3 business schools nurturing diverse and ethical leadership

A good business student knows the traditional fundamentals of the field. A great business student knows that having just that isn’t enough – you have to develop the mindset needed to succeed in a diverse, interconnected market.

While “diversity” may have become a politicised word in these charged times, it’s simply a reality for today’s businesses. Diversifying is not just having views untethered by geographical boundaries and emphasising global business practices – now, it’s all about finding technology-driven opportunities to help organisations achieve their goals. Your task is to bring fresh ideas to the table and spearhead their development and launch.

The best business schools understand that these are non-negotiable aspects of a modern education. Here, you’ll advance your business acumen alongside professionals and industry experts with multifaceted capabilities to navigate today’s increasingly complex world.

These three offer the means to do so:

Bentley University’s MBA equips you with the means necessary to excel in today’s data and technologically-driven environment. Source: Bentley University

Bentley University

The advantages of earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) are numerous and enduring. This popular Master’s degree will sharpen your business acumen and management skills, build connections, and prepare you for a rapidly changing workforce.

Bentley University’s STEM MBA sets you up for even more success. It equips future leaders with the means necessary to accel in today’s data and technologically driven environment. Choose to specialize in technology-driven fields such as Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics, Financial Analytics, or Information Systems and Technology; you can tailor your MBA experience according to your career goals. And, if you complete the required curriculum for the STEM MBA, you may be eligible to apply to USCIS for an additional two years of Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Another Bentley highlight is the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA). The program, housed within Bentley’s Mathematics department, offers numerous opportunities for applied practice, enhancing your ability to analyse and deliver comprehensive solutions. You’ll learn not only the hard skills necessary for data analysis, but also soft skills like communicating your findings and increasing your business influence.

These offerings reflect Bentley’s strengths – both programs are well-rounded and are centred around emerging technologies – qualities that cement its status as one of the nation’s top business schools. The AACSB-accredited school has strong corporate connections and an emphasis on global business practices, offering real-world exposure as part of the graduate school journey. Its proximity to Boston makes it all the better – Bentley students benefit from the resources of a world-class city and the employer connections that the school has built over the last 100 years.

Your career will be in good hands. Graduates emerge equipped with highly sought-after skills, paving the way for increased job prospects and the capacity to make impactful contributions to their organizations.

Explore Bentley University’s offerings here.

Dahl School of Business programmes are designed for 21st-century students and meet industry needs. Source: Viterbo University/Facebook

Viterbo University

Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin — named one of the top 25 best small college towns by USA Today — Viterbo University’s Dahl School of Business is home to a community that exudes camaraderie and excitement. Here, every student is valued as they learn to make a difference as ethical and effective leaders in organisations and society.

Take its MBA programme, for example. It shapes students into informed leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on organisations, the community, and the world. Core courses are current and dynamic: Leadership Skills in Organisations, Understanding the Numbers that Move the World, Global Finance, Complex Systems Change Strategies, Lean Six Sigma, Business Intelligence I: Mining, Metrics, and Stats. As the MBA is designed with input from alumni and local employers, students will gain knowledge they can leverage in a wide range of in-demand areas, from data mining to human capital development.

For those who aspire to be servant leaders in nonprofit organisations, business, government, health care, ministry, and education, consider the one-of-a-kind Master of Arts in Servant Leadership. Current medical doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals seeking to advance to leadership roles can join the MBA in Health Care Leadership (online) to open and seize greater opportunities in their organisations and careers.

Beyond academics, Viterbo cultivates a welcoming environment through its Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This creates a space that celebrates individual identities and cultural backgrounds, promoting mutual respect and intercultural understanding. Such dedication to inclusivity ensures that all members of the Viterbo community feel valued and supported.

The University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business offers strong academics, hands-on learning, and a focus on values-driven business. Source: Knauss School of Business at USD/Facebook

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego‘s Knauss School of Business blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning and a commitment to ethical business practices. Nestled on a stunning coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, USD provides an inspiring backdrop where peace and profit coexist and ethics align with enterprise. Here, students unite to build a fairer, more prosperous world, reflecting USD’s philosophy that there is always a better way to do business.

For nearly five decades, the Knauss School of Business has earned top international accolades, with full accreditation from AACSB International. Its reputation as a premier institution is reinforced by its consistent ranking among the world’s leading business schools, notably securing the #67 spot in CEOWorld Magazine’s Best Business Schools in the World.

Whether pursuing a promotion, shifting career paths, or embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey, a degree from USD’s Knauss School of Business is a sound investment. The school offers a wide range of programmes, including the MBA, Master of Science in Accountancy or Taxation, Business Analytics, Finance, Real Estate, and Supply Chain Management, each designed to meet the evolving needs of the business world.

USD’s commitment to immersive learning extends beyond the classroom. The school offers global experiences in cities like Tokyo and Madrid. These international collaborations, paired with peer-driven projects, help students enhance their practical skills in a dynamic learning environment where aspirations become reality.

The outcome? An impressive 99% of graduates are employed or pursuing higher degrees as of 2023, illustrating the Knauss School of Business’s commitment to student success. 

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