Earn your commerce edge from 3 leading US business schools

The US continues to be the hub of business activity with approximately 33.2 million businesses operating as of 2024. With those numbers projected to increase yearly, now is the perfect time to be in business, whether starting your own start-up or joining an established corporation in a managerial position.

But how do you stand out in the age of globalisation and digitalisation? The answer is to pursue a master’s degree at a business school. Education gathered from business schools can open doors for a fulfilling career. Other than providing the right knowledge, you will be taught soft skills, exposed to real-world practices, and network with like-minded people – all of which are useful in a professional setting.

Choosing the right business school is critical to your path within the ever-growing industry. Here are three of the best ones in the US for you to consider.

The Brandeis International Business School is on a mission to prepare the next generation of principled, data-driven, and effective business leaders. Source: Brandeis University

Brandeis University

There is no place like Brandeis International Business School if you wish to harness the power of business for global good. Here, the school prepares you to become future leaders who can improve industries and the world through rigorous programmes, innovative research, and impactful ideas. These are all found in the business school’s master’s programmes, which include a Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MA), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

These programmes are ranked among the best in the world. The school is ranked among the best business schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The MBA is on the Princeton Review’s list of best on-campus MBA programmes in the world. The TFE Times also ranked the MA program third in the US for financial economics, the MSBA program seventh in the US for business analytics, and the MSF program eighth in the US for finance.

These programmes are led by faculty members who are experts in their fields. From market microstructure to international trade, their knowledge, and certainly their passion, knows no bounds.

Located at Brandeis University in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, the school emphasises experiential learning to give you a practical edge as you enter or re-enter the professional field. Through field projects like our partnership with the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology, you’ll work with fellow students and a faculty advisor to solve real business problems on behalf of both startups and established firms. Industry Treks help you network with potential employers and gain insights into the working and company culture in the US through day-long visits and week-long programmes. The Hassenfeld Immersion Programme, on the other hand, is an in-country graduate experience that lets you visit different sites to study the inner workings, political dynamics, and local business practices of key overseas markets.

Apply to Brandeis International Business School now to become part of the next generation of principled, data-driven, and effective business leaders.

The Paul Merage School of Business is reframing its curricula to offer a digital learning experience. Source: UC Irvine

University of California, Irvine

New technologies such as augmented reality, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence are redefining many industries. To lead the disruption of today and tomorrow, Paul Merage School of Business is reframing its curricula to offer a digital learning experience.

With its hybrid Fully Employed MBA classes and the expansion of BA undergraduate online offerings, they are changing how students take digital courses. Its digital learning team focuses on three-course design goals: intentionally minimising transactional distance, incorporating diverse opportunities for learning connections and designing active digital learning experiences.

Every graduate student can learn from distinguished speakers. The Dean’s Thought Leadership Series features a diverse array of prominent international affairs practitioners for insightful perspectives and thought-provoking discussions on international relations, leadership, and other relevant topics that impact our focus areas — all led by the Dean of Paul Merage School of Business, Ian O. Williamson.

Such opportunities transform students into future leaders in a digitally driven world. Alum Ramin Mousavi is now making a difference as CEO of CathWorks, a startup that aims to solve a major crisis in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, which accounts for half of the cardiovascular deaths in the country every year.

Last year, Mousavi and his team entered a partnership with Medtronic, the largest medical device company in the world. Paying it forward, he’s now a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board and has mentored competitors in the New Venture Competition, which the Beall Centre runs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The Professional MBA is completed online, throughout the month, during times that fit your schedule. Source: Rawls College of Business

Texas Tech University

Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University sees 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.

The college offers programs 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 programs back up rankings like these. The two-year, part-time 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. No concentration is required, but you can create a program that meets your personal academic and career goals. Focus areas include AI and Data Science in Business, Energy Business, Supply Chain and Optimisation, and more. As the cohort is diverse, expect rich debates in classes. The Spring 2024 cohort is 35% female, has an average age of 35, and comprises backgrounds in 24 disciplines.

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

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