Sources of Competitive Advantage - Fall 2026

W. P. Carey School of Business

Tempe, United States

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, established in 1955 as the College of Business Administration, was renamed in 2003 following a significant endowment. Located in Tempe, Arizona, it operates as a public university-affiliated institution. The school's academic philosophy emphasizes a commitment to accessible, high-quality business education with a focus on real-world impact and a belief that "business is personal." This approach drives its curriculum design, integrating cutting-edge research with practical application to prepare leaders for immediate and future challenges. Accreditations and Rankings Accreditations: AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), accredited since 1962. Rankings: U.S. News & World Report Best Business Schools 2024: #1 for Supply Chain Management. U.S. News & World Report Best Business Schools 2024: Top 25 for Part-time MBA. U.S. News & World Report Best Business Schools 2024: Top 30 for Information Systems. Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2023: #1 in the U.S. for career progress. Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2023: #1 in the U.S. for aims achieved. Executive Education at a Glance W. P. Carey Executive Education is particularly recognized for its strengths in supply chain management, leadership, digital transformation, finance, and business analytics. The school offers a balanced portfolio of open enrollment programs and custom solutions designed for organizations seeking tailored development. Program formats include intensive in-person sessions, flexible online modules, and blended learning experiences. Durations range from short, focused workshops lasting a few days to comprehensive multi-week programs. Flagship offerings include the Advanced Management Program and specialized programs in Supply Chain Management. Indicative costs for open programs typically range from $3,000 for shorter courses to over $20,000 for more extensive leadership development. Limited scholarships may be available for specific programs or through corporate partnerships. Campus and Facilities The W. P. Carey School of Business is situated on Arizona State University's modern Tempe campus, featuring contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art learning environments. Executive participants benefit from dedicated executive classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and advanced technology infrastructure designed to facilitate interactive learning. The campus integrates seamlessly into the vibrant Phoenix metropolitan area, a rapidly expanding economic hub. This location provides executive participants with unique opportunities for networking, site visits to leading companies in technology, finance, and logistics, and exposure to the region's innovative business ecosystem. The desert landscape and urban energy of Phoenix offer a distinct backdrop for executive learning, connecting academic theory with real-world industry dynamics. Faculty and Research The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty comprises a diverse group of over 200 internationally recognized scholars and practitioners. They bring a wealth of global experience and academic rigor to executive education programs. Faculty research strengths are particularly prominent in areas such as supply chain management, information systems, marketing, finance, and sustainability. The school excels at bridging academic research with practical business challenges, ensuring that executive participants gain insights directly applicable to their organizations. Notable research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Advanced Procurement Strategy (CAPS Research) and the Center for Services Leadership, actively contribute to the curriculum, providing access to cutting-edge thought leadership and industry best practices. Student Body, Alumni, and Career Outcomes W. P. Carey Executive Education cohorts are characterized by their international diversity, drawing participants from a wide range of industries, functions, and geographic regions. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and fosters a global perspective among peers. Graduates join a vast Arizona State University alumni network, which numbers over 500,000 individuals worldwide, providing extensive opportunities for professional connection and collaboration. Alumni are concentrated in sectors such as technology, financial services, consulting, and supply chain management, often holding leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. While specific career placement data for executive education programs varies by individual and program, the school's strong industry ties and focus on practical skills development consistently support participants in achieving their professional advancement goals.