News

For the fourth year running, Isenberg’s Online MBA has achieved number-one status among U.S. business schools in the annual Financial Times survey of online MBA programs. In the same 2020 survey, the Isenberg program ranked third in the world. Isenberg’s AACSB-accredited online degree launched in 2001 and today enrolls approximately 1,200 students. 

“As early adopters in the online MBA space, we have never looked back,” notes Linda K. Enghagen, Isenberg’s associate dean of graduate and professional programs. “We are proud of the long and rich history of experience our dedicated faculty members bring to this evolving field. No less important is the commitment of our students, many of whom already hold an advanced degree in another field.”

From business analytics, finance, and health care administration to marketing and sport management, the Isenberg program continues to broaden the academic and professional horizons of its students, who hail from all 50 states and around the globe. They include physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and scientists.

Enghagen also makes the point that continuing innovation has allowed the program to stay relevant as more business schools have begun offering online degrees. “To keep pace in the field, we continue to make strategic investments in new technology, innovative course design, and outstanding faculty,” Enghagen says.

One of those faculty members, OIM professor Robert Nakosteen, has taught statistical research methods in the online program since its inception. “The strong demand for our program is the best endorsement of its exceptional quality,” he observes. “Being more mature, professionally developed, and self-starters, online students are more discriminating consumers.”

Successful Students

As part of the rankings initiative, the Financial Times surveyed 2016 graduates, revealing ingredients that have contributed to the Isenberg program’s exceptional success: Completing the Isenberg program conferred the highest increase in current salaries among all online MBA programs, with alumni reporting an average gain of 46 percent since the time they finished their MBA degrees. Isenberg alumni also achieved the second highest current salary ($168,046) in the nation. And in the United States, Isenberg offered the greatest value for the dollar.    

“It is thrilling to see the repeated recognition the degree has received from the Financial Times,” observes Isenberg’s dean, Anne Massey. “It confirms again that our investments in faculty, curriculum, and technology support a program that’s known to be a game-changer for mid-career professionals.”