- Working professionals who need to keep earning while they study
- Candidates committed to a career in management
- You want the in-person cohort and on-campus recruiting of a full-time program
- You want a generalist MBA and aren't set on management
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Since it was first offered at Dartmouth College over 120 years ago, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has become the most popular master’s degree! Students enrolled in MBA programs seek to enhance their business administration skills that, in turn, can result in excellent career advancement opportunities. Indeed, higher positions, pay and prestige are the oft-cited reasons among students interested in earning an online MBA in Management degree.
Why an online MBA in Management degree, in particular? If you’re in an online MBA program with a management concentration, you will gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in business management principles and practices including human resources management, operations management, and financial management. With such a wide range of knowledge and skills, your career advancement opportunities are diverse and distinguished including C-suite positions.
But be sure to choose the right online MBA program so that you can actually meet the degree requirements and earn the coveted degree!
At a Glance
Business schools offering online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs usually ensure that their on-campus and online programs offer the same quality education. In fact, their diplomas don’t differentiate between on-campus and online education! This isn’t surprising as their comprehensive curriculum, which features core courses in business administration and concentration and elective courses, are the same.
The main difference between an on-campus MBA program and an online MBA program lies in the latter’s convenience, flexibility and accessibility which make them suitable for working professionals. Online MBA students can study at their own pace provided that they meet assignments, exams, and other academic deadlines. Both on-campus and online students enjoy excellent networking opportunities, student support and career development services, and return on investment, all hallmarks of quality education.
Best Online MBA in Management Programs
The online MBA programs featured here are offered by regionally accredited and universities. Furthermore, their business schools have regional accreditation from one of the three concerned accreditation organizations, namely:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Most of the online MBA programs are AACSB-accredited because it’s considered the gold standard in business and accountancy program accreditation. But when you’re choosing your MBA program, you must look beyond programmatic accreditation - be sure to consider your career goals, geographical location, and financial capacity (i.e., cost of attendance, traveling expenses for in-person residencies, and incidental expenses).
01University of Illinois Chicago
Liautaud Graduate School
Online MBA in Management Program
- Total Tuition: $36,018
- Units Required: 42 credits
- Program Length: As few as 14 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, internal and external funding, and assistantships
Students in the AACSB-accredited MBA in Management online program prepare to become business leaders whose positive impact truly makes a difference. The online MBA program features among the most comprehensive curriculums where students learn critical areas of business administration and management including operations, financial and strategic management.
Courses:
- Organizational Behavior
- Enterprise Strategy
- Special Topics in Management
- Strategic Management
- Negotiations
Graduates of the MBA with a concentration in Management program develop C-suite leadership skills, as well as demonstrate top-level skills in business analytics, supply chain management, and corporate finance. Their career advancement opportunities are in diverse industries, too, from the public to the private sectors as well as for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations.
02University of Arizona
Eller College of Management
Online MBA in Management and Organizations Program
- Tuition per Credit: $1,250
- Units Required: 45 credits
- Program Length: 14-48 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, grants and loans
Offered by the University of Arizona, a public school considered among the Best Global Universities by the US News & World Report, the AACSB-accredited MBA in Management and Organizations online program turns raw leadership talent into polished leadership skills! The Eller online MBA is an excellent choice for working professionals because of its schedule flexibility - finish at your own pace - and affordability while guaranteeing academic excellence.
Courses:
- Operations Management
- Strategic Management of Information Systems
- Business Law
- Teamwork and Group Process
- Advanced Negotiation
The online MBA program also features analytically-oriented courses in business administration designed for hard and soft skills development among students. Online students also have the option of participating in a Global Business Experience trip where they will experience hands-on learning in international settings.
Admission into the selective MBA program requires an academic background, professional experience, and personal qualities that demonstrate exceptional abilities and potential.
03Louisiana State University Shreveport
College of Business
Online MBA in General Business Program
- Total Tuition: $416
- Units Required: 30 credits
- Program Length: As few as 10 months
- **Financial Assistance Options:**Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans
LSU Shreveport, a public school known for its academic excellence, affordable tuition, and efficient student support services, offers its AACSB-accredited MBA in General Business online program to ambitious working professionals. Students in the MBA program build their leadership abilities, develop their business administration knowledge and skills, and learn best practices for profitability, accountability and social responsibility. Their skill sets span both qualitative and quantitative skills that make them effective business leaders in the present and future.
Courses:
- Economic Analysis for Management
- Financial Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Project Management
Students enrolled in the online MBA program with little to no educational and professional background in business administration are well-advised to take foundation courses.
04Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Smeal College of Business
Online MBA in General Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $1,236
- Units Required: 48 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans, and tuition repayment plans
Penn State, a well-known public school, takes pride in its AACSB-accredited MBA in General Management program with an ICE framework-centered curriculum. The learning experiences of online students are based on the principles and practices of Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement that results in a well-rounded business education. Students engage in group projects that build personal connections and leadership, critical thinking, and project management skills, among other vital skills for success in the business world.
The online MBA program also allows students to earn graduate certificates while simultaneously working on their MBA degree. The graduate certificates available include Business Management Foundations, Business Sustainability Strategy, and Financial Engineering.
Courses:
- Financial Accounting
- Data Analysis for Decision Making
- Financial Management
- Managing Supply Chains in Global Markets
- Managing and Leading People in Organizations
Online students in the MBA in Management program must also participate in on-campus and online residencies.
05University of Alabama Birmingham
Collat School of Business
Online MBA General Track Program
- Tuition per Credit: $1,088
- Units Required: 36 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- **Financial Assistance Options:**Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans
Offered by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a public school, the AACSB-accredited MBA General Track program fosters fast career advancement among its students. By growing their professional network and building their knowledge and skills across a wide range of business disciplines, students become prepared for the challenges that come with being executive-level professionals. The MBA program places great emphasis on organizational change and its management, too.
Courses:
- Accounting and Finance for Managers
- Management and Organizations
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Economics for Managers
- Quantitative Analysis for Business Managers
Students in the online MBA program must complete a capstone course that demonstrates their mastery of business administration concepts, such as management, marketing, and accounting and finance.
06Texas A&M International University
A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $367 (In-state)
- Units Required: 30 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and assistantships
TAMIU’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program produces competent and confident business professionals with knowledge and skills that can be applied in C-suite positions and entrepreneurial ventures. Students learn business administration and management principles and practices with an international emphasis, too. These include business research methods - students are encouraged to apply their learnings immediately in their current workplaces in this regard - and leadership and ethics, among others.
Students without a business administration bachelor’s degree are well-advised to take prep-module courses in readiness for the rigor of the online MBA program. Applicants choose from six start dates, while students benefit from the convenience of seven-week courses.
Courses:
- Strategic Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Human Resource Development
- Leadership and Decision Making
- Entrepreneurship
The online classes in the MBA in Management program are complemented by seminars in marketing management and management concepts.
07Barry University
Inez Andreas School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $635
- Units Required: 36 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and alternative loans
Barry University, a private school, offers an affordable AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program where students gain a comprehensive understanding of international business principles and practices. Students develop problem-solving and decision-making skills that make them effective business leaders and professionals. There’s also an emphasis on applying business principles into practice and adopting ethical business practices.
Courses:
- Leadership and Advanced Management Concepts
- Strategy Formulation, Implementation, and Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Cross Cultural Management
Students of the online MBA program learn under the guidance of professors with PhD degrees and extensive professional experience.
08Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
College of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Total Tuition: $1,306.61
- Units Required: 36 credits hours
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, grants and scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement
TAMUCC’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program prepares students for executive-level positions in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Students not only develop their business acumen and the skill sets that come with it but also determine their unique leadership style, as well as build a strong foundation for their future as top-notch business professionals.
Courses:
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership
- Multinational Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business, Government and Society
Due to the rigorous coursework in the online MBA program, students develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills suitable for large-scale corporations and small-scale businesses. Graduates become human resources managers, management consultants, and financial managers, among other leadership positions.
09Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $526.13
- Units Required: 36 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, grants and scholarships, alternative loans, and military and veteran benefits
Students in SIUE’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program come from diverse backgrounds, from small business entrepreneurs to supervisors in large corporations. Regardless of their background, students strengthen their leadership skills and management know-how, thanks to the extensive curriculum. Students learn through a combination of didactic coursework and seminars for hands-on learning experiences, as well as learn ethical decision-making practices.
Courses:
- Negotiation and Interpersonal Skills for Managers
- Managing Organizational Change and Innovation
- Leadership, Influence and Managerial Effectiveness
- Seminar in Management-Topic: Competing in Emerging Markets
- Operations Management and Process Analysis
The MBA in Management degree opens career advancement opportunities that an undergraduate degree and work experience combined cannot. Graduates have reported being chief executive officers, human resources managers, and management consultants, among other positions.
10Boise State University
College of Business and Economics
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $750
- Units Required: 49 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, and tuition discounts
Boise State’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program has among the best student satisfaction, student retention and graduation rates in the state, if not the country. Working professionals and pre-career students are attracted to the MBA program, too, thanks to its small class sizes, exceptional academic quality, and emphasis on practical applications.
Courses:
- Managerial Communication
- Information Technology and Business Alignment
- Managing Successful Projects
- Managerial Accounting
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
The MBA program features a 100% online curriculum with seven-week classes. Students choose from six start dates.
11University of North Dakota
Nistler College of Business and Public Administration
Online MBA General Concentration Program
- Tuition per Credit: $510.73
- Units Required: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, grants and scholarships, and alternative loans
Professionals looking for the broadest business education will find UND’s AACSB-accredited MBA General Concentration program an excellent choice! Students enrolled in the MBA program choose from a wide range of business-related courses in healthcare administration, international business, and aviation management.
The online MBA program provides students with academic advising, free online tutoring, and academic coaching services, even the personalized services of their own career coach.
Courses:
- Organization Leadership and Ethics
- Business Intelligence
- Quantitative Analysis for Management Decisions
- Financial Reporting and Decision Making
- Advanced Strategic Management
The MBA in Management degree program also provides students with 60+ free workshops that strengthen their business acumen.
12La Salle University
School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $940
- Units Required: 33-42 credits
- Program Length: As few as 14-16 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, alternative loans, and tuition exchange
La Salle University, a private school, means business with its AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program with its guarantee of quality business education. Students, most of whom are working professionals, build a strong foundation of business skills through didactic coursework and real-world applications in human resources management, strategic management, and operations management.
Courses:
- Health Systems Management
- Organizational Development and the Consulting Process
- Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership Theory and Practice
The MBA program also emphasizes leadership skills in business and non-business settings and, thus, students are required to complete an integrative capstone course.
13Lamar University
College of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $438
- Units Required: 30 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans
Lamar University’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program adopts FranklinCovey’s leadership principles as its underlying philosophy for its curriculum. Students become effective leaders who inspire trust by being competent and credible, creating a unified vision, and implementing efficient strategies for achieving goals.
Courses:
- Concepts and Applications for New Ventures
- Human Resources Management
- Employment Law
- Team Leadership
- Personal Leadership
Graduates of the highly-ranked MBA program become C-suite executives and other business leaders known for their ability to increase productivity and profitability in their organizations.
14Southeast Missouri State University
Harrison College of Business and Computing
Online MBA in General Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $364.70
- Units Required: 33 credit hours
- Program Length: 2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, institutional and external scholarships
Ranked as among the best MBA programs in Missouri, thanks partly to its 96% graduate outcome rate, SEMO’s AACSB-accredited MBA in General Management program attracts the best and brightest in the state. Students learn the advanced knowledge and skills vital in addressing business opportunities and challenges through the best tools and technologies.
Courses:
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
- Organizational Behavior in Practice
- Strategic Cost Analysis and Financial Applications
- Integrated Decision Information Systems
- Strategic Marketing
Students learn from on-campus professors, too, and thrive in their studies with the top-notch student support and career development services.
15Henderson State University
School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $350
- Units Required: 33 credits
- Program Length: As few as 14 months
- **Financial Assistance Options:**Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and private loans
Learn from the best professors at HSU’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Management program and gain the knowledge and skills you will need to become competitive! The 100% online coursework with seven-week courses enables working professionals to maintain a work-life balance while earning their graduate-level management degree. Aside from the core courses, there are elective courses to tailor your learning experiences, too.
Courses:
- MBA Foundations
- Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions
- Strategic Information Systems
- Evidence-Based Management and Analytics
- Marketing Management
Online MBA students develop sophisticated skills in communication, ethical decision-making and reasoning, strategic decision-making, and leadership.
16Northwest Missouri State University
Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $428
- Units Required: 30 credits
- Program Length: As few as 12-16 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal and state financial aid, veteran benefits, scholarships and loans
The outstanding abilities for communication, problem-solving and decision-making are at the heart of NWMissouri’s ACBSP-accredited MBA in Management program. Students develop their business acumen in organizational behavior, finance and accounting, and strategic management, among other aspects, too.
Courses:
- Advanced Human Resource Management
- Business Decision Support Modeling
- Organizational Training and Development
- Business Analytics and Decision Making
- Data Mining for Business Applications
Online MBA students choose from a wide range of elective courses, such as compensation and benefits, which complement the core and concentration courses.
17Rivier University
Department of Business and Security Studies
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $648
- Units Required: 36 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, loans, and veteran benefits
Rivier University offers its ACBSP-accredited MBA in Management program to ambitious business professionals in search of excellent career advancement opportunities. Students gain broad business education in business management with many of the courses featuring an interdisciplinary approach (e.g., business and psychology).
Courses:
- Project Management
- Risk Management and Decision Making
- Business Research and Communications
- Organizational Dynamics
- Operations and Quality Management
Online MBA students also become advocates of ethical and sustainable business practices.
18Amberton University
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition: $900 per 3-credit hour course
- Units Required: 36 credits excluding prerequisites
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, deferred payment, employer tuition assistance, and veteran benefits
Many of the best business leaders in the Lone Star State received their business education from Amberton University’s ACBSP-accredited MBA in Management program! With its emphasis on business competencies in an ever-changing globalized society, the MBA program attracts ambitious professionals who want to step up their knowledge and skills and become more competitive and effective.
Courses:
- Theory and Application of Research Methods
- Ethics for Decision Making
- Finance
- Strategic Management
- Marketing
Professionals with an MBA in Management degree possess research skills, too, which complement their skills in business analytics, project management, and strategic management.
19Utica University
School of Business and Justice Studies
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $700
- Units Required: 30 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and loans, and Stride Funding
Students choose from a wide range of elective courses in the ACBSP-accredited MBA in Management program. In the process, their learning experiences fit their unique career goals and, thus, enable them to pursue career advancement on their own terms. This is a part-time MBA program, meaning students can pursue full-time employment and maintain a work-life balance.
Courses:
- Principles and Practices of Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- The Global Consumer, Markets and Logistics
- Strategy
- Human Resources Management
Graduates possess the key business-related knowledge and skills that employers look for and entrepreneurs need for success. These include a strategic understanding of business functions and an effective awareness of the challenges of globalization.
20Fitchburg State University
School of Business and Technology
Online MBA in Management Program
- Tuition per Credit: $436
- Units Required: 30 credit hours
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans
Students in the IACBE-accredited MBA in Management at Fitchburg State strengthen their foundational knowledge of business functions including human resources management, project management, and finance and accounting. Participatory learning is emphasized and made possible through group projects and assignments.
Courses:
- Organizational Behavior and Development
- Strategic Management
- Leadership and Culture
- Management Theory and Process
- Selected Topics in Management
Through the course of their studies, online MBA students demonstrate exceptional critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills that contribute to their competence as leaders.
Admission to Graduation: Important Things You Must Know About the Best Online MBA in Management Programs
Every online MBA program has its unique features, from the admission requirements to the graduation requisites. Prospective MBA students must carefully consider every feature, compare the features of different programs, and determine whether these features fit their unique needs, too.
Admission Requirements
While the admissions process in online MBA programs differs, there are several similarities including the minimum admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA
- Official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of professional recommendations
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Application fee, if any
International students are usually required to submit proof of English proficiency. All applicants are well-advised to be aware of the application deadline.
Curriculum and Courses
The best online MBA programs feature comprehensive curriculums with core courses in modern business administration functions, such as strategic management, marketing management, and operations management. Most students choose a concentration or specialization, such as management, which is where the concentration and elective courses come in.
The business management-related concentration courses differ in their descriptions and learning outcomes among online programs. The most popular concentration courses, however, include the following: (Note that core and concentration courses may be similar but the scope of understanding may be more expansive with concentration courses)
- Organizational Behavior, an exploration of the behavior of groups and individuals as well as team dynamics, leadership, and organizational culture.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an examination of the fundamentals of innovation management, venture financing, and entrepreneurial leadership as well as business plan development.
- International Business, an exploration of the opportunities and challenges that comes with doing business on a global scale.
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, an examination of the ethics of doing business with topics on stakeholder management and sustainability.
Every online MBA student must assume the ultimate responsibility of keeping up with the rigorous coursework including attendance and participation in live classes and submission of assignments on time.
Capstone and/or Thesis Requirements
Students in online MBA programs usually complete either of the following culminating requirements:
- A capstone course with an integrated capstone project where students demonstrate practical applications of business management concepts; or
- A master’s thesis that explores a specific issue in business management via a formal research paper.
Both requirements are completed with the guidance of academic advisors and demand significant research, whether theoretical or applied research.
Typical Time-to-degree
Full-time students with transfer credits can earn an MBA degree in less than two years while part-time students can expect between three and four years time-to-degree. Accelerated programs usually have a 12-month time-to-degree but the fast pace and intensive coursework can be challenging, to say the least.
Online Learning Experiences
Online MBA programs use a learning management system (LMS) in which professors and administrators can create, administer and deliver learning content for their students to access. The University of Illinois and Penn State use Canvas while LSU Shreveport uses Moodle, for example. The common features of LMS used in online MBA programs include:
- Virtual classrooms are where students access their individual assignments, group projects, and recorded lectures; participate in live lectures, discussion boards, and forums; and interact with their peers and professors in an interactive environment.
- Multimedia content including interactive simulations, live and recorded lectures, podcasts, and case studies.
- Access to student support and career development services that contribute to positive learning experiences, and these include online research databases and libraries, online communities, and alumni networks.
Online MBA students have the benefit of being able to study at their own pace, known as self-paced learning, but must comply with deadlines and academic standards.
Residency Requirements
These are compulsory in-person requirements, usually on-campus activities, where students must be present in designated locations. You must be aware of residency requirements and plan your academic career accordingly, particularly if you live far from the campus or there’s an international study-abroad opportunity.
The typical residency requirements are for the following purposes:
- Orientation and/or onboarding sessions
- Intensive seminars, workshops and/or immersions
- Residency weeks
- International residencies
Development of Hard and Soft Skills
The formal business education that comes with earning an MBA in Management degree comes with technical and transferable skills including:
- Business acumen in the functional areas of business administration
- Analytical skills
- Financial acumen
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills based on evidence
- Resilience and adaptability
Of course, many MBA students come into these online programs with professional work experience and many of the abovementioned skills. But their formal MBA education strengthens their existing skills and makes them ready for high-level leadership positions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
MBA students pay $19,749 (2020-2021), on average, for their tuition and fees. The cost of attendance varies depending on several factors, however, such as public schools typically being more affordable than private schools.
There can be significant reductions in the cost of attendance through federal and state financial aid for graduate students, as well as institutional and external scholarships and grants, and private loans.
Popular Career Paths
Graduates of MBA programs possess competitive knowledge and skills that make them qualified for the wide range of business and financial occupations in the public and private sectors. Among their excellent career advancement opportunities are in:
- General management, such as general managers involved in the overall operations of their organizations
- Management consultancy, which involves working with managers in organizations in identifying challenges and opportunities for increased productivity, profitability and sustainability
- Entrepreneurship, a path for ambitious individuals with a high-risk tolerance and with a passion for innovative ideas
- Business development, which demands its professionals to possess exceptional strategic thinking abilities in launching new ventures and expanding existing organizations
- Nonprofit management, a career path for individuals with social advocacies
Other possible career paths are in marketing management, operations management, and project management. Indeed, the management concentration is the most versatile specialization in MBA programs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you switch industries or careers with an MBA in Management degree?
Yes, thanks to its versatile applications by virtue of the broad understanding of functional business administration and management practices.
What are the main differences between an MBA in Management and a Master’s in Management (MiM) degree?
For one thing, an MBA in Management program provides a comprehensive business education while an MiM program provides more specialized education. For another thing, MBA in Management programs require professional work experience while MiM programs welcome recent graduates and pre-career individuals.
Which is the better choice: MBA in Management or MiM degree?
There’s no right or wrong answer! You have to determine your career goals and professional work experience in determining which graduate degree is the best fit.
