As I turn the page to the next chapter on the exciting journey of searching for MBA programs in Alabama, I find myself immersed in a realm of possibilities and opportunities. Guided by a personal quest for academic excellence and professional growth, I am eager to explore the diverse landscape of MBA schools within the state.

With a keen eye on aligning my aspirations with a program that resonates with my career goals, I navigated through the myriad of options, envisioning a transformative experience that not only enriches my knowledge but also positions me for success in the dynamic business environment of Alabama. I’m sharing this knowledge with you!

For many of us searching for the perfect MBA school that fits our own personal needs, this exploration is not merely about choosing a school; it’s a pivotal chapter in our educational and professional narratives.

Alabama’s Rich Business Stats

Alabama is the 22^nd state in the United States of America and was admitted to the union in 1819. Today, it is the 23^rd most populous state with the longest inland waterways in the nation.

Traditionally, the state of Alabama has greatly depended on agriculture. After World War II, it enjoyed significant economic growth, expanding its industries to automotive, aerospace, finance, healthcare, management, and technology, among others. Nowadays, the largest percentage of employment in the state is the management of business and finance enterprises.

In the first quarter of 2023, Alabama had a GDP of $278.3 billion in goods and services per year. Its GDP growth rate was 0.1% per year, which is higher than the overall GDP of the US. As for Alabama’s unemployment rate of 2.3%, this figure shows that the state has a lower unemployment rate than the nation’s overall.

According to Statista, the top five industries that contribute to the economy of Alabama include:

Finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing
Manufacturing
Government and government enterprises
Professional and business services
Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance

To ensure continuous economic growth in the state of Alabama, state and private colleges and universities offer high-quality higher education programs. This is because a state’s educational system is one of the major factors that can affect its economy. By producing world-class graduates, the state will be able to continue to enjoy progress for the coming years. Embark upon this adventure with me!

Top 10 MBA Programs in Alabama

Those who want to contribute to the economy and, at the same time, increase their earning potential should consider pursuing an MBA degree. This will help open up more career opportunities, especially at the managerial level, and increase your earning potential.

Harris College of Business and Executive Education – Faulkner University

Founded in 1942, Faulkner University is one of the leaders of Christian education. Its mission is to glorify God through education, emphasizing the integrity of character in a Christian environment that makes everyone feel they matter.

Faulkner University changed its name to Alabama Christian College in 1953. It was then renamed to its current name in 1985 in honor of Dr. James Faulkner of Bay Minette, a businessman and longtime supporter, chairman of the board, and trustee.

The university currently offers over 85 undergraduate degrees, 27 online degrees, and 15 graduate degrees. It currently employs 120 full-time instructional faculty members who teach classes of 10 to 15 students.

Today, Faulkner is home to six colleges, including the Harris College of Business and Executive Education. This college’s mission is to prepare students for rewarding careers in business, finance, management, and information systems.

MBA program offered at the Harris College of Business and Executive Education:

Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)

It is a fully online executive MBA program that aims to provide students with the necessary competencies to succeed in upper-level positions. It features a curriculum that includes ten classes that last five weeks. Students are to talk one class at a time and fulfill coursework every five weeks.

What makes Faulkner’s Executive MBA program ideal is that it offers flexible scheduling and can be finished in less time. Students can also expect the same level of support, resources, and academic quality for the duration of the program.

To apply for this MBA program, applicants need to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They also need to submit a resume that highlights their professional and educational experience.

Culverhouse College of Business – The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa

The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa was founded in 1831 as Alabama’s flagship university. This academic institution has always been passionate about excellence in teaching, research, and service, providing students with a campus environment that will help them reach their full potential.

UA’s Culverhouse College of Business offers MBA programs that have ranked among the best in the nation.

Culverhouse College of Business has produced champions in the industry since 1944. This program has been recognized as one of the top MBA programs for several years. Plus, it has an employment rate of 90.3%.

MBA students will get the chance to compete in national case competitions, engage with faculty that use real-world applications in their teaching, and join professional development workshops to advance in their careers.

While its Business Administration, MBA program is campus-based, its EMBA program is offered in a blended-instruction format. It has in-class sessions and interactive online classes to cater to working professionals.

Raymond J. Harbert College of Business: Auburn University

Initially called the East Alabama Male College, Auburn University opened its doors in 1859 with only 80 students and a faculty of 6. Then, in 1960, it was named Auburn University.

One of the largest academic institutions in the South, Auburn University is in the educational forefront with its traditional combination of arts and applied science. Its vision is to emerge as one of the United States’ preeminent comprehensive land-grant universities in the 21^st century.

Today, Auburn has 14 colleges, including the College of Agriculture, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. Among the degrees and programs offered by Auburn’s College of Business are its MBA programs, which are designed to help students master business, inspire an industry, and enhance their careers.

The MBA programs offered at Auburn are Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-approved. They are designed to prepare students for real-world problems and improve their skills in analysis, critical thinking, and leadership. It has an online MBA program that is self-paced and flexible, which is ideal for business professionals who can’t put their careers on hold to pursue an MBA.

At Auburn, students can choose electives to obtain a second degree for an additional semester. The electives are:

Master of Science (MS) – Industrial & Systems Engineering
Master of Science (MS) – Supply Chain Management
Master of Science (MS) – in Finance

Collat School of Business – The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham was created by the Alabama legislature in 1831. Today, it has become a comprehensive urban university that is home to a nationally recognized health center.

UAB is the only public, four-year degree-granting academic institution in Alabama’s largest metropolitan area. It is also the largest research institution in the state and the largest employer.

UAB’s mission is to mold students to become world leaders through innovative ideas and bold initiatives in the classroom, as well as in the clinic, studio, and laboratory. It has formulated several strategic plans to achieve remarkable growth in 50 years. One of its notable achievements is the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, an effort to find a cure for diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

UAB is home to 12 schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Collat School of Business. Its Collat School of Business offers one MBA program.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) program

This MBA is a flexible program that provides students with the skills to qualify for leadership roles in business, government, industry, and social services. It has four concentration tracks to choose from:

Business Analytics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Health Services
Marketing
Management Information Systems

Students can also opt for MBA dual degrees that offer reduced total credit hour requirements and balanced course schedules.

Ross College of Business – Franklin University

Franklin University has always been dedicated to helping professional adults succeed and realize their ambitions since 1902. It offers streamlined processes and provides easy access to free academic support resources to minimize the challenges that can hinder students from reaching their professional goals.

Franklin University is a nonprofit and wholly focused on adult learners, allowing adult learners wot earn a degree 100% online. It is also one of the largest private academic institutions in Ohio, with virtually 45,000 alumni across the nation and around the world.

The university has six colleges and schools, including the School of Education, College of Health & Public Administration, and Ross College of Business. The College of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). It offers the following MBA programs:

These MBA programs are designed to ensure professionals will be able to achieve their goals by providing them the flexibility they need to pursue an MBA. Classes are taught by faculty who teach with real-world knowledge and assign coursework that can be completed within the students’ schedules.

Mitchell College of Business – University of South Alabama

Founded in 1963, the University of South Alabama is home to virtually 14,000 students and over 115 academic programs. Since its founding, it has constantly produced a dynamic of community learners and leaders who support and challenge one another to become citizens who are proactive in advancing the Gulf Coast region and the rest of the world.

The USA is situated on a 1,200-acre campus. Despite having a large population, this university ensures a low student-faculty ratio so that professors can provide students with the attention and guidance they need.

The university has ten schools and colleges, including the College of Education and Professional Studies, Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Mitchell College of Business.

Mitchell College of Business offers one MBA program:

Master of Business Administration, MBA

This MBA program is designed to suit the needs of professionals with business and non-business degrees. It is a flexible 30-credit hour program with electives that allow students to tailor their curriculum to suit their unique interests and needs.

This MBA program offers a Healthcare Leadership Concentration track that provides professionals with a fundamental understanding of organizations and markets, as well as a profound understanding of today’s challenges in the healthcare industry.

College of Business and Industry – Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1883 after then-Governor Edward O’Neal signed into law a bill that created the school. It was originally called Jacksonville State Normal School, which acquired the equipment and facilities of Calhoun College, including 12 acres of land and a 2-story brick building.

Today, Jacksonville State University offers 96 undergraduate programs, eight undergraduate microcredential and certificate programs, 64 master’s degrees, and five doctoral degrees. It also offers over 40 online programs. It has six colleges, including the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the College of Business and Industry.

Jacksonville State University’s College of Business and Industry (CBI) offers three MBA programs:

CBI is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Students enrolled in an MBA program can take advantage of research opportunities under the supervision of faculty members. They will be exposed to real-world case studies through the college’s Small Business Development Center. They will also have a chance to gain an internship to acquire practical work experience.

Brock School of Business – Samford University

Samford University is a leading Christian university that was founded in 1841. It is the 87^th oldest academic institution in the nation. The university sits on 247 acres of land that is renowned for its unique beauty and Georgian-Colonial style architecture.

Nowadays, Samford University enrolls 5,791 students from across 49 states and 16 countries around the world. The university is known for its academic value and quality. It has nationally ranked 113^th among the nation’s best-value schools for career preparation. It is also classified by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as a professional institution.

Currently, Samford University has ten academic schools, including Beeson Divinity School, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, and Brock School of Business.

MBA program offered at Samford University’s Brock School of Business:

Master of Business Administration, MBA

This MBA program has ranked 26^th among the nation’s best online MBA programs with three concentration options. This program is customizable and flexible to prepare business professionals to become ethical and successful leaders in today’s business environment.

Samford University also offers joint degree programs to allow students to pursue two degrees in different areas of interest with fewer credit requirements. These include:

College of Business – The University of Alabama at Huntsville

The University of Alabama at Huntsville was established in November 1949 after the University of Alabama had approved Huntsville leaders to build an extension center in the city. Three months later, the university started offering ten freshman-level classes with 137 students.

Nowadays, the University of Alabama at Huntsville is one of the country’s premier research universities that offer challenging hands-on curricula that have produced global leaders in various industries. Its students come from across 49 states and 59 countries all over the world. Its enrollment has now gone up to over 8,700 every year.

Among the eight academic colleges and schools at UAH are the College of Engineering, Honors College, and the College of Business.

MBA program offered by UAH’s College of Business:

Master of Business Administration, MBA

Through this MBA program, students will acquire invaluable skills necessary to market themselves in today’s competitive economy. The College of Business has faculty members who are strongly connected to industry leaders, ensuring both industry experience and advanced research.

UAH’s MBA program is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is designed for business professionals who want to pursue an MBA. Students can complete the program fully online or through evening classes.

Michael E. Stephens College of Business – University of Montevallo

At the University of Montevallo, students are guaranteed the ideal environment to study liberal arts with its abundant opportunities for real-world experience, small class sizes, and engaging student activities. The university is committed to honing the skills necessary for students to make an impact in today’s competitive world.

The University of Montevallo was founded in October 1896. Its average enrollment every year is 2,600, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. It is one of the most respectable public liberal arts colleges here in the US and in Canada. Currently, it has four colleges:

College of Arts & Sciences
College of Fine Arts
College of Education
Michael E. Stephens College of Business.

The Michael E. Stephens College of Business offers an MBA program:

Master’s of Business Administration

This leadership-driven MBA program is a flagship program that’s well-recognized in the state of Alabama. It is designed for those who are passionate about achieving a career with distinction and reaching their full earning potential. It is geared toward business professionals who are seeking a world-class business degree that’s affordable, fast, and flexible.

This MBA program has a general management concentration and an interdisciplinary perspective that teaches students invaluable skills and knowledge in various competencies, including accounting, marketing, strategy, and more.

The University of Montevallo’s MBA program is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited. Its courses are offered by faculty mentors who are also accomplished business professionals who use the latest technology to facilitate distance learning and real-world application of lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the average cost of MBA programs in the state of Alabama?

The cost of an MBA program in Alabama depends on several factors. For one, tuition rates in public and private colleges and universities differ. In-state and out-of-state tuition also vary, depending on the school.

At the University of Alabama, for example, the tuition fee for first-year MBA students is $11,000 (in-state) and $31,460 (out-of-state). At the University of Alabama in Huntsville, on the other hand, the total in-state tuition for its MBA program is $29,304 (100% online) and $28,892 (evening classes/mix of campus and online classes).

Is pursuing an MBA ideal for a business professional?

While an MBA program is, on average, expensive, it will be worth all the money, time, and effort after you complete it. This is especially true if you plan on working in a business-related field, be a company founder, or seek a managerial position to increase your earning potential.

Because the job market has become quite competitive nowadays, you must make sure you choose a respectable program from a known academic institution to get all your money’s worth while you continue your work as a business professional.

What are the highest-paying careers an MBA graduate can pursue?

According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, these are the top four jobs an MBA graduate can pursue:

Chief Marketing Manager – $108,051
Financial Manager – $120,411
Logistics Director – $167,190
Medical and Health Services Manager – $44,494

Before you go, see the following: