Guide to MBA Schools in Canada: The Strengths and Weaknesses of 26 Canadian MBA Programs

Alexander D. Gregor is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the
University of Manitoba.

This book is aimed at students who intend to proceed to MBA study at a
Canadian university. The author, a career counsellor at Queen’s
University, may fairly be assumed to have a basic familiarity with the
issues involved in this kind of comparative assessment. Twenty-six
programs are examined, including all the major anglophone and
francophone institutions. In collecting information for the study, the
author interviewed members of the administration of each school, along
with approximately 10 percent of the student body. The range of data
collected is used to assess the unique characteristics, emphases, and
goals of each program; its perceived strengths and weaknesses; student
demographics (full-time/part-time, male/female, age distributions,
academic and life experience, etc.); the student characteristics sought
by each school; application/admission ratios, criteria, and procedures;
job placement patterns; other related programs within the institution;
and the character of the community in which the school is located. The
statistical information on each program derives from the 1990-91
academic year. In addition to the statistical summaries, each section
provides an interesting “profile” of two students already in that
particular program. Overall, the information is comprehensive and well
presented, albeit with some surprising omissions. No mention is made,
for example, of fees and financial assistance.

In addition to the comparative information on individual programs, the
book also examines a range of recent trends (niche marketing, the
increasing age of students, a growing international emphasis, etc.), as
well as 10 “myths” surrounding the MBA (“The MBA is a ticket to a
good job and a high salary”; “An MBA program is for men”; and so
on). Useful hints on preparing for application are provided, as well as
a helpful list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of contact
people.

The book will provide a very valuable and balanced overview for the
prospective student, and should facilitate an appropriate match between
the student’s interests and circumstances and the quite different
characteristics of the various Canadian MBA programs.