ASU executive MBA program ranks No. 12 in world

Earlier this week, the Financial Times released their annual ranking of executive MBA programs across the globe. Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business Executive MBA (EMBA) program in China, with partners at the Shanghai National Accounting Institute (SNAI), was ranked No. 12, ahead of MIT, University of Chicago and University of Pennsylvania.

The Financial Times ranking relies on school data and alumni surveys, and gives the highest weights to alumni salary and salary increase, but also includes a range of other factors, including gender and international diversity of students and faculty; academic research; and carbon emissions in the schools’ operations.

“We are incredibly proud of our new executive MBA ranking from the Financial Times,” says Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair in Business. “Since the W. P. Carey School of Business launched its executive MBA program in China 20 years ago, we have built a top-tier program that is innovative and focused on cultivating business leadership that spans the globe. I want to thank and acknowledge our partners at SNAI, who have made this two-decade partnership so successful.”

The school’s recent emphasis on curricular innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence, supply chains, environment, society and governance, fintech and other areas will only strengthen the course content and enhance EMBA students’ learning experience. These initiatives have been reinforced by the impactful research conducted by W. P. Carey faculty, whose research productivity is ranked No. 20 in the world by Financial Times this year. These efforts will continue to enhance the quality of W. P. Carey programs, including the China EMBA.

"This latest Financial Times ranking is a manifestation of the efforts made by the leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and students. I'm extremely proud of the cooperation between the W. P. Carey School and the Shanghai National Accounting Institute over the last 20 years,” says Ben Shao, associate dean for Asia-Pacific programs and initiatives. “The recognition will only motivate us to continue enhancing the quality and reputation of our program. I look forward to more progress to be made in the future.”

W. P. Carey strategic initiatives in environmental, society and governance (ESG) issues are already making their mark as well — the school ranks No. 8 for ESG and No. 5 for carbon footprint. The ranks measure the proportion of teaching hours from core courses dedicated to ethics, social, and environmental issues and climate solutions, along with the university’s net-zero emissions targets.

“Coming through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging global events, W. P. Carey and SNAI are privileged to continue partnering on this leading EMBA,” Kadan said. “For the last 20 years, our focus on international cooperation among students, academic institutions and business have led the way for U.S. business programs in China. We will carry on that tradition.”