Known for its foods, tourist attractions, and outdoor activities, Missouri is also a great player in the US for business. Missouri offers a business-friendly environment sought after by individuals and corporations. It offers a strong labor market recovery, a broad economy, and a robust small business ecosystem. Nearly half of Missouri’s workforce works within small businesses.

Missouri’s gross domestic product (GDP) has seen significant growth since 2018, showing a 19.7% growth from 2018 to 2023. Its GDP amounted to $304 billion in 2023. Their GDP is expected to continue increasing as the demand for their key industries remains robust.

With an increasing number of in-demand jobs, Missouri has a low percentage unemployment rate of 2.8%, lower than the national average of 3.7. Missouri is experiencing a severe labor shortage, as evidenced by the fact that there are just 53 applicants for every 100 available jobs in the Show Me State.

As Missouri works towards economic growth, business degrees are becoming increasingly popular. Today, thousands of business school undergraduates seek more opportunities through a master’s degree like the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Missouri has several higher education institutions, but only a few stand out as the best schools for a graduate degree in business.

If you’re interested in an MBA degree, look no further. In this ranking, we’ve only listed Missouri’s ten top MBA schools. These MBA degrees are offered by AACSB-accredited business schools, meaning they’ve undergone meticulous evaluation to prove their competence. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is the top international accrediting body for business schools.

Many of these programs allow students to customize their MBA experience to meet their specific needs by offering a variety of delivery modes, concentrations, specialties, or emphases.

Top 10 MBA Programs in Missouri

Olin Business School – Washington University – St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis is a nationally ranked university. It is often referred to as the “Hidden Ivy,” applicants who qualify can expect to have unique student experiences and rigorous academics. With only a 13% acceptance rate, it’s a very competitive school in Missouri.

WUSL offers various competitive academic programs in various fields, including business. Its Olin Business School is a top provider of AACSB-accredited business education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate degree seekers can pursue Olin’s MBA programs:

Olin MBAs are driven by four key elements: rigorous decision-making criteria, values-based approach, data-driven approach, and integrity. These Missouri MBA programs include multiple research and evidence-based learning opportunities. It also offers three global immersion experiences. Graduate students must apply their knowledge to real-world issues as part of every curriculum to improve society and corporate organizations.

Students in the Full-Time MBA have five concentration options:

Consulting
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Marketing operations
Supply chain management

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is among the nation’s top and oldest Jesuit universities. St. Louis is vastly renowned for their world-class faculty, academic programs, and community engagement invites. It’s also one of the top providers of international learning experiences, having a campus in Madrid, Spain.

The Chaifetz School of Business at St. Louis is a competitive business school accredited by the AACSB. Built on the Jesuit tradition, the Chaifetz business education programs instill business acumen and a commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility. The school offers two MBA pathways:

These MBA programs are designed for two different types of applicants. The one-year St. Louis MBA is for those who want to develop data analysis skills, while the professional MBA best suits mid-level professionals who want to strengthen their management skills. Both degrees are STEM-certified and are customizable.

The one-year MBA can be paired with other degree programs, including law, medicine, health administration, and education leadership. On the other hand, professional MBA students can pursue specialized certificates in Business Analytics, International Business, Financial Planning and Modeling, and more.

Breech School of Business Administration – Drury University

Grounded in the liberal arts, Drury University focuses on an inclusive, private learning environment for students who want to make meaningful contributions to society. Drury guarantees that students have several opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experiences because of its student-to-faculty ratio, which encourages individualized attention.

Drury’s Breech School of Business Administration offers AACSB-recognized business education programs focusing on professional students who want to combine professional studies with liberal arts and sciences. Breech has several degree programs offered, including:

On-campus/online MBA

The standout feature of this program is its inclusivity. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in business can apply for the MBA program, widening the doors to professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and managerial skills. Students can complete their MBAs in a fully online or hybrid learning format.

As part of a course on initiative and innovation, every student completes a week-long foreign international business trip. There is also a student mentorship program with local business leaders.

College of Business – Missouri State University

Missouri State University - College of Business

Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive institution mainly known for preparing professionals for the business and healthcare industry. Missouri State was founded in 1905 and offers over 180 programs, including one of the largest cooperative education offerings in the Midwest.

Missouri State’s College of Business is one of its six academic colleges. Accredited by the AACSB, the Missouri State COB offers a team of dedicated educators and experienced professionals who bring in a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Students can expect various opportunities to participate in research, innovation, and practical application. Aspiring MBA professionals have three delivery formats to complete an MBA at Missouri State:

Whichever pathway students choose, they’ll have the flexibility to tailor their academic learning experiences. They can pursue their MBAs in full- or part-time formats. Students who are yet to earn a bachelor’s degree can strategically pursue the 4+1 Accelerated MBA program.

Students in all MBAs can pursue a graduate certificate and align their MBA with their goals and objectives. They can study Cybersecurity, Financial Analysis, Marketing, Quantitative Enterprise Risk Management, and more.

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Primarily known for its engineering and IT programs, MST is also a key player in business and management. This is one of the most preferred institutions for students who want to study in a STEM-designated institution.

MST offers several on-campus and online degree programs, including:

Distance Education MBA

AACSB International accredits the MST MBA program. It is known for training students for various management and executive roles in technologically driven business environments. This program offers hands-on experience in management, leadership, and international business issues, focusing on best practices, teamwork, and real-world projects with faculty experts.

To tailor their MBAs, students can pursue various certifications. Sample certificate options include AI in Business, Cyber Security, Business Intelligence, Digital Media and Web Design, and more.

Steven L. Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University offers solid student academic and professional support services. As a result, the university boasts one of the highest student satisfaction rates. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art modern classrooms and well-equipped laboratories and libraries for an optimal learning environment.

Missouri Western offers a variety of majors, from certificate to graduate-level programs. Its Craig School of Business plays a vital role in producing business experts in the state. One of Craig’s top offerings is the

Master of Business Administration

This AACSB-accredited business program offers two online formats: Online for working professionals and Onsite for multiple concentration options. The MBA programs focus on applied academic education to develop analytical and decision-making abilities. Onsite MBA concentrations are General Business, Forensic Accounting, and Engineering Technology Management.

Helzberg School of Management – Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University - Helzberg School of Management

Rockhurst University is famous for its master’s degree programs, particularly business education majors. Rockhurst focuses on learning, leadership, and service, offering academic excellence and emphasizing individual dignity and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

The schools and departments found at Rockhurst are grounded in a liberal arts education, allowing students to explore topics beyond their majors. Among its popular schools is the Helzberg School of Management. Helzberg is an AACSB-accredited business school with multiple offerings, including:

The Helzberg MBA can be completed in an on-campus, online, and hybrid learning format. Moreover, students can enhance their MBA journey by personalizing their degrees and pursuing stackable certificates. Students can stack two acquired certificates with the prerequisite Business Administration Certificate. Nine stackable certificates are available, including Change Management, Healthcare Management, and Organizational Leadership.

On the other hand, the EMBA program requires students to complete capstones and residencies. Students in this MBA program may enroll in up to one cost-free course offered by the School of Management.

Harrison College of Business & Computing – Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is another comprehensive public institution in Missouri offering over 145 majors leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees. SEMO is applauded for emphasizing education, community involvement, and research and innovation initiatives. Moreover, it’s also among the best schools for financial assistance opportunities.

SEMO’s Harrison College of Business and Computing is an AACSB-accredited school. Its innovative approach to business education seamlessly integrates computing and technology courses, setting SEMO’s Harrison College apart. Its MBA programs offer various pathways.

These MBA programs are among the most affordable MBAs in Missouri. Students can choose to complete their MBAs online or on campus. Since the majority of MBA applicants are mid-level professionals, the online MBA format receives more applicants each year.

In addition to concentration, students can also pursue certificates to enhance their skill set and marketability. The same on-campus faculty will teach certificate programs to ensure high-quality learning.

Harmon College of Business & Professional Studies – University of Central Missouri

Another reasonably priced public university in the state that emphasizes real-world learning via creative curricula and hands-on learning opportunities is the University of Central Missouri. UCM was founded in 1871 and has a long tradition of offering top-notch instruction and creating a welcoming environment for its diverse student body.

The Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies is popular for its robust networking opportunities. Programs offered by the college emphasize a balance of hard and soft skills. There are various MBA options students can pursue at UCM that can be completed online or hybrid:

These AACSB-accredited MBA programs offer students an effective way of learning the intricacies of the industry while deep-diving into specialized coursework. In addition to on-campus/virtual classrooms, students must complete practical projects, internships, and case studies to get real-world experience and practical insights into their chosen careers.

Trulaske College of Business – University of Missouri at Columbia

The University of Missouri at Columbia is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri system. Mizzou Columbia is considered a top-tier institution boasting an extensive academic portfolio and a rich history.

The Columbia Trulaske College of Business is the #1 business school in the UM system, delivering various AACSB-accredited programs for over a century. Its curricula are all created to prepare students for success in a multicultural and international business setting. The Trulaske College of Business offers two MBA tracks:

Both MBA programs are designed to prepare students for executive roles rigorously. However, the online MBA provides more customization opportunities. Nevertheless, these accredited MBA degrees equip students with leadership skills through various professional skills courses, core graduate business hours, one graduate certificate, and six credit hours of electives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about selecting an MBA program in Missouri?

The first thing you need to look out for is accreditation- this verifies a university’s legitimacy and quality standards. There are three trusted programmatic accreditations for business programs in the US—AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE—the most reputable is the AACSB.

You should also evaluate each MBA program before deciding. Missouri MBAs have their strengths and specializations. Choose an MBA program that concentrates on your specific field of interest.

What are the best MBA concentrations in Missouri?

Based on the state’s most thriving economies, the best concentrations to pursue include supply chain management, international business, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, and healthcare.

Is Missouri a good place for an MBA?

Its growing economy makes Missouri an excellent place to pursue an MBA. Nevertheless, the real answer depends on your personal and professional objectives.

Higher Education

Missouri has 21 accredited colleges for master’s level business education. It means that you have many options. Moreover, Missouri, in general, is known for offering tuition and fees that are 9.11% below average, making way for a more affordable education.

Job Opportunities

Missouri’s unemployment rate is also well below the national average. With eight Fortune 500 companies and over 500k small businesses, MBA graduates will have various opportunities to grow career-wise. Moreover, the state’s varied economic landscape offers many job options.

Cost of Living

Missouri ranks among the least expensive states to live in, according to RentCafe. This data shows that the state is pretty good finances-wise. Housing, utilities, and necessities fall well below national averages. If you’re living in a state with a much lower cost of living than Missouri, you can pursue online MBA degrees.

Salaries

Salaries vary greatly, primarily depending on what industry you pursue. On average, MBAs in Missouri earn $140,554. Missouri offers a financially stable environment for business majors due to its low cost of living and stable career outcomes and salaries.

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