New York University (Stern) MBA Ranking

Introduction

The New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, known for its rigorous academics, global reputation, and strong connections to the heart of the financial and cultural capital of New York City. Founded in 1900, Stern has played an instrumental role in shaping the education of generations of business leaders. Today, it continues to be at the forefront of graduate business education, offering a full-time MBA, part-time MBA, executive MBA, and a series of dual-degree programs that reflect the school’s innovative spirit and interdisciplinary approach.

Stern’s programs are designed to serve a diverse student body ranging from early-career professionals seeking to accelerate their careers to seasoned executives pursuing advanced leadership roles. Its location in downtown Manhattan offers unparalleled access to global companies, financial institutions, start-ups, cultural organizations, and non-profits. This access, combined with the school’s internationally renowned faculty, creates a learning environment that blends academic theory with practical, real-world application.

The school has also earned worldwide recognition for its dual-degree offerings, which combine business with disciplines as diverse as medicine, biology, public service, and the arts. Partnerships with other leading schools at NYU, such as the Wagner School of Public Service, the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Arts & Science, and the Tisch School of the Arts, enable Stern students to create unique career pathways that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional business education.

The Full-Time MBA

The Full-Time MBA at NYU Stern is one of the most highly regarded business programs globally. It is designed for students who wish to immerse themselves completely in the study of business, leadership, and global management. The program typically spans two years and combines a rigorous academic core with an extraordinary level of flexibility through electives, specializations, and experiential learning opportunities.

Students begin with a solid foundation in finance, accounting, marketing, operations, leadership, strategy, and economics. Once the core is complete, they have access to more than 200 elective courses, allowing them to customize their degree to fit their career aspirations. Stern also offers over 20 specializations, ranging from Banking and Private Equity to Digital Marketing and Entertainment, providing unmatched breadth and depth.

The Full-Time MBA program is further distinguished by its emphasis on experiential learning through initiatives such as the Stern Consulting Corps, global study tours, and industry-specific immersion programs. Students engage directly with real-world business challenges, applying classroom knowledge to projects with companies and organizations across sectors.

The program’s strength is amplified by Stern’s location in New York City, which gives students access to an extensive professional network. Graduates frequently secure positions in investment banking, consulting, technology, media, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, with many leveraging Stern’s strong connections to Wall Street, Silicon Alley, and beyond.

The Part-Time MBA

NYU Stern also offers one of the nation’s most respected Part-Time MBA programs, designed for working professionals who want to earn their degree while continuing their careers. The part-time format provides maximum flexibility, with classes held in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate busy schedules.

This program mirrors the full-time MBA in terms of academic rigor and breadth, offering access to Stern’s full catalog of electives and specializations. Students are encouraged to tailor their course schedules based on their professional responsibilities, with the option to accelerate or extend their studies depending on personal and career goals.

The Part-Time MBA is particularly popular among professionals in the New York metropolitan area who seek to enhance their credentials while maintaining their positions in industries such as finance, consulting, media, healthcare, and technology. This option allows students to immediately apply classroom learning to their professional roles, creating a dynamic synergy between academic theory and workplace practice.

Stern’s Part-Time MBA has consistently been ranked among the very best in the country. For example, in the 2013 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the program was ranked 4th nationally, underscoring its reputation for academic excellence and career impact.

The Executive MBA

For experienced professionals and senior managers, Stern offers the Executive MBA (EMBA) program, which is specifically designed to develop advanced leadership skills and strategic vision. The program typically spans 22 months and is structured to accommodate the demanding schedules of executives, with classes held on alternating weekends.

The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of business topics, while also emphasizing leadership, global strategy, and advanced decision-making. Students also participate in global study tours and experiential projects, providing them with exposure to international markets and business challenges.

The Stern EMBA has consistently been recognized as one of the top programs of its kind. In 2012, Poets & Quants ranked Stern’s EMBA among the top five programs in the United States, while The Wall Street Journal in 2010 ranked it 7th worldwide. Graduates of the program are typically professionals with significant managerial experience who are seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities, broaden their networks, and expand their career opportunities across industries and geographies.

Dual-Degree Programs

One of the most distinctive features of NYU Stern is its wide range of dual-degree programs, which combine the MBA with graduate degrees from other leading NYU schools. These offerings reflect Stern’s recognition that the modern business leader must often integrate expertise across multiple fields.

MBA/MPA

The MBA/MPA program is a joint initiative between NYU Stern and the Wagner School of Public Service. It is designed for students whose career interests bridge the worlds of business, government, public health, and nonprofit management. Graduates of the MBA/MPA are prepared for leadership roles in organizations such as international NGOs, healthcare institutions, governmental agencies, and global nonprofits, where both business acumen and public service expertise are required.

MD/MBA

The MD/MBA dual degree combines the resources of NYU Stern with the NYU School of Medicine. This unique program equips physicians with business and management expertise, preparing them for leadership roles in hospitals, healthcare organizations, biotech companies, and medical entrepreneurship. By integrating medical training with advanced business education, graduates are uniquely positioned to influence the future of healthcare delivery and administration.

MBA/MS in Biology

In partnership with the NYU Graduate School of Arts & Science (GSAS), Stern offers an MBA/MS in Biology dual degree. This program is designed for students interested in bridging the life sciences with business leadership, preparing graduates for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and research management. It reflects the growing demand for professionals who can navigate both scientific innovation and business strategy.

MBA/MFA

One of Stern’s most innovative dual-degree options is the MBA/MFA program, developed in collaboration with the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at the Tisch School of the Arts. This degree allows students to combine rigorous business training with advanced study in film and television, preparing them for leadership roles in entertainment, media, and creative industries. By blending the artistic expertise of Tisch with the business acumen of Stern, graduates are well prepared to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

Rankings and Recognition

NYU Stern has consistently been recognized among the world’s leading business schools, both in the United States and internationally. Its strong performance across multiple ranking systems reflects the school’s academic excellence, global reputation, and career outcomes for graduates.

In the 2013 U.S. News & World Report MBA rankings, Stern was ranked 11th nationally, placing it firmly among the elite U.S. business schools. The part-time MBA program received even higher recognition, ranking 4th in the country, underscoring its value for working professionals.

Globally, Stern has also earned top rankings. The Economist’s 2012 Full-Time MBA ranking placed Stern at 11th worldwide, while the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking of 2013 ranked Stern 19th worldwide. These recognitions highlight the school’s strong academic reputation, career placement record, and international reach.

The Executive MBA program has also received widespread acclaim. In 2012, Poets & Quants ranked it in the top five, while in 2010, the Wall Street Journal placed it 7th globally. Similarly, the U.S. News 2011 rankings positioned the part-time MBA program at 5th in the nation, while the FT Global MBA Rankings in 2011 placed Stern at 15th worldwide.

These consistent top-tier placements reflect Stern’s longstanding reputation as one of the most prestigious and influential business schools globally, attracting students from around the world who seek to benefit from its programs, faculty, and location.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical measure of quality in higher education, and NYU Stern has long been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the gold standard for business school accreditation. This distinction assures students that Stern’s programs meet the highest standards of academic quality and rigor.

AACSB accreditation also enhances the value of a Stern MBA in the global marketplace, as employers and academic institutions worldwide recognize the prestige associated with AACSB-accredited schools. Stern’s continued accreditation is a testament to its commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in business education.

Conclusion

The New York University Stern School of Business stands as one of the most prestigious and respected business schools in the world, offering a suite of highly ranked MBA programs that cater to a wide range of students. Whether through the full-time MBA, the part-time MBA, or the Executive MBA, Stern provides a rigorous education grounded in both academic theory and real-world application.

The school’s innovative dual-degree programs, such as the MBA/MPA, MD/MBA, MBA/MS in Biology, and MBA/MFA, further distinguish Stern from its peers by bridging business education with public service, medicine, science, and the arts. These programs reflect Stern’s recognition of the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of leadership and its commitment to preparing graduates for careers that transcend traditional boundaries.

Stern’s consistent recognition in national and global rankings highlights its status as a world-class institution. Combined with its AACSB accreditation, its location in New York City, and its strong professional networks, Stern provides students with unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

For those seeking an MBA that combines prestige, flexibility, interdisciplinary opportunities, and access to one of the world’s greatest cities, NYU Stern represents an exceptional choice. It is a place where academic excellence meets global opportunity, and where tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to shape industries, organizations, and societies worldwide.