Drake University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Drake University is Iowa’s only AACSB-accredited private university. Drake University offers an online master of business administration (MBA) with an individualized track or one of four concentrations in accounting, business analytics, leadership and human capital development, and public and nonprofit management.
Offered through the College of Business & Public Administration (CBPA), the online MBA is designed for working professionals to complete on a part-time basis in two years. Fully online courses, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a collaborative learning environment make this online MBA an attractive option.
Foundational and core courses cover ethical decision-making, organizational evaluation, customer and business value, leadership, human capital development, project management, information technology, and strategic business policy. Students also complete professional development seminars. Those choosing an individualized MBA track may take nine credits of electives from all concentration areas, as well as courses from the master of public administration and master of communication programs.
The accounting concentration focuses on data analysis, detection of fraud, and the legal environment in which the business world functions, preparing graduates to work in accounting roles in various business contexts. The business analytics concentration focuses on data mining, machine learning, and database management, preparing graduates to analyze data, consolidate the facts into meaningful insights, and present the findings to influence business decisions. The leadership and human capital development concentration focuses on human resource development, leadership skills, identification and resolution of conflict, and risk management, preparing students to work in roles central to the sustainable operations and growth of a variety of businesses.
Finally, the public and non-profit management concentration focuses on the operations and management of public sector organizations, resource development, public policy, and organizational performance, preparing students to work in leadership, management and other roles in businesses operating in the public sector.
The Drake University online MBA begins in the fall, spring, and summer. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework to apply. The GMAT or GRE is required, with waivers available.
Graduates of the Drake University online MBA may go on to positions such as human resources manager, policy analyst, sales manager, marketing manager, project manager, IT manager, or chief executive officer (CEO). Those who choose a concentration may go on to leadership and management positions in the healthcare sector, cybersecurity management, or business analytics management.
Drake University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), and the CBPA is recognized as a Center for Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries. The Drake University Zimpleman College of Business MBA program is accredited through The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Drake University is located in Des Moines, Iowa.
What to Expect from the Drake University Online MBA Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GMAT/GRE is required, although it may be waived for qualified applicants. Application materials include an online application, a typed, one-page essay, two professional recommendations, official transcripts, and a professional resume.
Study Plan: Part-time Drake University students typically complete their online MBA degree within 18 to 30 months. Upon enrollment, students have five years to complete the degree. Courses are six weeks in length. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Courses are 100 percent online with no campus visits or internships required.
Online MBA Curriculum: The Drake University online MBA consists of a total of 36 credits. The curriculum is composed of 21 credit-hours of MBA core courses, 6 credit hours focused on the topic of foundations of decision making, and 9 credit hours of electives. Core courses include financial reporting and analysis; creating customer value; corporate finance; leadership and human capital development; information technology and business; business, government and the global economy; and strategic business practices. Training in the subject of decision making is completed through two courses in corporate governance and ethics, and leading with data.
- MBA Accounting Curriculum: Accounting electives may include IT auditing; fraud examination; financial statement analysis; and laws of business organizations. Students complete three of these four elective course options.
- MBA Business Analytics Curriculum: Business analytics electives may include business analytics, teams, and projects; data management and visual analytics; information technology legal and ethical issues; and statistical modeling.
- MBA Leadership and Human Capital Development Curriculum: Leadership and human capital development electives may include executive leadership (seminar); negotiation and conflict resolution; operational risk management; human resource development; and public organizations and leadership. Students complete three of these five elective course options.
- MBA Public and Nonprofit Management Curriculum: Public and nonprofit management electives may include public organizations and leadership; resource development and program performance; public policy; non-profit management; and public management.
- MBA Individualized Curriculum: Individualized MBA students choose three elective courses from all concentrations or from the master of public administration and master of communication programs.
Online Experience: Drake University utilizes the Blackboard online learning management system (LMS) to deliver asynchronous online courses, which may include chats and discussion boards for collaboration, assignments, assessments, case studies, readings, recorded lectures, and projects. Students have access to IT services, professional and career development services, financial planning, faculty office hours, academic success resources, and library and bookstore services.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the Drake University online MBA is 100 percent online.
Paying for the Drake University Online MBA Program
The Drake University online MBA costs are listed in the tables below. Drake University graduate students may wish to apply for graduate student loans through the FAFSA. Other options for online MBA funding may include employer tuition reimbursement programs, organizational scholarships and grants, and private loans. Interested students should inquire with the Drake University Office of Student Financial Planning for current tuition costs and financial aid information.
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in two years part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT/GRE required, waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional resume required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $718.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $25,848 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in two years part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT/GRE required, waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional resume required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $718.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $25,848 |
Drake University Online MBA - Individualized
- Choose an individualized MBA or a concentration in healthcare or business analytics
- Take advantage of the low student-to-faculty ratio, collaborative online learning environment, and affordable tuition
- Graduate in two years studying on a part-time basis
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in two years part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT/GRE required, waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional resume required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $718.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $25,848 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in two years part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT/GRE required, waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional resume required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $718.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $25,848 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in two years part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT/GRE required, waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional resume required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $718.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $25,848 |
* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
