MEDIA RESOURCES

U. S. News & World Report Ranks Cox’s Executive MBA Program Among Nation’s Top 15

U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked the Executive MBA Program (EMBA) at SMU’s Cox School of Business among the top 15 in the nation. In its 2000 survey, U.S. News ranked the Cox Executive MBA program #12 in the nation, up two positions from last year’s #14 ranking. The Cox Executive MBA is the only nationally ranked program as well as the oldest program in North Texas.

The rankings, which will be released in the Monday, April 3, issue of U.S. News, are based on a reputational survey of deans and MBA directors from accredited business schools across the country. Complete information may be found at the publication’s Web site at www.usnews.com .

The Cox Executive MBA is also ranked among the top 20 programs nationally by Business Week magazine. In that survey, the Cox Executive MBA participants tied for first in number of years of professional experience and ranked 5th in average salary. At Cox, the average years of professional experience of entering Executive MBA students is 18, and average salary is $138,346. Compared to other top 20 programs, the Cox Executive MBA total tuition is a great value at $13,000 less than the other school’s average tuition.

Dean Al Niemi commented, "Dallas represents the third largest concentration of corporate headquarters in America, so we have an excellent pool of high level executives to fill our Executive MBA program. The U. S. News & World Report and Business Week surveys confirm we are one of the top Executive MBA programs in the nation."

"Due to the strength of the Cox Executive MBA, the strong applicant pool in Dallas, and the continued support of the Dallas business community, we plan to expand Executive MBA next fall by doubling the number of people accepted," said Marci Armstrong, Associate Dean of Masters Programs. The average number of graduates from Executive MBA programs nationwide has risen sharply over the last decade. In 1988, only 55 schools awarded Executive MBAs. Today there are 190 accredited Executive MBA programs.

The Cox Executive MBA program has been in existence since 1976. Students are required to have a minimum of ten years professional experience with significant managerial experience and measurable career success. The 21-month program is conducted at the Cox School on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. For additional information, please call 214-786-2630 or visit the school’s Web site at www.cox.smu.edu