is its strong focus on teamwork, offering students opportunities to work with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds. Wharton’s extensive alumni network and its close connections with global businesses also enhance the career prospects of its graduates, making it a top choice for those seeking to advance their careers at the highest levels.

Columbia Business School, in partnership with the London Business School, occupies second place in the 2006 ranking. This collaboration between two of the most prestigious business schools in the world has resulted in a highly respected EMBA program that offers students a global perspective on business. Columbia’s EMBA program is known for its academic rigor and the flexibility it offers working professionals, with a curriculum that focuses on leadership, strategy, and innovation. The global nature of the program is reinforced by the ability to study in both New York and London, providing students with a truly international learning experience. The program attracts highly accomplished individuals from a wide range of industries, all of whom bring their unique perspectives to the classroom. For students seeking to expand their global business knowledge and leadership skills, the Columbia/London Business School EMBA is an excellent choice.

The third place in the rankings is claimed by Kellogg School of Management in partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). This collaboration between a leading U.S. business school and a highly regarded Asian institution reflects the growing importance of Asia in the global economy. The program offers a distinctive international experience, providing students with a deep understanding of both Western and Eastern business practices. The curriculum emphasizes global leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation, making it an excellent option for professionals aiming to excel in international management roles. The Hong Kong-U.S. partnership also facilitates networking opportunities across two dynamic business regions, further enhancing the value of the program. Kellogg’s reputation for providing world-class business education, combined with the international exposure offered by the HKUST partnership, makes this EMBA program highly sought after.

Trium, a collaborative program between HEC Paris, the London School of Economics (LSE), and New York University’s Stern School of Business, ranks fourth in the 2006 Financial Times rankings. This unique tri-continent program is designed to provide students with a truly global perspective on business. Students in the Trium program have the opportunity to study in three of the most influential business hubs in the world—Paris, London, and New York. The program focuses on leadership, strategy, and global business, drawing on the strengths and reputations of the three prestigious institutions. Trium offers an innovative curriculum that blends academic theory with practical experience, and its international scope provides students with valuable insights into global markets and cross-cultural management. This program is ideal for senior professionals seeking a transformative learning experience and the opportunity to build a global network.

In fifth place is Instituto de Empresa (IE Business School) in Spain. IE Business School has a reputation for offering flexible and dynamic executive education programs. Its EMBA program is known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Students at IE Business School are exposed to a diverse cohort of professionals, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and idea exchange. The program's strong focus on innovation and leadership prepares students to take on senior management roles in organizations that are navigating an increasingly complex and globalized business environment. The school’s international outlook and the flexibility it offers students make it a compelling choice for those looking to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills.

Ranked sixth in the 2006 Financial Times EMBA rankings is the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Chicago Booth’s EMBA program is known for its focus on analytical rigor, data-driven decision-making, and deep theoretical foundations. The program provides an environment where experienced professionals can enhance their leadership capabilities, hone their strategic thinking, and gain a greater understanding of global business dynamics. The Chicago Booth approach is grounded in its strong tradition of economic and quantitative analysis, making it an excellent option for students seeking a rigorous academic environment combined with practical business insights. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and prestigious reputation enhance its value, making it a top choice for executives looking to advance their careers.

In seventh place is the London Business School (LBS), one of Europe’s leading business schools. LBS offers an EMBA program that emphasizes leadership development, global business strategy, and entrepreneurship. The school’s international student body provides a rich and diverse learning environment, allowing students to gain insights from peers with experiences across different industries and regions. LBS is known for its high-caliber faculty and strong ties to the business world, providing students with access to leading experts and a vast network of alumni in top organizations worldwide. The global nature of the school’s EMBA program, combined with its location in one of the world’s most dynamic financial capitals, makes it an ideal choice for executives seeking a world-class business education.

Washington University’s Olin Business School ranks eighth in the 2006 Financial Times rankings. The Olin EMBA program is known for its focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program is designed for senior professionals who want to develop their leadership capabilities while continuing to advance their careers. Washington University offers a highly personalized learning experience, allowing students to engage deeply with faculty, peers, and business leaders. The program’s flexible format enables students to balance work, study, and personal commitments, while the school’s reputation for academic excellence and leadership development makes it a top choice for executives seeking to further their education.

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is ranked ninth, with its EMBA program offering a strong emphasis on leadership development, global perspectives, and collaborative learning. Fuqua’s program is designed for mid-career professionals who want to advance their leadership skills and strategic thinking. The program offers a unique combination of academic rigor and real-world applications, with a focus on team-based learning and experiential education. The international exposure provided by Fuqua’s global residencies further enhances the program’s value, making it an excellent option for professionals seeking to expand their global business knowledge.

In tenth place is the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, which offers an EMBA program that blends academic excellence with practical, hands-on experience. The Kellogg EMBA program focuses on developing global leaders who can navigate the complexities of today’s rapidly changing business environment. With its strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and innovation, Kellogg’s program offers students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed at the highest levels of management.

 

Ranking of Top 85 Executive MBA (EMBA) programs (i.e. part time and modular programs for experienced managers in employment):
(Based on 16 criteria, including salary and career progress, international exposure and work experience of students)

1- Penn,Wharton;

2- Columbia/London B School;
3- Kellogg/Hong Kong UST;
4- Trium:HEC Paris/LSE/New York,Stern;
5- Instituto Empresa;
6- Chicago;
7- London B School;
8- Washington U,Olin;
9- Duke,Fuqua;
10- Northwestern,Kellogg;
11- Columbia;
12- Purdue/TIAS/CEU/GISMA;
13- Kellogg/WHU Otto Beisheim;
14- Warwick;
=15- Chinese U of Hong Kong;
=15- City,Cass;
17- CEIBS;
18- New York,Stern;
=19- Cornell,Johnson;
=19- IMD;
=21- IESE;
=21- Imperial,Tanaka;
23- Aus Grad School;
=24- U Calif Irvine;
=24- Western Ontario,Ivey;
26- Toronto,Rotman;
27- Emory,Goizueta;
28- Rotterdam Erasmus;
29- Nat U of Singapore;
30- Texas at Austin,McCombs;
31- ESSEC/Mannheim;
=32- Bath;
=32- S Calif,Marshall;
=32- UCLA,Anderson;
=35- SMU,Cox;
=35- Pittsburgh,Katz;
37- ESCP=EAP;
38- Stockholm Sch of Econ;
39- Bradford/Nimbas;
=40- Cranfield;
=40 Temple,Fox;
42- Henley;
=43- Arizona State,Carey;
=43- Notre Dame,Mendoza;
45- Wisconsion-Madison;
=46- Alberta/Calgary,Haskayne;
=46- Minnesota,Carlson;
=48- U Coll Dublin,Smurfit;
=48- Texas at Dallas;
=50- North Carolina,Kenan-Flagler;
=50- Tennessee at Knoxville;
=52- FIA Brazil;
=52- Strathclyde;
=54- Ashridge;
=54- Michigan State,Broad;
=54- Rice,Jones;
57- Case Western,Weatherhead;
=58- Georgia State,Robinson;
=58- Villanova;
=60- Boston U;
=60- Vlerick/Leuven/Gent;
62- Copenhagen;
63- Texas A and M,Mays;
=64- Iowa.Tippie;
=64- Vanderbilt,Owen;
66- St Gallen;
67- Rochester,Simon;
68- Concordia,Molson;
=69- Edinburgh;
=69- Utah,Eccles;
71- Ohio State,Fisher;
72- Tulane,Freeman;
73- Queen's;
=74- EM Lyon;
=74- Durham;
=76- Houston.Bauer;
=76- Wake Forest,Babcock;
78- Florida Intl,Chapman;
79- U of Florida,Warrington;
80- Helsinki Sch of Econ;
=82- Athabaska;
=82- Baylor,Hankamer;
=82- Northeastern;
85- Brigham Young,Marriott

Source: Financial Times 2006