There are over 250,000 students enrolled in MBA programmes around the world. That’s a large pool of future professionals all aiming for top roles in leading companies. With that level of competition, it’s important to pursue an MBA — or any master’s in business — that offers more than just a degree. To stand out, students need a programme that sharpens their edge.
Some programmes do this by offering real-world experience. For example, some business schools offer hands-on consulting projects with real companies, giving students direct exposure to solving real-world challenges. Others provide access to strong alumni networks, industry mentors, and internship opportunities in global markets. These kinds of experiences help students build not just knowledge, but also practical skills and professional connections.
Specialised tracks also offer a strategic advantage. Whether focusing on finance, data analytics, or entrepreneurship, students gain targeted knowledge, industry exposure, and direct access to professionals in their chosen fields. If that’s what you’re seeking, consider these three business schools:
The Lindner College of Business at University of Cincinnati empowers business problem solvers to tackle global challenges. Source: University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
At the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business, students are prepared for career success from the start. From day one, the focus here is on practical learning, industry connections, and strong outcomes. With 92% of graduates securing jobs and an average starting salary close to US$100,000, the verdict is clear: Lindner delivers results that matter.
A big part of that comes from the college’s strong ties to industry. With more than 46,000 alumni and a wide range of corporate partners, students have enviable access to a powerful network. Lindner goes beyond just coursework as well, with personalised advising and career coaching available to all students. All of this only enhance the impact of its STEM-designated master’s programmes. Each was designed to level up skills, boost credentials, and help students meet the needs of today’s top employers.
There’s a programme for nearly every interest and background. The Lindner MBA, for example, offers a one-year, full-time cohort option and has been ranked third in the US for return on investment by Bloomberg Businessweek, with no GRE or GMAT required. It includes hands-on learning and ends with a real-world capstone project. For those drawn to data, the MS in Business Analytics is a strong choice. Developed with the Centre for Business Analytics, it ranks 21st nationally according to TFE Times 2025 and boasts an average starting salary of $100,000.
Those interested in blending business and tech should consider the MS in Information Systems. This programme combines technical skills with practical experience through a practicum and weekly employer visits. Meanwhile, the MS in Finance ranks among the top 10 best-value programmes in the country and supports preparation for certifications like FRM, FCP, and FCA. The MS in Applied Economics, ranked 45th nationally, also builds strong analytical skills and prepares graduates for the Certified Business Economist (CBE) exam.
Experiential learning is at the core of the Lindner experience. Students work directly with companies such as Procter & Gamble, GE Aerospace, and Kroger on real business challenges, gaining insights, confidence, and contacts along the way. To stay ahead of trends, Lindner has introduced an Artificial Intelligence certificate as well. This can be added to most graduate programmes, ensuring students are equipped for the future of business.
Learn more about the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
The Porto Business School’s international community is based in Matosinhos, Portugal. Source: Porto Business School/Facebook
Universidade do Porto Business School
The Porto Business School (PBS) of the University of Porto has a heavyweight of accolades to their name. It ranks 28th amongst business schools throughout Europe, and 56th for MBA programmes offered within the continent. It’s got three international accreditations in the bag, one of which is from the Association of MBAs, which they renewed in 2023 for the next five years.
While these recognitions are key to its reputation, PBS has never defined its education solely through numbers. In a purpose-driven community where students transform into change-making professionals, shaping the future through business — it’s about impact than it is figures.
PBS offers three MBA programmes, so that you can develop your management and decision-making skills in an environment that’s best-suited for you. There’s the International MBA, a programme enriched by its more than 60% international student body, where you can build a solid foundation of essential business skills and close connections to a variety of industry professionals. Mid-career professionals and beyond typically opt for the Executive MBA, offered with specialised tracks and a flexible learning model. If you need a fully-online programme to balance your personal and professional commitments, PBS offers the Global Online MBA, ranked 8th in the world for online MBA programmes.
The offerings don’t stop there, though. PBS offers more postgraduate and executive master’s programmes in nine specialised fields: General Management and Strategy, Innovation, AI and Digital, Communication, Marketing and Sales, Finance and Management Control, Operations and Projects, Talent and Leadership, Internationalisation, Sustainability, and Real Estate, Healthcare, Tourism. Such programmes are the drivers behind career progression or transformation, with opportunities to engage with a real-world industry network and receive scholarships supporting students in their holistic journeys.
At the UHCL College of Business, students learn in small-sized classes, but with a diverse range of perspectives. Source: University of Houston Clear Lake/Facebook
University of Houston Clear Lake – College of Business
In a society where business development evolves in the blink of an eye, the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) College of Business prepares graduates to secure long-term stability and success. From the bachelor’s to the master’s level, each degree programme is designed to address the changing needs of the industry. In a diverse community of 1,014 graduate students with access to 33 named scholarships, you’re receiving a top-tier business education accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — something only 5% of the world’s business schools are privy to.
As a graduate student at the UHCL College of Business, you’ll engage with faculty members who are corporate consultants, textbook authors, and world-renowned researchers in a wide range of degrees. Degrees are offered across five departments, from accounting to healthcare administration. They are flexible in nature, allowing many students to take both online and in-person courses. At the helm of the learning process are experiential opportunities, provided to students through UHCL’s global partnerships, whether that’s in Texas or beyond.
Of course, you’ve got the resident Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, which was ranked #4 in Houston by College Choice 2020. Students can opt for the standalone MBA, or they can pursue an MBA with one of 11 concentrations, a custom concentration, or a graduate certificate. If you’re looking for a more hands-on, specialised degree, rather than a broad palette of foundational business skills, there are four Master of Science programmes that might be up your alley: Accounting, Environmental Management, Finance, and Management Information Systems.
For current and future healthcare professionals looking to step into management or executive roles, the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) — or the joint MHA/MBA — programme is what you’re looking for. The UCHL College of Business is also the only university in Houston to offer a fully accredited, online Human Resource Management (HRM) Master of Arts programme.
Check out the graduate degrees at the UHCL College of Business today.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
