The Executive MBA program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business is ranked one of the best in the world, according to a new survey by the Financial Times. The program ranked No. 21 nationally and No. 79 globally, moving up one and four spots respectively. The Eccles School’s program also ranked fourth in the West and is the only Utah school ranked in the top 100 this year.

The ranking is compiled from surveys of EMBA alumni three years post-graduation and from information provided by the business schools. The survey evaluated 16 criteria in three areas including alumni career progression, school diversity and international focus and idea generation and research productivity of the faculty.

“The Financial Times’ international recognition affirms that the Utah Eccles Executive MBA is preparing innovative leaders who are making a global impact,” said Taylor Randall, dean of the David Eccles School of Business.

The David Eccles School of Business also ranked No. 49 for the success of its researchers, as measured by publication in international academic and business journals. “We are committed to providing our students with action-based learning taught by trailblazing thought leaders whose knowledge and cutting-edge research are changing the way the world does business,” Randall added.

According to the survey responses, Eccles School Executive MBA graduates were successful in increasing their salaries three years after graduation by 48 percent, translating to an average salary of $147,216.

The Eccles School Executive MBA received a No. 3 in the West ranking for the percentage of female students, underscoring the importance the school puts on inclusion and diversity in all its forms throughout the school’s programs.

“We always look for continuous improvement in our Executive MBA program,” said Brad Vierig, associate dean of MBA programs and executive education at the David Eccles School of Business. “This includes strong admissions standards, ongoing enhancement to program operations and delivery, increasing our global reach through added international topics and field study and working closely with our faculty on curriculum design, learning outcomes and critical thinking skills.”

The Executive MBA is a 21-month program that meets two weekends a month, with a global-focused curriculum that’s geared toward mid- to senior-level professionals.

Learn more about the Financial Times rankings at ft.com.