Montpellier Business School facts for kids
|
École Supérieure de Commerce de Montpellier
|
|
 |
|
| Motto | Excellence & commitment |
|---|---|
| Type | Grande école de commerce et de management (Private research university Business school) |
| Established | 1897 |
| Accreditation | Triple accreditation: AACSB; AMBA; EQUIS |
| Affiliation | Conférence des grandes écoles; Union of Independent Grandes Écoles |
| President | André Deljarry |
| Dean | Bruno Ducasse |
|
Academic staff
|
+100 teacher-researchers; 96% PhD.; 45% female; 67% international |
| Students | 3,600; 60% international students |
| Location |
Montpellier
,
France
|
| Language | English-only & French-only instruction |
| Nickname | MBS |
Montpellier Business School, often called MBS, is a special kind of school in Montpellier, France. It's known as a "grande école," which means it's a top-level French college. It teaches students how to work in business and management. The school was started in 1897 by the local Chamber of Commerce. This makes it one of the oldest business schools in France.
MBS offers different study programs. These include Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees (like the Grande Ecole program), and special Master of Science degrees. It also has an Executive MBA for people who are already working. The school is highly respected because it has three important international approvals: EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. These approvals show that MBS meets high standards for teaching and quality.
Contents
What is a Non-Profit School?
Since 2013, Montpellier Business School has been set up as a non-profit organization. This means that any money the school earns goes back into improving the school and helping students. It doesn't go to private owners. In 2017, the French government officially recognized MBS as a "Private Higher Education Institution of General Interest." This makes sure that all the school's money is used only for education.
School History
The school, originally called ESC Montpellier, was founded in 1897. It was created by the Chamber of Commerce in Montpellier.
- 1915: MBS was the first business school in France to allow women to join its classes. This was a big step forward!
- 1993: The school became a member of the Conférence des Grandes écoles. This is a group of the best French schools.
- 1994: The Executive MBA program was started. This program helps experienced professionals learn more about business.
- 2000: The Bachelor of Business Administration program was created.
- 2007: MBS started a special foundation to help students from all backgrounds get an equal chance to study. In 2009, it became the first higher education school to get a "Diversity Label." This showed its strong commitment to being fair and welcoming to everyone.
- 2010: The school's Master's degree program received an important approval called EFMD – EPAS.
- 2011: MBS got its AACSB approval. This is a major international recognition for business schools.
- 2012: The Executive MBA program also received its AMBA approval.
- 2013: Montpellier Business School opened a new campus in Dakar, a city in Africa.
School Rankings
Schools are often ranked to show how good they are compared to others. In 2024, the Financial Times newspaper ranked MBS as the 69th best business school in Europe. Its main Master in Management (MiM) program was ranked 40th.
In 2025, a French newspaper called Le Figaro also ranked MBS highly. Its MiM program was placed 13th, and its Bachelor of International Business Administration program was 10th in their "Ranking of schools of business."
What is a Grande École?
MBS is a "grande école." In France, these are very special colleges that are separate from the main public university system. They are known for being very selective. This means it's hard to get in, and students have to pass tough exams. Many graduates from these schools go on to hold important jobs in France. You can think of them like famous top universities in other countries, such as Ivy League schools in the United States.
The degrees from MBS are approved by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and given by the French Ministry of Education. Higher education degrees in France are organized into three main levels:
- The Licence (like a Bachelor's degrees)
- The Master's
- The Doctorat (PhD)
These programs are divided into semesters. Students earn "European credits" (ECTS) for each course. A Bachelor's degree needs 180 ECTS, and a Master's degree needs 120 more credits after that. The very popular Grande Ecole Program (PGE) leads to a Master's in Management (MiM) degree.
Research at MBS
Teachers and researchers at Montpellier Business School do a lot of research. They study different areas of business and management. Their work helps to create new knowledge and ideas in the business world. Some of these researchers are also part of a special research group called LabEx Entreprendre.
The researchers also help organize important conferences. These events bring together experts from around the world to share their findings. For example, MBS has hosted conferences on topics like entrepreneurship, finance, and how energy affects the economy.
Study Programs
Montpellier Business School offers a variety of programs for students at different stages of their education:
- Bachelor's degrees
- Master's degrees, including the Grande Ecole program
- An Executive MBA for professionals
- A Digital Doctor of Business Administration
Every year, MBS also offers shorter Spring and Summer School programs. These are a great way for students to get a taste of business studies.
School Partnerships
MBS has more than 180 partner universities all over the world. This means students can have opportunities to study abroad or take part in exchange programs.
Famous Graduates
- Éric Besson (graduated from MBS in 1979) — He is a French politician and businessman.
See also
In Spanish: Montpellier Business School para niños
- Education in France
