Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for Social Impact
An MBA program that focuses on social impact can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive difference in the world while also building a successful career. Here are some of the best MBA programs for a career in social impact:
- Harvard Business School – Harvard Business School’s Social Enterprise Initiative focuses on preparing students to address social and environmental challenges through business solutions.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business – The Center for Social Innovation at Stanford Graduate School of Business focuses on developing leaders who can create innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.
- UC Berkeley Haas School of Business – The Institute for Business and Social Impact at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business focuses on preparing students to lead with a social and environmental perspective.
- Yale School of Management – Yale School of Management’s Program on Social Enterprise prepares students to use business principles to solve social problems.
Here are 4 tips for pursuing a career in social impact with an MBA:
- Research social impact organizations – Look for organizations that align with your values and career goals. Research their missions, values, and impact.
- Network with social impact professionals – Attend networking events and connect with professionals in the social impact space. Consider reaching out to alumni from your MBA program who work in social impact.
- Gain relevant experience – Consider internships or volunteer work in social impact organizations. This will help you gain relevant experience and make connections in the industry.
- Stay informed about social issues – Stay up-to-date on social and environmental issues and consider ways in which you can use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact.
Table: Top 20 Business Schools for Social Impact
| Business School | % of Students Going into Social Impact | # of Students Going into Social Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ross School of Business (University of Michigan) | 29% | 60 |
| Yale School of Management | 28% | 62 |
| Fuqua School of Business (Duke University) | 28% | 53 |
| Haas School of Business (University of California-Berkeley) | 25% | 52 |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) | 22% | 42 |
| Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) | 20% | 47 |
| Tuck School of Business (Dartmouth College) | 20% | 34 |
| McCombs School of Business (University of Texas-Austin) | 20% | 30 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 19% | 50 |
| Harvard Business School | 17% | 41 |
| Sloan School of Management (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | 17% | 34 |
| Columbia Business School | 16% | 38 |
| Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) | 16% | 36 |
| Booth School of Business (University of Chicago) | 15% | 35 |
| Stern School of Business (New York University) | 15% | 35 |
| McDonough School of Business (Georgetown University) | 15% | 22 |
| Anderson School of Management (University of California-Los Angeles) | 14% | 30 |
| Johnson School of Management (Cornell University) | 14% | 24 |
| Olin Business School (Washington University in St. Louis) | 14% | 24 |
| Goizueta Business School (Emory University) | 14% | 18 |
