MBA at a Research business school versus MBA at a teaching business school

Research business schools attract and retain accomplished researchers as faculty. Practically all faculty members will have earned doctorates in business or a related discipline, and the emphasis for the faculty is their quality and quantity of research. The research productivity of the faculty is important in that it helps establish the reputation and name recognition of the business school and the program. Furthermore, research productivity influences the public rankings of business schools. Research business schools will typically have a well-established PhD program, and in some cases PhD candidates will teach some of the foundation module courses.

Teaching business schools attract and retain accomplished teachers as faculty, and the emphasis for the faculty members is their ability to effectively teach and advise students. While the teaching effectiveness of a business school only minimally influences its international reputation and ranking, it does provide additional opportunities for students to interact with faculty. Additionally, faculty may have a keener interest in student learning, rather than their own research agenda. In the vast majority of teaching schools, the faculty member will teach all of the classes (not PhD candidates).

Faculty in teaching business schools will also have clearly defined research expectations and most faculty members will have earned a doctorate in business or a related discipline and have successful publication records. Many also have extensive industry experience and all are good instructors.

Which should you choose? Either type of business school will offer a quality MBA experience. Research business schools are often located in Canada's largest cities, afford greater access to government and Canada's largest corporations, and will offer a fast-paced metropolitan environment. Teaching business schools are often located in smaller centres throughout Canada, offering a slower-paced living experience and a more intimate community environment.

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