Best Master’s in Management Degrees

Barely needing any introduction, Harvard University is one of the world’s best schools. It is a private Ivy League that has graduated hundreds of Rhodes Scholars, Fields Medalists, Turing Award winners, Nobel Prize winners, and more. Approximately 20k students attend Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Through Harvard’s MS in Management degree you will study the core elements of management theory. This includes accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, strategy, and more. But you’ll also be introduced to developing trends in the world of media, business communications, digital landscapes, and global perspectives. Some of the classes you can anticipate taking at Harvard include:

• Real-World Economics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Financial Services for the Poor
• Strategy, Conflict, and Cooperation
• Among others

Harvard is ranked the 2nd best university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. ARWU places it 1st, and global rankings are similarly prestigious. Harvard is home to dozens of notable museums, archives, libraries, and research centers.

The most prestigious university based on the West Coast, and one of the most prestigious in the world, Stanford University is a private research university. Its geographic proximity to Silicon Valley has resulted in its high profile reputation in tech and energy research. Though dozens of its departments rank as the top in their fields.

Stanford’s one-year Master of Science in Management degree puts you in the heart of Silicon Valley. This program is a combination of rigorous coursework, leadership formation, and collaboration with peers and faculty. And, as a Sloan Fellow, you will have the opportunity to design up to 50 percent of your academic experience. Some of the unique specialization and elective options include:

• Combining Management with a Neuroscience Cognitive Core
• Creativity and Innovation classes
• Intellectual Property classes through Stanford’s Law School
• And more

Forbes ranks Stanford the top university in the nation while U.S. News & World Report places it 5th, ARWU 2nd, and Washington Monthly 1st. Stanford alumni have gone on to create Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.

Located outside of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a large research university known for its graduate and doctoral programs. It is a member of the Big Ten Conference with alumni who have become Nobel Prize Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Geniuses, and Rhodes Scholars.

At Northwestern you can earn a MS in Management degree from the renowned Kellogg School in just ten months. In this fast-paced program you will collaborate closely with peers. You can even combine the degree with a MBA, all of which can be earned in just one year. However you design your degree experience, you will develop powerful communication, leadership, and innovation skills. Courses include:

• Business Analytics
• Leadership in Organizations
• Management Communications
• Marketing Management
• Global Initiatives in Management
• And more

Northwestern is consistently included among the top 50 best universities in the nation by ARWU, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly. Its global rankings are similarly impressive and consistent.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the best universities in the nation, especially in the fields of technology, science, business, and engineering. MIT is a member of the Association of American Universities, has approximately 12k enrolled students, and often collaborates in research projects with Harvard, Wellesley College, Brandeis, Tufts, and more.

Offered through the prestigious Sloan School, MIT offers a customizable MS in Management Studies degree. This is a nine-month degree program. And it can be used to complement a MBA or another master’s program from an affiliate school. Areas of research are broken into three categories: behavioral and policy sciences, management science, and economics, finance and accounting. Through those specializations you can explore the ins and outs of:

• Economic Sociology
• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Operations Management
• Information Technologies
• And more

MIT is home to a variety of renowned research projects, institutions, centers. Thus the university is affiliated with hundreds of Marshall Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, astronauts, Fields Medalists, MacArthur Fellows, and more.

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private, research university. Approximately 15k students attend Duke and are enrolled in one of its 50 academic programs. Campus is pocked with research institutes, art museums, medial and health facilities, and much more.

Duke’s Master’s in Management Studies degree is taught by the same prestigious faculty who teach the MBA students. That means you’re guaranteed a world-class education. This is a ten-month program that covers everything from marketing and consulting to general management and finance. At Duke you’ll learn how to make economical decisions and tackle difficult issues. You’ll become a persuasive communicator and a critical thinker. Duke’s course load consists of classes on:

• Business Communication
• Foundations of Corporate Finance
• Principles of Strategy
• Cost and Managerial Accounting
• And more

In a recent New York Times study, it was found that graduates from Duke’s programs are some of the most desired in the work force. Forbes even called it a “Power Factory” university. Its rankings confirm as much: U.S. News & World Report includes it within the top ten universities worldwide.

Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is a private, Ivy League research university. It is one of the oldest schools in the national and part of the original nine colonial colleges that were founded before the American Revolution. Dartmouth is known for its liberal arts curriculum.

Through Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, you can earn a MBA with specialization in Management Studies. After completing your first year of courses on finance, management, economics, and marketing, you can take an Independent Study in your second year. This allows you to customize your educational experience. You can fill your course schedule with management classes and graduate ready to be a leader across business sectors and industries. Management courses include:

• Managers and the Law
• Managerial Accounting
• Advanced Management Communication
• Management of Health Care Organizations
• Managing for Social Impact
• And more

Dartmouth has earned a reputation for graduating students who go on to become U.S. senators and representatives, governors, Nobel Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, and more. Dartmouth is ranked 11th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

New York’s Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university with nearly 30k students. Columbia is organized into twenty colleges and schools, including its renowned Columbia Business School. This business school is among the most selective and prestigious in the country. Forbes, U.S. News, The Economist, and Business Insider recognize it as one of the best business schools in the world.

Specifically designed for those who want to work in the technology industry, Columbia offers a Master’s in Technology Management degree. The curriculum is a unique blend of digital leadership courses and technology strategy courses. Meaning you’ll graduate with a balanced understanding of today’s global, digital environment. Courses include:

• Behavioral Challenges in Technology Management
• Leading Disruptive Change in a Digital Economy
• Applied Analytics
• Strategic Advocacy
• Technology and the Law
• And more

Columbia is ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation, and in the world, by ARWU, Times Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and more. It is known for its many contributions to research, and was, in fact, where the uranium atom was first split.

From economics to business and management, sociology to English literature, the University of Chicago holds prestige in many fields. Its graduate programs are especially well regarded. Approximately 15k students attend the University of Chicago, a majority of whom are earning an advanced degree.

The University of Chicago offers a distinctive take on the management degree. The MS in Threat and Response Management program is ideal for those who want to gain leadership skills in the area of crisis, strategy, and prevention. This interdisciplinary degree takes two years to complete. Classes include those such as:

• Emergency Management, Policy Making, Law and Ethics
• Foundations of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Epidemiology and Infectious Disease
• Systems Thinking for Emergency Preparedness
• And more

This private research institution is ranked 3rd in the nation (among all colleges and universities) by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, ARWU, Forbes, Washington Monthly, and more include it among the top 20 best universities in the U.S.

Again, Yale barely needs an introduction. Its Ivy League status, its founding before the American Revolution, and its array of rankings make Yale one of the most respected universities in the nation, as well as worldwide. It is based in New Haven, Connecticut and is home to around 12k students.

Yale offers a Master’s of Advanced Management degree that will connect you with leaders around the world. This is a one-year degree program that emphasizes global trends. Through coursework, lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects you will gain critical insights into business leadership. And you’ll have the opportunity to curate your learning experience, as Yale allows students to gather a customized selection of electives. Among them:

• Behavioral and Institutional Economics
• Mastering Influence and Persuasion
• Global Financial Crisis
• Listening to the Customer
• Nonmarket Strategy
• And more

A top ten national university according to U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and ARWU, Yale is also ranked among the top ten universities for its quality and magnitude of research contributions.

The University of Virginia (UVA) is the flagship school for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Around 22k students attend UVA and are enrolled in one of the 200 academic programs. It is an elected member of the Association of American Universities and classified as a high research university by the Carnegie Foundation.

UVA’s MS in Commerce degree is a management program that takes ten months to complete. While building a foundation in marketing, finance, analytics, and management, you’ll gain hands-on experience. Yale has students participate in a global immersion experience. You’ll travel to Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, or the Middle East to work and develop an international mindset. A course sampling includes:

• Global Strategy and Systems
• Strategic Cost Management
• Marketing and Quantitative Analysis
• Financial Accounting
• Among others

UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson and is designated a collegiate World Heritage Site. Likewise, it is known for its secret societies and its historic foundations. UVA is ranked within the top 50 best universities in the nation by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and more.

One of the founders of the Association of American Universities, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League. Around 25k undergraduate and graduate students attend Penn, enrolled in one of the hundreds of academic programs. In addition to its academic prestige, Penn is known for its interdisciplinary education and research focus.

Penn’s Wharton School of Business is world-renowned. It offers a number of degrees, including a variety of MBAs. The MBA in Strategic Management, for example, provides students with a foundation in competitive business analytics. This is an ideal program for those eager to launch their own business or join a prestigious, established firm. Some of the classes you’ll have the opportunity to explore at Penn include:

• Strategy and Competitive Advantage
• American Business History
• Technology Strategy
• Corporate Development: Mergers and Acquisitions
• Among others

Penn is ranked as a top ten school by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and more. It was one of the nine colonial colleges that were chartered before the American Revolution. And it was originally founded by Benjamin Franklin.

Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan (UM) is part of the Big Ten Conference. It is also a member of the Association of American Universities. UM is classified as a high research university and it is a flagship institution in the state of Michigan. Around 45k students attend.

A ten-month program, the Master’s of Management degree program at the University of Michigan gives students full leadership training. It prepares students for careers in diverse industries, from consulting and technology to manufacturing and consumer goods. You’ll even engage in fieldwork, network with key business leaders, and graduate with a clear idea of your career trajectory. Coursework covers:

• Marketing Management
• Evaluating Financial Performance
• Applied Microeconomics
• Positive Leadership and Organizing
• World Economy
• And more

The University of Michigan is known for its research contributions across the STEM fields, in healthcare, and throughout the social work and sociology fields. UM is considered a Public Ivy and is well-ranked by U.S. News & World Report (27th among all national universities).

The oldest member in the University of California, UC Berkeley is the top public university in the country. Like many of the other elite schools on our list, UC Berkeley is a founding member of the Association of American Universities. It is based in the Bay Area and has approximately 40k students enrolled.

Offered through the School of Information, UC Berkeley offers a Master of Information Management and Systems. This is a full two-year program for those who want to become leaders in the tech industries. You’ll learn how to analyze the relationships between technical design, policy frameworks, and ethics. And you’ll gain persuasive leadership skills. Classes include:

• Information Organization and Retrieval
• Social Issues of Information
• Information Law and Policy
• Software Prototyping
• And more

The Berkeley community—alumni, faculty, and researchers alike—have won Fields Medals, Turing Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and more. They have also become Nobel Laureates, Olympic Gold medalists, and MacArthur Fellows. UC Berkeley is ranked 20th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Ivy League Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York. It was founded on the promise to deliver diverse education across disciplines. Today, around 22k students are enrolled in one of the seven undergraduate colleges or seven graduate divisions.

Cornell offers a MPS in Management degree that is paired with specialization in accounting. This program takes only one year to complete but will you receive a highly individualized education. Partnering closely with a faculty advisor you will design your Cornell experience, choosing among a diversity of course options, such as:

• Managerial Accounting and Reporting
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Auditing and Assurance
• Managerial Control in Hospitality Operations
• And more

Cornell is affiliated with Truman, Rhodes, and Marshall Scholars as well as nearly 50 Nobel laureates. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 14th in the nation, and its global rankings are similarly impressive. U.S. News places it 22nd among all universities and colleges around the world.

What better place to receive an advanced education in business and management then in the mecca of commerce—New York City. New York University (NYU) is a private research university. Around 50k undergraduate and graduates attend NYU.

Through the Tandon School of Engineering and the School of Professional Studies, NYU offers several management degree opportunities. For example, the MS in Management Technology degree was specifically designed for those who want to better integrate technology into social advancement, economic equity, and business. The curriculum is thus a blend of innovation and entrepreneurship courses, such as:

• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing
• Global Innovation
• Technology Strategy
• And more

NYU is well decorated in rankings and recognitions. It is lauded by Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and much, much more. NYU is known for its research contributions in the areas of medicine, business, and technology.

Located in Atlanta, Emory University is an elite research university. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country and also one of the best. Around 15k undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in one of Emory’s nine academic divisions.

Though not technically a degree in management, the MBA at Emory allows you specialize in several management areas (below). Whichever route you take, your degree from Emory ensures you develop crucial leadership, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Complete the degree in one year or two. Specializations include:

• Brand Management
• Management Consulting
• Global Management
• Technology Management
• And more

Emory is ranked 20th among all national universities and colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Often considered a “Hidden Ivy,” it boasts solid rankings from Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and more.

The sprawling University of Texas System has many distinguished members, including its flagship institution in Austin. UT Austin is part of the Association of American Universities and one of the largest schools in the country. Over 50k students attend.

Created for those who want to allocate their management expertise in the worlds of technology, UT Austin’s MS in Information Technology and Management is a perfect program. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world business partners. And you’ll graduate with a STEM certification from one of the country’s best STEM schools. Classes include:

• Financial Management
• Data Management
• Strategic IT and Change Management
• IT and Supply Chain Management
• And more

UT Austin is a top-ranked public school with both a national and global reputation. It is considered a Public Ivy and is home to millions of dollars of research as well as Nobel Prize, Turing Award, and National Medal of Science winners.

The University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the most famous universities on the West Coast. It offers over 300 academic programs across all degree levels. With nearly 45k students attending, UCLA is one of the nation’s largest universities.

You have two options for studying management at UCLA. You can either earn an MBA with specialization in management or you can earn a master’s degree that leads to a PhD. The latter is obviously more involved, but gives you the opportunity to cultivate a rich, broad learning experience. Both give you real-world experience. Graduates have found management positions in:

• Healthcare
• The tech industry
• Across business sectors
• Non-profit
• Government agencies
• And more

Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report, and ARWU all place UCLA among the nation’s top 25 best universities. It receives similar global rankings as well. UCLA has graduated dozens of Field Medalists, Turing Award winners, and Nobel laureates.

Georgetown University is based in the nation’s capital and is a private, research institution. With around 8k undergraduates and 10k grad students, Georgetown is on the smaller end of the scale (relative to our list anyway). It offers around 50 academic degrees across dozens of fields and disciplines.

Your options are many at Georgetown, as they offer nearly half a dozen master’s degrees in management (see below). Whatever your area of interest, Georgetown is an excellent place to advance your education and career. Students engage in both focused coursework as well as practical experience through real-world case studies. You can also combine your degree with some online coursework as well, making it all the more flexible.

• Technology Management
• Emergency and Disaster Management
• Human Resource Management
• Project Management

Georgetown is considered both an elite and active research hub as well as a student-centric university. It is ranked among the top 25 best universities in the country by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly.

Georgia Institution of Technology (Georgia Tech) is based in Atlanta and is part of the larger University System of Georgia. It is comprised of six colleges and schools, each of which emphasizes the STEM fields. Just under 30k students attend Georgia Tech, either on its main campus or one of those located throughout the state and even the world.

Georgia Tech offers a MS in Management degree that allows the student to specially tailor the curriculum. Meaning, you can build a curriculum that specifically emphasizes the areas of business, technology, and management that are of most interest to you. Just some of the unique course opportunities you’ll have the opportunity to take at Georgia Tech include:

• Legal, Social and Ethical Aspects of Business
• Management Statistics
• Management Applications of Information Technology
• Quantitative Analysis for Business
• Plus an internship

Georgia Tech is not only one of the best STEM schools in the nation, it’s just plain one of the best. U.S. News ranks it 34th among all national universities, while many of its individual departments and schools also receive consistent accolades.

Brigham Young University (BYU) may be known as one of the leading universities owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is also a top-ranked institution. Approximately 30k students attend BYU’s main campus in Provo, Utah. And 99 percent of students are part of the LDS Church.

Though technically a MBA degree, BYU’s program is heavily founded in management principles and fundamentals. Through this elite program you will have the opportunity to participate in summer internships, competitions, and other extra-curricular activities that will give you hands-on experience. Some of the management courses you’ll take at BYU include:

• Operations Management
• Strategic HR Management
• Marketing Management
• Managerial Accounting
• And more

BYU students sign an Honor Code before enrolling, promising to stay within the university’s stringent rules on relationships, dress, and social behavior. Nearly 90 percent of students take a hiatus from BYU to become missionaries.

The University of Florida (UF) is based in Gainesville and is a major research institution. A leading member of the State University System of Florida, UF is a land, space, and sea-grant university. It contributes significantly in the areas of agriculture, business, and technology research.

UF offers a MS in Management degree that first gives students a foundation in business. Students then specialize while developing leadership skills. One of the biggest reasons to attend UF, though, is the number of opportunities you’ll have to study abroad, earn a dual degree, or get extra certification. Some of the core courses at UF are:

• Managerial Accounting
• Managers & Legal Environment
• Global Strategic Management
• Professional Communication
• And more

U.S. News & World Report ranks UF 9th among all public universities in the country. Likewise, it places UF 42nd among all national universities. Dozens of the university’s departments and schools are equally reputable, including its Warrington College of Business and Hough Graduate School of Business.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is home to approximately 12k students. It is organized into seven colleges across multiple disciplines, from engineering to fine arts.

Through the Tepper School of Business at CMU you can earn a MS in Product Management degree that requires only one year of study. This is an ideal program for those who want to combine management with technology, as you’ll receive a technical education from the School of Computer Science in addition to your business classes. So, for example, some classes you’ll take at CMU include:

• Business Fundamentals
• Digital Service Innovation
• Marketing for High-Tech Product Management
• Data Science for Product Management
• Among others

CMU is ranked 25th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. It’s not a big surprise, since CMU has graduated dozens of Nobel Laureates, Turing Award winners, and Emmy Award winners. Newsweek recently called CMU one of the “New Ivies.”

A member of the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Conference, Indiana University in Bloomington is one of the best schools in the Midwest (and in the nation). IU Bloomington is a large university with sixteen colleges and schools, over 500 academic programs, and nearly 50k students.

The MS in Strategic Management degree from IU Bloomington is not only offered through the renowned Kelley School of Business, but it can be earned online. Through this program you will learn everything from operations management to competitive analysis. And you will polish your critical thinking skills as well as your communication skills. Courses include:

• Topics in Directed Business Interaction
• Decision Making and Leadership
• Developing Strategic Capabilities
• International Competitive Strategy
• And more

Indiana University Bloomington is a Public Ivy and one of the top public universities in the country. It is ranked 75th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The Kelley School of Business is also considered one of the nation’s very best.

Highly regarded and located in South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame is a Catholic research university. Around 12k students attend Notre Dame. In addition to its fighting Irish fame, Notre Dame is known for its research in the areas of biology, history, business, and computer science.

Notre Dame offers an 11-month MS in Management degree for students regardless of their education or vocational background. This is a fantastic option if you earned an undergraduate degree in a totally different field. Over the course of three semesters you will gain a foundation in business, accounting, finance, ethics, and marketing. You can even participate in the international study trip to China. Notre Dame offers classes such as:

• Quantitative Business Analysis
• Microeconomics Analysis
• Management Writing
• International Management
• And more

Businessweek, Forbes, USA Today, and U.S. News & World Report each praise Notre Dame for its academic excellence. In fact, it is considered both a “New Ivy” and one of “America’s Top Colleges.”

Home to the Spartans, Michigan State University (MSU) is located in the state’s capital, Lansing. It is a public research university comprised of over 50k undergraduate and graduate students. Founded as an agricultural school, MSU was one of the first to offer degree programs in supply chain management and hospitality business.

Proffered through the highly regarded Eli Broad College of Business, MSU offers a MS in Management, Strategy, and Leadership degree. This is a two-year program that can be completed online. Integrating theory with application, MSU’s program trains students to become managers in an array of fields. The curriculum is decidedly organized into five key areas:

• Human Resource Management
• Strategy
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• And Team Management

Though MSU has a strong undergraduate program, it is known and well-ranked for many of its graduate schools and their respective programs. For example, its business, education, and engineering graduate programs are among the top 50 in the nation (U.S. News & World Report).

The University of Washington (UW) is a flagship institution located in Seattle. It is a member of the elite Association of American Universities and one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. Over 45k students attend public, research institution, UW.

The University of Washington offers a MS in Information Management degree designed for students who are interested in the intersections of digital systems, management, and leadership. At UW you will learn how to lead teams and organizations toward innovation and success. Furthermore, you can specialize through one of the six designated focuses:

• Business Intelligence
• Data Science
• User Experience
• Information Consulting
• Information Architecture
• And Information Security

The University of Washington is recognized as a Public Ivy. It is ranked among the top 100 best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (54th), Forbes (79th), Washington Monthly (8th), and ARWU (11th).

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is located in Dallas, Texas and is a private, research school. It was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church and is now owned and run by the United Methodist Church. SMU is organized into seven schools and enrolls around 12k undergraduate and graduate students.

SMU’s MS in Management program is organized into two semesters and brings together finance, statistics, marketing, accounting, and strategy. This program is ideal for those who don’t have a background in business but are looking to move in that direction. This 30 credit hour degree includes courses such as:

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Finance
• Marketing Management
• Statistics
• And more

Known for its research activity, SMU is home to numerous well-known and active research facilities and centers. The Business Leadership Center, the Alternative Asset Management Center, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, and the Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing are just some examples.

Boston University (BU) is a private, research institution with more than 30k students. They offer degrees at all levels through their 17 schools and colleges. BU is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as a high research university by Carnegie.

At Boston University you can earn a MS in Management Studies degree that is unlike any other in the nation. Hailed as one of the most innovative programs in the country, this degree doesn’t deal in exams, GPAs, or syllabi. Instead, you learn by doing in this three-module program. Looking for more incentives to join the BU community:

• At BU you’ll attend classes from 9-5, just like the real-world
• You’ll work closely with faculty mentors
• You’ll find a job after graduation (BU has a 100 percent employment rate for its graduates)
• You’ll work on real case projects

BU has been praised by Times Higher Education, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, Businessweek, The Economist, and much more. In addition to the number of national and global rankings BU boasts, it is also lauded for many of its individual departments and schools.

The Twin Cities campus (UMN) is the flagship university in the greater University of Minnesota System. It is also the largest with over 50k combined undergraduate and graduate students. UMN is sprawling with nearly 20 colleges and schools and hundreds of academic degree programs.

UMN offers a MS in Management of Technology degree for those students seeking to lead in a technical environment. This is a 36 credit hour program organized into four semesters. So while it may take two years to complete, you’ll have all the flexibility you need to continue working while earning the degree. Some of the classes you’ll take at UMN include:

• Leading Individual and Team Performance
• Innovation Leadership and Organization Effectiveness
• Conflict Management
• Corporate Responsibility
• And more

A Public Ivy, UMN has graduated dozens of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners. It is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities. U.S. News & World Report places UMN 71st among all national universities and colleges.

Located in College Station, Texas A&M University (TAMU) is an elite public research institution. TAMU is known for its research in engineering, tech, business, health, and aeronautics, and it has one of the largest endowments in the country. It is a member of the highly regarded Association of American Universities.

Whether you envision yourself in a vibrant nonprofit organization or at the top of a high-rise, leading a large corporation, TAMU’s MS in Management degree can help you achieve your goals. The TAMU curriculum can be altered depending on your background and experience. Meaning those with little experience in business can still apply. TAMU’s core consists of the following:

• Operations and Organizations
• Marketing Environment
• Finance for Decision Makers
• Plus an array of electives

Among all colleges and universities across the country, TAMU is ranked 68th by U.S. News & World Report. It has also earned a reputation for its international research activities. With over 500 projects throughout 80 countries, TAMU is at the top of its class for its global initiatives.

One of the most sprawling research institutions based in the Southwest, Arizona State University (ASU) a large public university. It is classified as a top-tier research institution and was recently ranked by the Center for Measuring University Performance as being among the top 25 universities in the country. Over 50k students attend ASU.

Offered through the renowned WP Carey School of Business, this management degree takes only nine months to complete. You’ll take half a dozen core business courses plus leadership formation courses. Then you’ll complete a capstone consulting project as a way to apply your education to real-world business problems. Courses include:

• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Strategic Leadership
• Marketing Management
• Career Leadership
• And more

ASU was recently designated by U.S. News & World Report as the Most Innovative School in the country. It has consistently earned this specific praise for the last three years. ASU is well ranked by Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more.

Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) is the oldest private school in the state. Though strong in many areas, USC is specifically recognized for its elite graduate programs. Around 40k students attend USC.

USC offers a MS in Management Studies degree that not only introduces you to the fundamentals of management, but encourages you to specialize (see areas of focus below). This means you’ll receive both a broad business education as well as concentrated study in an area well-suited to you and your career goals. USC’s program is offered through the Marshall School of Business.

• Leadership and Organization
• Sustainability, Society, and Business
• Strategic Management and Consulting
• Among others

USC is a member of the Association of American Universities. It is also ranked among the top 100 best universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report (21st), ARWU (33rd), Forbes (65th), and more.

Pennsylvania State University is based in University Park but has campuses throughout the state. It is a major research university with multiple law schools, health and medical facilities, the Smeal College of Business, and a dozen other renowned schools and colleges. Nearly 100k students attend Penn State.

The Smeal College of Business at Penn State offers an accelerated MS in Management and Organizational Leadership degree. This program can take fewer than 12 months to complete and includes two unique immersion experiences. While one focuses on negotiation skills and strategies, the other helps you develop leadership and team-building skills. All on top of the traditional curriculum:

• Financial Accounting
• Statistics
• Economics for Managers
• Global Business Environment
• And more

Penn State is a Public Ivy and ranked 50th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It is classified as a high research university and is known especially for its work in engineering and tech. It is a founding member of the Worldwide Universities Network.

The Madison branch of the University of Wisconsin System is a public research university. Over 40k combined undergraduate and graduate students attend and are enrolled in one of UW’s 20 schools and colleges. UW Madison is a founding member of the Association of American Universities.

The management program at UW Madison was specifically designed for those who both want a MBA and to go into human resources. This program is a combination of human resource theories, concepts, and applications as well as business fundamentals. It takes two years to complete and is organized into four semesters. At UW Madison you will take classes such as:

• Compensation: Theory and Administration
• Negotiations
• Ethics, Integrity, and Society
• Labor-Management Relations
• Among others

UW Madison is a Public Ivy and the site of multiple National Historic Landmarks. Though home to a strong undergraduate academic program, UW Madison’s graduate degrees are top of the line. It is especially known for its business, communication, information studies, and public affairs graduate programs.

The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (UNC) is one of the nation’s oldest public universities. Organized into over a dozen colleges and schools, UNC offers around 75 academic programs. This is a flagship university with approximately 30k students.

UNC offers a variety of ways to receive a graduate education in management. Whether you want to work in public administration, business, engineering, information science, or healthcare, UNC has a management program for you. Whichever route you take toward advancing your education and career, UNC’s programs are a balanced blend of theory and application. Other reasons to consider UNC include:

• Its assortment of graduate certification and specialization options
• The opportunity to take some classes online
• Its affordable tuition rates
• And its consistent high rankings from U.S. News & World Report

Ranked 30th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, UNC is considered a Public Ivy. Additionally, many of its individual departments and colleges are well ranked by Forbes, Kiplinger’s, The Princeton Review, and more.

RIce University is based in Houston, Texas. It is a private research university affiliated with the Texas Medical Center, dozens of research centers and facilities, and the Association of American Universities. Rice is relatively small with under 7k combined undergraduate and graduate students.

At Rice you can earn a MBA that is easily paired with a concentration in Operations Management. Here you will learn how to design, plan, control, implement and improve business processes. You’ll learn how to meet consumers’ needs while cultivating a sustainable system of business. A sampling of Rice classes includes:

• Data Analysis
• Marketing
• Financial Accounting
• Organizational Behavior
• And more

Considered the state’s most prestigious university, Rice is ranked 14th among all national universities and colleges by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its academic prestige, Rice was ranked 1st by The Princeton Review for its “Quality of Life” and “Happiest Students.”

Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee and is a private research institution. Over 12k students attend Vanderbilt, enrolled in one of the university’s ten colleges or schools. Vanderbilt’s reputation is steeped in its research contributions, which cross a range of disciplines and fields.

Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management offers a MS of Management in Healthcare degree. This 30 credit hour, one-year program is specifically for those who are rising managers in health care organizations. At Vanderbilt you will take business courses through the week then attend intensive health care industry-specific courses on the weekends. Classes include:

• Economics of Health Care
• Configuring and Optimizing Health Care Operations
• Health Care Accounting
• Health Care Finance
• And more

Vanderbilt is ranked 14th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, it is often equally lauded for having some of the happiest students, the quality of social life, for its beautiful campus, and more (The Princeton Review).

Located in Athens, the University of Georgia (UGA) is a flagship institution. It is classified by Carnegie as being a top-tier research university, notably in the areas of biomedicine, energy, and oceanography. Over 36k students attend UGA.

The Terry College of Business at UGA offers a full-time MBA in Operations Management degree. Through this program you will become proficient in the planning, scheduling, and implementing of business projects. You will first build a foundation in supply chain and operations management then focus on the marketing, financial, and customer service components of management. Courses include:

• Economics of Managing Organizations
• Financial Modeling
• Services Marketing
• New Product Development
• And more

As a whole UGA is ranked 56th among all national universities and colleges (U.S. News & World Report). Additionally, many of its individual departments and colleges are as equally as prestigious and hold stellar rankings. For example, the Terry College of Business has a number of programs that are among the top 10 in their respective fields.

A member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It has around 40k students and over 200 academic areas of study. Purdue is most known for its programs in engineering, computer science, management, and economics.

At Purdue you can earn a MS in Business Analytics and Information Management degree. This is an ideal program for managers who also want to work in data aggregation and analytics. Purdue’s program is also STEM certified and part of the prestigious Krannert School of Management. Some of the classes you can anticipate taking while at Purdue include:

• Micro Economics
• Managerial Communication Skills
• Marketing in a Global Economy
• Web Data Analytics
• Data Mining with SAS Enterprise Miner
• And more

One of the best public universities in the country, Purdue is ranked 20th by U.S. News & World Report. Similarly, many of its undergraduate and graduate programs are also well-known for their academic excellence. Among them, the business program is ranked 23rd in the nation.

Located in the nation’s capital, George Washington University (GWU) is a private, research institution. Around 28k students attend GWU and are enrolled in one of the fourteen colleges or schools. GWU offers 70 degree programs, the most popular and prestigious being government, business, and journalism.

At George Washington University you can earn a graduate degree that is specifically geared toward project management. While learning the basics of business leadership you’ll also get fully trained on project oversight. While some students finish the degree in as few as 18 months, others, who opt to go part time, are given up to four years to finish. The GWU curriculum includes classes such as:

• Statistics for Managers
• Project Management Finance
• Risk Analysis for Decision Making
• Cost Estimation and Control
• And more

GWU is ranked 56th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. It also receives unique praise from The Princeton Review for its politically active student base, its study abroad programming, and its vibrant campus.

A private, research university based in Boston, Northeastern enrolls around 25k undergraduate and graduate students. It is classified as an active research university that is known for its distinctive co-op program. This program allows students to gain real-world working experience in addition to their academic experience.

One of the only programs like it on our list, Northeastern offers a MS in International Management degree. At Northeastern you will get the unique opportunity to study in two countries at two top business schools. This program takes 10-15 months to complete and introduces you to all the complexities of global strategic business knowledge. Courses cover:

• International Business Management
• Global Managerial Economics
• International Marketing
• Global Growth, Acquisitions, and Alliances
• And more

Northeastern University is ranked 40th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Its co-op program is the reason for many of its strong rankings and consistent recognitions. In fact, it is often considered among the top 10 “Most Innovative Schools” in the country (U.S. News).

Ohio State University (OSU) is a large public university located in Columbus. It’s one of the largest universities on our list with nearly 60k combined undergraduate and graduate students. OSU is a member of the Association of American Universities and is one of the country’s top public schools.

The management opportunities at OSU include a MS of Human Resource Management degree. It’s one of the only HR graduate programs in the country taught within a college of business. This is an ideal program for those who want to lead in an HR department while also receiving a foundational education in business. Classes include:

• Labor and Human Resources
• Markets, Organizations, and HR Management
• Talent Management
• Understanding Teams and Leadership
• And more

A Public Ivy, OSU is well-ranked by Forbes, ARWU, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report. It is a research powerhouse known for its contributions in the areas of aeronautics, biology, health, and more.

Wake Forest University is a private, independent university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Renowned for its academic excellence, dozens of Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholars have graduated from Wake Forest, including over 60 Fulbright winners. Around 7k students attend Wake Forest University.

Wake Forest offers a 10 month MA in Management degree that is geared toward liberal arts graduates. You’ll work closely with faculty in a hands-on learning environment while receiving personalized career direction from staff advisors. The OSU experience is notably interactive, flexible, and collaborative. The curriculum covers:

• Business Communications
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Macroeconomics
• Business Strategy and Planning
• And more

Wake Forest University is consistently called one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, it receives similar accolades from BusinessWeek, which highlights the business programs at Wake Forest, and Forbes.

Part of the larger University of North Carolina System, NC State is known for its programs in engineering, statistics, business, and life sciences. NC State offers over 200 academic programs, has over 35k students, and is a member of the Research Triangle with Duke University and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

NC State University provides a Master of Global Innovation Management program for students who want to gain a global perspective while getting real-world experience. This degree sets you up to succeed in a MBA program or to go on and find a rewarding career in international management. Some of the classes you can expect to take at NC state include:

• Technology Transfer to Market
• Marketing for Innovation and Creativity
• Innovation Networks
• Innovation Management Project
• And more

Globally and nationally ranked by many sources, from Kiplinger’s to Washington Monthly, NC State is known for its academic excellence, its affordability, and for its many research programs and initiatives. Included among those are The Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Master of Global Innovation Management program described above.

Organized into six discrete schools, the University of Rochester (UR) is a private research university. It’s relatively small with only around 10k students but it’s a leader in research and interdisciplinary education. UR is located in Rochester, New York.

The Simon Business School at UR offers a full-time MBA with specialization in International Management. For those who have either an educational or vocational background in business, this MBA is a great step forward. You’ll learn how to apply your skills and business knowledge to international markets. Some of the classes you’ll take at UR include:

• International Financial Statement Analysis
• Negotiation Theory and Practice
• Management of Technology
• And more

The University of Rochester is considered one of the 25 “New Ivy” schools, that is, those institutions on par with the caliber of education at traditional Ivy Leagues. UR is ranked 32nd among all national colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report. It becomes more and more competitive each year.

Founded just after the American Revolutionary War, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. Campus is located in downtown Pittsburgh and houses an array of museums, health facilities, and research centers. 28k students attend Pitt.

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of technology in business through Pitt’s MS in Management Information Systems degree. You will also become an expert in digital platforms, technology diffusion, and user behavior. This degree can be completed in as few as nine months. Courses cover:

• Information Systems
• Business Systems Platforms
• Database Management
• Project Management
• And more

Newsweek has called Pitt one of the “Top 100 Global Universities” and Kiplinger includes the university among its rankings for best value. On top of that, Pitt’s Katz School of Business has been praised by Financial Times as well as The Wall Street Journal.

The Dallas campus in the University of Texas System is a highly active research university. It is primarily known for its research endeavors in the areas of bioengineering, cybersecurity, business, and more. Not surprising, over 50 research centers pock the UT Dallas campus.

At UT Dallas you can earn a MS in International Management or a MS in Management Science degree. While the first covers global business concepts and theories, the latter is a unique program for those who want to lead in one of the STEM fields. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad, win a scholarship, or concentrate in one of fifteen fields, among them:

• Business Analytics
• Energy Management
• Real Estate
• Leadership in Organizations
• And more

UT Dallas has a reputation for its academic excellence, evidenced by the number of Nobel Prize winners it has graduated alone. But for added evidence, The Princeton Review, Academic Ranking of World Universities, Kiplinger, and Times Higher Education are just some of the sources praising the research and academic standards of UT Dallas.

A member of the Big Ten Conference and the Association of American Universities, the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) is a flagship school. It is a major site for research and thus has strong ties to the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and more.

UMD offers a MS in Business and Management degree through its Robert Smith School of Business. Through this program you’ll become proficient in everything from creative and critical thinking to leadership and teamwork formation. Some of the classes you will take as a UMD student include:

• Managerial Economics and Public Policy
• Data, Models, and Decisions
• Marketing Management
• Leadership, Teamwork, and Human Capital
• Among others

UMD’s campus is home to a number of innovative and influential research centers: the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, for example. UMD also sponsors a program for those students who want to start their own business. It’s one of the only programs like it in the nation.

The University of Illinois in Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) is the flagship school in the University of Illinois system and a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. It is organized into over a dozen colleges and schools and offers over 150 undergraduate degrees. UIUC is a highly active research university.

UIUC recently created a program designed to meet the needs of leaders in information and tech industries: a brand-new MS in Information Management degree. The first class started just last year, so this program is fresh and full of innovative minds. You’ll graduate ready to lead in numerous scenarios and roles. Some of the unique UIUC classes you’ll encounter include:

• Information Modeling
• Data, Statistical Models and Information
• Sociotechnical Information Systems
• And more

UIUC is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report (44th), Washington Monthly (33rd), Forbes (72nd), and ARWU (23rd). Similarly, its global rankings from QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education are as equally prestigious.