St. Petersburg State University Graduate School of Management

The Graduate School of Management (GSOM) of St. Petersburg State University stands as one of Russia’s leading business schools, firmly positioned as a prominent institution in Eastern Europe. Over the years, GSOM has earned its reputation by offering a diverse array of academic programs, ranging from Bachelor's degrees to Doctoral programs, and continuing to contribute significantly to the field of business education in Russia and beyond. The school’s pioneering efforts and significant role in shaping business education have established it as a respected institution, both nationally and internationally.

Since its establishment, GSOM has played a pivotal role in the development of higher education in Russia, particularly in the field of management and business studies. One of the hallmarks of the Graduate School of Management is its focus on internationalization, which is evident in its robust partnerships with global universities and its membership in leading international business organizations. GSOM’s academic offerings span Executive Education, Bachelor's degrees with concentrations in Finance Management, International Management, and Marketing, as well as Master's programs, Executive MBA programs, and Doctoral programs. Each of these programs is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles, coupled with a global perspective that prepares them to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

GSOM’s commitment to global standards of excellence is reflected in the accolades and rankings it has received over the years. In 2009, the school was ranked as the best business school in Russia and one of the top three business schools in Eastern Europe by EDUNIVERSAL. This ranking is a clear indication of GSOM’s strong academic performance and its ability to provide students with a world-class business education. The EDUNIVERSAL ranking is highly regarded in the academic community and is a reflection of the school’s impact on the region. Being recognized as a leader in Eastern Europe positions GSOM as a key player in the broader landscape of business education, not just within Russia, but in the context of the post-Soviet space and beyond.

Further affirming its global standing, GSOM is an institutional member of several prestigious international organizations. Among the most notable of these is AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which it became a part of in 2004. AACSB is one of the most respected accrediting bodies in business education, and membership in this organization is a mark of the quality and credibility of an institution’s business programs. The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), which GSOM joined in 2006, is another influential body that strengthens the school’s connection with the global business community. Furthermore, the school’s membership in the European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS) and the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) demonstrates GSOM’s commitment to promoting ethical business practices and sustainability in management education.

The school’s strong international orientation is also evident in its academic collaborations with institutions worldwide. For example, GSOM was the first business school in Russia to launch a dual-degree Master of International Technology and Innovation Management program in collaboration with the University of Lappeenranta (Finland) in 2007. This partnership was a groundbreaking initiative, demonstrating GSOM’s commitment to providing students with an education that is not only academically rigorous but also highly relevant in the context of global business trends. Dual-degree programs, such as the one offered in partnership with Lappeenranta, enable students to gain deeper insights into international business practices while earning degrees from two highly regarded institutions.

Another hallmark of GSOM’s leadership in Russian business education is its governance structure, which has been a model of innovation in the country. In 1993, GSOM became the first business school in Russia to establish an International Advisory Board as part of its governing structure. This move was a significant step towards ensuring that the school’s academic offerings and institutional policies would be guided by international best practices and expert advice. The creation of the International Advisory Board has helped GSOM maintain its commitment to quality education and global standards, while also fostering relationships with leading business and academic figures from around the world.

The school’s recognition extends beyond rankings and memberships; GSOM has also been at the forefront of Russia’s education reforms, particularly in the realm of higher education management. In 2005, the Graduate School of Management became a part of Russia’s National Priority Projects (NPP) in Education. This initiative aimed to modernize Russia’s higher education system by improving the quality of teaching and aligning academic programs with the needs of the labor market. Being included in the National Priority Projects highlights GSOM’s role as a leader in the modernization of Russian higher education and its continued relevance to the development of the country’s economy.

In terms of rankings, GSOM’s reputation as a top-tier business school is further demonstrated by its consistent position in key global rankings. In Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings 2009, St. Petersburg State University, of which GSOM is a part, was ranked 168th globally. This ranking places the university among the top universities in the world, further reinforcing the credibility of GSOM’s academic programs. In addition, the university was ranked 65th globally for Natural Sciences, which highlights the strength of its broader academic portfolio, including disciplines like economics and technology. These rankings reflect the overall quality of education at St. Petersburg State University, and by extension, the strong academic foundation of the Graduate School of Management.

One of the defining characteristics of GSOM is its strong emphasis on practical learning and its ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the global business environment. The school has worked tirelessly to ensure that its curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with the needs of the corporate world. This focus on practical, real-world education is reflected in its range of programs, including Executive Education and Executive MBA programs. These programs are designed for professionals who seek to advance their careers and take on leadership roles within their organizations. By offering executive education opportunities, GSOM provides senior managers and executives with the skills, knowledge, and strategic insights they need to navigate complex business environments and lead their companies toward success.

Moreover, GSOM’s emphasis on international management and global business trends ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to work in multinational organizations and contribute to the global economy. The school’s Master’s Degree programs, particularly in International Management and Marketing, have been tailored to meet the needs of students who aspire to lead in global markets. The Bachelor’s degree programs offered by the school, including concentrations in Finance Management and International Management, further emphasize the importance of a comprehensive understanding of global business principles. Through these diverse programs, GSOM nurtures the next generation of leaders who are capable of operating in complex, international business environments.

The Graduate School of Management of St. Petersburg State University is an institution that has consistently demonstrated excellence in business education, both within Russia and globally. Its strong academic programs, international partnerships, and innovative governance structure make it one of the leading business schools in Eastern Europe. Furthermore, GSOM’s ongoing commitment to fostering a global perspective, ensuring academic rigor, and developing future leaders who are capable of navigating the complexities of the global economy underscores its continued relevance and impact. The school’s strong rankings, prestigious memberships, and groundbreaking initiatives in international business education reflect its position as a key player in shaping the future of business education, both in Russia and on the global stage.