USC Marshall’s Online MBA (OMBA) program is ranked number one in the country. The Financial Times’ new rankings rated OMBA first in the United States and fourth in the world — the first time the program has received the honor.

The rankings are based on a wide range of criteria, including survey responses from alumni and the schools themselves, as well as data such as enrollment statistics, average salary, and research proficiency. From these comprehensive factors, the Financial Times compiles its list.

Marshall stood out in several categories, including its exceptional research record, high quality faculty, alumni success, and the school’s approach to online curricula.

“I would say the caliber of faculty [sets the program apart]. Also, the fact that our curriculum is very deliberately designed pedagogically to be effective in an online setting. It’s not just a copy of what is done residentially,” said Miriam Burgos, academic director of OMBA.

Miriam Burgos has served in her position in OMBA since 2016, just one year after the program’s launch. Burgos, who also works as a professor of clinical marketing and associate vice dean for teaching and innovation, has always strived to offer the best learning experience for her OMBA students.

For her, it’s not just about offering a top-class curriculum but supporting participants’ career ambitions. That’s how Marshall ensures its graduates get the most out of their education.

“We really like to keep our ear to the ground with respect to students’ career goals,” Burgos explained. “What are their reasons for earning this MBA? And how do we align our curriculum with that?”

Each semester, instructional designers review every course in OMBA to ensure it incorporates the most relevant and up-to-date research. In the ever-changing business world, this practice is essential to properly prepare Marshall graduates.

“There is no semester where any of our courses go unreviewed,” Burgos said.

Beyond the classroom, Burgos and the OMBA faculty hope the program offers students a chance to connect with one another. Though primarily online, new enrollees begin their time in OMBA by coming to campus for a week of bonding and networking.

Burgos says she’s heard from several alumni that the bonds they formed in OMBA are even stronger than any created as undergraduates.

“Our students always tell us that they feel so embraced by the Trojan family,” Burgos said. “They feel so welcomed within the Marshall community, like they’re really part of something that transcends their cohort.”