Where to study: 3 US business schools for postgraduate education

The US offers a million international students a unique blend of academic excellence and professional opportunities. For example, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows graduates to gain practical experience in their field within the US. It is particularly attractive for STEM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) who can extend their OPT period by an additional 24 months, as they can build strong professional networks and establish themselves in the US job market.

However, to truly maximise this potential, attending a top-tier business school can help. Bridging the gap between technical expertise and business acumen, they equip graduates with the skills to thrive in leadership roles and enhance their career prospects. This is especially beneficial, given the job market’s demand for critical thinkers, clear communicators, and highly adaptable professionals.

Here are three business schools with comprehensive postgraduate programmes that can help you launch your career in the US.

Lindner emphasises the development of each student’s Professionalism, Academics, Character, and Engagement (PACE) to help them achieve their personal and career goals. Source: University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business

Choosing the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business means embarking on a transformative journey that prepares students for their careers. With a 98% job placement rate upon graduation and an average starting salary of US$103,000, Lindner stands out as a premier institution for aspiring business leaders.

The college’s success is driven by its extensive network of over 50,000 alumni, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to connecting students with potential employers. These links, in addition to Lindner’s innovative STEM-designated master’s programmes, personalised academic advising, and career coaching, enhance the professional growth and career prospects of students.

Whatever your experience, skills, goals, and needs, there’s something for you in Lindner’s diverse portfolio of graduate degrees. The Lindner MBA features an accelerated, one-year full-time cohort model in a collaborative learning environment. Students can pair it with one of over 20 graduate certificates and participate in an immersive study abroad programme. For those interested in data-driven decision-making, the Master of Science in Business Analytics is a standout option. In partnership with the Centre for Business Analytics, the programme is ranked 56^th in the world by QS and has an impressive average starting salary of $115,000 upon graduation.

The Master of Science in Information Systems fuses core business principles with specialised technical courses and practical experience, featuring a paid industry practicum and weekly on-campus employer seminars. If you’re interested in finance, the Master of Science in Finance is ranked among the top 10 best-value programmes in the country and readies students for industry-recognised certifications such as Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Financial Certified Professional (FCP), and Financial Analyst (FCA). Alternatively, the Master of Science in Applied Economics is a versatile degree ranked 45^th in the US by TFE Times. It prepares graduates for the Certified Business Economist (CBE) exam, offering a strong foundation in economic theory and practical application that opens doors to diverse career opportunities.

But that’s not all. Students also benefit from a unique experiential learning environment. They get to work with the likes of Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Kroger, Cintas, Western & Southern Financial Group, and GE Aerospace to solve real-world business problems, gain hands-on experience, and build valuable industry connections.

To further equip students with industry-leading skills, the college launched a new Artificial Intelligence certificate that can be completed with most graduate programmes and is accepting applications for the spring 2025 and fall 2025 semesters. Learn more about the school’s programmes.

The Haas School of Business offers innovative academic for students to launch a transformative career. Source: University of California Berkeley: Haas School of Business

University of California Berkeley: Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, ranked 7th in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023, empowers students to become innovative and impactful leaders. The school offers a spectrum of MBA programmes designed to cater to diverse professional goals: the Full-Time MBA, the MBA for Executives, and the Evening and Weekend MBA. Or, for those interested in something specific, like finance, data science, or technology, the Master of Financial Engineering programme integrates theory with practical application, preparing graduates for high-impact careers.

If you would like to expand your career and intellectual horizons, Haas allows students to combine their MBA with other top-ranked degrees, such as climate solutions, healthcare, and engineering. But the Master’s programmes are not the sole reason for success; the school’s faculty also plays a large part.

The Haas School of Business is home to an exceptional faculty, including two Nobel Prize Laureates in Economics, who bring unparalleled expertise and insight into the classroom. Students get to learn in small class sizes to foster intimate connections with their professors and peers, while the school’s shared culture of leadership and support empowers personal growth.

For over a century, Goizueta Business School has served as a training ground for principled leaders. Source: Emory University Goizueta Business School

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Goizueta Business School at Emory University, situated in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a distinctive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern business world. Consistently ranked among the best, Goizueta is recognised as the 14th-best full-time MBA, top 20 for part-time MBA, and 11th-best executive MBA in the US, proudly holding the number one spot in Georgia.

The school provides a range of programmes, including specialised Master’s degrees, that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. For instance, the 10-month Master of Finance programme is for those aspiring to launch careers in sales and trading, investment management, FinTech, and investment banking. On the other hand, the Master in Business for Veterans programme is specifically tailored for military veterans, active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel transitioning to civilian life. But there’s so much more to the school than its Master’s programmes, such as its personalised teaching approach.

Goizueta’s commitment to personalised education is evident in its small class sizes, which facilitate close student-faculty interaction and hands-on learning experiences. Students have many opportunities outside the classroom too. Poised to be “Tomorrow’s Tech Mecca,” Atlanta ranks third in the nation for Fortune 1000 companies and fifth for Inc. 5000 headquarters. The city is also home to 220 of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, offering students ample opportunities to gain practical experience and build valuable professional networks.

The school’s supportive and collaborative atmosphere, combined with its strong ties to the Atlanta business community, creates the right environment for students to thrive and develop as future leaders.

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