MBA Program Advances In U.S. News Ranking
Penn State's Smeal College MBA Program ranks 37th overall and 18th among public universities in the 2006 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools," which is published by U.S. News & World Report. The program also ranks 8th in the nation in the discipline-specific category of Supply Chain/Logistics.
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (March 30, 2005)—Penn State's Smeal College MBA Program ranks 37th overall and 18th among public universities in the 2006 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools," which is published by U.S. News & World Report. The program also ranks 8th in the nation in the discipline-specific category of Supply Chain/Logistics.
Smeal improved upon its 45th overall and 22nd public ranking in last year's U.S. News survey. More than 92 percent of the class of 2004 was employed three months after graduation, among the best long-term placement rates at any business school. Penn State's extensive alumni network is an important factor in helping students access appropriate employment opportunities.
"We continue to introduce new program innovations at Smeal that capitalize on the quality of our faculty and the intimate scale of our program," said Dean Judy Olian. "In the coming months we'll launch a new personalized leadership program built around 360-degree assessments and ongoing individual coaching. Rounding out our graduates' analytical capabilities with the 'softer' leadership and communication skills prepares students with the broad foundation critical to their future careers as managers and leaders."
The annual U.S. News rankings survey is based on qualitative evaluation of reputation by deans and recruiters; input metrics such as GMAT scores, undergraduate GPAs, and selectivity; and output metrics such as employment rates and starting salary / bonus. It is one of several MBA rankings released by various media outlets throughout the year.
