Fortune ranks MBA among nation's best
Article By: Clark Leonard
Fortune magazine has ranked the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cottrell Master of Business Administration (MBA) 70th in the nation and fifth-best in Georgia in its inaugural list of top part-time MBA programs. The magazine reviewed 150 programs to compile the list.
"These top part-time MBA degree programs not only offer top-notch curriculums and access to world-class business school professors, but they also have a track record of seeing their alumni climb to the tops of the Fortune 500 world," according to the magazine in the announcement of the 2021-22 ranking.
Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB), said the ranking validates the strong work of UNG's students, faculty, and staff.
"Having the Cottrell MBA included in the first Fortune ranking of part-time MBA programs, especially as one of only five programs in the state of Georgia, is an honor," Gowan said. "The fact that the rankings are based, in part, on the success of our alumni, provides additional confirmation that we are achieving the goals of our program in creating leaders who add value to their organizations and communities."
The Cottrell MBA will be offered online for new students starting this fall. UNG will continue to provide in-person courses for students already in the program who prefer to continue in that modality. This change to online for incoming students comes after some courses had already moved there.
The fact that the rankings are based, in part, on the success of our alumni, provides additional confirmation that we are achieving the goals of our program in creating leaders who add value to their organizations and communities.
Dr. Mary Gowan
Mike Cottrell College of Business dean
Students will earn 32 credits for the general MBA and 36 credits for the MBA with a graduate certificate specialization. UNG offers graduate certificates in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and innovation, and technology leadership.
"We were pleased to see that Fortune magazine recognized the quality of the Cottrell MBA in its recent rankings," Dr. Wendy Walker, MCCB associate dean for faculty and graduate programs, said. "This recognition is a testament to our faculty, who create an engaging, relevant program for today's professionals. The Cottrell MBA helps students take the next step in their careers."
Investing in the advanced degree provides functional knowledge in a variety of business fields while also addressing skills such as analytics, ethical decision-making, and professionalism. With a number of networking opportunities, relevant coursework, and competitive pricing, the Cottrell MBA is one of the best values in the state.
The Cottrell MBA started in 2008 and more than 300 students have graduated from the program.
Other Georgia schools on the Fortune list were Georgia Institute of Technology (No. 20), University of Georgia (No. 38), Georgia State University (No. 45), and Kennesaw State University (No. 59).
The Fortune ranking is the latest high-profile recognition for the MCCB, which tied for fifth among public universities in Georgia on the Undergraduate Computer Science Programs list released by U.S. News & World Report in September. U.S. News also ranked UNG as tied for seventh among public universities in Georgia on the Best Undergraduate Business Programs list.
Grads well-prepared for what comes next
UNG students are earning nearly 1,700 degrees and certificates in spring 2025, and more than half of them will take part in commencement ceremonies May 14-15.