October 24, 2005 — The Financial Times has announced that the David Eccles School of Business (DESB) Executive MBA program ranks among the top 75 in the world. The popular British newspaper and Web site will publish its rankings list Monday, October 24. For the second year in a row the Executive MBA program at the University of Utah is the only program in Utah to be ranked. The David Eccles School of Business placed 66th overall and 37th in the United States. The school’s overall ranking shows an increase of one spot from the year before.
Now in its fifth year of ranking the top 75 executive MBA programs, the Financial Times analyzed feedback from more than 3,000 alumni. The final ranking of each school is calculated on its performance in three main areas:
- Career progress of the alumni
- Diversity and the international experience offered
- The schools intellectual output and research
The list is based on data gathered from the Executive MBA class that graduated in 2002. The value of a DESB Executive MBA is confirmed by the Financial Times, in part, through alumni salaries as well as the published research by faculty members in leading journals. The 2002 graduates have shown an increase of 56% in salaries, according to the survey. The Financial Times ranked the David Eccles School of Business faculty 27th in the world in research output.
Brad Vierig, assistant dean of Executive Education and director of the Executive MBA program said, “The Financial Times ranking is a reflection of our growing stature as one of the world’s leading resources for an Executive MBA. The ranking includes factors that are important to prospective students, current students, and alumni. We are keeping pace with the growing needs of executives by providing courses that address not only local needs, but the emerging demands to work across cultural and global borders.”
DESB graduate Bryan Pett, class of 02′, manager of production support at Kennecott Utah Copper, says more executives are realizing the value of an MBA degree. “After completing my undergraduate degree in 1988, I thought I had taken my last final exam. However, my work experience helped me recognize that it is necessary to enhance existing skills and develop new ones to compete in today’s global marketplace. The EMBA program at the David Eccles School of Business has helped me learn to think strategically and manage complex problems. In addition to learning from the best instructors, as well as from successful professionals with diverse backgrounds, I have also developed a network of colleagues who will remain friends for life,” said Pett.
Jack Brittain, dean of the Business School says the EMBA program is getting some well deserved recognition for providing a quality education. “We’re focused on creating innovative programs such as the Executive MBA program has to offer. Courses are taught by world-class faculty and professionals who are absolutely committed to giving the very best to our business professionals. This is what matters, and it is what has helped the EMBA program attain a reputation for excellence,” said Brittain.
Future information sessions for the Executive MBA program will be held November 9, 2005 and December 8, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. For more information call 801-581-5577 or e-mail emba@utah.edu.
For more information about the Financial Times and its rankings, visit www.ft.com.