Top Business Schools in Arizona

Arizona is home to several prestigious business schools that offer a range of high-quality programs designed to prepare students for leadership positions in business. These schools are known for their academic rigor, innovative teaching methods, and strong ties to the business community. The top business schools in Arizona include Northern Arizona University (NAU), University of Arizona (UA), Arizona State University (ASU), DeVry University (Keller Graduate School of Management), and Northcentral University (NCU). Each of these institutions offers unique programs that cater to a diverse student body, ranging from full-time undergraduates to professionals seeking advanced degrees. Below is an overview of some of the top business schools in Arizona and what they have to offer.

Northern Arizona University (The W.A. Franke College of Business)

The W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University is a well-regarded institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration. The college has earned a reputation for providing a strong foundation in business education, with a particular focus on marketing and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in the country by publications like The Princeton Review, which included it in their 2010 edition of "The Best 301 Business Schools."

The Franke College of Business has received recognition for its marketing programs and is one of only 15 graduate schools nationwide that students rated most highly for their marketing preparation, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. This ranking speaks to the strength of the college’s programs and the caliber of its faculty, who are experts in their respective fields. The school is also known for its emphasis on ethical leadership and hands-on learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world business scenarios through internships, case studies, and community projects.

University of Arizona (Eller College of Management)

The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona is another top business school in the state, known for its world-class research programs and strong academic reputation. The college has earned multiple accolades and rankings, which demonstrate its leadership in business education. For instance, in U.S. News & World Report's 2011 rankings, the Part-Time MBA Program was ranked 31st, placing it among the best in the country.

The Financial Times also recognized the Eller College for its doctoral programs, ranking them 21st in the U.S. and 31st globally. This is a testament to the college’s focus on high-level research and its contributions to the business field. The college’s MBA program is also highly regarded internationally. In 2010, Expansion Magazine ranked the Eller MBA at 53rd in its list of the Best Global MBAs for Mexicans, and in 2004, Hispanic Trends Magazine placed it in its annual list of "Top 25 MBA Programs for Hispanics," alongside elite schools such as Stanford and The Wharton School.

The Eller College of Management is particularly strong in entrepreneurship, having been recognized by WOMEN 3.0 magazine as one of the top 50 Executive MBA programs for its focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. The school offers several MBA tracks, including full-time, part-time, and Executive MBA options, all of which are designed to provide students with the business acumen and leadership skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive global economy.

Arizona State University (W. P. Carey School of Business)

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is one of the largest and most prominent business schools in the U.S., renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovative programs. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the W. P. Carey School among the top business schools in the country. In their 2009 rankings, the school was listed at No. 27 among graduate business schools in the U.S. The W. P. Carey School is also recognized globally for its research output, ranking among the top 25 business schools worldwide for research productivity, according to the University of Texas at Dallas.

The school’s Executive MBA program is also highly regarded, with the Financial Times ranking it among the top 50 Executive MBA programs globally. In addition, Bloomberg BusinessWeek recognized the W. P. Carey School for its “Return on Investment” (ROI), which compares annual tuition costs with the median salary of graduates upon completion of the program. This ranking highlights the value and affordability of the school’s MBA programs, which provide students with significant career advancement opportunities.

The W. P. Carey School offers a wide range of MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, and Executive MBA options. Its extensive global network, outstanding faculty, and innovative curriculum make it one of the most sought-after business schools in Arizona and beyond. Students benefit from the school’s strong ties to the business community, as well as its focus on preparing graduates for leadership roles in the fast-evolving business world.

DeVry University (Keller Graduate School of Management)

DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management offers a specialized MBA program with an emphasis on project management. The Master of Project Management (MPM) degree has received accreditation from the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center (GAC), the leading global association for project management professionals. This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards and prepares graduates for success in project management careers across various industries.

The Keller Graduate School of Management offers both on-campus and online MBA programs, providing flexibility for students who may have full-time work commitments. The school’s focus on practical learning and its emphasis on professional development help students build the skills necessary to manage complex projects and lead teams in a global business environment. Keller’s online MBA programs have been praised for their accessibility, quality of instruction, and value, making it an attractive option for working professionals seeking career advancement.

Northcentral University

Northcentral University (NCU) is a leader in online business education and was the first distance learning university to receive accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). NCU’s Online MBA programs have received recognition from GetEducated.com as a “2010 Best Buy” for their affordability and quality of instruction. The university’s MBA programs are designed to be flexible and are delivered entirely online, allowing students to study at their own pace while balancing their professional and personal commitments.

NCU offers a variety of MBA specializations, including leadership, project management, and information technology management. The university is known for its personalized approach to education, with faculty members who work closely with students to provide mentorship and guidance. Northcentral’s MBA programs are ideal for professionals who want to enhance their business skills while maintaining their work-life balance. The university’s reputation for providing high-quality online education, combined with its affordability and flexible scheduling options, makes it a strong choice for students seeking a convenient and accessible MBA program.

Conclusion

Arizona is home to a diverse range of business schools that offer top-tier education and opportunities for students to excel in their careers. Whether students are looking for a full-time MBA, part-time programs, or specialized graduate degrees, institutions like Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, DeVry University, and Northcentral University offer a variety of options to meet different educational needs. These schools provide robust programs, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections that help students build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced and competitive world of business. With a combination of online and on-campus learning options, Arizona’s business schools continue to attract students from across the country and around the world, providing them with the education and professional development needed to become successful business leaders.