Online MBA Degree Guide

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on June 29, 2023

Students seeking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree are typically mature and focused. They’ll need to navigate many business degree options, identify core curriculum and choose specializations that map to their career goals. To streamline the process, the following guide sheds light on the major types of MBA degrees, specializations and career opportunities.

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STUDYING FOR AN ON-CAMPUS OR ONLINE MBA DEGREE

The wide variety of fields that hire MBA graduates is matched by the myriad of business administration programs available in full-time, part-time, executive and online formats. The selection of accredited business schools, colleges and universities offering MBA programs allows students to enroll in a program that accommodates work, family and financial obligations. Below are the main options:

STUDYING FOR AN ONLINE MBA DEGREE

Because of their flexible schedules and 24/7 access, online MBA degree programs have risen in popularity among working professionals and students who cannot travel to a campus program. Distance learning programs typically offer fine-tuned curriculum on business theory and leadership that can be immediately utilized in the workplace. Some of the most popular MBA specializations include health care, marketing, finance, accounting, project management, entrepreneurship and human resources.

Online MBA schools provide students with full-time, part-time and executive study options. Distance learners have round-the-clock access to courses and research libraries. Class lectures may be delivered via streaming multimedia, Skype, conference calls, Adobe Connect or other communication tools. Depending on the program, online students also may use digital chat rooms, threaded emails and instant messaging to work with instructors and peers.

Best Online MBA Programs in 2017

Students who pursue a master’s in business administration already hold a bachelor’s degree and often are working in a professional business setting. The graduate degree affords them more responsibility in their current postion and also sets them up for promotion to the management level. Earning that degree online allows them to continue working full time without having to spend a lot of time commuting to class or missing out on family time. We looked at the data to find the best schools for an MBA in 2017 to help aspiring MBA grads as they look for a good fit for their education.

ONLINE MBA COLLEGES

#1 Online MBA Degree Guide

Lehigh University

  • Location-markerBethlehem, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,790
  • Out-of-state$54,790
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$27,000
  • Out-of-state$27,000
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate32%
  • Students Enrolled6,953
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment6%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Online MBA Degree Guide

University of Denver

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$51,336
  • Out-of-state$51,336
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$51,336
  • Out-of-state$51,336
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled12,931
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Online MBA Degree Guide

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,616
  • Out-of-state$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,880
  • Out-of-state$38,880
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled22,850
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Online MBA Degree Guide

Boston University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,720
  • Out-of-state$54,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$54,720
  • Out-of-state$54,720
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate19%
  • Students Enrolled33,720
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Online MBA Degree Guide

Harvard University

  • Location-markerCambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$47,730
  • Out-of-state$47,730
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$48,008
  • Out-of-state$48,008
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate5%
  • Students Enrolled31,655
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment18%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Online MBA Degree Guide

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,684
  • Out-of-state$50,684
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$33,408
  • Out-of-state$33,408
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled52,885
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Online MBA Degree Guide

Arizona State University

  • Location-markerTempe, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,710
  • Out-of-state$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,720
  • Out-of-state$26,160
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled53,286
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Online MBA Degree Guide

Drexel University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$52,146
  • Out-of-state$52,146
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$35,181
  • Out-of-state$35,181
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled24,205
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Online MBA Degree Guide

Pace University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,714
  • Out-of-state$44,714
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$31,320
  • Out-of-state$31,320
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled13,395
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Online MBA Degree Guide

Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerStillwater, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,366
  • Out-of-state$20,877
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,531
  • Out-of-state$21,034
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled24,079
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Online MBA Degree Guide

University of Houston-Victoria

  • Location-markerVictoria, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,896
  • Out-of-state$15,024
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,338
  • Out-of-state$13,934
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled4,506
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Online MBA Degree Guide

Hofstra University

  • Location-markerHempstead, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,450
  • Out-of-state$46,450
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,164
  • Out-of-state$25,164
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled10,804
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Online MBA Degree Guide

Suffolk University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$39,814
  • Out-of-state$39,814
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$39,267
  • Out-of-state$39,267
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled7,169
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment13%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Online MBA Degree Guide

University of Colorado Denver

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,920
  • Out-of-state$24,408
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,786
  • Out-of-state$22,590
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled24,910
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Online MBA Degree Guide

Penn State World Campus

  • Location-markerUniversity Park, PA
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,484
  • Out-of-state$13,484
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,682
  • Out-of-state$21,682
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students EnrolledN/A
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#16 Online MBA Degree Guide

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Location-markerChapel Hill, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,019
  • Out-of-state$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,552
  • Out-of-state$28,278
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate23%
  • Students Enrolled29,877
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 Online MBA Degree Guide

University of Arkansas

  • Location-markerFayetteville, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,568
  • Out-of-state$24,056
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,752
  • Out-of-state$21,032
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled27,559
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 Online MBA Degree Guide

University of Tennessee at Martin

  • Location-markerMartin, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,214
  • Out-of-state$14,254
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,096
  • Out-of-state$15,136
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled7,280
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 Online MBA Degree Guide

Temple University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,080
  • Out-of-state$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,956
  • Out-of-state$23,346
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled38,794
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 Online MBA Degree Guide

Sam Houston State University

  • Location-markerHuntsville, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,856
  • Out-of-state$15,984
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,765
  • Out-of-state$13,361
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled21,558
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
ONLINE MBA DEGREE

An online master’s of business administration consists of 45 to 60 credits, though some programs allow students to waive certain courses based on prior educational background or work experience.

Designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze business trends and develop effective business strategies, an online MBA degree covers coursework in accounting, economics, ethics, marketing, strategic management, data analysis, financial reporting and leadership. Students can also specialize in a specific area, such as Internet marketing, health administration, financial management, international business or entrepreneurship. Most programs culminate in a capstone or thesis project.

Much of the coursework can be completed online, but some schools may require a certain number of in-person meetings for collaborative projects. Many online MBA programs are offered as a cohort, so students have the benefit of learning alongside the same group of peers from beginning to end. Online students communicate regularly with peers and instructors via Skype, email and live chat, ensuring that the online MBA degree matches the rigorous standards of the traditional on-campus program.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

Name: BROOKE P.

Degree: MASTER’S OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Mode: Online

ONLINE MBA DEGREE CURRICULUM

MBA coursework varies by degree program, school and business specialization. Students should evaluate prospective schools with an eye toward their career objectives. Academic and career planning advisers can aid in the search for the appropriate school and degree. Here is a sampling of the kinds of courses offered in each of the online MBA degree specializations:

COURSE NAMEOVERVIEW
EntrepreneurshipFocuses on the factors of launching a successful business, including tax laws, venture capital, business plans, human resources and marketing.
Supply Chain ManagementExplores the inter-connectedness of strategic project planning, business analysis, change management and logistics.
Accounting for ManagersReviews the principles of auditing and assessment, projections, taxation and reporting.
Technology ManagementProvides an understanding the information backbone and systems that support enterprise-level transactions, with an emphasis on data security.

CAREER CERTIFICATIONS AFTER THE ONLINE MBA DEGREE

After completing their MBA, managers seeking career advancement may return to school to prepare for certification exams. Voluntary certifications, particularly in project management, highlight specialized skills in a specific business niche. Requirements vary by each certifying organization, and may include extensive management experience in addition to the completion of a graduate degree. Below are three popular management certifications:

There are other professional certifications for MBA holders to explore, including:

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN ONLINE MBA DEGREE?

The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree has become a preferred college credential among recruiters for management roles. Management and leadership professionals with MBA degrees hold key positions in corporate, non-profit and governmental organizations. Some take mid-management roles within large organizations, directing departments in human resources, finance, information technology, marketing communications, supply chain, change management and planning.

The wide variety of fields that hire MBA graduates is matched by the multiplicity of business administration programs available in full-time, part-time, executive and online formats. The selection of accredited business schools, colleges and universities offering MBA programs allows students to enroll in a program that seamlessly plugs into the hectic realities of working lives, family commitments and checkbooks. Below are some solid career options for those who have earned a degree from an online MBA school:

FEATURED CAREERS