Meredith College MBA Program

Chartered in 1891, Meredith College stands as one of the largest private women’s colleges in the United States, though it welcomes both women and men into its graduate programs, including its acclaimed Master of Business Administration (MBA). Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Meredith College offers a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment with a strong liberal arts tradition. Over the years, the institution has built a reputation for academic excellence, personalized education, and empowering leadership development. These core values extend seamlessly into its MBA program, which is designed for professionals seeking a flexible, high-quality graduate business education.

Nestled in the capital city of North Carolina, Meredith benefits from proximity to a thriving business community and a diverse economy. Raleigh is part of the renowned Research Triangle, a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. This location offers MBA students not only an outstanding academic environment but also access to valuable networking opportunities, internships, and career advancement prospects in one of the country’s most dynamic metropolitan regions.

Flexible MBA Options for Diverse Professional Needs

Meredith College understands that today’s MBA students are often juggling careers, families, and community responsibilities. To accommodate the diverse needs of working professionals, the college offers a part-time, evening MBA program. This format allows students to maintain their daytime employment while advancing their education in the evenings, offering a practical and attainable path to professional growth.

The part-time MBA is carefully structured to provide maximum flexibility without compromising academic rigor. Students who hold undergraduate degrees in business or closely related fields can typically complete the program in just five to six semesters, or roughly two years. This allows for steady academic progression while still maintaining full-time employment and other responsibilities.

For students who are ready to commit to full-time study and want to earn their MBA on an accelerated timeline, Meredith also offers an Accelerated MBA option. This program is ideal for individuals who want to immerse themselves in a rigorous business curriculum and complete their degree in as little as one year. Specifically designed for students with undergraduate degrees in business or accounting, the Accelerated MBA covers all the essential components of a traditional MBA program while offering an intensive, focused academic experience. This path is ideal for recent graduates or professionals looking to pivot or accelerate their careers quickly and effectively.

The flexibility and variety of Meredith’s MBA offerings demonstrate the college’s deep understanding of the different life stages and career goals that its students bring with them. Whether someone is seeking to balance work and study over time or aiming for a swift transition into a new leadership role, Meredith has structured its programs to meet those needs.

Academic Excellence and Prestigious Accreditation

Meredith College’s MBA program is backed by rigorous academic standards and a commitment to continuous improvement. The program is accredited by two respected bodies: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This dual accreditation places Meredith among a select group of business schools worldwide recognized for academic excellence and effective teaching.

AACSB accreditation is particularly noteworthy. Fewer than 6% of business schools globally achieve this distinction, which is awarded only to programs that meet the highest standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, learning outcomes, and student success. Accreditation by AACSB means that Meredith’s MBA program is not only well-regarded regionally but also competitive on a national and international scale.

Accreditation also ensures that the program is continually evaluated and updated to reflect the evolving needs of the business world. From data analytics and ethical leadership to strategic management and global economics, Meredith’s MBA curriculum prepares students for real-world challenges. It integrates theory with practice, ensuring graduates are not only academically capable but also practically equipped to lead in complex, rapidly changing environments.

Recognition and Rankings: A Mark of Distinction

Meredith College has consistently received national recognition for its commitment to academic quality, affordability, and student satisfaction. In 2013, U.S. News & World Report ranked Meredith College third among the best regional colleges in the South, a strong testament to its academic strength and reputation. Additionally, Meredith was ranked ninth in the South in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category, affirming its value proposition for students seeking high-quality education at a reasonable cost.

Beyond the rankings of U.S. News, the college has been repeatedly recognized by The Princeton Review, which named Meredith as one of the best colleges in the Southeast. This honor places Meredith among a select group of institutions recognized for excellent academics, engaged faculty, and strong student support services. The Princeton Review’s selections are based heavily on student surveys and feedback, which speaks volumes about the positive experiences students have at Meredith.

In January 2011, U.S. News & World Report also recognized Meredith as one of the 20 most popular liberal arts colleges in the country—a unique accolade that reflects the college’s appeal and student retention. In the same vein, StudentAdvisor.com named Meredith as one of “4 Great Colleges in the Southeast,” further highlighting the institution's regional and national visibility.

Moreover, students at Meredith College report high levels of satisfaction with their academic experience. In the 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Meredith students gave the college high marks across a wide range of areas, including student-faculty interaction, academic challenge, and enriching educational experiences. These strong reviews are especially relevant to MBA candidates, who benefit from personalized attention, mentorship, and access to faculty who are committed to student development and success.

Leadership Development Through Service and Civic Engagement

While academic excellence and professional development are foundational to the Meredith MBA, the college’s commitment to community engagement is equally important. Meredith College has been recognized on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll—the highest federal honor a college or university can receive for community service and civic engagement. This recognition underscores the college’s dedication to fostering a culture of service, leadership, and social responsibility.

Students in the MBA program are encouraged to take an active role in their communities, both during their studies and after graduation. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, responsible decision-making, and the importance of giving back. These values are integrated into the curriculum through case studies, service-learning opportunities, and real-world business projects that address societal challenges.

This approach to business education ensures that graduates leave Meredith not only with technical and strategic skills but also with a deeper understanding of their role in creating positive change. It’s a holistic model of education that prepares leaders who are not only capable of driving profits but also committed to advancing the well-being of their communities and stakeholders.

A Personalized Educational Experience

One of the most defining characteristics of the Meredith MBA program is its personalized approach to education. In contrast to large, impersonal graduate programs, Meredith offers a learning environment that emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and meaningful faculty-student relationships. Professors know their students by name and take an active interest in their progress, career goals, and personal development.

Faculty in the Meredith MBA program bring a blend of academic credentials and practical experience to the classroom. Many have worked in industry, consulted with businesses, or conducted research in applied business topics. Their diverse backgrounds enrich classroom discussions and provide students with insights that go beyond textbook knowledge. Importantly, they are approachable and committed to teaching, advising, and mentoring—a hallmark of the Meredith experience.

Students also benefit from peer collaboration and a supportive cohort model. In the part-time evening program, many classmates are professionals from the local business community, creating opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration. These peer relationships often extend beyond the classroom, contributing to a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Career Advancement and Lifelong Support

The ultimate goal of the MBA program is to prepare students for advancement in their careers—whether that means moving into leadership roles, changing industries, launching a new business, or pursuing further specialization. Meredith College supports its MBA students with a range of career services, including resume workshops, interview coaching, job search assistance, and access to local and regional employer networks.

The college’s location in Raleigh, with its diverse economy and growing number of startups and established firms, provides fertile ground for career opportunities. From finance and healthcare to technology, education, and government, MBA students are well-positioned to access jobs in high-demand sectors.

Moreover, the Meredith MBA isn’t just a two-year commitment—it’s an investment in a lifelong professional journey. Alumni of the program have access to career support long after graduation, and they are part of a growing network of professionals who remain connected to the college and to one another. This network can be a powerful resource for job opportunities, mentorship, and professional development.

Preparing Ethical, Strategic, and Confident Leaders

At its core, the Meredith MBA is about much more than acquiring knowledge—it’s about shaping future leaders who are equipped to navigate complexity with integrity, clarity, and purpose. The program focuses on developing strategic thinking, analytical ability, communication skills, and ethical reasoning. Students learn to think critically about global markets, organizational behavior, financial decision-making, and more.

Courses are designed to encourage reflective leadership, where students not only consider what decisions to make but why those decisions matter. Through rigorous coursework and practical applications, students build the confidence to lead teams, influence organizations, and create meaningful change.

In today’s business environment—where issues like globalization, sustainability, digital transformation, and social equity are top of mind—Meredith’s MBA graduates are prepared to address these challenges with both competence and conscience. They are taught to lead not just from the top, but from within, bringing empathy, creativity, and resilience to the complex roles they take on.

Conclusion: A Premier MBA for Purpose-Driven Professionals

Meredith College’s MBA program stands as a powerful choice for professionals who want more than just a credential—they want a transformative educational experience that aligns with their values, ambitions, and life goals. With flexible part-time and accelerated full-time options, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and a commitment to academic rigor and community engagement, the program offers a comprehensive pathway to leadership in today’s dynamic business world.

Supported by prestigious accreditations and bolstered by national recognition, the Meredith MBA is an investment in both personal growth and professional success. Whether students are seeking to climb the corporate ladder, launch their own venture, or simply deepen their understanding of business, they will find in Meredith College a partner committed to their development, both inside the classroom and beyond.

For professionals looking to lead with intelligence, integrity, and purpose, the Meredith College MBA is not just an opportunity—it is a catalyst for a more impactful and meaningful future.