The best online MBA programs give students the skills they need to assume leadership posititions in diverse industries.
Graduates of the top online MBA programs have many career opportunities and higher-than-average salary potential.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that in 2013, business leaders with a master's degree earned substantially more than their peers with only a bachelor's degree. For example, professionals with a master's degree who worked in securities, commodities, and financial services earned median annual wages of $170,000, while professionals with just a bachelor's degree earned $90,000.
Johns Hopkins University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The university's business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Johns Hopkins University is among the top research institutions in the country. The private university offers one of the best online MBA programs for working professionals. Students gain valuable leadership skills that they can apply to diverse industries after graduation.
The 54-credit program includes 30 credits of business core courses, covering topics like business analytics, economics for decision-making, marketing management, and negotiation. Three core courses require on-campus residencies that span 2-3 days.
Students can pursue one of five concentrations: financial business, marketing, healthcare management, interdisciplinary business, or leading organizations. Degree candidates must enroll part time, graduating in less than three years. Each semester, learners can choose whether to take courses online or on campus.
On average, admitted students have nearly nine years of full-time work experience, minimum GMAT scores of 607, and GPAs of 3.34 or above.
University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The Marshall School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Southern California offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which take place online. The USC Marshall School of Business offers an online MBA that teaches core business concepts and covers emerging topics like remote workforce management.
Students start the program with pre-semester online content and a six-day residency on the Los Angeles campus. After completing these requirements, students earn 51 units by studying subjects such as managing outside the firm, managing inside the firm, opportunity recognition and development, and business environment and leadership.
This program uses a cohort model, meaning students take classes with the same group of peers throughout the program. Each semester includes just one course that counts for up to 10 units. Learners can graduate in less than two years. After the residency that precedes the first semester, all coursework takes place online. Learners meet via live video chat each week, then complete coursework on their own schedules.
USC offers start dates in August and December. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least two years of work experience.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The UMN Carlson School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the state's flagship university and a leading research institution. UMN's Carlson School of Management offers business degrees at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, including a flexible, online MBA program.
The 52-credit program includes 10 core business courses. Learners study subjects such as strategic management, supply chain and operations, data analytics, and business ethics. The program also includes eight elective courses. Students choose electives from 12 areas of business, including medical industry leadership, managerial communications, human resources, and finance.
The curriculum also includes two residencies and a three-day, on-campus orientation. UMN offers several residency options, including evening classes, six-day intensives, and weekend courses. All other coursework in the program takes place online. Full-time learners can earn the degree in two years.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit a personal statement, a resume, two professional recommendations, GRE or GMAT scores (waived for some candidates), and transcripts. Candidates also need two years of full-time work experience.
Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Questrom School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The Boston University Questrom School of Business partners with some of the largest companies in the country to develop new degrees and enhance existing programs, such as its online MBA program. BU works with edX, a leader in online learning technology, to offer the program 100% online.
The program emphasizes 21st-century business challenges and opportunities. Students take one 7.5-credit module each semester. Each module builds on the knowledge students gained during the previous semester. Modules include creating value for business and society, managing performance with data, managing risk, and leveraging global opportunities.
The workload for each module is the equivalent of taking two courses. Each week, learners log on to live video chats that last 2-3 hours. BU offers two of these sessions each week, so learners can choose the time that works best for them. Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree.
University of Virginia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Darden School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including many online options. UVA's Darden School of Business offers two online MBA programs: executive MBA and global executive MBA (GEMBA).
Both programs combine on-campus residencies and online coursework. Core courses include decision analysis, global economies and markets, and leadership communication. Students can tailor the degree to their interests through electives on topics such as entrepreneurial thinking, mergers and acquisitions, and negotiations.
Degree candidates study, discuss, and solve business problems that mirror real-life issues that executives face. Students must attend weekend residencies on campus about once per month. GEMBA students also complete global residencies abroad. Online courses include live video meetings in the evenings. Students take courses in cohorts and graduate in 21 months.
UVA evaluates applicants on three areas: professional experience, academic success, and personal traits. Applicants must submit scores from the GRE, GMAT, or Executive Assessment.
University of Iowa is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Tippie College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Iowa is the state's flagship university and serves more than 32,000 learners annually from 114 countries and 50 states. UI's Tippie College of Business offers a flexible, online MBA program.
The 45-credit program comprises 15 courses. Core courses include business integration, corporate financial reporting, business integration, and marketing management. Students take 15 credits of electives that span four areas of business: entrepreneurship, marketing, management and leadership, and finance.
MBA students can optionally earn certificates in leadership, finance, or marketing. Full-time learners who do not add certificates can earn the degree in two years. The curriculum blends asynchronous and synchronous components. Synchronous components take place during the evening to accommodate working students.
UI offers three start days per year. Applicants must submit a resume, transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, a personal essay, and professional recommendations. Some candidates may qualify for GRE/GMAT waivers.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Gies College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the main campus for U of I and the state's flagship university. Illinois serves more than 47,000 learners through its undergraduate and graduate programs. The school's fully online iMBA program offers four core specializations: strategic leadership and management, managerial economics and business analysis, value chain management, and financial management.
Each core specialization includes three courses and a capstone experience. Students also choose two additional specializations from options such as global challenges in business, innovation, business analytics, and digital marketing. The program uses mostly asynchronous coursework, but students must attend occasional live online meetings.
Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least three years of professional experience.
Carnegie Mellon University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Tepper School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
About this school
Carnegie Mellon University is a leading research institution that hosts more than 14,500 students through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. CMU's Tepper School of Business prepares graduates to lead through business, analytics, and technology skills, making it one of the few STEM-designated online MBA programs.
The core curriculum includes courses in corporate strategy, financial statement analysis, and statistical decision-making. Students must pursue at least one concentration, but can choose up to four. Options include sustainability, operations research, organizational behavior, and business technologies.
The program uses a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Students must attend access weekends on campus in Pittsburgh between each term. Students must enroll part time.
Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit an essay, a current resume, one professional recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and unofficial transcripts. While Tepper accepts GRE scores, the school prefers GMAT results.
Syracuse University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Martin J. Whitman School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Syracuse University is a private research institution that offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate degrees. Syracuse's Martin J. Whitman School of Management offers one of the best online MBA programs in the country.
The 54-credit program includes 35 core business credits, 15 elective credits, and three residency credits. Core courses include data analysis and decision-making, global entrepreneurship, and legal and ethical environment of business. Students can use electives to complete one of six specializations: accounting, supply chain management, business analytics, marketing management, entrepreneurship, or finance.
Students must complete three in-person residencies on the Syracuse campus or at business hubs around the world. Courses use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous components. Students can graduate in two years of full-time study.
Applicants need at least one year of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. They must also submit transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores. Students with more than five years of full-time corporate work experience can apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Kenan-Flagler Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a liberal arts institution that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNC - Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School offers an online MBA program that prepares graduates to lead diverse organizations.
The 62-credit program includes nine required courses and two in-person summits. Required courses include strategic evonomics, analytical tools for decision-making, and business communication. Students can use electives to pursue one of five concentrations: marketing, data analytics and decision-making, entrepreneurship, finance, or strategy and consulting.
Learners can choose whether to complete the in-person summits on campus in Chapel Hill or in cities around the world. All other components of this degree take place online. Most learners take two courses per quarter and finish in two years.
Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit a resume, transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. Some applicants may qualify for GRE/GMAT waivers.
George Washington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established by an act of Congress in 1821, George Washington University hosts students through a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The GW School of Business offers 13 specialized degrees, five MBA programs, and 24 certificates.
The school's fully online MBA comprises 55.5 credits. The core business curriculum includes courses in business ethics and public policy, microeconomics for the world economy, managerial accounting, and organizations and human capital. Students can tailor the degree to their interests through a variety of electives.
The fully online program also offers optional in-person intensives in Washington, D.C., and around the world. Students must enroll part time. Classes require live video sessions each week. GW also offers an online MBA in healthcare for learners interested in that field.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit a resume, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT scores, and transcripts. They must also complete an admission interview.
University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Warrington College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Florida is a research institution that offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, including many online options. UF's Warrington College of Business is divided into three schools, including the Hough Graduate School of Business, which offers an online MBA for working professionals.
Students can choose from an accelerated one-year track or a traditional two-year track. The two-year program comprises 48 credits, including foundational business courses. The one-year program comprises 32 credits and bypasses foundational business courses, beginning with advanced classes. Both tracks are taught entirely online, but students can complete optional intensive residencies, career transformation weekends, and global immersion experiences.
Applicants to the one-year track need a bachelor's degree in business earned within the preceding seven years. They also need prerequisites in areas like business finance, principles of management, and statistics for business decisions. Applicants for both tracks must submit transcripts, GMAT scores, a resume, recommendations, and a personal essay. Candidates also need at least two years of full-time work experience.
University of Arizona is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Eller College of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1895, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship university and offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degrees. UArizona's Eller College of Management offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, including an online MBA.
The 45-credit program includes 28 core credits and 17 elective credits. Core courses include business strategy, survey of finance as a corporate manager, managing ethics in organizations, and marketing of innovations. Students choose electives based on their concentrations, of which there are six options: marketing, entrepreneurship, privacy and security, finance, management and organizations, and healthcare management.
The fully online program uses eight-week, asynchronous courses. Students can pursue optional global experiences in areas like Brazil and Singapore.
Students can begin on one of six start dates per year. Applicants must submit a comprehensive essay, GMAT or GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a professional resume. They must also complete an admission interview.
Purdue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Krannert School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1871, Purdue University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including more than 200 online programs. Purdue's Krannert School of Management offers a flexible, online MBA program.
The 48-credit program includes core courses on topics like business analytics, managerial economics, managing behavior in organizations, and operations management. Students pursue one of three specializations: innovation and technology commercialization; leadership, negotiation, and change management; or business analytics. The curriculum also incorporates an experiential project and a capstone course.
The fully online program has asynchronous courses, providing students with maximum flexibility. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit a statement of purpose, an essay, two letters of recommendation, a resume, transcripts, and GMAT scores (waived for some applicants). Candidates must also complete an interview.
University of Utah is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The David Eccles School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Utah offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including many online options. The university's David Eccles School of Business offers 34 degrees and boasts an 85% job-placement rate for graduates. On average, graduates from the school's online MBA program enjoy salary increases of 34%.
Students complete 33 credits of core courses on topics like information technology, marketing management, business communications, and data analysis. Students also take 15 elective credits, which they can use to pursue optional specializations in information systems or business analytics.
The program's only in-person requirement is a three-day, on-campus residency during the first year. However, students can optionally participate in international business trips to places like New Delhi, Buenos Aires, and Shanghai. Students typically graduate in two years.
Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 and at least one year of work experience. They must also submit GRE or GMAT scores and transcripts.
University of Maryland, College Park is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Robert H. Smith School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1856, the University of Maryland, College Park hosts students through both undergraduate and graduate programs. UMD's Robert H. Smith School of Business offers many innovative learning programs, including an online MBA.
The program has core, concentration, and residency requirements. Core courses include managerial accounting, the global economic environment, decision modeling, and entrepreneurship. Students pursue one of six concentrations: general business, accounting, finance, information systems and business analytics, marketing, or supply chain management.
Students also complete a three-day, on-campus, intensive residency at the beginning of the program. Learners culminate the degree with a capstone course. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, an essay, and one letter of recommendation.
University of Missouri is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Trulaske College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Missouri offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including more than 125 fully online programs operated through Mizzou Online. The school's Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business offers a flexible, online MBA program.
This 48-credit executive MBA program includes courses in corporate governance, business environment and strategy, and innovation and corporate entrepreneurship. In addition to online courses, students must complete four two-day, on-campus residencies. Learners also complete one international residency.
More than half of learners earn promotions while they complete the program. Degree candidates take two courses every eight weeks and graduate in 21 months. Online students can access career coaching, webinars, and workshops.
New cohorts begin in August. Applicants need five years of professional experience and an accredited bachelor's degree.
University of Kansas is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1866, the University of Kansas is the state's flagship school, serving more than 28,500 students each year. The School of Business joined KU in 1924 and offers a variety of programs, including an online MBA.
This 42-credit program includes courses in finance, managing people, marketing, and international business. Students choose from electives in three areas of business: finance, management and leadership, and marketing. The curriculum concludes with a six-credit capstone course that synthesizes degree knowledge and skills.
Students take one eight-week course at a time, graduating in just over two years. The program includes live chats and video conferences with other learners. Learners can begin on one of three start dates per year.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA and two years of work experience. They must also submit transcripts, GMAT scores, a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.
University of Massachusetts Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Isenberg School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is commonwealth's flagship university and hosts more than 31,000 learners each year. UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management awarded its first MBAs in 1953 to just three graduates. Today, the school offers several undergraduate and graduate business degrees, including an online MBA.
The program includes core courses in business law, operations management, corporate finance, and organizational strategy. Students use electives to pursue one of five focus areas: marketing, business analytics, healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, or finance. The fully online program uses asynchronous courses. However, students can also choose to take some courses on campus, either in Amherst or at one of the school's satellite locations.
The program offers three start days each year. Applicants need at least three years of professional experience and an accredited bachelor's degree. They must also submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, official transcripts, and a personal essay.
William Marsh Rice University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Jones Graduate School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
William Marsh Rice University is a comprehensive research institution that boasts a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its various colleges, including the Jones Graduate School of Business, which offers a hybrid MBA.
The program includes 18 core business courses, 10 elective classes, and 4-6 field experiences. Required business classes include business analytics, corporate social responsibility, economic environment of business, and business-government relations. Learners culminate the degree with a capstone course.
To fulfill field experience requirements, students choose between Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs) or Global Field Experiences (GFEs). ILEs take place on the Rice campus in Houston, while GFEs take place in cities around the world. The rest of the program uses synchronous, online coursework.
The hybrid MBA offers four start dates per year. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and submit an essay, GMAT or GRE scores, and official transcripts.
William & Mary is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Raymond A. Mason School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
One of eight public Ivy schools in the country, William & Mary offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which students can complete online. Its Raymond A. Mason School of Business offers an online MBA that comprises 49 credits.
Students in the online MBA program complete 12 required courses on topics like management, integrated technology, organizational behavior, and leadership for the 21st century. Learners culminate the degree with a practicum in which they identify a "wicked problem," address the problem with the skills they learned, and report on the results. Students may also choose to add a certificate in business analytics to the degree.
Students complete 7.5-week, online classes. The only in-person requirement is one on-campus weekend residency. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and at least two years of professional work experience. W&M does not require GMAT or GRE scores.
University of Cincinnati is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Lindner College of Business program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
The University of Cincinnati hosts 46,000 learners through 414 academic programs and has a student-to-teacher ratio of just 16-to-1. UC Online partners with the Lindner College of Business to offer a flexible, online MBA program.
This 38-48-credit program includes core courses in managing across cultures, systematic innovation tools, marketing for managers, and buyer behavior. Students use electives to pursue concentrations in areas like healthcare administration, individual taxation, healthcare finance, and corporate taxation.
The fully online program features asynchronous courses. Online learners can access an online library, technical support, and career development services. Students with undergraduate degrees in business or significant professional experience may apply to waive up to 10 credits from the core curriculum.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The school also requires GMAT or GRE scores unless applicants qualify for waivers through a combination of academic performance and work experience.
Temple University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Fox School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1884, Temple University is a top-tier research institution that hosts about 40,000 learners annually through more than 500 academic programs. One of 17 schools and colleges at Temple, the Fox School of Business offers an online MBA with a customizable curriculum.
Students take core and concentration courses. Core courses include legal and ethical foundations of business, managing risk, and business strategy in a global environment. Learners can choose from 16 12-credit concentrations, including corporate compliance, governance, and regulatory policy; enterprise risk management; sport business; and international management.
In addition to coursework, learners must complete three professional development workshops and three academic development workshops. Temple offers these workshops in a variety of modalities, and the topics change regularly. Previous topics have included data visualization, personal branding, and lunch/coffee with leaders. Once students complete workshops and other required courses, they may register for the capstone course.
Each course spans five weeks. Learners attend one-week residencies at the beginning of the first semester, but all other coursework takes place online.
Howard University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Howard School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
General Oliver O. Howard founded Howard University in 1867. The historically black university began offering business programs in 1870. Today, students can pursue a flexible, online MBA program through the School of Business.
The 42-credit executive MBA starts with a noncredit, three-week orientation. After the orientation, students take required courses in financial management, strategic communications, applied economics for executives, and creating value through the supply chain. Students culminate the degree with a capstone course in strategic management that requires an on-campus presentation. Learners can also pursue optional study abroad opportunities.
Full-time students can graduate in 18 months. Candidates need an accredited bachelor's degree and at least seven years of professional experience, including at least five years in a leadership role, to apply.
Florida State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
About this school
Established in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in Florida. FSU's College of Business offers 23 academic programs, including an online MBA.
The 39-credit program includes core courses in financial reporting and managerial control, strategy and business policy, marketing strategy in the global environment, and information and technology management. Degree candidates earn 12 elective credits, including nine in a specialization. Specialization options include business analytics, risk management and insurance, management information systems, and real estate. Some specializations require department approval.
This fully online MBA is only available for part-time learners. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
The admissions board evaluates candidates based on leadership experience, previous college coursework, GRE or GMAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Applicants with significant management experience, bachelor's degrees from accredited business schools, or other master's degrees may qualify for GRE/GMAT waivers.
School Type
Public Nonprofit
Graduation Rate
83%
Percent Receiving Loans
32%
Online Enrollment
21%
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End of list, bravo!
Ranking Methodology
Online MBA Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on quality, curricula, faculty strength, school awards, rankings, and reputation, including the school's reputation for providing quality online programs. Our online MBA rankings employ the same methodology that we used to produce our ranking of the best online colleges.
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 school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. 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!
What Is an MBA?
An MBA is an advanced degree that prepares students for leadership roles in diverse industries. Courses cover topics like leading and managing, using analytical tools for decision-making, analyzing and developing marketing tools, and understanding operations management. Students gain analytical, management, marketing, and communication skills, which they can apply to a variety of roles.
It is common for online MBA program applicants to be recent bachelor's graduates, current business professionals looking to advance their careers, or professionals in other industries seeking a career change.
How Are MBA Programs Accredited?
Prospective online MBA students should look for two types of accreditation when researching potential schools: regional and programmatic. The U.S. Department of Education oversees six regional accrediting bodies, which accredit schools based on where they are located. Regional accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes. There is also national accreditation, but it typically applies only to vocational or trade schools, not to business schools.
Programmatic accreditation applies to programs within a school. MBA programs may hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MBA?
Online MBA programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete, but many programs also offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate in 12-18 months. Additionally, some schools offer 4+1 programs for students who want to pursue an MBA immediately after earning a bachelor's degree, allowing learners to graduate with an MBA in just one year.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online MBA Program?
When researching prospective online MBA programs, students should ensure potential programs offer concentrations and courses aligned with their career goals. Offerings vary by program, but the following sections outline common courses and concentrations found in online MBA programs.
Online MBA Courses
Online MBA programs focus on leadership and management skills in addition to traditional business best practices. A few common courses are outlined below.
Legal and Ethical Decision-Making
Typically taken in the first year, this course introduces students to some of the ethical and legal considerations that business leaders commonly encounter. Because many MBA graduates pursue managerial positions, they must understand how to ethically and legally interact with customers, clients, suppliers, and employers.
Students in this class learn how to make effective individual and company-wide decisions, understand common areas of unethical behavior (e.g., insider trading), and stay up-to-date on legal regulations. Learners may review case studies, participate in roleplaying assignments, and complete group projects.
Leadership Theory and Practice
Because so many MBA graduates work in leadership positions, this is often a core class in MBA curricula. Learners study how effective leaders provide oversight and support for employees and help their companies achieve goals. The course may use case studies of business and non-business leaders across history to help students identify effective and ineffective leadership strategies. Students often complete reflective papers and assignments that help them identify their leadership styles.
Information Technology
Businesses often rely on information technology to create internal and external computer networks, collect data and make data-driven decisions, and keep sensitive information secure. This course examines how information technology can inform and improve business functions. Students learn how to use databases, manage digital strategies, and extrapolate data for use in business decision-making.
Personnel Management
Sometimes known as human resource management, this course teaches students how to manage talent across their companies. Students learn how to hire effective employees, manage benefits programs, set competitive salaries, and provide meaningful training opportunities. Coursework also incorporates topics from industrial-organizational psychology to teach future managers how to maintain effective, efficient, and fulfilled employees.
Finance and Accounting for Managers
Business professionals typically need a basic understanding of finance and accounting to assess business performance, identify areas of improvement, and set strategic goals, even if they don't work in finance. This course examines financial accounting principles, international financial reporting standards, and industry standards and trends. Many online MBA programs also offer finance and accounting concentrations.
Marketing Management
This course teaches students how to incorporate marketing, branding, and advertising strategies to help organizations meet goals. Topics include segmentation and targeting, pricing and promotion, distribution, and brand allegiance. Students review marketing management case studies from a variety of companies and industries to identify best practices and areas of improvement.
Online MBA Concentrations
Because business is such a broad topic, most online MBA programs offer concentrations to help degree-seekers focus their skills. Below are a few common concentrations.
Marketing
Marketing concentrations are ideal for students who want to lead marketing departments and make high-level decisions about how companies are portrayed internally and externally. Courses cover topics like marketing analysis and development, global brand strategies, and how to use data analytics to inform marketing decisions. Graduates can pursue senior-level titles such as brand and product marketing manager, public relations director, marketing data analyst, and marketing director.
Finance
Finance concentrations provide an in-depth understanding of the financial tools and concepts that can improve companies. Students learn how to make effective financial decisions and keep organizations financially healthy. Classes cover topics like international financial markets, advanced corporate finance, venture capitalism and financial innovations, and behavioral finance.
Entrepreneurship
An entrepreneurship concentration teaches students how to create their own business ventures. Learners study concepts like finance, marketing, human assets, and management. Classes also cover venture capital and entrepreneurial management, strategies and practices of family-controlled companies, finance of buyouts and acquisitions, and intellectual property strategy for innovation-driven enterprises.
International Business
Designed for students who want to work in multinational corporations, international business concentrations teach students about global markets, international trends, and the rules governing how business is done around the world. Rather than focusing on a single topic, this concentration reviews traditional business topics — like human resource management and finance — through an international lens. Common courses include international business environments, international business law, and global operations for supply chain strategies.
Human Resource Management
Human resource management concentrations prepare students for roles managing human capital, such as training manager, compensation and benefits manager, and human resource manager. Courses may cover topics like foundations of human resource staffing, human resource management for general managers, talent management and development, and leading the strategic change process. Programs may also examine negotiation and conflict resolution strategies.
What Are Some MBA Salaries?
Online MBA programs prepare graduates to compete for a variety of jobs in diverse industries. The following list outlines common jobs and potential salaries for graduates.
Management Analysts
Also known as management consultants, management analysts help organizations improve efficiency. They may work in house for a single corporation or in a consulting role for several clients. When starting a new project, management analysts observe the workplace to identify efficiency problems. They may interview staff, review financial data, and collect other relevant information.
After identifying a problem, management analysts develop solutions based on organizational needs. They may introduce new systems, institute changes, or work with management teams to ensure effective implementation of plans.
Top executives sit at the helm of their companies, directing activities and setting short- and long-term goals. They devise strategic plans, liaise with other department leaders, and set organizational policies. They may also set budgets, negotiate large contracts, and review financial statements.
These individuals need strong leadership, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
Administrative service managers oversee clerical staff, create and monitor departmental goals, develop and implement operational policies, and oversee company-wide recordkeeping. These professionals may also oversee an organization's facilities.
When necessary, administrative service managers may call on outside vendors or specialists to repair equipment or introduce new technology. They must also ensure companies abide by local, state, federal, and industry regulations.
Median Annual Salary
$96,180
Projected Growth Rate
7%
Financial Managers
Financial managers help companies understand their finances and increase their revenue. They may prepare financial statements, create income and loss forecasts, develop business activity reports, and present financial information to stakeholders. Financial managers need a keen eye for detail and strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
An MBA is an advanced degree that prepares students for high-level business roles in fields like finance, human relations, and marketing.
What Can You Do With an MBA?
Online MBA programs prepare graduates for managerial and leadership roles in diverse industries.
Is an MBA a Master's?
Yes, an online MBA program is a master's degree. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree to apply for enrollment.
What Jobs Can I Get With an MBA?
Graduates can work in a variety of fields, depending on their interests and goals. Common jobs for graduates include top executive, marketing manager, and administrative service manager.
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