Part-Time MBA Ranking - Hass ranked Top

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Graduate Schools rankings offered a detailed overview of the most competitive and well-regarded part-time MBA programs in the United States, reflecting the dynamic changes occurring in business education and the preferences of professionals seeking advanced degrees. Leading the rankings was the Haas School of Business at the University of California—Berkeley, which claimed the No. 1 spot for its part-time MBA program. Haas has solidified its position as one of the premier business schools in the United States, offering students a highly flexible, rigorous, and innovative MBA curriculum that focuses on leadership development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The program’s reputation is bolstered by its distinguished faculty, comprehensive industry connections, and emphasis on experiential learning, allowing students to gain practical insights while continuing to manage their professional commitments.

Close behind Haas at No. 2 is the Chicago Booth School of Business, a powerhouse in business education renowned for its emphasis on analytical rigor and evidence-based decision-making. Chicago Booth’s part-time MBA program has long been a favorite for professionals aiming to leverage strategic thinking and quantitative analysis in their careers. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their individual needs while gaining access to Booth’s robust academic resources and world-class faculty. This makes it an attractive option for students who value both the academic depth and career opportunities offered by one of the world’s most prestigious business schools.

Tying for the No. 3 spot are the Stern School of Business at New York University and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA). Both programs are well-established and well-regarded for their strong emphasis on experiential learning, leadership, and innovation. Stern’s location in New York City provides students with unparalleled access to one of the world's most dynamic business hubs, offering opportunities for networking, internships, and industry engagement. Similarly, UCLA’s Anderson School of Management is celebrated for its innovative curriculum and its ability to prepare students for leadership roles across a variety of industries. These programs’ proximity to financial centers, corporate headquarters, and dynamic business opportunities offers a distinct advantage to students enrolled in their part-time MBA programs.

One of the standout success stories in the 2018 U.S. News rankings is the Fox School of Business at Temple University, whose part-time MBA program surged nine spots to No. 7 in this year’s rankings. Over the past three years, Fox’s program has experienced a remarkable climb in the rankings, having moved up 46 spots since 2015. This upward trajectory reflects the school’s focus on academic excellence, career services, innovative curriculum design, and student outcomes. Additionally, the Fox School of Business has a strong reputation for combining traditional MBA learning with flexibility, making it an ideal choice for working professionals seeking a high-quality education without sacrificing their careers. Notably, Fox’s online MBA program also earned a No. 1 ranking earlier that same year, highlighting the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology and accessibility in its MBA offerings.

Another noteworthy addition to the rankings is Lehigh University, whose part-time MBA program secured the No. 20 spot in the 2018 U.S. News rankings. This marks the highest ranking in the program’s history, a significant achievement that underscores Lehigh’s commitment to providing students with a transformative MBA experience. Lehigh’s success in climbing to the No. 20 position is the result of its focus on blending rigorous academics with flexible scheduling and tailored career support services. This combination enables students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world business skills, making them highly competitive in the global job market.

Similarly, UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business demonstrated impressive progress in the 2018 rankings, jumping 17 spots from its 2017 position to land at No. 42. UNC Charlotte tied for this position with other top schools such as Purdue University, Boston University, and the University of California at Irvine. This substantial rise illustrates the strength of UNC Charlotte’s commitment to providing students with a part-time MBA program that focuses on quality, accessibility, and career progression. The Belk College of Business has become a strong contender in the MBA landscape by prioritizing affordability, innovation, and flexibility. The program offers students personalized career services, opportunities for networking, and access to diverse learning environments, which have all contributed to its growth and recognition.

The 2018 U.S. News rankings are based on three major categories: quality assessment, placement success, and student selectivity. Quality assessment takes into account the reputation of business schools as evaluated by business school deans and corporate recruiters. Placement success evaluates the ability of schools to place students into desirable positions post-graduation, including employment rates, average starting salaries, and signing bonuses. Finally, student selectivity assesses metrics such as GMAT scores, undergraduate GPAs, and acceptance rates. These factors combine to provide a comprehensive picture of a program’s strength, outcomes, and overall quality for prospective students. Schools like Haas, Chicago Booth, Stern, and Anderson score highly across these categories, reflecting their ability to meet the expectations of students and industry alike.

The rankings also highlight the growing importance of flexibility and adaptability in MBA programs. In today’s fast-moving corporate world, part-time MBA programs are becoming increasingly popular because they allow students to balance their studies with their professional commitments. Many working professionals are looking for programs that offer evening, weekend, and online learning options, and the schools in the 2018 rankings have responded to this demand by creating innovative, flexible learning environments. For instance, the Fox School of Business has prioritized online learning while maintaining access to in-person resources, enabling students to customize their learning experiences based on their schedules and personal preferences.

Part-time MBA programs are not just about flexibility but also about outcomes. The part-time MBA rankings reflect how these programs prepare students for higher-level roles and responsibilities in their careers. Many of these programs emphasize networking opportunities, internships, mentorship, and experiential learning, which allow students to strengthen their leadership abilities and improve their career prospects. Schools like Lehigh University, UNC Charlotte, and the Fox School of Business are examples of programs that prioritize both affordability and access to key career opportunities, ensuring their graduates are well-positioned to make their mark in the competitive job market.

The 2018 rankings also reveal a shift toward diversity and innovation in the part-time MBA landscape. Institutions are focusing on research, international experiences, and student diversity, providing a well-rounded education that equips students with the tools needed to succeed in diverse, globalized business environments. Schools like UNC Charlotte and Lehigh are leading this trend, ensuring that their MBA programs reflect both academic rigor and real-world business challenges.