The two-year program at Harvard Business School works on leadership and critical thinking in challenging real-world situations. The MBA program at Harvard has both required and elective curriculum. Required curriculum consists of financial, marketing, leadership and strategic classes, and students can choose from more than 90 varied courses for elective studies.
Field studies and individual research are offered to those students who want to focus on an organization or study specific topics. This type of learning is valuable at Harvard because it's "a remarkable opportunity for students to truly personalize their education as they make connections and gain experience in their chosen fields," according to their website.
The admissions criteria to Harvard depends on several things such as GRE and GMAT scores, academic performance, leadership abilities, engagement in the community and the ability to grow in your learning abilities. Harvard's website says they look for students with "leadership potential and capacity to thrive in a rigorous academic environment." As of 2010, enrollment in the MBA program at Harvard Business School averages 900 students.
Harvard Business School
Dillon House
Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA 02163
(617) 495-6128
hbs.edu/mba/
Located in the Hyde Park area of Chicago, the University of Chicago offers both full-time and part-time MBA programs. The full-time program takes approximately two years to complete. The part-time program is more flexible, and both weekend and night classes are available for those students.
The college has a motto where students learn how to use ideas. According to the dean of the business school, Edward A. Snyder, "we are never satisfied with our state of knowledge or practice. We believe in the power of ideas."
Curriculum consists of analyzing situations, coming up with creative solutions, debates, internships and study abroad programs. Joint degree programs are available in "international relations or area studies" with other University of Chicago graduate programs, according to the website. The admission process includes an online application, GMAT scores and an interview process.
University of Chicago
5807 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-7369
chicagobooth.edu
Located in northern California, Stanford Business School offers a two-year program that focuses on academics, which "produce a global community of leaders that posses the skills and knowledge to embrace challenge and change," according to their website.
With only 390 students in each level, Stanford has a smaller business program than most MBA schools. Joint degree and dual degree programs are available with other graduate schools at Stanford and with other universities. Curriculum consists of looking at case studies, internships and intensive research. First-year studies focus on leadership and management.
Admission to Stanford Business School is based on GMAT scores, interviews and individuals with leadership qualities and a variety of interests.
Stanford Business School
518 Memorial Way
Stanford, CA 94305
(650) 723-2766
gsb.stanford.edu/mba/