Saint Joseph's University Executive MBA Program

The Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University stands as one of the premier business institutions in the United States, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and global awareness. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Haub School embodies Saint Joseph’s Jesuit tradition of education that emphasizes the development of the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit. Through its combination of rigorous scholarship and values-based education, the school has become a leader in preparing business professionals who are not only skilled in their fields but also guided by integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

As one of the nation’s best business schools, the Haub School offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s complex and competitive business environment. Among its most distinguished offerings is its One-Year Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program—an accelerated and highly respected degree designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and efficient format.

The Haub School’s reputation for excellence has been recognized by numerous national and international rankings, including top positions in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and The Aspen Institute. These recognitions affirm the school’s academic quality, its focus on ethics and leadership, and its ability to prepare graduates for success in an increasingly globalized business landscape.

A Jesuit Foundation: The Mission and Philosophy of the Haub School

At the core of the Haub School of Business lies the Jesuit educational philosophy, which has shaped Saint Joseph’s University since its founding in 1851. Jesuit education emphasizes not only intellectual excellence but also moral responsibility, social justice, and service to others. The Haub School integrates these values into every aspect of its curriculum and culture, ensuring that students are not only competent professionals but also ethical leaders who seek to make a positive impact on their organizations and communities.

The school’s mission focuses on developing students into “men and women with and for others.” This approach means that business education at Haub is never solely about profit or performance metrics; it is about the broader implications of leadership, the responsibility to stakeholders, and the role of business in advancing the common good. Students are encouraged to examine the ethical and social dimensions of decision-making and to understand that business success and societal well-being are interconnected.

Through this Jesuit framework, the Haub School combines academic rigor with a deep sense of purpose. Courses are designed to foster analytical thinking, communication skills, creativity, and moral judgment. Faculty members challenge students to think critically about global issues, corporate ethics, and the sustainable management of resources. The result is an educational experience that prepares graduates to lead not only with intelligence but also with empathy and ethical conviction.

The One-Year Executive MBA Program: Structure and Purpose

The One-Year Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the Erivan K. Haub School of Business is one of its most innovative and highly regarded offerings. This accelerated program is specifically designed for professionals who have already earned an undergraduate degree in business and possess at least five years of professional or managerial experience. Its structure allows students to complete their MBA degree in just one year—an appealing option for executives and managers seeking to advance their careers without interrupting their professional trajectories.

The program’s accelerated format is both challenging and rewarding. It combines intensive coursework, practical applications, and leadership development activities that immerse students in the critical issues facing contemporary organizations. The curriculum covers essential areas such as finance, marketing, operations management, leadership, strategy, and business ethics. What distinguishes the program is its integration of real-world projects, case studies, and collaborative learning experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge immediately in professional settings.

The One-Year EMBA is designed with flexibility in mind. Classes are typically held on weekends or in condensed modules, allowing working professionals to balance their academic, personal, and career commitments effectively. The cohort-based structure fosters close collaboration among participants, enabling them to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives. This collective learning approach not only enhances academic understanding but also builds a strong professional network that extends far beyond graduation.

In addition, the program incorporates elements of personalized leadership development. Students engage in executive coaching sessions, leadership assessments, and experiential workshops that focus on communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills. The goal is to cultivate leaders who are self-aware, strategic in their thinking, and capable of guiding organizations through uncertainty and change.

Faculty Excellence and Learning Environment

The success of the Haub School’s EMBA program can be attributed in large part to its distinguished faculty. Professors at the Haub School are renowned for their expertise, research contributions, and dedication to teaching excellence. Many faculty members possess significant professional experience in corporate leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurship, which allows them to bring practical insights and real-world examples into the classroom.

The faculty’s teaching philosophy emphasizes interaction, collaboration, and experiential learning. Rather than relying solely on lectures, professors engage students in case studies, simulations, and applied research projects. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving while fostering meaningful dialogue about the ethical, strategic, and operational challenges faced by business leaders today.

Furthermore, the Haub School promotes a culture of mentorship. Faculty members are deeply invested in their students’ academic and professional development, providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the program. This personalized attention reflects the Jesuit value of cura personalis—or “care for the whole person”—which is a hallmark of Saint Joseph’s educational tradition.

The learning environment at the Haub School is both intellectually rigorous and deeply supportive. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, while the collaborative cohort model allows students to form lasting professional and personal relationships. This sense of community is one of the defining characteristics of the Haub experience and contributes significantly to the program’s reputation for excellence.

Ethical Leadership and the Integration of Values

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Erivan K. Haub School of Business is its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. In an era where business decisions can have far-reaching social and environmental consequences, the Haub School emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in every aspect of management.

The school’s integration of ethics into its curriculum has earned it international recognition. The Aspen Institute has ranked the Haub School among the top 100 business schools in the world for its leadership in incorporating ethical concerns into graduate business education. This recognition reflects the school’s success in blending academic theory with moral reflection, ensuring that students are equipped to address not only the economic but also the ethical dimensions of business practice.

Ethical decision-making is woven into every course and learning experience. Students are challenged to examine issues such as corporate governance, sustainability, social responsibility, and stakeholder management. The school’s Jesuit mission reinforces the belief that business leaders have a duty to serve the common good and that ethical excellence is as essential as financial success.

The result is a learning environment that encourages students to view business as a force for positive change. Graduates of the EMBA program leave with a heightened awareness of the moral implications of their decisions and a commitment to leading organizations that contribute constructively to society.

National Recognition and Rankings

The outstanding reputation of the Haub School of Business has been consistently affirmed by national and international rankings. These accolades highlight the school’s academic rigor, the quality of its faculty, and its success in preparing students for leadership roles in a globalized economy.

In the 2014 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report, four of the Haub School’s graduate disciplines ranked among the Top 25 nationwide, with the Executive MBA program earning the No. 19 spot. This recognition positioned the Haub School among the elite business institutions in the country, underscoring the strength of its curriculum, faculty, and outcomes.

The school’s reputation for excellence extends beyond its executive programs. In 2013, U.S. News ranked the Part-Time MBA program at Saint Joseph’s University as one of the Top 5 in the Philadelphia area and 123rd nationally, affirming the Haub School’s regional and national prominence.

The Princeton Review further reinforced the school’s standing by including it in its list of the 2012 Best 290 Business Schools. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education grounded in values, innovation, and global relevance.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 rankings placed Saint Joseph’s EMBA program at No. 20 in the nation, while the university’s part-time MBA program ranked No. 70. These consistent rankings over multiple years highlight the Haub School’s enduring excellence and its ability to deliver programs that meet the highest standards of academic and professional achievement.

Finally, the Aspen Institute’s recognition of the Haub School as one of the top 100 business schools worldwide for integrating ethics into its graduate curriculum further solidifies its leadership in values-based education. This distinction places Saint Joseph’s among a select group of institutions that successfully balance business innovation with social responsibility.

Accreditation and Academic Standards

The Erivan K. Haub School of Business maintains the highest levels of academic quality and institutional integrity. It is accredited by AACSB International—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—in both Business and Accounting. This dual accreditation is an exceptional distinction held by fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide.

AACSB accreditation represents the gold standard in business education, signifying excellence in faculty qualifications, research productivity, student learning outcomes, and curriculum design. It ensures that the Haub School meets rigorous international standards and that its programs are continuously evaluated and improved to reflect the changing demands of the business world.

This accreditation also reassures employers and students alike that a degree from the Haub School carries global credibility and prestige. Graduates of the Executive MBA program benefit from the school’s strong reputation for academic excellence, ethical leadership, and professional relevance.

Career Advancement and Alumni Impact

The One-Year Executive MBA program at the Haub School of Business is specifically designed to produce leaders who can make an immediate and lasting impact in their organizations. The program’s focus on strategic thinking, leadership development, and ethical decision-making equips graduates to assume senior management and executive roles across industries.

Many Haub EMBA graduates go on to become CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and senior directors in Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Others leverage their skills to launch successful entrepreneurial ventures or transition into new industries. The program’s emphasis on practical application ensures that students can directly implement their learning in their professional environments, resulting in measurable career progression even before graduation.

Beyond individual success, the Haub School fosters a strong sense of community among its alumni. Graduates become part of a global network of business leaders, scholars, and innovators who remain engaged with the university through mentorship, networking events, and professional collaborations. This network provides valuable opportunities for lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal growth.

The Haub School’s alumni are known for their integrity, competence, and commitment to social responsibility—qualities that reflect the school’s Jesuit values and its focus on developing leaders who strive to make a difference in the world.

Global Perspective and Experiential Learning

In addition to its focus on ethics and leadership, the Haub School of Business places strong emphasis on global awareness and experiential learning. The world of business is increasingly interconnected, and effective leaders must be capable of navigating diverse markets, cultures, and regulatory environments.

To that end, the EMBA curriculum incorporates global case studies, international business simulations, and cross-cultural management courses. Students analyze the challenges faced by multinational corporations, explore global supply chains, and study the dynamics of international finance and trade. This exposure helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of how global forces shape business decisions and opportunities.

Experiential learning also plays a central role in the program. Students engage in projects that require them to solve real-world business problems, often in collaboration with local or global organizations. These experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that graduates leave with not only conceptual knowledge but also practical skills applicable in diverse professional contexts.

Conclusion: A Transformative Education for Ethical Leaders

The Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University exemplifies the highest ideals of Jesuit education—academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others. Its One-Year Executive MBA program stands as a testament to the school’s ability to combine intellectual rigor with practical relevance, offering experienced professionals an opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities and expand their career horizons in an accelerated format.

Through its exceptional faculty, values-driven curriculum, and commitment to experiential learning, the Haub School prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of modern business with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Its consistent recognition by leading national and international rankings attests to the program’s quality and impact, while its AACSB accreditation affirms its adherence to the highest standards of academic excellence.

Ultimately, the Haub School’s Executive MBA program is more than a pathway to professional advancement—it is a transformative journey that equips individuals to lead with integrity, think globally, and act responsibly. In an age where ethical leadership is more important than ever, the Haub School continues to shape the kind of leaders who not only succeed in business but also contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society.