Online Business Schools in the West
Companies these days are seeking business professionals who are prepared to serve in leadership positions in order to serve the ever-evolving needs of a global economy. Few paths of study lead to more future reward than those offered by business schools. MBA programs provide invaluable theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and exclusive networking opportunities to graduates and give degree holders a competitive edge as an entrepreneur, executive, manager, and other corporate leadership positions.
Ultimately, a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field can allow an individual to pursue a career of their choice after graduation. That said, many of those who possess a BS in business will find, after a few years in the workforce, that they want to return to school to obtain a graduate degree in a related field in order to advance with their current company, or move forward with a new business altogether. Here, these individuals often set their sights on a master of business administration or MBA, long considered one of the most valuable degrees for those aspiring to run a business.
Of course, because traditional MBA programs do require such a time commitment, many aspiring graduate students shy away from applying, and instead opt to continue in their same career path. Many would-be MBA students are not interested in giving up their current career in hopes of advancing two years down the line.
Fortunately, this no longer needs to be a serious consideration. Many business schools now offer online MBA programs, or hybrid programs that allow students to take a mixture of online and on-campus courses, and to study at their own pace. In this type of program, working professionals can complete their degree over a longer period of time, while still remaining employed. Certain universities offer flexible MBA programs that allow students to switch between online, campus, and hybrid modalities as their work situation and home life evolve.
And students can expect to gain broad experience and knowledge in these programs. In fact, a number of MBA students at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley described their experience positively, explaining how the MBA program can help them achieve their goals. In moving further away from the one-size-fits-all approach to the MBA, schools have begun to offer a wide array of options for aspiring graduate students; for example, the Princeton Review lists the following as possibilities for students:
- Full-time MBA
- Part-time MBA
- Online MBA
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
- Early career MBA
- Certificate programs
Every school is unique and may not offer all of these program options; timelines and curricula will vary from school to school.
Anyone residing in, or considering attending, business school in the western United States might consider one that offers online or hybrid programs. To that end, what follows is a list of MBA programs offered partially or fully online, by schools in the west.
A-Z List of Online MBA Programs in the West
Although ASU is a large university, the WP Carey School of Business strives to create a personal learning environment by using team-based learning, keeping classes small, and giving MBA students individualized attention. An online MBA can offer the flexibility needed for busy working professionals, while still fostering a close-knit community during the program.
Aspen University offers a fully online MBA with specializations in finance, information management, and project management. The MBA can be completed in 18 months and does not require campus visits.
Boise State University offers a 100 percent online MBA with a general track or in one of four concentrations: construction management, healthcare leadership, management, or marketing management. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months. All course materials are included online, eliminating the need for textbooks.
The online [email protected] integrates ethics, environment, and social aspects into the degree, helping students see issues from various angles while delivering a foundational business education in finance, management, economics, data analytics, and entrepreneurship. In addition, soft skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving are incorporated into the program to produce effective, well-rounded business leaders.
Eastern Oregon University offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in 18 months at two courses per 11 weeks. It is designed for working professionals, however, it may be completed on a full-time basis if time allows. The program focuses on creativity and innovation with a course specifically dedicated to those subjects, as well as global business, sustainability, and optimization.
Eastern Washington University offers a 100 percent online accelerated MBA with five concentrations in general business, finance, accounting, international business, and health services administration that can be completed in ten months. A dual MBA and MPAcc degree is also offered that can be completed in just 14 months. Tuition is very affordable and applicable to both residents and non-residents of WA.
GCU offers a 100 percent online MBA with a general path or one of 10 emphases, as well as a dual MBA/MSN with an emphasis in nursing leadership in healthcare systems and a dual MBA/MS in leadership. The MBA programs emphasize servant leadership and ethical decision-making, delivering courses through a Christian worldview and community
New Mexico Highlands University offers a 100 percent online MBA with concentrations in general business, healthcare administration, and entrepreneurship that can be completed in just one year. The program focuses on problem-solving through the use of simulations and case studies that explore leadership and managerial responsibilities.
Pepperdine University believes that in order to become a business leader, a student must first develop individually. To that end, the MBA program fosters self-awareness while engaging students in a challenging, interactive, and transformational MBA experience. The program is designed to produce a holistic-minded individual with a broader perspective on business, including values of stewardship, integrity, compassion, and courage.
Southern Oregon University offers a 100 percent online MBA with seven pathways: general, accounting, business analytics, finance, healthcare administration, information analysis and decision-making, and marketing that can be completed in 16 months. Affordable tuition, five start dates, and asynchronous coursework make this an appealing MBA option.
UAGC offers a fully online MBA delivered through the Forbes School of Business and Technology. The degree can be completed in about 19 months through accelerated six-week courses. Taking one course at a time, professionals can continue working while earning their MBA.
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) offers an online MBA with face-to-face virtual classes and in-person immersions. Given the location and reputation of the program and graduates, UC Davis boasts strong corporate connections in several areas of California including Silicon Valley.
WSU’s Carson College of Business offers an online MBA with four concentrations: finance, hospitality business management, international business, and marketing. WSU also offers online executive MBA (EMBA). Both programs are offered part-time for busy professionals wishing to advance their education while still maintaining personal and professional commitments.
Professors to Know from Business Schools in the West
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Maclyn L. Clouse, PhD - University of Denver
Dr. Maclyn Clouse is a professor of finance at the Reiman School of Finance in the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, where he teaches investment banking, microfinance, and corporate finance. He has been teaching finance courses in the executive MBA program for 30 years. Previously, Dr. Clouse has served as the finance department chair and the director of the Reiman School of Finance. He is a certified expert witness in court cases that involve small business management, economic loss determination, and the valuation of businesses. He holds a doctoral degree in finance from the University of Washington.
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Jay Barney, PhD
Dr. Jay Barney is a presidential professor within the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at the David Eccles School of Business in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he also serves as the Pierre Lassonde Chair of Social Entrepreneurship. His research area focuses on the relationship between costly-to-copy firm skills and capabilities and sustained competitive advantage. He has also served as an associate editor at the Journal of Management, senior editor for Organization Science and co-editor at the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. His work has been published in numerous leading outlets, including the Strategic Management Journal, the Academy of Management Review, the Academy of Management Journal, and Management Science.
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Patsy McGill, PhD
Dr. Patsy McGill is a professor within the business school at California State University Monterey Bay, where she is currently leading capstone courses on strategic management. She has earned international recognition as an expert and innovator in the use of technology to increase access to education resources, and the focus of her distinguished career has been on the good that can be done by technology. In addition, through her work with nonprofit organizations, she managed the development of award-winning online services and print publications for children and families.