Business Schools in the Midwest
Companies around the world from new startups to multinational corporations are in need of globally-oriented minds with practical experience and well-connected professional networks. In order to uplevel their skills, experience, and connections, many aspiring managers and executives decide to seek a master of business administration, commonly referred to as an MBA. This graduate-level degree is meant to help professionals acquire additional knowledge and hands-on training in pursuit of a higher-level position. Ultimately, the attainment of an MBA degree is well worth the time and cost; indeed, a report published in the Financial Times (Jan. 2018) asserts that the average salary for MBA graduates in 2017 was $142,000, up 12 percent from the same statistic in 2014.
Obtaining a business degree is a common dream among those who hope to pursue a career in the corporate world. Indeed, a bachelor of science in business often provides the necessary information and experience to begin a job working in the field of accounting, finance, marketing, or another related area. That being said, many undergraduate degree-holders understand that while an undergraduate degree in business may be a solid first step, it might not be enough to allow for advancement into managerial or executive positions.
In the past, many individuals opted against completing a graduate degree due the rigorous time commitment that’s required of face-to-face MBA programs, instead choosing to continue on the same path throughout the entirety of their career.
With the rise of online and hybrid MBA degree programs, business professionals have the option to uplevel their educational and professional skills and networks without having to take temporary leave from their careers. These online and hybrid degree programs are now offered by high-quality institutions throughout Midwest, enticing many aspiring managers and executives.
Business professionals in the Midwest who have considered an MBA program, but who cannot commit to the full-time studies or lives far from a campus need not be deterred from achieving their educational and professional goals. The following is a list of reputable online MBA programs in the Midwest and a number of professors currently leading courses.
A-Z List of Online Business Schools in the Midwest
Aurora University offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in just one year full-time or two years part-time, as well as a dual MSW/MBA degree that can be completed in four to five years. Through a series of healthcare and leadership courses, students can earn digital credentials to add to their portfolio of knowledge.
Benedictine University prides itself on providing one of the best online MBA programs in the nation, offering students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in business leadership. Students gain exposure to technological advances, business and leadership skills, and hands-on learning through business simulations and mini capstone experiences.
Bethel University offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in just one year full-time or two years part-time. The MBA program offers six start dates per year, accelerated seven-week courses, affordable tuition, and a Christian foundation.
Calvin University offers a no GMAT online MBA with a general track or one of two concentrations in business analytics or nonprofit management. The school has small class sizes, part-time and full-time pathways, and relational teaching from a Christian perspective.
The School of Business and Technology at Capella University offers an online DBA program with three specializations: general management, organizational leadership and development, and strategy and innovation. Each specialization includes a list of degree outcomes that cover areas of business practice, planning, ethics, global environments, communication, business relationships, sustainability, critical thinking, organizational research, and evidence-based decision-making.
The School of Business and Technology at Capella University offers a 100 percent online MBA program with a self-designed path or one of three specializations: health care management, human resource management, and project management. The degree can be completed in as little as one year.
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) offers an online master of business administration (MBA) in healthcare management that includes two 3.5-day immersions. Online courses are delivered synchronously, with 60 to 90 minutes of weekly live, face-to-face classes.
The Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) online MBA offers a general and healthcare management track. This 100 percent online program offers maximum flexibility through asynchronous eight-week courses. The MBA mentorship and managerial application portfolio (MAP) program offers students a personal business coach throughout their program.
Drake University offers a fully online MBA program with an individualized track or one of two concentrations: healthcare or business analytics. The degree can be completed in two years part-time. Drake University offers a low student-to-faculty ratio, affordable tuition, and a collaborative online learning environment.
The [email protected] focuses on experiential learning and building a community with faculty and peers. The online experience includes weekly, live, face-to-face classes and group assignments, as well as in-person immersions to foster a sense of community.
Greenville University (GU) offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in two years. This IACBE-accredited online MBA incorporates faith principles into the curriculum and teaches values-based leadership for future careers.
The Maryville online MBA stands out with its focus on real-world problems; its passionate, knowledgeable, active business professionals who serve as faculty; and its hands-on curriculum that can be completed in about one year. Because the program focuses so heavily on advancing student careers, Maryville works hard to create a network of business connections through partnerships with businesses from around the globe.
Northern Illinois University offers a 100 percent online MBA program that can be completed in as little as 18 months full-time or three years part-time. The online MBA curriculum has been redesigned to be more innovative and integrative, with interdisciplinary components. Online students have access to hands-on learning through advanced business simulation tools, case studies, and projects.
Notre Dame College offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in 12 to 24 months. This cohort-based program is taught from a faith-based perspective, incorporating ethics, morals, and values into business decision-making, relationship building, and problem-solving.
Ohio University’s online MBA program has four key areas of instruction: entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, innovation, and professional development. This school’s MBA learning objectives include developing an integrated understanding of business across several disciplines, skills in evaluating and solving business problems, effective leadership abilities, and a grasp of ethical business practices, among others.
Purdue University Global, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers an online master of business administration (MBA) program through its School of Business and Information Technology, plus an online MSN-MBA dual degree. These programs are 100 percent online with no campus visits or internships required. Purdue University Global offers affordable tuition, traditional and accelerated ExcelTrack™ paths, and multiple start dates.
Rasmussen University’s School of Business offers a fully online competency-based MBA that can be completed in as little as 18 months for under $10,000. Up to 20 percent of the program can be transferred in from prior learning and experience. The Rasmussen online MBA offers four start dates, low tuition, and dedicated faculty support.
Rockhurst University offers a 100 percent online MBA program with a general track or in one of four online concentrations: data science, healthcare management, management, business intelligence. The degree can be completed in as little as one year through an accelerated pathway or two years on a part-time basis.
Located in Winona, Minnesota, Saint Mary’s University offers one of the most affordable online MBAs in the country. The program focuses on real-world issues to provide learning that can be directly applied in the workplace. The accelerated pace allows professionals to earn their MBA in as little as 18 months.
St. Ambrose University offers a fully online MBA with a general track or one of three concentrations: leadership, human resource management, and marketing management. The degree can be completed in just 14 months. St. Ambrose University places a strong emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and leadership.
The University of Saint Mary’s online MBA focuses on ethics, corporate responsibility, critical thinking, and awareness of how one person’s actions affect others in the workplace, community, and globally. The real-world experience of the faculty allows them to introduce discussions on these subjects into their online lessons, assignments, and class interactions.
The University of Southern Indiana offers an online MBA program with a general path or in one of seven concentrations that can be completed in just 11 months. The USI online MBA offers very affordable tuition, multiple start dates per year, and accelerated courses.
The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business offers a 100 percent online MBA with an optional energy management concentration. The Tulsa online MBA is AACSB-accredited and can be tailored to meet your career goals with elective choices from any department within the business college.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers a fully online MBA with nine concentrations: accounting, data analytics, finance, general management, global management, human resources, marketing, program and project management, and supply chain management. Course material is frequently reviewed and revised to keep relevant with current business practices and trends.
The Walden Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offers the flexibility of 11 specializations. Two mandatory residencies allow students to set the course for the DBA experience, receive face-to-face instruction and support, build relationships and networks, and participate in peer reviews.
The Walden MBA curriculum is career-focused and emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and best practices. It uses innovative learning modalities, real-world assignments, and online discussions. With a general MBA offered in two learning paths, a self-designed MBA, and concentrations in healthcare management, human resource management, and project management, the online MBA is flexible and caters to individual business aspirations.
Professors to Know from Business Schools Based in the Midwest
Many talented professors are leaders and educators at schools offering online programs, a handful of whom are featured below:-
Somer Anderson, PhD
Dr. Somer Anderson is an assistant professor of accounting and assistant dean for the Simon School of Business at Maryville University. Before joining Maryville, Anderson served as the director of accounting programs and an instructor at Fontbonne University, as well as an IT finance project manager at BJC Healthcare. In addition to her wealth of professional experience, she is a CPA, a certified fraud examiner (CFE), and a chartered global management accountant (CGMA). Dr. Anderson also holds a PhD in personal financial planning from Kansas State University and a master’s and bachelor of science in accountancy from the University of Missouri.
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Andrew Goodnite, MBA
Andrew Goodnite is an assistant professor of instruction and director of the professional MBA program in the Ohio University College of Business, where he leads courses in data analysis and business analytics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He brings two decades of project management and budgeting experience to his teaching, including work for the Department of Defense. Notably, he served as a major in the U.S. Air Force, where he offered meteorological assistance to the Army and NATO, in addition to the Air Force. He also provided support to 29 space launch missions.
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Idie Kesner, PhD
Dr. Idie Kesner is the dean of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where she also serves as the Frank P. Popoff chair of strategic management, as well as a professor of management. Her areas of expertise include corporate boards of directors, chief executive succession, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. She has received a number of awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the “Trustee Teaching Award” in 2001, 2002, and 2004. Her articles have appeared in many peer-reviewed publications, such as Organization Science, The Many Facets of Leadership, and the Handbook of Strategic Management.