These top US universities are shaping the future of business leadership

High earning potential. Strong market demand. A versatile career. Great networking opportunities.

These are just some rewards you reap with a good US business degree in hand. A business degree is now one of the most dynamic and flexible in US universities, allowing you to choose from a wide range of areas of specialisation.

Adding one to your CV will not only lead to a higher salary but also the chance to carve a path in your preferred niche and a fulfilling life abroad. So, if you are ready to distinguish yourself with a business degree that stands out, here are four universities in the US to consider:

Lamar University

Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas is home to more than 17,000 students receiving a great education with exceptional value. Its College of Business is part of an elite group of less than 5% of business schools worldwide with accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, along with an MBA programme ranked among the best by the Princeton Review in 2023.

Yet, studying here is affordable. Tuition is low, with Texas resident rate available to international students with qualifying GPAs. Graduate Assistantships are also available based on GPAs and GMAT/GRE scores. Additionally, the university’s location in Southeast Texas gives students access to affordable living options and low cost of living.

The MBA programme can be completed in as little as one year. It allows students gain the specialisation that meets their needs, interests, and career plans. They can choose from 12 concentrations available: Business Analytics, Enterprise Resource Planning, Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Leadership, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Thematic, Management, Marketing, Construction Project Management, and Port Management.

Just as impactful are STEM-certified programmes such as the Master of Science Degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) and the Master of Science in Professional Accounting (MS-PA). The first exposes students to Enterprise Systems, which allow businesses to achieve high performance and is one of the fastest growing areas of Information Systems. The second is the first STEM-designated graduate accounting programme in a Texas public university, providing students with a foundation in quantitative, data analytics and technology skills to be successful in this global environment. Combining the MBA with MS-MIS and MS-PA is yet another possibility.

To learn more about the Lamar University’s College of Business, check it out on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Wichita State University

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is said to have everything a student needs for a successful career ahead. It has the largest selection of AACSB-accredited programmes in the state and plenty of undergraduate business degrees to choose from. Its accreditation places it among 20% of business schools globally.

Source: Wichita State University

Here, students are supported and taught by a host of knowledgeable educators. Its graduate programmes are taught with a keen eye for industry standards and relevant curriculums to ensure students are well-grounded and prepared for the future.

You can choose its Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), Master’s of Business Administration, Executive MBA, Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM), Master of Science in Management Science and Supply Chain Management (MSSCM), Master of Accountancy, Master’s in Economics and Quantitative Analysis, and graduate certificates.

Support and resources are always available for those who need them. The Business Student Success Centre is where students can seek out advice and work towards their objectives and goals. The school also stays relevant with technology, embedding it many aspects of learning. Last year, the school moved into a brand-new, state-of-the-art building, Woolsey Hall.

Texas Tech University

Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University recognises the need for business graduates to stay relevant in this fast-paced era. With its tagline, “Built on Rawls,” the college aims to provide a foundation for students to build experiences, impact the world and gain valuable insight.

Source: Texas Tech University

The college offers programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is accredited by AACSB. It is also under university-wide accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Its excellent programmes back up rankings like these. The Professional MBA is a good example. Designed for driven professionals, its rigorous curriculum and flexible schedule allow students to face future challenges with confidence. Students complete online courses and only meet in person once a month.

Core classes include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Information Technology and Operations Management, Leadership and Ethics. The college also offers undergraduate programmes with seven majors and 10 certificates to cater to different passions and goals. There are accelerated programmes for those looking to gain a competitive edge in the industry through the Accelerated BBA to MSA or BBA to MS in Finance.

The Rawls Career Management Centre (CMC) is another bonus to studying here. CMC helps students through the recruiting process by providing workshops, coaching and events.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

The Cameron School of Business (CSB) is home to some 500 graduate and 2,000 undergraduate students. The school is accredited by AACSB and is part of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Source: University of North Carolina Wilmington

All its programmes are designed to equip students with technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to be successful in the real world. The International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) is an excellent example of how the school does this. The globalisation of business education plays an important role here.

The IMBA is part of the International Business School Alliance (IBSA) Dual Master’s Degree programme. This means students taking this programme can spend a year and a half in two countries. The result? Students acquire two master’s degrees when they graduate.

CSB has equally exciting programmes for undergraduate students. It offers 14 concentrations under the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The Bachelor of Arts in Economics, which focuses on economics, allows students to pursue another major outside of business school.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International