Investment management has become an increasingly popular career path in recent years. As such, there has been growing interest in investment management MBA programs among prospective business school applicants. An MBA with a focus in investment management provides advanced training in security analysis, portfolio management, alternative investments, and more. This allows graduates to pursue careers at top investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, and other financial institutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the leading investment management MBA programs, admissions criteria, curriculum, career paths, and more. Whether you hope to become a portfolio manager, investment analyst, or financial advisor, an MBA in investment management can equip you with the hard skills and network needed to succeed.
Wharton’s MBA program offers unmatched investment management training
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is widely considered the #1 investment management MBA program. Wharton offers an unparalleled curriculum in security analysis, portfolio theory, derivatives, risk management, and more. Students also benefit from the Franklin Fellowship, a full-credit course taught by Professor Jeremy Siegel that provides hands-on stock picking and portfolio management experience. Wharton’s location in Philadelphia provides access to major financial firms for internships and jobs. Graduates are heavily recruited by top-tier investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds in New York and beyond. Admission to Wharton is highly competitive with a median GMAT of 730 and acceptance rate around 20%.
Chicago Booth’s flexible curriculum allows students to specialize in investment management
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is another top choice for investment management. Chicago Booth takes an interdisciplinary approach that blends finance, economics, statistics, and accounting. Students can take advanced courses in security analysis, derivatives, market microstructure, and more while tailoring electives to their interests. Chicago Booth also offers experiential learning opportunities like the Student Investment Fund, where students manage an equity portfolio. Chicago Booth’s downtown Chicago location provides access to major banks and trading firms. Applicants should aim for a GMAT above 700 and GPA above 3.5 to be competitive for admission.
Columbia Business School leverages its NYC location for investment management
Columbia Business School in New York City is an excellent option given its proximity to Wall Street. Columbia offers courses taught by globally renowned faculty in areas like valuation, corporate finance, risk management, and more. There are also immersive programs like the Applied Value Investing program, where students manage a $25 million portfolio. Columbia’s vast alumni network on Wall Street provides unparalleled access to internship and job opportunities in investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds. Columbia is highly selective, with a median GMAT of 732. Applicants should highlight leadership experience and analytical ability.
NYU Stern provides hands-on training through its value investing lab
New York University Stern School of Business offers an Investment Management specialization focused on equipping students for buy-side roles. Courses like Corporate Valuation, Advanced Corporate Finance, and Managerial Perspectives on Financial Institutions provide rigorous training. Another differentiator is the Value Investing Lab, where students manage an equity portfolio and present stock pitches. NYU Stern’s Wall Street connections facilitate recruiting for investment banking, private equity, and asset management jobs. NYU Stern is competitive to gain admission, with median stats of 712 GMAT and 3.52 GPA for recent classes.
An MBA in investment management can prepare graduates for lucrative careers in financial analysis, portfolio management, investment banking and more. Applicants should target top programs like Wharton, Chicago Booth, Columbia and NYU Stern that provide advanced curriculum, hands-on training, and access to major employers. A strong academic profile, demonstrated leadership, and analytical skills are key to gaining admission.