US News Part-Time MBA Ranking (Top 10 List)

In the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools, a variety of American universities and their respective business schools were recognized for their part-time MBA programs. These rankings are considered a benchmark for assessing the quality and prestige of graduate business education in the United States. Among the institutions ranked were the University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business, Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Business, and American University’s Kogod School of Business, each of which demonstrated solid performance in offering accessible, flexible, and high-quality education to working professionals.

The part-time MBA program at the University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business, which was ranked 138th in the nation in 2012, was recognized as one of the top 295 part-time MBA programs in the country. While this ranking places the program at the lower end of the national list, it is an important achievement for the university, particularly in the context of its growth and the increasing competition in graduate business education. The program is designed to cater to professionals who seek to balance their careers with their academic pursuits, offering flexible schedules that accommodate the demanding lives of students who work full-time while attending school. The Sykes College of Business emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to learning, with a focus on real-world business challenges and the development of leadership skills. The ranking of 138th places the University of Tampa’s program among many others in a competitive field, but it demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing quality education that meets the needs of adult learners.

In addition to the University of Tampa, Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration also received recognition in the 2012 U.S. News rankings, with its part-time MBA program placed 93rd in the nation. Gonzaga’s program has been a consistent performer in the rankings, holding a position within the top 100 part-time MBA programs in the country for the past two years. This achievement is noteworthy not only because it speaks to the strength of the program but also because Gonzaga is the only program in Eastern Washington to be ranked in this category. Gonzaga’s MBA program is designed for individuals who aspire to enhance their leadership abilities while continuing to work full-time. The program places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and decision-making, which aligns with Gonzaga’s mission to prepare students for leadership roles with a sense of social responsibility. Gonzaga’s reputation for quality education, small class sizes, and personalized attention from faculty have all contributed to its rise in rankings. The school’s location in Spokane, Washington, provides a unique opportunity for regional students who want to advance their careers without relocating to a major metropolitan area.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Business earned recognition for its part-time MBA program, which has been consistently ranked among the nation’s best. The program was one of only four in Michigan to earn this distinction in both the 2011 and 2012 U.S. News rankings. The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s MBA program benefits from the prestige associated with the University of Michigan system, which is widely recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States. Michigan-Dearborn offers a program that combines the flexibility necessary for working professionals with the academic rigor and resources typical of a major public university. The school prides itself on preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global economy. Michigan-Dearborn's MBA program is designed to equip students with the technical skills, strategic thinking, and managerial insights necessary to succeed in a variety of industries. With a strong focus on practical experience and a diverse student body, the program provides students with an opportunity to build lasting networks and enhance their professional skills while maintaining a work-life balance.

The Kogod School of Business at American University also made an impressive showing in the 2012 rankings, with its part-time MBA program placed 82nd in the nation. Kogod’s program is known for offering a flexible learning environment that accommodates working professionals with diverse career backgrounds. One of the distinctive features of Kogod’s program is its ability to integrate international experiences and career development opportunities into the part-time schedule. The program offers students the chance to participate in study abroad programs, which broaden their global perspective and expose them to business practices in different countries. In addition, Kogod’s part-time MBA program is known for its strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and career development resources. Students are encouraged to take part in activities like leadership workshops, networking events, and business case competitions that help them build valuable skills and connect with employers.

The part-time MBA programs at these universities are designed to meet the needs of working professionals who wish to further their education while balancing their career and personal commitments. One of the defining characteristics of a part-time MBA program is its flexibility, as students can often choose the pace at which they complete their degree. At the University of Tampa, for instance, students can expect a program that allows them to manage their academic schedules without sacrificing their professional responsibilities. Similarly, programs like those at Gonzaga and the University of Michigan-Dearborn offer opportunities for students to take classes in the evening or on weekends, making it possible for them to remain fully employed while earning their MBA.

These programs, while perhaps not as renowned as the top-tier full-time MBA programs, offer significant advantages to those looking to advance their careers without the financial burden or time commitment associated with full-time study. In fact, many part-time MBA programs have been developed with working professionals in mind, and as a result, they offer real-world case studies and practical applications that are directly relevant to students' current roles in the workplace. In addition, the networking opportunities available through part-time MBA programs are an invaluable resource for career advancement, allowing students to build connections with classmates, faculty, and business leaders in their respective industries.

Overall, the part-time MBA programs at universities like the University of Tampa, Gonzaga, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and American University are evidence of the growing demand for flexible, high-quality business education. These programs not only allow students to earn an MBA while continuing to work but also provide them with the tools and networks needed to succeed in today’s competitive business world. Although they may not be ranked among the top programs in the world, their inclusion in the U.S. News rankings confirms that they are respected institutions of learning that offer valuable opportunities for professional growth.

Part-Time MBA Ranking 2012 (Top 10 list):
1 Northwestern University (Kellogg)
1 University of Chicago (Booth)
3 University of California--Berkeley (Haas)
4 New York University (Stern)
4 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross)
6 University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson)
7 Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
7 University of Texas--Austin (McCombs)
9 University of Southern California (Marshall)
10 Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)
Source: US News