2025 Best MBA Programs in Charlotte, NC

Queens University of Charlotte

McColl School of Business

• 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC - 28274
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Belk College of Business

• 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC - 28223
• 

Wingate University

School of Business

• Wingate University MBA Program, 11430 North Community House Road, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC - 28277
• 

Pfeiffer University at Charlotte

School of Business

• School of Graduate Studies, 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Charlotte, NC - 28209
• 

Pfeiffer University at Charlotte MBA

Executive Summary:

Pfeiffer University’s Charlotte School of Business, located in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a dynamic and innovative MBA program designed to develop ethical business leaders. Founded in 1885, Pfeiffer University has a long-standing commitment to providing transformative education rooted in Wesleyan values. The Charlotte campus, established in 1977, focuses on graduate and professional studies.

Key highlights:

• Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Flexible MBA program with multiple concentration options
• Strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application
• Diverse student body with a mix of working professionals and full-time students
• 36-credit hour program with evening and online course options
• Focus on developing servant leaders with a global perspective
• Small class sizes fostering close student-faculty interactions
• Strategic location in Charlotte’s thriving business district

The Pfeiffer MBA program stands out for its personalized approach, integration of ethics and leadership development, and strong connections to the Charlotte business community. With a commitment to accessibility and affordability, Pfeiffer provides a high-quality business education that prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities.

School Overview

Pfeiffer University’s Charlotte School of Business builds upon the university’s rich history of providing transformative education. Founded as a home school by Emily C. Prudden in 1885, Pfeiffer has evolved into a comprehensive university with a strong focus on professional studies and servant leadership.

Mission: Pfeiffer University delivers a transformational, personalized education wherein students are shaped by a gifted, diverse, and committed community of mentors. Graduates are prepared to lead, have the disposition to serve, and possess the wisdom and skills to facilitate health and prosperity throughout the region and the world.

The Charlotte campus, established in 1977, caters specifically to working professionals and graduate students. The School of Business embodies Pfeiffer’s commitment to developing ethical leaders who can navigate the complexities of the global business environment.

Accreditation: The business programs at Pfeiffer University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring that they meet rigorous standards of quality.

Rankings: While Pfeiffer’s MBA program may not appear in national rankings, it is recognized regionally for its quality and value. The school’s focus is on providing an accessible, high-quality education rather than chasing rankings.

Academic Programs

Pfeiffer’s Charlotte School of Business offers the following graduate programs:

Program	Highlights
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	– 36 credit hours – Evening and online options – Multiple concentration choices
MBA/MS in Organizational Change	– Dual degree program – Focuses on leading organizational transformation
MBA/MHA (Health Administration)	– Dual degree program – Prepares leaders for healthcare industry

The MBA program allows students to customize their degree with concentrations in areas such as:

• Financial Fraud
• Global Leadership
• Health Administration
• Human Resource Management

Additionally, Pfeiffer offers a 3/2 program that allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership and an MBA in just five years.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Pfeiffer’s MBA curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals while developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The program emphasizes:

• Experiential Learning: Case studies, team projects, and real-world consulting opportunities
• Ethical Leadership: Integration of ethics and social responsibility throughout the curriculum
• Global Perspective: Courses that address international business challenges and opportunities
• Technology Integration: Use of business analytics and digital tools in decision-making

The core curriculum covers essential business areas such as:

• Organizational Communications
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Agility
• Data-Informed Decision-Making
• Strategic Management and Leadership

Pfeiffer’s approach to teaching combines traditional lectures with interactive discussions, group work, and hands-on projects. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention and active engagement with faculty and peers.

Faculty and Research

The Charlotte School of Business boasts a diverse faculty with both academic credentials and real-world business experience. Many faculty members are active practitioners in their fields, bringing current industry insights into the classroom.

While specific research centers are not mentioned, faculty members engage in applied research that addresses practical business challenges. The school emphasizes the integration of research findings into the curriculum, ensuring that students benefit from the latest business insights and best practices.

Student Experience

Class Profile	Admissions Statistics
Average age: 32	GMAT: Optional
Work experience: 5-7 years (avg.)	Undergraduate GPA: 2.8 minimum
International students: 15%	Application deadlines: Rolling admissions
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1	Letters of recommendation: 3

Pfeiffer’s MBA program attracts a diverse group of working professionals from various industries. The small cohort size fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can build strong relationships with peers and faculty.

Campus Life: While many students are working professionals, Pfeiffer offers opportunities for engagement through:

• Business-focused student organizations
• Networking events with local business leaders
• Community service initiatives
• Guest speaker series

Admissions Process:

• Online application
• Official transcripts
• Professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

GMAT scores are waived for applicants with significant work experience or a strong undergraduate GPA.

Global Focus

Pfeiffer’s MBA program emphasizes a global perspective throughout the curriculum. While specific international study programs are not mentioned, the school aims to prepare students for leadership in a global business environment through:

• Courses addressing international business challenges
• Case studies featuring global companies
• Faculty with international business experience
• Diverse student body providing cross-cultural perspectives

Career Development and Outcomes

Pfeiffer’s Career Services office provides support to MBA students and alumni through:

• One-on-one career coaching
• Resume and interview preparation
• Networking events with local employers
• Job search strategies and resources

While specific employment statistics are not publicly available, Pfeiffer emphasizes that its MBA graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and non-profit sectors.

Alumni Network

Pfeiffer University boasts a network of over 18,000 alumni worldwide. The Charlotte School of Business leverages this network to provide:

• Mentoring opportunities for current students
• Guest speakers for classes and events
• Networking events in the Charlotte area
• Job and internship connections

Notable alumni have gone on to leadership positions in companies across the Southeast and beyond, though specific names are not provided.

Leadership and Social Impact

Pfeiffer’s commitment to developing servant leaders is evident in its MBA program through:

• Integration of ethics and social responsibility in core courses
• Community service projects as part of the curriculum
• Focus on sustainable business practices
• Emphasis on stakeholder value creation beyond shareholder returns

The Francis Center for Servant Leadership at Pfeiffer provides additional resources and programming to support students’ development as ethical leaders.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

While not a primary focus, Pfeiffer’s MBA program supports aspiring entrepreneurs through:

• Elective courses in entrepreneurship and innovation
• Guest speakers from the startup community
• Connections to local incubators and accelerators
• Faculty with entrepreneurial experience

Resources and Facilities

Pfeiffer’s Charlotte campus provides a modern learning environment tailored to working professionals, including:

• State-of-the-art classrooms with latest technology
• Computer labs with business software
• Group study spaces
• Library resources and databases

Tuition and Financial Aid:

Tuition and Costs	Financial Aid Options
Per credit hour: $875	Federal loans
Total program cost: $31,500 (36 credits)	Employer tuition reimbursement
Fees: Minimal additional fees	Graduate assistantships
	Military benefits

Pfeiffer is committed to making its MBA program accessible and affordable, offering various financial aid options and payment plans.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Pfeiffer’s Charlotte School of Business maintains strong connections with the local business community, including:

• Guest speakers from local companies
• Consulting projects with area businesses
• Internship opportunities with partner organizations
• Advisory board of business leaders providing industry insights

Unique Features and Traditions

• Servant Leadership Focus: Pfeiffer’s emphasis on ethical leadership and community service sets it apart from many other MBA programs.
• Flexible Program Design: Evening and online course options cater to working professionals.
• Small, Cohort-Based Classes: Foster strong relationships and networking opportunities.
• Integration of Faith and Learning: While not overtly religious, Pfeiffer’s Wesleyan heritage informs its approach to business education.

Conclusion

Pfeiffer University’s Charlotte School of Business offers a distinctive MBA program that combines academic rigor with practical application, all within a framework of ethical leadership and social responsibility. The program’s strengths lie in its:

• Flexible, accessible format for working professionals
• Strong emphasis on leadership development and ethics
• Small class sizes fostering close interactions
• Connection to Charlotte’s vibrant business community
• Commitment to affordability and value

While it may not have the national recognition of larger business schools, Pfeiffer’s MBA program provides a high-quality, personalized education that prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities. For students seeking a transformative business education grounded in values-based leadership, Pfeiffer’s Charlotte School of Business offers a compelling option in the heart of a major business hub.

Additional Information:

• School Control: Private, not-for-profit
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• In-State MBA Tuition & Fees: $31,500 (calculated based on 36 credit hours at $875 per credit)
• Average GMAT Score: Optional (not required)
• Business School Enrollment: Specific numbers not provided, but includes both undergraduate and graduate programs
• Average MBA Starting Salary: Unknown (not publicly available)
• Total Concentrations: At least 4 (Financial Fraud, Global Leadership, Health Administration, Human Resource Management)

Citations:
[1] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/history/
[2] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/about-pfeiffer/mission-statement/
[3] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/academic-departments/department-of-business/
[4] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/business-management-and-leadership/
[5] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/business-management-and-leadership-degree-completion-2/
[6] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/
[7] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/master-of-business-administration/
[8] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/academic-centers/teaching-and-learning/
[9] https://mba.charlotte.edu/meet-our-team/faculty
[10] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/academic-centers/
[11] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/student-life/charlotte/
[12] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/master-of-business-administration/mba-admissions-requirements/
[13] https://library.pfeiffer.edu/c.php?g=1024231&p=7419272
[14] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/business-administration-and-organizational-change-mba-msoc/
[15] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/directory/
[16] https://www.pfeiffer.edu/cpsc_program_type/charlotte/