The best MBA online schools offer a flexible and affordable path for working adults to advance their careers in business.
The Master’s in Business Administration degree has been available to students for over one hundred years. The primary courses in an MBA program are accounting, business ethics, business law and strategy, economics, applied statistics, supply-chain management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The degree is a graduate-level program and often requires a work-study arrangement for working professionals.
How We Ranked the Best Online MBA Programs
The Online Schools Guide editors found business schools offering online MBA programs. Our best online MBA program school rankings calculate the cost, reputation, and future salary.
Due to the demand for a good education, students look for affordability, convenience, and the best reputation a university or college can offer. This includes online accessibility, GMAT or GRE requirements, and the highest rankings from the top college education sites. Here is our list of the top online MBA programs and business schools.
1. Missouri University of Science & Technology
| Degree: online MBA |
Missouri University of Science and Technology is an AACSB-accredited university. Its online MBA provides students with skills that promote team building, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The online MBA requires thirty-six credit hours that students can complete in as little as two to three years.
This degree for part-time students offers online courses in managerial accounting, supply chain and project management, and also international marketing. The primary curriculum features twenty-one core courses with fifteen elective credit options. Missouri University of Science and Technology offers an MBA program that is the best in Missouri.
The University is in Rolla, perfectly centered between St. Louis and Springfield. The University offers a variety of degrees and certificates for both on-campus and online students, allowing them to work full-time or part-time toward a degree worth going for. For local students, there are several events or attractions that Rolla offers. One is Fugitive Beach, located at the old Quarry swimming hole.
School Location: Rolla, MO
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
2. University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
| Degree: online MBA program |
The University of Wisconsin’s MBA Consortium is an online program for students with a drive to succeed. Choosing an online MBA program comes with more advantages than that traditional learning.
This MBA online program will provide knowledge and skills to be an effective leader in the business industry. Degree courses include essentials of economic statistical analysis, leadership in a global environment, and how to lead a diverse and dynamic workforce. The MBA program is thirty-six credits. Additionally, each class is seven to fourteen weeks.
The University of Wisconsin’s online MBA is an accredited online MBA program with AACSB. Additionally, it has a low student-to-faculty ratio. This MBA program is an affordable choice for most students, and one of the best online programs, according to the US News Rankings. The University of Wisconsin is in Eau Claire and is surrounded by many natural parks and lakes for entertainment.
School Location: Eau Claire, WI
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
3. Stevens Institute of Technology
| Degree: Online MBA |
The Stevens Institute of Technology’s Online MBA combines skills in technology and analytics, preparing students for the business world. The online MBA program also provides students with an insight into the data revolution we live in and how managers can recognize realistic opportunities and identify the future trends of Business.
Courses in the program include entrepreneurship, leadership development, and strategy. The Stevens Institute of Technology ranks as one of the top online MBA programs nationwide by US News & World Report.
The Stevens Institute of Technology is in Hoboken, aside from the Hudson River and a short trip to New York City. With an online MBA under your belt, there will be a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Some graduates may take it further by specializing in their MBA, such as earning a Business, Management, and Marketing degree.
School Location: Hoboken, NJ
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
4. University of Iowa
| Degree: Online MBA |
The Online MBA program at the University of Iowa offers students a forty-five-credit-hour program that takes little as two years. Since it is an online program, most courses include a sixty to a ninety-minute live session; completed at the student’s own pace.
Courses include leadership, marketing, strategy, and accounting. Although the University of Iowa’s MBA program is online, it is subject to no more than forty-five students per class. This allows for the college to keep a low student-to-faculty ratio. The online MBA program is one of the most affordable colleges in the nation.
Founded in 1961, the University of Iowa is in Iowa City. It prepares students to become business leaders. The school’s online MBA program ranks #22 in the nation by US News and World Report. As part of the Big Ten, the University’s online MBA programs are based on academic excellence and strategic learning.
School Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
5. Northeastern University
| Degree: online MBA |
The D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University offers an online MBA. This fifty-credit-hour program features core courses in accounting, management, marketing, and analysis.
This program is approximately two years in length and does not require a GRE or GMAT to finish. This MBA program helps professionals obtain real-world skills that can be applied to their business careers. The college also provides in-demand concentrations, such as finance, technology management, marketing, and innovation entrepreneurship. Additionally, the school offers a competitive tuition cost compared to most national colleges.
Furthermore, Northeastern offers educational levels from certificates to undergraduate degrees to PhD completions. Northeastern is one of the best online MBAs nationwide. About ninety-three percent of graduates are employed in their career path or move on to graduate school within nine months of graduation. The college is also home to over 400 student body organizations, creating an active and booming campus life.
School Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
6. University of Scranton
| Degree: Online MBA |
The Arthur J. Kania School of Management at the University of Scranton features an online MBA. Some common career paths for MBA students are accounting, healthcare management, business analytics, and also human resource management.
Scranton’s online MBA program provides a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum, preparing students for all the demands of the business industry and its lively environment. The MBA program at the University of Scranton also provides an affordable tuition cost for most students and a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Founded on Jesuit traditions, the college’s principles are based upon strong ethical standards and social responsibility to all students and staff. The University of Scranton has earned several top rankings, including “#6 in Regional Universities in the North”, according to the US News and World Report. The University also offers students a Flex option, allowing the graduate to choose from two to eight specializations.
School Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
7. Oklahoma State University
| Degree: Online MBA program |
The Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University offers working students an MBA. This integrated program teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in the business world.
As part of the Spears School of Business, the courses in the program teach team-building with real-world solutions. The online MBA is a thirty-three credit hour program, available as a part-time enrollment option. The online MBA at Scranton is one of Pennsylvania’s best accredited online MBA programs. Tuition costs are also low compared to other national universities in the Northeast region. However, the school may offer eligible scholarships for online students.
Founded in 1890, the school has five college campuses with a diverse body of 35,000 students. The school offers over 300 majors and minors and over 200 graduate programs. The University of Scranton offers several college clubs for campus life students to participate in; including outreach and community engagement opportunities within Stillwater and beyond.
School Location: Stillwater, OK
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
8. University of Massachusetts Amherst
| Degree: Online MBA program |
The University of Massachusetts in Amherst provides working individuals with an online MBA program through the Isenberg School of Management. The degree offers a flexible online platform, perfect for students with busy school and work schedules.
This program offers an educational experience full of innovation, dedication, and a dynamic curriculum. Focused on business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, and marketing, the program provides the knowledge and skills to get students through their desired graduate-level job.
The University of Massachusetts offers on-campus living in three main cities; Springfield, Shrewsbury, and Boston. The Management School of Isenburg has over 3,000 students, with eighty-eight percent finding employment within three months of graduation.
School Location: Amherst, MA
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
9. Mississippi State University
| Degree: Online MBA |
The Mississippi State University College of Business offers students a thirty-credit hour MBA program. Courses focus on accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
This program also provides flexible class schedules at an affordable tuition cost. Mississippi State University helps prepare students interested in distance learning by providing an online education indicator. This free tool will help determine how a student is ready for online education courses.
Founded in 1878, the University of Mississippi offers a wide range of degrees and certificates for all professionals. Known as the Bulldogs, the school’s goal is to ensure that every student fights for their right to be successful in all they do. The University’s main campus is in Starkville, a town full of local attractions, fun entertainment, and a lively community atmosphere.
School Location: Starkville, MS
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
10. Louisiana State University
The EJ Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University offers an online MBA. This program is for working professionals who need the flexibility to learn at a different pace.
The degree is an accredited online MBA program by the AACSB. The course curriculum will prepare students with business analytics, leadership, management, and entrepreneurship skills. The LSU MBA program is thirty-six credits, entirely online, and takes eighteen months.
LSU’s MBA degree allows students to receive a concentration or specialization along with their master’s degree. Many LSU students who graduate from the online MBA program go into the career path of financial analysts or accountants, healthcare administrators, IT specialists, or business analytics. LSU offers a variety of other degrees and certificate options for students.
School Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Why Should You Earn an MBA Online?
With the rise of new technologies, online MBA programs are more readily available and accredited by most nationwide state and national colleges and universities. Distance learners in online MBA programs have more flexibility than students in traditional programs.
Furthermore, online MBA degrees provide students with an opportunity for higher salaries. And with an online degree, many students qualify for promotions in the Business Industry.
Is an Online MBA Worth It?
The career goals of most working professionals include moving up the corporate ladder. A business leader combines work experience with higher education. The skills that colleges and universities offer in a graduate business school for a well-rounded professional. However, some individuals do not have the luxury of returning to school full-time. This is when an online MBA option shines.
The online MBA degree option provides convenience, flexibility, and sometimes affordability to students who want to finish a degree on their terms. Furthermore, a graduate business education sharpens leadership skills. MBA degree holders earn higher salaries and qualify for many management positions. Students can now advance their career paths by applying to one of the top online MBA programs in the nation.
What are MBA Admission Requirements?
Applicants to an MBA program need to have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, they need to apply for and require a fee. Other requirements vary from program to program. However, below are some other standard requirements.
- 2 or more years of work experience in business management or leadership
- GMAT test scores, a 600 is average, or some schools have a GMAT waiver
- an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
What is a Specialized MBA?
The top business schools offer students MBA degree specializations. In addition to core business skills and classes, students take courses in an area of focus or a particular business area. Prospective students should look for their preferred place of emphasis when they start their school search. Below are some popular career specialties for MBA students.
- Global Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Data Analytics
- Management Information Systems
- Innovation Management
- Strategic Management
- International Business
- Leadership and Managing Organizational Change
- Biosciences Management
- Real Estate
- Marketing Management
- Information Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization
- Supply Chain Management
- Financial Management and Financial Planning
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Online MBA?
As mentioned earlier, different types of specializations, career paths, and certificates come with an online MBA program. Some full-time students complete a program in as little as twelve to fifteen months. While others take up to two years to graduate. Accelerated programs cover the same content but at a rapid pace. Some are as short as 12 months.
Several online programs provide the option of part-time participation. This flexibility enables online MBA students to attend business school while working. Yet, others require a full-time contribution. Whichever college or university a student chooses to advance their educational goals, making sure it is accredited should be their first priority.
What is Business Acumen?
Your grandparents probably called it business savvy. Business acumen is the combined knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) that give you an overarching understanding of business. Individuals use this KSA portfolio to effect change and impact an organization. Many MBA programs focus on improving business acumen.
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