Impactful business degrees that transform students into changemakers 

In the dynamic and ever-evolving 21st century, advanced business degrees are helping students survive as professionals in an increasingly complex and competitive world. But it’s the most effective advanced business degrees that nurture students into future leaders equipped with the full suite of skills, knowledge and insights required to thrive in a modern business environment. 

Graduates from these business schools often have a solid understanding of organisational behaviour, financial management, and marketing strategies to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth. Much of this is made possible through the unique characteristics of prolific business schools. Some boast an enviable network of industry practitioners and researchers, while others focus on developing a holistic and rigorous curriculum. Either way, the goal is to train students to become agile leaders — a skill crucial in a world which is constantly keeping up with no shortage of technological progress, globalisation, and societal shifts. 

If you seek business degrees that’ll prepare you to make an impact in your career and the world, consider the four US universities below:

Mercer University

Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business delivers career-focused business programmes that develop innovative leaders who are responsible global citizens. Source: Mercer University

At Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, delivering impact through business is no mere catchphrase. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Mercer has what it takes to transform students into leaders for the extraordinary times we live in.

Mercer’s Master of Science in Business Analytics is tailored for detail-oriented problem solvers seeking to pursue or advance their careers in the growing field of data and business analytics. Offered in weekday and weekend formats, students can complete their MSBA in as little as 15 months.

For those considering a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Mercer has flexible offerings to suit a range of professional needs. Students can choose between an accelerated 30-hour MBA or the 36-hour MBA along with a graduate certificate or concentration. What’s more, programmes are available 100% online or on Mercer’s Atlanta and Macon campuses.

The best part? An applied project work component is built into each programme to ensure students transition smoothly into their careers. Pair that with access to an experienced and passionate faculty — including the school’s dean — and students are set on a path to succeed.

That’s not all. Mercer’s STEM-designated programmes allow students to work in the US for up to three years under the Optional Practical Training programme. Beyond this, students can study abroad or give back to the broader community through service learning with Mercer On Mission. To learn more about Mercer University, click here.

University of California Irvine

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine has reframed its curricula to give students the high-caliber, holistic preparation they need to become effective leaders in a digitally-driven world. Source: University of California Irvine

The University of California Irvine (UCI) stands out for many reasons — its academic excellence, a diverse student body, a world-class faculty, and a strong alumni network. Though the university boasts many excellent qualities, what truly sets UCI apart from the rest is its Paul Merage School of Business. The school consistently ranks among the top 10% of accredited business schools nationwide. 

Here, programmes are designed to introduce students to the industry. All seven faculties combine academics with practical experience to equip students with the necessary skills to form the next generation of business leaders. Programmes and innovative curriculum expand opportunities to excel as a leader in a digitally driven-world.

Situated in the heart of Orange County’s “Tech Coast” the school is surrounded by a network of world-class businesses supporting its goal to produce career-ready graduates. Amazon, Google, Western Digital, Disney and Capital Group are some of the many companies that are located near the university. 

Master’s graduate Zarina Bahadur used her Merage education to start 123 Baby Box, a monthly subscription service for babies with products tailored to the baby’s age and developmental stage. It won the US$25,000 grand prize at the 2020 New Venture Competition and recently received $1.2 million of funding from XRC Ventures, Sunstone Fund, Salt Lake City Angels, and Crescent Fund.

“Only 1.9% of venture capital goes to women, and even less goes to women of color, which is crazy,” Bahadur said, pointing out that she is from the Middle East. “So I’m very proud of this accomplishment.” For more information, visit UCI’s website and get a feel of the campus through the virtual campus tour.

University of New Hampshire

Only 5% of business schools in the world meet the gold standard for high-quality programmes — and UNH is home to one of them. Source: University of New Hampshire

Business analytics harnesses the power of data to develop insight into business decisions and organisational questions. There’s no better place to gain that at University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, one of the top business schools in the US. 

Paul College offers a suite of degree programmes that serve as the foundation of the Business Analytics Initiative: Information Systems and Business Analytics Option within the BS Business Administration Major; MBA Option and Graduate Certificate in Information Systems and Business Analytics; MS Business Analytics; BS Analytical Economics and MS Economics; and MS Finance, Financial Analytics and Fintech Track.

The MS in Business Analytics is a comprehensive programme, covering the three main pillars of business analytics, including descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. It develops skills in data analysis and visualisation, predicting/forecasting future probabilities and trends, and helping leaders make decisions in resource-constrained environments.

Focusing on theory and practical applications, and supported by the latest computer programming skills, the programme is taught by faculty immersed in big data research.

As it’s STEM-designated, you can apply for a 24-month OPT STEM Extension to your 12-month Optional Practical Training Program (OPT) period. This lets you work in the US for up to 36 months after graduation with no additional visa requirement.

Kansas State University

Every PMBA graduate joins an illustrious network of passionate K-State alumni who have evolved to become business leaders in their respective industries. Source: Kansas State University

Kansas State University (K-State)’s College of Business Administration is among the elite few to hold the prestigious AACSB accreditation — the hallmark of excellence in management education. Fewer than 5% of institutions worldwide can boast this. It holds supplemental accreditation from AACSB in accounting as well – about 1% of programmes hold both. 

What’s more, it is home to a Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) that is rated No. 24 best in the nation by the US News & World Report’s 2022 Best Online MBA Programmes.

The college’s PMBA programme was designed to offer busy professionals the flexibility to gain the coveted qualification at their own pace –– virtually. It integrates examples from students’ professional experience within classes for a true professional advantage.

Further bolstering the appeal of the PMBA is the well-rounded nature of the course, taught by a qualified group of professors. Their hands-on guidance ensures students enjoy a learning journey not unlike a traditional, on-campus MBA experience.

The college also offers a two-day regional student orientation in which students take part in team building, networking, and professional development components. Excellent networking opportunities remain the theme throughout the programme. What’s more, the PMBA also includes a faculty-led international trip that every participant will enjoy before graduating.

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