Top 30 Part Time MBA - USA

The landscape of part-time MBA programs in the United States is characterized by a blend of prestigious institutions offering flexible, high-quality education to working professionals. These programs cater to individuals who want to further their education and career without sacrificing their current employment. Among the top-ranked part-time MBA programs in the country, UCLA's Anderson School of Management stands out as the best according to Business Week’s 2008 rankings. This is a testament to the school’s rigorous academic standards, strong industry ties, and its ability to accommodate professionals with busy schedules who want to pursue a world-class business education.

UCLA Anderson’s part-time MBA program has long been a leader in business education. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends, which is ideal for working professionals. UCLA Anderson’s MBA curriculum is built around leadership development, strategic thinking, and a global perspective—three crucial elements that are important for professionals looking to advance their careers in an increasingly interconnected and competitive business world. In addition to the academic benefits, students at Anderson also gain access to a robust alumni network and significant exposure to the thriving business environment in Los Angeles. This is an invaluable resource for students seeking career advancement, as the city is home to major industries such as entertainment, technology, and finance, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and industry insights.

Following closely behind UCLA, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School ranks second for its part-time MBA program. Emory’s program is well-known for its academic rigor and its emphasis on developing strong ethical leadership and decision-making abilities. The Goizueta Business School offers a flexible MBA format, with evening classes that allow students to balance their work responsibilities with their studies. Students can complete the program in two to three years, depending on their preferred pace, making it a highly adaptable option for professionals with various career timelines.

Emory’s location in Atlanta, one of the largest business hubs in the Southeastern United States, gives students access to a wide range of networking opportunities and exposure to major corporations in industries such as finance, healthcare, and consulting. The program at Goizueta is highly regarded for its challenging coursework and strong post-graduation employment rates. Graduates of the part-time MBA program often go on to secure leadership positions in top organizations, thanks to the school’s solid reputation in the business community and the high quality of education it offers. Additionally, Emory’s diverse student body and focus on global business give students a broader perspective that is vital for navigating the challenges of modern business environments.

In third place is USC Marshall School of Business, another prestigious institution offering a top-tier part-time MBA program. The USC Marshall part-time MBA program is designed to accommodate the needs of busy professionals who want to pursue advanced business education while continuing their careers. The curriculum at USC is focused on developing leadership skills, innovative thinking, and strategic decision-making, with an emphasis on global business. The program is unique in that it provides students with a number of specialized electives and the opportunity to participate in international study programs, which enrich the educational experience and help students develop a broader understanding of global markets.

Students at USC Marshall benefit from the school’s close ties to the business community in Southern California, particularly in industries such as entertainment, technology, real estate, and healthcare. The USC alumni network is expansive and influential, providing students with ample networking opportunities and career advancement possibilities. The school’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership prepares its graduates to succeed in an ever-changing business landscape, and many students go on to work for Fortune 500 companies or start their own businesses.

While UCLA, Emory, and USC dominate the top three rankings, other universities also offer strong part-time MBA programs that cater to working professionals. Ranked fourth is Loyola Marymount University, which provides a flexible part-time MBA program tailored to professionals who want to develop advanced business skills while continuing to work. The program focuses on ethical leadership and social responsibility, and students are given the opportunity to apply their learning to real-world scenarios through case studies and projects. Loyola Marymount’s location in Los Angeles gives students access to a dynamic business environment and ample networking opportunities, which are important for career growth.

Lehigh University, ranked fifth, offers a part-time MBA program that is known for combining academic rigor with a personalized approach to student development. The program is designed for professionals who want to enhance their leadership capabilities and strategic thinking while balancing their career and education. Lehigh’s faculty members are highly regarded for their expertise in various areas of business, and the university provides students with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

The University of Denver, ranked sixth, also offers a strong part-time MBA program that caters to professionals looking to advance their careers. The program at Denver emphasizes global business and leadership, with courses that cover topics such as international business strategy, cross-cultural management, and business ethics. The university has strong connections to the Denver business community, which allows students to build their networks and gain real-world experience during their studies.

Ranked seventh is the University of Chicago, one of the most renowned institutions in the world for business education. The University of Chicago’s part-time MBA program offers students the opportunity to study at one of the top business schools while continuing their careers. The program focuses on analytical thinking, strategic management, and global business practices, and students have access to some of the brightest minds in the field of business education. The University of Chicago’s strong reputation ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in a wide range of industries.

Other notable institutions in the top 10 include Loyola University Chicago, which offers a flexible and innovative part-time MBA program, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is known for its focus on technology and innovation in business education. Drexel University (LeBow), ranked 10th, also offers a part-time MBA program with an emphasis on experiential learning and real-world business challenges.

Overall, the part-time MBA programs offered by these top universities provide working professionals with the opportunity to earn an MBA while maintaining their career trajectory. These programs are designed to be flexible and accommodating, allowing students to balance their professional and personal responsibilities while pursuing a high-quality business education. Whether it’s UCLA Anderson’s renowned program, Emory University’s leadership-focused approach, or USC Marshall’s innovative curriculum, these schools are shaping the future of business education and preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The flexibility, networking opportunities, and rigorous academics offered by these part-time MBA programs make them highly attractive options for professionals looking to advance their careers and take on leadership roles in the business world.

USA Top 30 Part Time MBA Programs (2008):
1 UCLA (Anderson)
2 Emory University
3 USC (Marshall)
4 Loyola Marymount University
5 Lehigh University
6 University of Denver
7 University of Chicago
8 Loyola University - Chicago
9 Worcester Polytechnic Institute
10 Drexel University (LeBow)
11 Villanova University
12 Elon University (Love)
13 Southern Methodist University (Cox)
14 Richmond (Robins)
15 Boston Univ
16 Univ of Washington (Foster)
17 Univ of Nevada, Reno
18 Indiana Univ - Southeast
19 Georgia State (Robinson)
20 Washington (Olin)
21 Ohio State Univ (Fisher)
22 Wake Forest (Babcock)
23 Rollins College (Crummer)
24 Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
25 New York Univ (Stern)
26 Univ of Texas at San Antonio
27 Houston (Bauer)
28 Boston College (Carroll)
29 U. Mass. - Amherst (Isenberg)
30 Texas-Austin (McCombs)
Source: Business Week