These 3 American business schools are producing future leaders

Achieving an MBA is no easy feat, but finding a programme that gives you the right experiences and know-how to tackle the future of business is important. The management skills derived from such a degree can set you apart from other applicants, which is especially helpful in this competitive field. The range of MBA programme specialisations also allows students to explore new areas or delve into a certain industry that inspires them. Another benefit to getting your MBA is the chance to expand your network, from fellow students and faculty to industry experts who you come across at work experience opportunities. 

If you are already convinced by the many benefits of an MBA, you’re perhaps onto the next decision: which university? In the US, many institutions have pathways to suit your situation, from full-time to part-time. Keep an eye out for those that include experiential opportunities as well as qualifications that are STEM-designated, which are advantages that will help you stand out when wading through the job market. 

These three schools are offering MBA programmes that have all of these and more:

Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business

Tulane’s MBA prepares students to tackle and solve the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing business environment whilst making a positive impact

Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business has redesigned its full-time MBA curriculum for the 2023 intake. This two-year, four-semester programme has a STEM-designated curriculum that prepares students to tackle and solve the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing business environment whilst making a positive impact. This designation gives students the ability to combine management skills and technical expertise, conversing in the language of both worlds with ease.

Offered on the Uptown New Orleans campus, the Freeman School’s redesigned MBA is based on three pillars: data-driven decision making, cross-functional experiential learning, and broad-based preparation for the business world of the future. A five-course sequence focused on real-world data-driven decision making for future managers shows students how to use data to make informed business decisions. In addition to Business Statistics, new courses include Analytics for Managers, Financial Models for Business Decisions, Data-Driven Strategic Management and When Data Lie.

Students partake in hands-on experiences with real companies in New Orleans and beyond, honing invaluable industry skills that employers look for. Electives allow students to dive deeper into their interests, while week-long immersions and semester-long projects give them experience with negotiations, leadership and consulting. This includes a semester-long consulting practicum in the spring and two week-long immersion course (Lead for Success) that are offered in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), a top-ranked global provider of executive education. Specialised ESG electives explore the importance of businesses providing transparency, mitigating risk and being responsible stewards of our future.

These three pillars are what make Freeman School’s MBA programme the right choice for students. The entire class of 2022 accepted job offers within three months post-graduation, landing jobs in Fortune 500 companies or cutting-edge start-ups.

Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management

Many of Whitman School of Management’s master’s programmes carry a STEM designation. Source: Whitman School of Management

Ranked 63rd in the 2024 MBA Programmes by US News & World Report, Syracuse University Whitman School of Management boasts a programme that focuses on building strong analytical and decision-making skills. Their full-time MBA is a 54-credit hour programme, with 36 core course credits and 18 elective credits completed over two years. While students have the flexibility to tailor their programme to their needs, there are key elements that make it one of the best choices for securing a bright future.

Many of Whitman School of Management’s master’s programmes carry a STEM designation, and 91% of MBA candidates accepted a position 90 days after graduation. Students have gone on to work at impressive companies and organisations including American Express, Meta, MSG Sports, and US Securities and Exchange Commission. The base salary range for MBA programme candidates is between US$52,000 and US$180,000. These impressive outcomes are due to the school’s curriculum. 

Whitman School of Management’s MBA includes an integrated learning experience, which is curated with specific industries in mind and allows students to participate in these environments whether they are on campus or learning online. One of the more popular experiential courses is Lean Six Sigma, where students are grouped and then assigned to a company with real-world problems which they would have to solve. Past examples include reducing machine setup times, factory work cell layout improvements and defect reduction, with organisations such as CXtec, Inficon, National Grid, and  JMA Wireless. Students can also take part in internships, co-ops, global projects, case and business plan competitions, and community engagement. 

University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business

Lundquist College of Business MBA programme includes hands-on learning and work experiences. Source: Lundquist College of Business

The University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business is featured The Princeton Review’s top 5 Green MBA programmes. Its MBA programmes are specialising in finance and securities analysis, innovation and entrepreneurship, sports business, and sustainable business practices. The school even has an average student ranking of 4.17 (out of five) for the quality of professors and instructors.

Some of Lundquist College of Business’s alumni include co-founder of Nike Phil Knight; former chairman and CEO of US Bancorp John Elorriaga; former Chairman and CEO of Gucci Robert Polet; and former president of Intel Renée James. With the connections from their flourishing alumni, students can network and seek opportunities that can enhance their resumes or secure future jobs. With different mentorship programmes and workshops to choose from, students can also get advice and industry insights from those in the know. 

Lundquist College of Business MBA is big on experiential education. The college’s four centres mediate this programme to ensure that students take on meaningful projects, gain first-hand knowledge, and solve real-world business problems. There are numerous projects students can take part in, including interdisciplinary initiatives such as Product Design Programme, Nonprofit Management, and Sustainable Cities Initiative, as well as other competitions, trips and study tours. 

In terms of career development, the school is committed to having career-ready graduates. Students have access to career advisors working within Mohr Career Services, who also offer a range of financial support as well as career planning resources, especially for international students. 

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