The Best Online MBA Programs, No GMAT Required

Last Updated: May 08, 2019

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Some of the best business schools offer an online MBA, no GMAT required. Not long ago, getting into a top business school meant studying for months to prepare for the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). Similar to how undergraduate admissions departments use the SAT, the GMAT provides graduate programs with a broad picture of a candidate’s academic strengths. The exam tests an applicant’s ability to reason, solve quantitative problems, and understand communication. The exam takes more than three hours to complete, and typically requires a great deal of studying.

Some candidates achieve poor scores due to the standardized test format. Those returning to school after several years away may struggle to remember materials covered on the exam, and working professionals are often too busy to fit lengthy study sessions into full schedules.

Fortunately, you can still enroll in an excellent online MBA program without sitting for the GMAT. Many of the nation’s finest business schools—including Harvard, Stanford, and all of the colleges included in our ranking below — no longer include GMAT scores in their admissions requirements. This gives students plenty of opportunities to enroll in online MBA programs, no GMAT required.

Many colleges and universities have dropped the GMAT requirement, and many more are following suit. We also have you covered if you’d like to see the best online MBA programs that require GMAT scores. Otherwise, read on.

The Best Schools Offering an Online MBA, no GMAT Required

Online MBA Programs, No GMAT Required Degree Program Ranking Guidelines: We selected degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

RANKING METHODOLOGY

Methodology for College Rankings

The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:

The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.

To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):

1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]

• Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
• Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
• Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
• Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
• Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
• Considers range of electives within that discipline
• Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline

2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]

• Considers education background of the faculty
• Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
• Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
• Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
• Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources

3. Reputation [weight = 20%]

• Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
  • Faculty
  • Curriculum
  • “Freshness” of academic knowledge
  • Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
  • Suitability of graduates for the workplace

4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]

• Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
• Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants

5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]

• Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
• Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business

6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]

• Considers the following of the online classes:
  • Types of online technology used to deliver content
  • Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
  • Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
  • Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
• Considers the following of instructors:
  • Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
  • Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
  • Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
  • Ratio to number of students in a class
• Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees

Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.

To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:

• Accreditation
• Public or private status
• Acceptance rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• ACT/SAT requirements
• Cost in-state / out of state
• Undergrad, grad, or both offered
• Region
• State
• City

Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!

If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.

Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org’s underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article “ Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS.” Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the rankings of other well-known educational ranking companies. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: “ Making Sense of College Rankings.” For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!

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1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill features an online MBA program and is known for having one of the most respected business schools in the United States. Online MBA students can tailor their degree to their career goals and personal interests by selecting a concentration. Concentration options include:

• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Marketing
• Strategy and Consulting

The North Carolina online MBA requires 66 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Analytical Tools
• Business Communication
• Business Strategy
• Leading and Managing
• Strategic Economics
• Financial Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing: Analysis and Development
• Operations

Courses cover a variety of relevant topics including entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy, and marketing. To build upon course topics, students attend in-person immersions, which allow them to visit major business centers around the world where they learn from global leaders, network with professors and classmates, and explore local culture.

The online MBA may be completed in 18–36 months depending on the student’s schedule and time commitments. Applicants with over six years of professional experience may apply for a GMAT waiver and earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s online MBA program prides itself on being a career-cultured online learning experience for students. The program is completely online with no travel requirements or added expenses, and the course material is based on practical experiences and cultivates students' leadership and management skills. Students work personally with special practitioner faculty from companies like Google. The curriculum is grouped into specializations so that students may correlate their coursework to their future career paths. Options for specialization include global challenges in business, entrepreneurship and strategic innovation, and digital marketing.

The University of Illinois online MBA requires 72 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Statistics, Data Analysis, and Decision Making
• Designing and Managing Organizations
• Everyday Leadership
• Financial Accounting
• Firm-Level Economics
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Management
• Process Management
• Strategic Management

Applicants must submit an application, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and transcripts. Applicants with more than five years of professional experience may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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3. George Washington University, GW Online

Washington, District of Columbia

Featuring cutting-edge, digital courses, the online MBA program at The George Washington University organizes coursework into learning episodes that consist of videos, podcasts, animations, and other relevant prerecorded content. Courses offer live online class sessions that allow students to partake in group activities and case discussions. Live sessions are also recorded and available to students within the digital platform. Faculty members are available to students during online office hours, which are offered through the digital classroom platform. Office hours allow students to interact informally with faculty as well as ask questions about assignment feedback and course material. Students may complete a general track, or up to two of the following concentrations:

• Consulting
• Finance
• Global Management
• Information Systems and Technology Management

The George Washington University online MBA program requires 55.5 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Ethics and Public Policy
• Decision Making and Data Analysis
• Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Global Perspectives
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing
• Microeconomics for the World Economy
• Operations Management
• Organizations and Human Capital
• Strategic Management

The George Washington University provides students with the opportunity to pursue a hybrid format if they are interested in completing traditional on-campus coursework in addition to their online requirements. Applicants should submit their GMAT or GRE test scores, though GMAT waiver options allow some students to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required. Students are also required to submit two letters of recommendation, a current resume, transcripts, and a statement of purpose.

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4. University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln features flexible options to accommodate busy students interested in pursuing their MBA. The MBA@Nebraska program is offered completely online, while the Flex MBA program is a hybrid program—a blend of on-campus and online courses with most courses taken on-campus at Howard L. Hawks Hall. Students in the online program are never required to visit campus, so they can complete their coursework from anywhere in the world. Flex MBA students can enjoy the flexibility of online learning while also experiencing valuable face-to-face interactions with classmates and faculty.

The MBA programs feature 48 total credit hours, and include the following online college courses:

• Business Analytics
• Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Business Strategy
• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Finance
• Managerial Marketing
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Strategic Management and Business Policy
• Supply Chain Management Strategies

Students can expand their business expertise by choosing elective courses that fit their career path. The online program is delivered in eight-week courses, allowing students to take multiple classes each semester and focus on one concept at a time. Students may choose one of five specialization tracks:

• Business Analytics
• Finance
• International Business
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management

Some applicants, including those holding doctoral, legal, and medical degrees, as well as those with seven or more years of professional experience, may be admitted to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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5. University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

Catering to the needs of busy executives, the University of Missouri online MBA program offers advanced business administration education in an accelerated, blended format. The curriculum teaches students about a variety of topics including business and leadership skills, best practices in management, and international business issues. The program is highly flexible, catering to working professionals and executives by blending online coursework with occasional weekend intensives and an international residency.

The online MBA requires 48 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Managers
• Advanced Managerial Marketing
• Business Analytics
• Corporate Governance
• Economics for Managers
• Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship
• International Marketing
• Managerial Finance
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Organizational Behavior

Applicants to the program must have at least five years of professional experience, and may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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6. Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The MBA program at Lehigh University may be completed on campus or online. Lehigh University features a Flex MBA, a hybrid program that is tailored to active professionals interested in enhancing their skills through part-time enrollment. Graduates are prepared to serve as dynamic, business-savvy leaders who are both globally aware and environmentally and economically conscious.

Concentrations are available to students interested in tailoring their degree to their career goals and personal interests, but students are not required to declare their concentration at the time of application and many pursue their MBA without choosing a concentration area. Options include:

• Business Analytics
• Corporate Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• International Business
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

The online MBA program requires 36 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Introduction to the Organization and its Environment
• Managing Financial and Physical Resources
• Managing Information
• Managing Products and Services
• Managing People
• Integrative Experience

Some applicants, such as those with advanced degrees or 10 years of work experience, will be eligible for waivers, allowing them to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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7. University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

The online MBA program at the University of Utah features a highly interactive, dynamic learning experience that is available to students 24/7. Students participate in on-demand lectures and in-depth discussions with classmates and faculty via high-end web conferencing. The flexibility of the program allows students to stay active in their career while continuing their education. Working professionals may immediately improve their workplace performance by applying what they learn in their courses.

Earning an online MBA at the University of Utah doesn’t mean students have to miss out on an on-campus experience. The university features a flex option that combines on-campus and online courses; students can adjust their course load, take a leave of absence, or transition to fully on-campus courses if necessary. Curricula can be customized for each student depending on their career goals.

The University of Utah Online MBA requires 48 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Communication
• Business Ethics
• Data Analysis
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Information Technology
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management

Students with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and three years of professional experience to their name may enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

8. University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

The University of Cincinnati online MBA program offers a combination of research-intensive, academic, and real-life learning experiences. The program can be finished in 12–24 months. Tuition rates for out-of-state students are only slightly higher than the rates for in-state students, and online MBA instructors are the same faculty that teach on-campus courses. Students may pursue a general MBA, or choose from one of seven concentration options:

• Corporate Taxation
• Healthcare Administration
• Healthcare Finance
• Healthcare Policy and Regulation
• Individual Taxation
• Marketing

The online MBA program requires 34–48 credit hours (depending on the student’s prior qualifications) and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Managerial Decisions
• Corporate Legal and Social Responsibility
• Decision Models
• Financial Management
• Information and Technology Management
• Leadership and Organizations
• Management of Operations
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing for Managers
• Strategic Management

Courses are 7-week terms in an accelerated format. In addition to online MBA program courses, students choose electives that parallel their career goals and must also partake in a capstone experience. Students who have bachelor’s degrees in a non-business field participate in additional business foundation courses.

Applicants that meet a variety of criteria may be admitted to the online MBA program, no GMAT required.

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9. Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Featuring fall, spring, and summer start dates, the online MBA program at Rutgers University allows students to complete their work anywhere. The program is designed to provide students with maximum flexibility so they can balance school with other commitments. Enrollment is offered year-round for part-time or full-time students. Graduates leave the program well-prepared to work as IT managers, HR specialists, operations research analysts, and management analysts.

The curriculum allows students to build upon their expertise in their chosen career area by pursuing focused learning modules. They can choose from investments and private wealth management, strategic leadership, business analytics, or digital marketing. Up to four courses are eligible for a waiver as long as the student meets specific qualifications. The program prides itself on maintaining a commitment to job placement assistance, learning tools and tutoring, and full access to student advisers and coaches.

The Rutgers online MBA program requires 60 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Managers
• Managerial Economic Analysis
• Business, Ethics, and Society
• Financial Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing for Decision-Making
• Operations Analysis

Applicants may qualify for waivers to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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10. Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

The online MBA program at Syracuse University provides students with the decision-making and analytical skills they need to take their career to the next level in today’s global business environment. The program boasts six specialization options, allowing students to gain expertise in:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Marketing Management
• Supply Chain Management

The Syracuse online MBA program requires 54 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Data Analysis and Decision Making
• Financial Accounting
• Global Entrepreneurial Management
• Introduction to IT and E-Commerce
• Leadership in Organizations
• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Finance
• Marketing Management
• Microeconomics
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Management

The online MBA program features four start dates each year, allowing students to begin their program at the best time for them. Syracuse offers GMAT waivers to applicants with a minimum of five years of professional work experience. Applicants are encouraged to speak to an admissions counselor to see if they qualify for the exemption needed to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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11. University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

The online MBA program at the University of Arizona allows students to tailor their degree to their career goals and personal interests by pursuing one of six available concentrations:

• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Management and Organizations
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing

Students can choose from six start dates throughout the year and can earn their MBA in as little as 14 months or as many as four years. Each student can decide how many courses they want to take at a time so as to accommodate professional and personal commitments. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, so students can complete their work at any time and place.

The University of Arizona online MBA program requires 45 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Applied Business Statistics
• Business Strategy
• Communication for Managers
• Economics for Managers
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Managerial Accounting
• Leadership in Organizations
• Managing Ethics in Organizations
• Market-Based Management
• Marketing of Innovations
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management of Information Systems
• Survey of Finance as Analyst
• Survey of Finance as Corporate Manager

Applicants holding a terminal degrees, a BS degree from a STEM field with at least a 3.5 GPA, and veterans and active duty military personnel with bachelor’s degrees and 3.0 GPAs may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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12. Florida State University, Office of Distance Learning

Tallahassee, Florida

The online MBA program at Florida State University is a part-time program that takes seven semesters to complete. Students have the opportunity to customize their degree to fit their specific business expertise. Students choose elective courses to complete a specialization in:

• Management Information Systems
• Real Estate
• Risk Management and Insurance

The risk management and insurance specialization allows students to choose between the financial planning or risk management tracks.

The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics including financial accounting, the legal and ethical environment of business, and economic policy for managers. Online MBA programs with a specialization will cost students the same tuition rate as online programs with no specialization.

The Florida State online MBA program requires 39 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Conditions Analysis
• Financial Reporting and Managerial Control
• Information and Technology Management
• Marketing Strategy in the Global Environment
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Problems in Financial Management
• Strategy and Business Policy
• The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business

Under certain conditions, the students may receive a GMAT waiver, allowing them to enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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13. Washington State University

Pullman, Washington

Washington State University’s online MBA program features four concentration options for students interested in tailoring their degree to their personal areas of expertise and career goals. Students can concentrate their online MBA in:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Hospitality Business Management
• International Business

Students who do not choose a concentration can follow the general MBA program format to enhance their skills in a broad range of topics.

The Washington State University online MBA program requires 32 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Administrative Control
• Business Analytics: Transforming Data into Decisions
• Financial Management
• Information Systems Analysis
• Managerial Leadership and Productivity
• Marketing Management
• Strategy Formulation and Organizational Design

Applicants may apply for a GMAT waiver and earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

The fully online format of the program is flexible and allows students to graduate in as few as 22–29 months.

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14. University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

The online MBA program at the University of Miami features affordable tuition rates, expert faculty members, and a MBA GMAT waiver that lets students earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

The online MBA program requires 42 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Essentials of Economic Theory
• Foundations of Marketing Management
• Fundamentals of Finance, Accounting, and Economics
• Intermediate Corporate Finance and Investments
• Introduction to Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Legal Implications in Executive Decision Making
• Management Information Systems
• Managing Responsible Behavior in Organizations
• Operations Management
• Operations Research Models in Management
• Statistical Analysis for Managerial Decision Making
• Strategic Management

Students may also take on additional coursework in order to pursue a specialized focus in:

• Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Decision Making

The program can be completed in 24–28 months, and courses utilize a seven-week asynchronous delivery model.

There is an optional on-campus residency during which students take an accelerated, on-campus course.

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15. Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

The online MBA program at Marist College offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing leadership and ethics, business analytics, industry perspectives, and technological infrastructure. Students can tailor their degree to their personal interests and career goals in three concentration areas:

• Ethical Leadership
• Financial Management
• Healthcare Administration

The online MBA program requires 36 credit hours and includes the following core courses:

• Accounting
• Analytics Bootcamp
• Economics
• Finance
• Global Environment of Business
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management
• The 21st Century Manager

The program is fully online and does not require residencies, though there are optional residency weekends in the New York City-area. Students use the Marist iLearn system to complete their coursework. The system is easy to navigate, and any work assigned by instructors can be completed and submitted through a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint slide deck attachment. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete their work at their own pace.

Students holding advanced degrees may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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16. Liberty University Online

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University’s online MBA program is completed online in 8-week classes. The general program can be completed in 36 credit hours, and the specialization option can be completed in 45. Students can transfer up to 50% of their credits from another MBA program to Liberty. The online MBA program’s 18 concentration options include:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Public Relations
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management and Logistics

The online MBA program includes the following online college courses:

• Business Research Methods
• Global Economic Environment
• International Business
• Legal Issues in Business
• Managerial Finance
• Operations Management
• Organizational Design and Structure
• Strategic Marketing Management

Course content in the Liberty University online MBA is tailored to the student’s concentration to ensure they leave the program with expert-level knowledge in their specific field. The program does not require test scores, allowing students to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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17. West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania

The MBA program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a fully online, part-time class format. The program can be completed in two years and consists of just 10 asynchronous courses, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania online MBA requires 30 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business, Society, and Environment
• Components of Effective Leadership
• Economic Analysis for Business
• Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
• Financial Analysis and Valuation
• Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Innovation and Marketing Strategy
• Law and Ethics in the Business Environment
• Strategic Cost Management
• Strategic Management and Planning

Generally, there are weekly deadlines and examination windows that students must abide by, but there are no other set times they are required to log on to the course website. Some courses will assign students into teams, meaning students might need to coordinate their work with classmates and groups.

Applicants may have the GMAT waived and be admitted to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

18. Bentley University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Featuring three potential program formats, the online MBA program at Bentley University helps students get ahead in today’s fast-paced business environment. The program can be taken full-time, part-time, or students can enroll in the accelerated online MBA program. The accelerated online MBA program is a flexible program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students may choose from eight concentration options, including:

• Accountancy
• Business Analytics
• Economics of Financial Markets
• Finance
• Information Systems and Technology
• Law and Taxation
• Leadership
• Marketing

The Bentley University Online MBA requires students to complete 15 online college courses, including the following:

• Strategic Information Technology Alignment
• Business Process Management
• Leading Responsibly
• Global Strategy
• Designing for the Value Chain
• Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility

The accelerated online program is known as the fastest MBA degree program in Greater Boston and is formatted specifically for students who have busy lives, professional commitments, and families at home. In light of this, applicants may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

19. Penn State World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Penn State World Campus' online MBA program is designed to prepare students to become more effective business professionals by exposing them to the practices and principles that are essential to modern management. Students develop skills in business analytics, influencing others, critical thinking, problem solving, and cross-functional business expertise. Concentrations are available in 14 career-specific areas, allowing students to tailor their degree to their career goals and areas of expertise, including:

• Accounting Foundations
• Advanced Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business Architecture
• Business Sustainability Strategy
• Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• General Management
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Analytics
• Negotiation and Influence
• Project Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management

The Penn State online MBA program requires 48 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Data Analysis for Decision Making
• Economics for Business Strategy
• Ethical and Responsible Business Leadership
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Global Strategic Management
• Leadership Communications and Change Management
• Managing and Leading People in Organizations
• Managing in the Digital Economy
• Managing Supply Chains in Global Markets
• Marketing in a Global Environment
• Team Performance

The online MBA program at Penn State has a unique five-day residency requirement that takes place in University Park at the beginning of the program. Students meet their instructors and peers, and work in teams while earning credit. They also attend workshops that cover networking, career management, and online technology.

Students may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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20. George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Connecting students to America’s epicenter of economy, policy, and thought leadership, the online MBA program at George Mason University gives students the skill set and global perspective they need to solve a variety of complex challenges within an organization. Throughout the program, students develop their managerial, interpersonal, and analytical skills as they engage in a rigorous business and management curriculum.

The online MBA program emphasizes four main areas of study including collaborative communication and leadership, analytical decision making, contemporary issues in business, and knowledge of functional business disciplines. Online students have the chance to participate in the university’s global residency program and spend a week abroad to study companies in a foreign country while completing a team project.

The George Mason online MBA program requires 48 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Financial Reporting and Decision Making
• Management and Information Technology
• Managerial Economics and Decisions of the Firm
• Managerial Finance
• Managing Costs and Evaluation Performance
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Statistics for Business Decision Making
• Strategic Management

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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21. Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey

The online MBA program at Seton Hall University provides students with the knowledge required to succeed in a wide range of business professions. The program is designed to combine the benefits of online learning with connections to the heart of the business world. The program places a unique emphasis on ethics and teaches students how to lead with purpose through three concentration options:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing

The online MBA program requires 40 credit hours and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Decision Makers
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Economics for Managers
• Financial Decision Making
• Information Technology Management
• International Perspective
• Legal Environment
• Management Theory and Practice
• The Role of Quantitative Analysis in Business Decisions

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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22. Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Nova Southeastern University’s MBA program offers students a hybrid education and the opportunity to earn their degree in as little as 12 months. Students can customize their degree to suit their career goals and personal interests by choosing from 11 concentrations, including:

• Business Intelligence/Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Process Improvement
• Real Estate Development
• Sport Revenue Generation
• Supply Chain Management and Operational Systems

The curriculum requires 44–49 credits, and students need to complete between 22–31 total credits of core coursework. Throughout their online college courses, students will improve their ability to plan strategically, move up the corporate ladder, enhance their leadership abilities, and become successful entrepreneurs. Students can mix and match courses if they are interested in more than one concentration area.

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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23. Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University’s online MBA program incorporates the same faculty and coursework as the on-campus MBA program and features asynchronous learning, allowing students to enjoy maximum flexibility. Most students in the program graduate following a 24-month study plan. However, students who require more time can choose to study at their own pace. The program features an on-campus residency and offers hybrid and online courses that allow students to consider dual degrees, minors, or concentration possibilities in areas including:

• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
• Finance
• Marketing

The Drexel online MBA requires 49 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Analyzing Legal Options in Decision-Making
• Business Problem Solving
• Career and Professional Development
• Corporate Financial Management
• Essentials of Financial Reporting
• Leading in Dynamic Environments
• Managerial Economics
• Managing and Leading the Total Enterprise
• Marketing Strategy
• Strategy Analysis

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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24. University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

The online MBA at the University of Scranton offers the same curriculum as the on-campus option and is designed to meet the demands of working professionals who require a flexible program. Students have the opportunity to select a concentration and specialize their degree to match their areas of interest and career goals. Concentrations include:

• Accounting
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Operational Management

The program features a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes technology and business integration and enhances students' ability to understand ethics, globalization, and sustainability. Students learn sustainable business practices such as how to create value with financial strategies and how to design and optimize delivery systems.

The University of Scranton online MBA requires 36 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Management
• Financial Management
• Management Information Systems
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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25. American University

Washington, District of Columbia

The online MBA program at American University equips students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s business world. The program offers traditional business courses as well as career-focused concentrations, allowing students to tailor their degree to their personal area of interest and career aspirations. The program is student-centered and features courses that explore the importance of interpersonal relationships and collaborative learning. The six concentration options include:

• Business Analytics
• Consulting
• Cybersecurity
• Finance
• International Business
• Marketing

The American University online MBA requires 48 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Law, Ethics, and Governance
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Managerial Accounting and Operations Management
• Management of Organization and Human Capital
• Management Information Systems
• Strategic Thinking for Decisions
• Marketing Management
• Strategic Decision Making

Online students enjoy all of the same resources, support, and facilities as on-campus students and can benefit from the program’s faculty expertise, alumni community, and D.C. connections. Coursework covers a range of topics including accounting, international business, analytics, marketing, and finance.

Test scores are optional, allowing students to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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26. Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Created to help students jump-start a new career or advance in their current position, the online MBA program at Webster University provides business training for those interested in learning how to work in a competitive business environment. The online MBA comes with 10 emphasis options, including:

• Corporate Finance
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Marketing Management
• Environmental Management
• Gerontology
• Health Administration
• International Relations
• Marketing
• Media Communications
• Project Management

The online MBA program requires 36–54 credits (depending on the emphasis chosen) and includes the following online college courses:

• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Applied Business Statistics
• Finance
• Management Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing
• Operations and Project Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategy and Competition

There is a required capstone that combines all of the tools, theories, and skills students studied during their program and brings them together into a learning experience that focuses on the nature of competition and the type of strategic maneuvering that must happen in order to gain success.

Applicants may be admitted to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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27. Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Designed for students who are already seasoned business professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field, the online MBA program at Northeastern University allows students to unlock new opportunities and enhance their career. The program is fully online and students can tailor their experience according to their personal area of interest and career goals by choosing from one of eight in-demand concentrations, including:

• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• High Technology Management
• Innovation Entrepreneurship
• International Management
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability

The program is divided into two segments—five electives and thirteen core courses. Core courses are meant to strengthen students' foundational business knowledge while electives allow students to focus on a specific area of interest. The Northeastern online MBA requires 50 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Creating and Sustaining Customer Markets
• Enterprise Growth and Innovation
• Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis
• Global Competition and Market Dominance
• Identifying Strategic Implications in Accounting Data
• Information Analysis
• Managing People and Organizations
• Managing the Global Enterprise
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Value Creation Through Financial Decision Making

Online MBA students also have the option to pursue a dual finance/MBA degree. Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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28. Simmons College

Boston, Massachusetts

The online MBA program at Simmons College prepares professionals to succeed in management and leadership roles in all areas of business. The program places a unique emphasis on women’s leadership as well as diversity in the workplace. Students learn to understand and recognize gender-based obstacles and develop the tools needed to overcome them. The practice-based program integrates behavioral, functional, and strategic aspects of management, empowering students to lead in a wide range of global environments.

The program takes a holistic approach to the curriculum, exploring the complex and often hidden factors that shape leadership success—especially for women. Topics touch on relationship management, leading high performing teams, and understanding organizational dynamics. The online learning platform features live classes, and students complete their assignments and interactive group work online.

The online MBA requires 48 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Economic Analysis for Managers
• Finance
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Leading Individuals and Groups
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Management
• Negotiation and Conflict Management
• Quantitative Analysis
• Strategic Thinking and Analytical Decision Making
• Technology and Operations Management

Students may choose to submit GMAT scores, but they are optional, so students may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

29. Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California

Touro University Worldwide’s online MBA program gives students considerable control over the pace and place at which they complete their degree program. The program offers affordable tuition, and students can choose between six different start dates throughout the year. Students who take two courses per term for six consecutive terms can complete the program in one year. The program offers 10 concentration options, including:

• Accounting
• Artificial Intelligence Management
• Cybersecurity Management
• Finance
• Global Management
• Health Administration Management
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing
• Nonprofit Management
• Physicians and Healthcare Executives

The Touro online MBA curriculum is comprised of nine core courses, a capstone, and three concentration courses for a total of 36 credits. The program includes the following online college courses:

• Professional Communications
• Management Across Cultures
• Ethics for Business Professionals
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Principles and Management
• Contemporary Marketing
• Strategy and Planning
• Managing Organizational Behavior

Applicants must have their bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit their official transcripts, and complete an admissions application. Students may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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30. Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana State University’s online MBA program is designed to enhance students' leadership skills and prepare them for successful careers in internal audit, human resources, finance, information technology, and healthcare.

The program can be completed in as little as 18 months with 42 credit hours of coursework required; this consists of 14 online college courses that are each seven weeks long. In order to graduate, students must complete 33 hours of core online MBA courses and nine hours of approved online MBA elective courses. Topics addressed include operations management, financial management, and legal environment of business.

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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31. Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

The online MBA program at Sam Houston University, available on-campus and online, places an emphasis on integration, synthesizing various disciplines to create a dynamic program and learning environment. The Sam Houston State University online MBA requires 36 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Management
• Financial Management
• Managerial Communication
• Marketing Management
• Seminar in Team Leadership
• Seminar Operations Management
• Seminar Strategic Management and Policy
• Techniques of Statistical Analysis

Students can begin the program in fall, summer, or spring. Graduates leave the program prepared for successful careers as CEOs, human resources managers, and business owners.

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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32. Saint Joseph’s University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The online MBA program at Saint Joseph’s University allows students to earn an advanced degree with the flexibility they need to continue their career. Depending on a student’s undergraduate background, they might be able to complete the program in as little as one year. Students can create their own self-paced curriculum in order to meet their goals and ideal timeframe. The program offers seven concentration options, including:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Finance
• Health and Medical Services Administration
• International Business
• International Marketing
• Leading/Human Resources
• Marketing

The online MBA requires 53 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Analytics for MBA
• Creating and Measuring Shareholder Value
• Excellence in Organizations
• Marketing Strategy
• Shareholder Value Management

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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33. The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

University of West Florida’s online MBA program is designed for working professionals with time constraints who need to develop their management skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making capabilities. The program is structured for students who can take two courses each semester in a prescribed sequence and builds a cohort of participants that track through the program together, taking the same course load at the same rate.

Students without a business background can combine the MBA program with the accelerated MBA foundations to complete their program in no more than two years. Concentrations are available to tailor degrees to students' areas of interest and career goals, including:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resources
• Information Security Management
• Supply Chain Logistics Management

The online MBA requires 33–36 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Decision Making
• Advanced Managerial Economics
• Business Analytics
• Financial Management
• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Management
• Quantitative Methods for Business
• Strategic Management and Policy Formulation

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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34. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Students enrolled in the online MBA program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can complete their program in as little as 18 months. The program features four track options, and students can choose the one that best fits their personal interests and career goals. The four options include:

• General Track
• Data Analytics
• Social Media Management and Marketing
• Sustainability and Environmental Management

The online MBA requires 30 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Corporate Finance
• International Operations Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Quantitative Decision Making
• Special Topics
• Strategic Management Capstone

Students with five or more years of professional experience may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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35. University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming

The part-time online MBA program at the University of Wyoming is designed specifically for experienced business professionals interested in advancing their careers. The two-year program allows students to enhance their understanding of various business disciplines and apply them to decision-making in the workplace. The program is lock-step and cohort-based, beginning each fall semester.

The University of Wyoming online MBA requires 30 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Research Methods
• Decision Sciences for Managers
• Financial Management
• International Business in Practice
• Marketing Analysis
• MBA Financial Accounting
• MBA Managerial Accounting
• New Ventures
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• The Global Business Environment

Applicants must submit a completed application, proof of a bachelor’s degree, five or more years of professional work experience with three years in a managerial role, three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and official transcripts. During the admissions process, students can request a pre-admission interview after they submit their application.

Students may apply for a waiver for admittance to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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36. Saint Leo University Online

Saint Leo, Florida

Designed for aspiring business leaders and experienced professionals ready to advance their careers, the online MBA program at Saint Leo University emphasizes real-world experience, international approaches, and professional research. The program is part of the Donald R. Tapia College of Business—the largest Catholic business college in the United States.

The online MBA requires 36 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Corporate Finance
• Decision Support Systems
• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Global Business Management
• Human Resource in Management
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing
• Organizational Behavior
• Professional Development
• The Legal Environment of Business

Saint Leo hosts annual international business conferences that students can attend for networking and learning opportunities. MBA students can also gain real-world business experience at a company that is close to their home or workplace throughout internship opportunities. Graduates have gone on to have successful careers with companies like AAA, Boy Scouts of America, and Citigroup Corporation.

Students may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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37. Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Central Michigan University’s online MBA program prepares students to lead the global economy with advanced skills in marketing, management, finance, and accounting. Students can begin the program in spring, summer, or fall. Students will develop a deep understanding of leadership, customer voice, negotiations, sustainable development through strategic planning, and best practices in the industry. The program includes five concentration options:

• ERP Emphasis using SAP Software
• Human Resource Management
• Logistics Management
• Marketing
• VDO Emphasis

The Central Michigan University Online MBA requires 36–43 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Data Analysis for Managers
• Financial Analysis and Risk Management
• Global Business and Sustainability
• Global Economic Environment
• Managerial Accounting: A Management Perspective
• Managing and Leading Individuals and Groups in Organizations
• Managing Information Systems in a Global Economy
• Marketing-Based Management
• Strategic Management: Integrative Experience

Students meeting a variety of criteria may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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38. Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Showcasing an accelerated degree program, the online MBA program at Old Dominion University uses eight-week course sessions that contain all of the information covered in a standard semester. Students can choose from more than 50 certification options to specialize their studies.

The online MBA requires 40–45 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Business Law and Ethics
• Business Policy and Strategy
• Essentials of Leadership
• Fundamentals of Business Analytics
• Information and Knowledge Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Strategy
• Organizational Behavior
• Statistics for Managers

Classes are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete their work at any time and place. Graduates leave the program well-prepared for careers in logistics management, entrepreneurship, human resources, and banking and finance.

Students meeting a variety of criteria may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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39. University of New Hampshire

Durham, New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire’s online MBA program assists students in reaching the next milestone in their career. The program is formatted for working professionals who require flexibility, and the comprehensive curriculum covers a variety of topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

There is a fast-track option for students who want to complete their online MBA in as little as two years, though students have a maximum of three-and-a-half years to complete the online MBA curriculum. Students may choose from six concentration options, including:

• Finance
• Global Business
• Growth and Innovation
• Hospitality Management
• Information Systems and Business Analytics
• Marketing

The online MBA requires 48 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting/Financial Reporting, Budgeting, and Analysis
• Creating Winning Strategies
• Data Driven Decisions
• Economics of Competition
• Financial Management/Raising and Investing Money
• Leveraging Technology for Competitive Advantage
• Managing Operations
• Managing Yourself and Leading Others
• Marketing/Building Customer Value

Students meeting a variety of criteria may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

40. Concordia University–Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Concordia University-Saint Paul’s online MBA program is designed for busy adult students who require flexibility in their class schedule. Students explore business events and trends and work to understand how they affect the current business environment. The university features a mentor and MAP program that sets students up for success throughout their studies and after graduation. Each online MBA student has a faculty member designated to support and guide them through graduate school.

The online MBA requires 42 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Applied Business Ethics
• Global Economics
• Integrated Marketing Communication
• Legal Environment for Managers
• Managerial Finance and Accounting
• Managerial Research Methods and Design
• Operations and Technology Management
• Organizational Leadership and Development
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Tools for Managerial Decision Analysis

Applicants do not need GMAT scores and may enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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41. Kettering University

Flint, Michigan

The online MBA program at Kettering University can be completed in 18 months, and coursework is delivered asynchronously so students can work at any location and finish their work at a pace that is convenient for them. The curriculum requires 40 credit hours consisting of seven required core courses and three courses in the certificate of the student’s choice.

Graduates gain all of the skills and knowledge needed to sustain successful business careers as chief financial officers, senior product managers, and product marketing managers. Students build skills in project management and gain the know-how needed to launch their own business or lead a cross-disciplinary team.

Students may enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

42. Regis University

Denver, Colorado

Regis University’s online MBA program offers students a program that is led by ethical considerations and sound business practices. Communication, relationships, and leadership are some of the key components of the online MBA program. Students will graduate the program with an ability to lead and initiate, identify and solve, convert ideas into actions, and learn from their experiences. Additionally, they will develop analytical and collaboration skills.

Students can tailor their degree to their specific career goals or personal area of interest by pursuing a concentration. Concentration topics include finance, health industry leadership, marketing, strategic management, and accounting. Classes are delivered in an eight-week accelerated format, allowing students to pursue their MBA part time while maintaining a full-time job. Students may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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43. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Designed to help students reshape corporations, create sustainability for small businesses, and take their rightful place in today’s world as business leaders or entrepreneurs, the online MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in just over a year. Students will learn how to formulate their own effective business plan. They can specialize their degree by choosing from one of more than 20 career-focused concentration options, including:

• Athletic Administration
• Business Intelligence
• Community Economic Development
• Finance
• Marketing

The curriculum is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete their work at any time and any place. The online MBA requires 36–45 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Business Environment, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship
• Business Law
• Economics for Business
• Ethics, Corporate Culture, and Social Responsibility
• Finance, Economics, and Decision Making
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Human Behavior in Organizations
• Leading in an Organization
• Marketing and Strategy

Applicants do not need to submit test scores and may earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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44. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California

Azusa Pacific University’s online MBA program requires students to be online throughout each week in order to partake in threaded discussions and complete assignments by their due dates. To be a full-time graduate student, one must be enrolled in at least nine units during a term. Within each term, online students can take two eight-week sessions. Following that structure, students can complete the MBA program in as little as 15–30 months.

Students can tailor their degree to their career goals and areas of interest through the following concentrations options:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Institutional Research
• International Business
• Marketing
• Organizational Science
• Sport Management

The online MBA requires 42 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Corporate Finance
• Ethical Leadership
• Global Business Management
• High Performance People Management
• Management Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Strategy
• Operations Management
• Quantitative Analysis and Research
• Strategic Management

Students may apply for a waiver to be admitted to the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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45. Ohio University

Athens, Ohio

Ohio University’s online MBA program delivers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum featuring eight different concentration options, allowing students to specialize their degree in a particular area that interests them and supports their career goals. Concentration topics include:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
• Executive Management
• Finance
• Health Care
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Selling and Sales Leadership

The Ohio University online MBA requires 35 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Executives
• Data Analysis for Decision Making
• Management of Operations
• Managerial Finance
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Marketing and Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Use of Information

There is a capstone component in the program that allows students to demonstrate the skills they have learned and to display their understanding of applied business concepts as a result of personal experience.

Ohio University allows students to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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46. Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The online MBA program at Western Kentucky University exposes students to the latest business theories and technologies. The program requires students to complete courses in a variety of topics including managerial finance, contemporary issues in business, and managerial accounting concepts and applications.

Some courses in the program are only offered on a rotating basis, so students are encouraged to work with their academic adviser to develop a program of study. Applicants must demonstrate certain prerequisites if they come from a non-business background, and may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required.

The online MBA requires 33 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Advanced Managerial Finance
• Advanced Marketing
• Applied Microeconomic Theory
• Contemporary Issues in Business
• Information Technology and Strategy
• Managerial Accounting Concepts and Applications
• Organizational Theory
• Problem Solving, Data Modeling, and Managerial Decisions
• Strategic Business Concepts and Applications

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47. Texas A&M University–Commerce

Commerce, Texas

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers an online MBA program that is extremely flexible for busy students. For students with relevant previous coursework, the program can be completed in as few as 30 hours. Students without an undergraduate degree related to the program can earn their online MBA in 48 credits. The university boasts a diverse faculty of professionals with extensive national and international experience.

The Texas A&M online MBA includes the following online college courses:

• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Applied Business Research
• Business Analytics for Managers
• Financial Management
• Macroeconomics for Managers
• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Management
• Strategic Management

Online MBA students can take advantage of Texas A&M’s affordable tuition rates, and may apply for a waiver to earn the online MBA, no GMAT required. To further personalize their degree, students can declare a minor in a wide variety of areas including financial planning, corporate management, marketing analytics, cybersecurity, agribusiness, and healthcare administration.

48. California University of Pennsylvania

California, Pennsylvania

Focused on helping students become top business professionals who can work as agents of change within their organization, the online MBA program at California University of Pennsylvania provides students with a broad-based education. The rigorous curriculum focuses on a variety of topics including mathematical/quantitative skills, analytical/problem-solving skills, and information technology skills. The program is meant to provide students with a well-rounded business education that will help them compete in today’s global economy.

The online MBA offers students the chance to tailor their degree to their personal interests and career goals by pursuing one of three concentrations:

• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare Management

The online MBA requires 36 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Applied Economic Analysis
• Corporate Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Business Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Management
• Quantitative Methods
• Strategic Management

The program can be completed in as little as 12 months as long as students are enrolled full-time. Students may enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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49. Florida International University

Miami, Florida

Florida International University, a public research university established in 1965, enrolls over 56,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Among its numerous program offerings, FIU has an online MBA for working professionals seeking to advance their careers with minimal interruption to their daily schedules.

The Online MBA program comes with eight specializations to choose from, including:

• Business Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Finance
• International Business
• Leadership
• Marketing Channel Strategy
• Real Estate
• Strategic Negotiations

With so many options, students may pursue the specialized professional interests necessary to advance their careers. The online MBA requires 42 credits and includes the following online college courses:

• Accounting for Managers
• Business Analytics for Decision Making
• Competitive Strategy
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Legal Environment of Business
• Management of Information Systems
• Marketing Management in the Global Environment
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Management

Students satisfying a variety of criteria may apply for a waiver to enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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50. Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Grand Canyon University, a private, non-profit, Christian University established in 1949, enrolls over 83,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, many of them online. Among its numerous offerings is an online MBA

The online MBA program requires 46 credit hours for completion, with a curriculum that blends theory and practice in business administration. Students engage in online college courses that cover key topics, including leadership models, accounting, principles of finance, probability and statistics, economics, marketing management, operations management, and business strategy. The courses are delivered on an eight-week basis, providing for a flexible, focused experience.

Students satisfying a variety of criteria may apply for a waiver to enter the online MBA, no GMAT required.

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Why Are Schools Waiving or not Requiring the GMAT?

Accredited online MBA programs, no GMAT required are becoming more and more common. Web-based classes make it easier for working professionals to return to school. Many of these students hold years, even decades, of real working experience. Colleges and universities found that, while many business professionals had already proved themselves in the corporate world, they often scored poorly on the GMAT. These results demonstrated that exam scores did not necessarily predict future success, a finding which has lead to a shift toward online MBA programs, no GMAT required.

While the GMAT does provide a benchmark for comparison among candidates, it fails to assess many of the less-quantifiable skills critical to successful management, including team building, interpersonal communication, personnel management, risk taking, and problem solving. GMAT or GRE are not required at a growing number of schools that offer an online MBA. These institutions place more weight on a candidate’s work experience, academic history, letters of recommendation, and professional credentials.

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Admission Requirements in Place of GMAT Scores

While schools now grant online MBA GMAT waivers, they still maintain high expectations and standards. Universities place greater emphasis on work experience and professional certifications, as well as academic achievements and goals, allowing students to earn an online MBA, no GMAT required. Although every program holds slightly different admissions requirements, most take the following factors into consideration.

• Work Experience:
  Schools that offer online MBA programs, no GMAT required tend to place a great deal of emphasis on work accomplishments, and many prefer candidates with 3–8 years of experience. Applicants with administrative experience may have an edge over other candidates; particularly those employed in an area similar to their prospective field of study.
• Advanced Degrees:
  Many online MBA admission officers waive the GMAT for individuals who hold a Ph.D. or similar degree. An advanced degree demonstrates strong academic ability, as well as the tenacity to follow through with plans and goals.
• Exceptional GPA:
  In certain circumstances, an extremely high GPA may help applicants get into some online MBA programs, no GMAT required. Applicants pursuing an online MBA in accounting or a similar field may obtain a waiver if they hold unusually high grades in math or statistics. Most schools require at least a 3.5 GPA in addition to a strong work history and undergraduate performance.
• Professional Licensure:
  Candidates who hold CPA, CFA, Six Sigma certification, or other business-related credentials present strong cases for waiving GMAT requirements. Like a high GPA, professional licensure alone may not be enough to obtain a waiver, but can be useful when combined with other factors.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  Glowing recommendations from undergraduate business professors, professional contacts, or business leaders improve your chances of receiving an online MBA GMAT waiver. Be sure to select contacts who can attest to your work performance and ethic, personal accomplishments, and your potential for success.
• Essay or Personal Statement:
  A personal statement should describe your academic and professional abilities in relation to your prospective online MBA program. The statement should address how your acquired knowledge pertains to your focus area, and how you plan to succeed in the program.

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Choosing a Quality Online MBA Program

Choosing the right online MBA program can be tricky, even after narrowing your options down to schools without GMAT requirements. There are many factors to consider, including price, location, available concentrations, and accreditation. Thoroughly researching schools can help to ensure that you receive a positive educational experience. Exploring college rankings may help you further in the decision-making process.

Accreditation for Schools With No GMAT Requirements

Accreditation is a quality control process used to assess colleges. Every reputable school holds accreditation from one of six regional accrediting bodies or a national accrediting agency, and only accredited schools are eligible to receive federal financial aid. Usually conferred on public, nonprofit colleges and universities, regional accreditation is typically viewed as more prestigious than national accreditation, which tends to apply to vocational and technical schools. You can learn more about a school’s accreditation by exploring the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools.

In addition, individual departments and curricula may hold programmatic accreditation from professional organizations. Many MBA programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. These organizations recognize top-tier business schools and programs that meet the highest industry standards.

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MBA Employment Outlook

Demand for MBA graduates is high and steady. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2018 Alumni Perspectives Survey, almost 90% of those who graduated from business school with a master’s degree found immediate employment. A full 79% of graduates took on roles at established companies and organizations, while 10% became self-employed. Around 61% of the alumni surveyed took jobs with big multinationals, while 33% worked for large companies with more than 25,000 employees. Less than 10% found work at startups. The largest industries represented included products and services at 20%, technology at 17%, and finance and accounting at 15%.

Earning an MBA enhances your employability and helps you stand out among candidates who hold only bachelor’s degrees. According to the same survey, almost half of recent MBA graduates took mid-level positions immediately after completing their degrees, and many quickly advanced to senior-level roles. Almost half of those who graduated in the last seven years obtained senior, executive, or C-level positions with time. More than 75% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their post-graduation career progression.

Job Function	Median Base Salary	Signing Bonus
Consulting	$147,000	$25,000
Finance	$150,000	$50,000
General Management	$147,500	$47,500
Marketing/Sales	$128,750	$20,000
Operations/Logistics	$107,000	N/A
Other	$150,000	$40,000

Salary Opportunities for MBA Graduates

Online MBA graduates enjoy a healthy job market and a variety of lucrative career opportunities. There are many factors, however, that influence earnings, such as industry, experience, and education. Some fields tend to pay more than others. For example, finance professionals typically out-earn individuals who work in sales. Work experience strongly affects earning power, with seasoned professionals making more, on average, than entry-level employees. Educational background and credentials also influence salaries, and MBA graduates who hold multiple degrees or CFA licensure tend to earn more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Median Salary of MBA Graduates in the US, by Job Level

Job Level	Median Base Salary
Entry Level	$55,000
Mid-level	$105,000
Senior Level	$135,000
Executive Level	$185,000
C-Suite	$225,000

Median Salary of MBA Graduates, by Job Function

Job Function	Median Base Salary
Marketing/Sales	$105,000
Operations/Logistics	$105,000
Consulting	$115,000
General Management	$125,000
Finance/Accounting	$115,000
Human Resources	$90,000
IT/MIS	$120,000

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If You Need to Take the GMAT or GRE

While opting out of the GMAT or GRE makes sense for some, other candidates may benefit from standardized testing. Recent graduates, or those with weak areas on their resume, might consider sitting for the GMAT or GRE for MBA programs. A great GMAT or GRE score speaks volumes about an applicant, and can greatly enhance any MBA application. Fortunately, there are classes, books, websites, and even whole companies devoted to preparing candidates for the GMAT and GRE. In addition to using free study resources, like YouTube videos, you may be interested in enrolling in a test prep class or getting help meeting MBA admission requirements by contacting an MBA admissions consulting firm.

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