2025 Graduate Business Credentials Survey Report
Graduate Business Credentials Are Emerging as a Key Strategic Priority
Introduction: Graduate Business Credentials Survey 2025
Graduate business schools are increasingly incorporating credentials as a part of the curriculum portfolio, indicating their potential role in shaping future strategic priorities. Although the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable 2025 Curriculum Benchmark Survey found that 55 percent of schools offer such programs, the present survey—completed by 52 institutions—shows a much higher rate of adoption, with 96 percent reporting credential offerings. This figure likely reflects self-selection by schools already active in credential development, but it underscores the strong engagement of business schools in this space. Together, these schools report nearly 500 credential programs, averaging 11 per institution, divided evenly between credit- and non-credit-bearing formats. Most strikingly, no school plans to scale back, and nearly three quarters (72 percent) intend to grow their credential portfolios, signaling strong momentum and heightened strategic significance for graduate
business education.
This report presents findings from the 2025 Graduate Business Credential Survey, conducted to better understand how business schools are approaching the rapidly expanding field of graduate-level credentials. Drawing on responses from 52 institutions, the report examines the current portfolio of credential offerings, the ways in which programs are structured and governed, and the motivations that drive institutions to pursue them. It also investigates how schools define and measure success, the challenges they face in demonstrating value, and the resources they identify as most needed to strengthen credential strategy. Together, these findings provide business school leaders with a comprehensive view of the evolving credential landscape and the strategic choices shaping its future.
Methodology
The survey was administered in August 2025 to graduate business schools through the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable. A total of 52 institutions responded. Respondents included deans, associate deans, program directors, and other academic leaders with direct oversight of graduate-level credential programs. The instrument covered current offerings, delivery models, alignment with degree programs, oversight structures, motivations for developing credentials, success metrics, evaluation practices, and anticipated future directions.
Definition: Graduate-level business credentials include certificates, executive education, bootcamps, microcredentials, and professional development programs that serve graduate-level learners with credit bearing and non-credit bearing courses of study.
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