MBA Program Rankings

Program rankings for obtaining an MBA vary between the schools that offer the degree. It has become of the most prevalent master degree programs available in many colleges. There are also magazine and different periodicals that rank the schools based on their graduation criteria, classes that need to be taken, cost, class size, and how long it takes to complete the program. Depending on how much effort you want to put forth in one of these programs will tell you the type of surroundings you need to pursue getting your MBA. It may take you two years, or it may take you five. Find out which school is best for you.

Published ranking of MBA programs are usually found on the Internet, in specific magazines, or in the newspaper. THE CARTER REPORT that started in 1977 was one of the first to start ranking different MBA programs. They used interviews they accumulated from deans, students, and professors. It is also stated in most of the media that you should look at the rankings as a helpful tool. Many people think that the way the schools are portrayed is the way it really happens. There are some things they don't take into consideration. Rankings for the most part focus on the school instead of the differences in degrees you can obtain by getting an MBA. These include two year programs, accelerated programs, part-time programs, distance programs, and the Executive MBA. Each periodical or medium has a different way they do their ranking system. One school may three on one one list and twelve on another. Be sure to compare the rankings. People who interview the subjects for the article may have asked their questions wrong or misquoted the person being interviewed.

After much debate, a solution was needed in how to do the rankings so everyone came up with the same results. They found that by taking the students average starting salary and adding their GMAT score to the list as well would give an exact ranking of all the schools. But this approach can also be flawed, if not attended to properly. People use only specific people on campus when they should have a diversity of people. The interviewers are doing a job and not thinking about what that particular person needs as far as their education goes. After all, a high ranking for a school in a periodical usually leads to just that happening because everyone thinks they are the best when they are actually number six. Some schools use their rankings to benefit them as well. They also have ranked non-existent departments in the MBA programs before.

Some of the periodicals you can use are US NEWS & WORLD REPORT, THE ECONOMIST, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and FORBES. These all describe different schools and what they offer that will benefit you and your needs. These are usually the most trusted ones out there. They should be available at your local bookstore.

Compare your choice schools with each other and see where they rank. Do not let that be the end all of it though. Compare the aforementioned items such as classes that you need and class size. You also need to think about the cost in the long run and if you will be able to keep up with the studies in the program that is offered. Do not leave any stone unturned.