Best Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Key Takeaways
- An online MBA program in Oklahoma can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
- There are a number of public universities in Oklahoma that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
- An online MBA degree in Oklahoma is a perfect option for busy working professionals.
Oklahoma's Best Online MBA Programs
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Oral Roberts University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Cameron University
- Rogers State University
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- University of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- Oral Roberts University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Cameron University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Rogers State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Oral Roberts University 78%
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 77%
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 74%
- University of Oklahoma 73%
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 71%
- University of Central Oklahoma 70%
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University 52%
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 22 to 1
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 18 to 1
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18 to 1
- Cameron University 17 to 1
- Oral Roberts University 17 to 1
- Rogers State University 16 to 1
- University of Central Oklahoma 16 to 1
- University of Oklahoma 16 to 1
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University 15 to 1
- Southern Nazarene University 12 to 1
- Oral Roberts University $32,640
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University $30,262
- Southern Nazarene University $28,600
- University of Central Oklahoma $7,026
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,585
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $6,420
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,417
- Cameron University $5,025
- University of Oklahoma $4,920
- Rogers State University $4,536
- Southern Nazarene University $27,000
- Oral Roberts University $11,623
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,900
- University of Oklahoma $8,034
- University of Central Oklahoma $7,356
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,516
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,611
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $4,734
- Rogers State University $4,316
- Cameron University $3,762
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- Rogers State University
- Cameron University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Oral Roberts University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Cameron University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Oral Roberts University
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- University of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University 52%
- University of Central Oklahoma 70%
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 71%
- University of Oklahoma 73%
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 74%
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 77%
- Oral Roberts University 78%
- Southern Nazarene University 12 to 1
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University 15 to 1
- Rogers State University 16 to 1
- University of Central Oklahoma 16 to 1
- University of Oklahoma 16 to 1
- Cameron University 17 to 1
- Oral Roberts University 17 to 1
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 18 to 1
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18 to 1
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 22 to 1
- Rogers State University $4,536
- University of Oklahoma $4,920
- Cameron University $5,025
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,417
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $6,420
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,585
- University of Central Oklahoma $7,026
- Southern Nazarene University $28,600
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University $30,262
- Oral Roberts University $32,640
- Cameron University $3,762
- Rogers State University $4,316
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $4,734
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,611
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,516
- University of Central Oklahoma $7,356
- University of Oklahoma $8,034
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,900
- Oral Roberts University $11,623
- Southern Nazarene University $27,000
Your most affordable online MBA options will usually be those offered in your home state. Find the online MBA program in Oklahoma at a school you and employers will trust.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and gaining a few years of work experience, one of the next wise things to do is to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. An online MBA will open doors to new opportunities, including career advancement, higher pay, and higher job security. The knowledge you obtain from an online MBA could also help you launch your own company.
However, the best MBA programs require a lot of commitment. Not all professionals can leave their current job to pursue a degree.
But thanks to technological advancements and colleges and universities adapting to new learning styles, working professionals can conveniently pursue an MBA through online programs.
From the booming energy industry to having the lowest cost of living in the USA, working professionals seeking to pursue an online MBA degree can take advantage of online MBA programs in a top Oklahoma university. The colleges and universities in the state continue to enroll tomorrow’s leaders in their best MBA programs.
Featured Programs
Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma
Less than half of the schools in Oklahoma are private schools. However, students who attend one these schools can expect a more intimate college experience, as each has a student population smaller than 4,000 students.
The largest private school, the University of Tulsa, offers degrees in fields like education, criminal justice, and literature, with tuition fees around $41,000. The public schools tend to be more cost-friendly, with tuition ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 per year.
Find college admissions consultants in Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma, the state’s largest Oklahoma City university, costs about $9,000 and serves over 24,000 students. Here, students can partake in competitive on-campus programs in fields like communications and social work, or pursue one of the 30 graduate degrees and certificates online.
Oklahoma is also home to several religiously affiliated schools, like Oral Roberts University and Bacone College. Students hoping to pursue a career as a physician, physician’s assistant, or dentist may also want to consider earning their degree here as the state offers several loan forgiveness programs to those who qualify.
What are Oklahoma’s Colleges & Universities?
- 4 Research Universities
- 22 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 11 Private Colleges & Universities
- 11 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 22 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 19 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 18 Online Colleges
Oklahoma’s Best Overall
What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?
Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.
Best Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #4 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #9 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
76%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Oklahoma
Cost of Degree: $9,082Expenses: $20,891Starting Salary: $104,506Salary after 4 years: $119,081Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe reputable University of Oklahoma has 21 colleges, including the famous AACSB-accredited Price College of Business. The business school is renowned for placing a high priority on scholarship and research. Faculty members conduct research in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management.
The Price College of Business offers a fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that requires no on-campus visits. The program’s courses and orientation are held virtually. Online MBA students can benefit from the college’s extensive student service opportunities, including career fairs, networking, and job preparation.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
35%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Central Oklahoma
Cost of Degree: $8,616Expenses: $18,646Starting Salary: $75,805Salary after 4 years: $86,377Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Jackson College of Graduate Studies and College of Business at the University of Central Oklahoma have been working together to offer MBA degree seekers an Online Professional MBA program. Accredited by the AACSB, this affordable online MBA program provides a leadership-focused curriculum open to prospective students with an undergraduate degree in other fields.
The program has no concentration options. However, students can still tailor their MBA program by choosing elective classes. Students can also choose to specialize in Professional Selling or Global Entrepreneurship.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 16 months
- Format: Online
- #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024
- #6 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
63%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Oral Roberts University
Cost of Degree: $13,102Expenses: $15,820Starting Salary: $63,573Salary after 4 years: $72,188Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Graduate School of Business at Oral Roberts University offers a competitive online MBA that equips students with a solid business foundation to help them pursue high-level management and executive jobs. The online MBA at ORU is best for students seeking to learn from a Christian perspective.
ORU’s online Master of Business Administration in Leadership is among the best graduate studies for students planning to pursue careers as business managers or exemplary leaders. The ACBSP accredited this online MBA program. Students study various courses exploring topics in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and leadership.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership
- Required Credits: 35.5
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
- #8 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #14 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
34%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cost of Degree: $5,220Expenses: $12,176Starting Salary: $69,221Salary after 4 years: $78,874Cost Recoup Time: 3 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOne of Oklahoma’s top business schools is the John Massey School of Business at SE-OSU. Accredited by the AACSB, John Massey School equips students with fundamental and advanced knowledge in finance, marketing, and strategic management. Students can pursue the program in a fast- or slow-paced manner.
In addition to general business knowledge, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers several concentrations for its online MBA. This MBA program is among the country’s most customizable and flexible online programs. Small class sizes, a strong student focus, and one-on-one interactions with instructors with a wide range of experience are all features of this online MBA program.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Concentrations
- General Business
- Accounting
- Aerospace Logistics
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
- Native American Leadership
- Project Management
- Safety
- Strategic Communication
- Women in Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$29K
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southern Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $14,608Expenses: $16,557Starting Salary: $79,651Salary after 4 years: $90,445Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySouthern Nazarene University offers a respected Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that can be completed fully online. Accredited by the ACBSP, students in SNU’s online MBA program can expect to receive high-quality business education from the program’s esteemed full-time faculty.
As a general MBA, students will explore various topics, including business strategies, ethics and law, 21st-century marketing, international business, analytics, accounting, economics, and financial management.
Those wanting to enter the healthcare industry can pursue SNU’s online MBA in Healthcare Administration. Students of this MBA program will explore the same healthcare-related topics in addition to the general MBA courses.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 34
- Completion time: 18 months
- Format: Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 26 months
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Oklahoma 2025 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
34%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/19
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $10,995Expenses: $13,610Starting Salary: $78,913Salary after 4 years: $89,607Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Chesapeake Energy School of Business is an IACBE-accredited business school with 13 degree programs, including an intensive online Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students are grouped into cohorts and will have weekly materials accessible 24/7.
This online MBA program offers six concentrations to help students obtain a personalized degree. Regardless of concentration, the college specifically emphasizes teaching students Christian ideals so they can succeed in life. The program also contains three additional seminar hours.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
39%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Cost of Degree: $7,915Expenses: $16,246Starting Salary: $81,376Salary after 4 years: $92,725Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Everett Dobson School of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is among the top business schools that help students explore the connection between business and technology. One of the school’s programs is the Master of Business Administration (MBA) accredited by the ACBSP. Students who want to accelerate their graduation can combine in-person meetings with online classes.
This online MBA program offers several electives to help students have a graduate study focused on their career aspirations. Students will receive guidance from academic advisors in choosing their electives and creating a schedule that best suits their professional lives.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
25%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Cameron University
Cost of Degree: $4,896Expenses: $16,923Starting Salary: $64,493Salary after 4 years: $73,488Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCameron University’s ACBSP-accredited Department of Business offers several majors at various degree levels. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is among the best MBA programs in Oklahoma, which can be completed entirely online. Designed for working MBA students, this online MBA program is highly flexible and customizable.
Courses involve finance, accounting, marketing, and other business-related topics. In addition to core MBA courses, students will also be required to complete electives. The MBA program offers a thesis option. Students have up to six years to complete their MBA coursework.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 33-45
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Oklahoma #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Oklahoma 2025 #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #14 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #19 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
25%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Rogers State University
Cost of Degree: $6,864Expenses: $16,948Starting Salary: $66,351Salary after 4 years: $75,604Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryRogers State University’s College of Professional Studies offers a range of programs in fields related to professional studies and applied sciences. The college emphasizes real-world and hands-on learning experiences. Online students can participate in clinical rotations, internships, and other applied learning opportunities.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Rogers State University is one of the fastest Oklahoma online MBA programs on our list. This affordable online MBA program not only offers low tuition and fees, but also provides several financial aid opportunities.
Students in the online MBA can tailor their degrees by choosing a concentration that closely aligns with their interests and goals.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #3 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
65%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
Cost of Degree: $9,092Expenses: $18,000Starting Salary: $93,363Salary after 4 years: $106,384Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University is among the most well-known competitive business schools in the state. The Spears School offers high-quality, engaging, accessible business education, creative outreach, and high-impact research. It also provides eligible students with several financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
The same full-time on-campus faculty teach the Spears AACSB-accredited Online Master of Business Administration courses. The online MBA program strongly emphasizes teamwork and the acquisition of less tangible soft skills because it was designed to replicate the real-world corporate environment. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on a specific field.
In addition, online students can participate in an experiential learning opportunity. Oklahoma State University Stillwater offers several networking events and study abroad programs.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 16 months
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolBusiness Administration And Management
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: Oklahoma (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $7,186
- Avg. Expenses*: $16,774
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $80,948
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,420
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
- Job Growth: 6.72%
- Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Oklahoma has a number of great MBA programs, but if you want to explore some of the online MBA programs in one of the other states near you, consider one of the best online MBA degrees in Missouri, Iowa, or Kansas. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.
What is an online MBA?
The best MBA programs online are popular for their versatility. These graduate degree programs equip students with advanced leadership and management skills, enhancing their business knowledge to pursue top executive/leadership roles. Most MBA programs offer concentrations, allowing students to pursue a tailored curriculum that closely aligns with their career and educational goals.
Does an online MBA program require the GMAT?
Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) evaluates analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills for admission to graduate management programs, including MBA programs.
Many business and graduate schools, from elite research universities to online colleges, may require the GMAT. There’s no clear pattern regarding which schools require it.
If your target business school mandates the GMAT, performing well is crucial. However, even if it’s not required, a high score can boost your application, and other schools might pique your interest later, necessitating the GMAT.
If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.
For elite university admissions, consider working with a graduate or business school admissions expert who can provide tailored guidance on test prep, applications, essays, and internships.
There are numerous high-quality MBA programs and online options without GMAT requirements, making them ideal if standardized testing isn’t your forte.
There is a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not 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.
How long does an online MBA program take to complete?
MBA degrees, online or on-campus, may have different requirements. The typical 30-credit General MBA program can take up to 2 years, depending on student and course pacing. Accelerated programs usually take only a year. On the other hand, specialized MBA programs and those that require up to 60 credit hours may last anywhere from two to four years to complete.
What are the courses in an online MBA program like?
MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many 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.
What can you do with an online MBA?
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 program can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.
Is MBA accreditation important?
Regardless of the program’s delivery format, accreditation is very important. Employers are most likely to honor and value degrees if earned from reputable business schools. In addition to regional accreditation, many business schools pursue major-specific approval from programmatic accrediting agencies.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the most popular business school accreditation. The AACSB places a strong emphasis on standards that are outcome- and principle-based.
On the other hand, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) make use of standards including strategic planning, academic excellence, leadership, credentials of teachers, resources and support for students, and connections with stakeholders.
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.
And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.