The Georgetown University McDonough School of Business (MSB) executive master of business administration (EMBA) program ranked tenth in the United States in The Financial Times, a media company that focuses on business and economic current affairs, and surpassed its diversity record for the Class of 2026.
The Financial Times evaluates programs based on several factors, including career outcomes, graduate satisfaction and international representation, using surveys of graduates and business schools. The Class of 2026 of the MSB’s EMBA program is also the most diverse class in the program’s history, with a record range of demographics, professional experience and educational backgrounds.
Nita Swinsick, associate dean for graduate and executive program admissions at the MSB, said a unique aspect of the EMBA program is the university’s emphasis on cura personalis.
“One of these is our school’s commitment to cura personalis, or ‘care for the whole person,’ which is evident in our individualized faculty support, close-knit community and collaborative culture,” Swinsick wrote to The Hoya. “This has helped to foster a sense of belonging and strong connections within each cohort.”
Nicholas Lovegrove, academic director of the EMBA program, said the program offers courses and opportunities designed to explore opportunities in Washington, D.C.
“The EMBA program provides a way to discover their full capabilities and to do it in ways that are convenient and fitting to their schedules,” Lovegrove told The Hoya. “We try to ensure that there are courses and programs that connect our students to the political and government life of Washington, D.C.”
Swinsick said they are pleased to see the EMBA program gaining recognition as one of the top programs both nationally and globally.
“As a school that is known for its immersive experiences, D.C. connections and close-knit cohorts, we are pleased to see our program recognized as a top EMBA program in the world in rankings such as the Financial Times,” Swinsick said.
Kathleen LaTorre (GRD ’26), a student in the EMBA program, said the program’s standout feature is the strong connections formed within the cohort experience.
“The opening residency allowed us to forge deep connections that extend far beyond typical classroom interactions, providing a strong foundation over the past few months,” LaTorre wrote to The Hoya. “These relationships have been invaluable, enabling us to support one another through impromptu study sessions and discussions, as well as advocate for each other with our professors to reach our collective goal of graduating together in May 2026.”
The curriculum features experiential courses that immerse students in real-world international business challenges. In the “Structure of Global Industries” residency, students explore international trade, investment and policy through hands-on practicums, and for their global capstone project, students have the opportunity to explore global strategy and industries abroad.
Swinsick said the program worked to diversify recruitment efforts through initiatives such as fostering connections between graduates and prospective students and providing additional engagement opportunities for specific identity groups.
“We have tried to be deliberate and thoughtful about reaching out to students from different backgrounds in our recruitment efforts,” Swinsick said. “For example, we are open and transparent about providing diversity class profile data to prospective students, we are purposeful in the connections we make between prospective students and alumni/current students.”
“Additionally, we have strengthened our partnership with diversity organizations like the Forte Foundation, which is committed to launching women into fulfilling, significant careers,” Swinsick said.
Lovegrove said the EMBA is one of Georgetown’s most diverse programs due to its commitment to ensuring it reflects a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
“Just under 50% of the students are women and more than 30% of the students come from underrepresented minorities, and it is close to being one of the most diverse programs that we have,” Lovegrove said. “That reflects the approach that we have taken to ensure that the students we admit are representative of all groups and societies.”
LaTorre said the diversity within her cohort provides valuable perspectives and supports her with insights whenever needed.
“Our cohort is among the most diverse in the program’s history, and this rich array of lived experiences truly distinguishes us,” LaTorre said. “As a small business owner, I feel confident reaching out to anyone in our group chat for advice, insights and networking, and look forward to leveraging the resources and lessons from this program to advance my future endeavors alongside my phenomenal classmates.”
