Best Online MBA Programs in Montana

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

Why should I pursue an MBA in Montana?

Recent data highlights Montana’s robust Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $49.75 billion in 2022, indicating a thriving economy and job market. As a high-GDP state, Montana offers diverse opportunities across industries, attracting entrepreneurs and industry leaders for beneficial networking. Montana provides unparalleled access to relevant businesses as an industry hub, enhancing MBA graduates’ internship and job prospects.

Despite the lack of Fortune 500 companies, Montana has a thriving and diverse commercial environment. The state is home to a large number of privately held businesses in the energy, financial services, tourist and hospitality, and health sectors. There is a considerable need for the expertise MBA graduates can provide to the 126,219 small businesses in the state. Small companies, frequently the backbone of a community’s economy, must succeed via strategic leadership, sound financial management, and effective operations. MBA graduates can significantly contribute to these businesses.

The innovative cultures introduce students to cutting-edge business techniques, and the diverse business environment enriches the educational process. High-GDP states frequently host top-tier universities, ensuring an excellent MBA education.

With their comprehensive business education, MBA graduates in Montana are well-equipped to excel in managerial roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana’s management professionals earn an average of $99,730 per year. Although this figure falls slightly below the national median salary, the state’s cost of living compensates for it, ensuring that the real purchasing power and quality of life for MBA graduates remain competitive. The highest-paid management positions in Montana include:

Marketing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $134,630

Industrial Production Managers

Median Annual Salary: $132,710

Purchasing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $128,010

Sales Managers

Median Annual Salary: $126,270

Financial Managers

Median Annual Salary: $126,210

If you want to earn more than the mentioned median salaries, consider pursuing specialized roles or gaining additional certifications in high-demand areas. Montana’s thriving economy and diverse industries provide opportunities for MBA graduates to carve out successful careers.

Top Employers in Montana

Billings Clinic

Billing Clinics, located in Billings, Montana, is a prominent medical facility providing various services in over 50 specialty care areas. To support the clinic’s effective operation and strategic expansion, the organization is looking for MBAs with experience in healthcare management, strategic planning, and finance.

St. Patrick Hospital

St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana, dedicated to providing top-notch medical services, constantly seeks MBA grads with expertise in organizational leadership, healthcare policy, and patient care management.

NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy is a major participant in the energy industry. The company offers services for natural gas and electricity. It is looking for MBAs focusing on strategic planning, business analytics, and energy management to help the energy utility operate more profitably and sustainably.

University of Montana

The University of Montana seeks MBA candidates strongly interested in academics, instructional leadership, and strategic planning. To support the expansion and success of the university, positions may involve responsibilities in program management, finance, or administration.

Weyerhaeuser

MBA grads with knowledge and expertise in operations, supply chain management, and environmentally friendly business methods often pursue careers in Weyerhaeuser. This company plays a big role in Montana’s forestry and wood products sectors.

What are the best things about living in Montana?

There are many perks to earning a graduate degree in Montana. If you enjoy wide open spaces, Montana may be the perfect state for your online MBA program. While Montana is the fourth largest state by land area, it is only the 48th by population density.

Even better, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, there are expected to be just over 67,800 job openings each year, with the highest annual openings in healthcare, hospitality, and professional and technical services. This is positive news for an MBA graduate in the state over the next decade.

The median annual wage in Montana is $52,220, but for management positions in the state, the median wage is $99,730 per year. Earning an online MBA in the state of Montana is definitely worth it for the return on your investment.

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Montana

What are online MBA concentrations?

Business students can usually select a specific MBA concentration, sometimes referred to as a major, specialization, or pathway, when they enroll in online MBA programs. Although choosing a concentration is not mandatory for most programs, most MBA students choose one if available. MBA concentrations offer in-depth knowledge and competence in a certain business subject, allowing students to develop more abilities and become more marketable in that field.

Although not every college and university offers MBA concentrations, when available, the most popular concentrations include:

• Technology and Information Systems
• Product Management
• Project Management
• Cybersecurity
• Healthcare Administration/Management
• Operations management

Do online MBA programs in Montana require the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes — elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.

Of the five online MBA programs in Montana and the surrounding states, only Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University do not require the GMAT.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have — test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There are a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

What are the admission requirements for an online MBA in Montana?

Admission criteria vary among colleges and universities. As previously discussed, many colleges mandate GRE/GMAT scores and a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA.

In contrast, more inclusive business schools accept a 2.50 GPA and may waive GRE/GMAT submissions. Moreover, the required admission materials will differ on other factors, such as the institution’s educational philosophy and specialization.

Some online MBA programs require applicants to have academic and professional experience of at least three years in business. On the other hand, there are online MBAs that accept students with various backgrounds and evaluate them based on their potential and career goals.

Nevertheless, some requirements for online MBAs remain the same regardless of the institution’s reputation. This includes

• An accredited undergraduate degree
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essays
• Resume/CV
• Official transcripts
• English Language Proficiency (for International Students)
• Interview

How long does it take to get an online MBA in Montana?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between one and three years to complete.

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

Many online MBA programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can and likely join web forums for class discussions.

While online MBA courses can be “self-paced,” there usually are still mid-term and end-of-term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

Are online MBAs valued in the workplace?

The increasing popularity of online education has transformed the perception of online MBAs in the job market. These programs are no longer subject to discrimination today, as employers recognize the flexibility and quality that well-established online MBA programs offer. However, to stand out and gain respect in the application process, you must ensure that the online MBA program is appropriately accredited.

Online MBAs with accreditation ensure that the program’s content satisfies rigorous academic criteria of the current business landscape. Candidates with degrees from recognized universities are frequently given preference by employers, as this indicates that they have completed a demanding and thorough education.

Regional Accreditation is the most prestigious accreditation that colleges and universities receive in the American higher education system. However, obtaining a degree with a specialized business education accreditation will further demonstrate your capability to compete in the workplace.

The Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the most reputable business education accreditation. Other respected business school accrediting bodies are International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Why is accreditation important?

Beyond the assurance of curriculum quality, opting for an online MBA from an accredited institution offers additional advantages that are crucial for success in the realm of virtual education. Accredited online MBAs provide students with various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing an advanced degree. These MBAs also offer more opportunities dedicated to students’ success, such as networking and career services.

What can you do with an online MBA in Montana?

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

Find out what else you can do with an master’s in business administration.