AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs

Villanova’s online MBA program has won several recognitions for its excellence. The U.S. News & World Report ranked it in the country’s top online MBA programs and one of its kind’s best programs for veterans. Villanova’s online MBA has also been ranked in the top ten among programs in the annual Poets & Quants ranking. This online MBA offers the same curriculum, is taught by the same faculty members, and has the same admissions standards as the campus-based program.

The 48-credit program is designed for working professionals and can be customized through several specialization tracks in finance, marketing, analytics, strategic management, and international business. Students can also choose to take the general track. Courses include ethical business practices; business analytics; strategic marketing management; and corporate finance.

The program includes a 1.5-credit on-campus leadership residency. Students also complete 15 credits of functional courses, six credits of leadership courses, and 7.5 credits of capstones, including an on-campus global practicum. The last 15 credits comprise electives, which are offered according to each student’s concentration of choice.

Students must submit an up-to-date resume and GMAT scores (waivers are available for qualified individuals on a case-by-case basis), as previous work experience and schooling are factored into the school’s decision for admission.

UNC’s online MBA program is notably customizable, offering five concentrations to its students. Students can pick between finance; strategy and consulting; marketing; data analytics and decision-making; and entrepreneurship. Students in this online program receive the same world-class education and learn from the same world-class faculty who teach on campus.

The program is broken down into 62 credits of core, elective, and cross-university courses. Core courses include analytical tools; business communication; business strategy; strategic economics; finance; and financial accounting, among others. Electives include an introduction to entrepreneurship; business modeling; the challenge of healthcare; corporate financial strategy; and information for decision-making.

The program is mostly online other than one required three-day immersion where students travel to business centers worldwide to work with and learn from global companies. While students are not required to have a minimum GPA, they must have at least two years of professional experience before being accepted into the program.

The U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review recognized the online MBA at Pepperdine as one of the best online MBAs in the country. Students can concentrate on one of seven specializations: marketing, finance, leadership and managing organizational change, business analytics, digital innovation & information systems, global business, and entrepreneurship. They can continue working while enrolled in the program, and graduate in as little as two years. As part of the program, students will attend one immersion experience in Los Angeles.

The 52-credit curriculum is broken down into 15 courses. These courses include behavior in organizations; accounting information and control systems; quantitative analysis for business operations; marketing management; strategic management; integration in business operations; prices, profit, the market economy; and more. Students must also complete an on-campus weekend residency as part of the personal and leadership development course.

To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree with an acceptable GPA and official transcripts and at least two years of work experience. GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission.

At the end of the program, graduates can take up roles such as financial analysts, financial managers, marketing managers, human resources managers, and business operations managers.

The MBA@American is a 48-credit program that can be completed mostly online with two in-person immersions. The program is offered at an accelerated pace through five modules of three classes each, which can be completed in 15 months, or at a normal MBA pace, through eight modules of two classes each, which can be completed in two years.

Students in this program can choose from seven pre-designed focus areas: entrepreneurship; business analytics; finance; cybersecurity; legal studies; consulting; and marketing.

Students take 13 core courses and two electives. Courses include business fundamentals; applied managerial statistics; financial accounting; financial management; managerial accounting & operations management; marketing management; strategic decision-making; strategic thinking for decisions, and more.

Students must also complete two immersions to graduate, which can be completed in many locations worldwide. Upcoming immersions will take place in Beijing, Madrid, and Brussels. There is also one immersion each year in Washington, D.C. at the school’s campus. While work experience is not required for admission, it is taken into consideration.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and submit a completed online application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement, and a current resume. GMAT and GRE scores are not required.

The flexible MBA at Johns Hopkins can be completed part-time while students continue to work. Students can choose from eight in-demand specializations from diverse focus areas. These include business analytics & risk management; entrepreneurial marketing; digital marketing; financial management; entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology; investments; health care management, innovation, and technology; and public and private sector leadership. Students can choose between on-site, online, or hybrid classes according to their needs.

Students take 20 credits of business foundations classes, including business communications; business analytics; economics for decision-making; statistical analysis; corporate finance; operations management; and marketing management, among others. Students complete an additional 34 credits in electives, which can be chosen from the abovementioned specializations. Sample electives: data analytics, negotiation; social media analytics; wealth management; entrepreneurial ventures; and marketing strategy.

Students enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Maryland can benefit from an extensive alumni network, of more than 66,000 worldwide. The Smith online MBA was ranked in the top ten online MBA programs in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. The program offers a general MBA track or specializations in finance; accounting; marketing; information systems & business analytics; and supply chain management.

The program comprises 54 credits dispersed across foundation courses, electives, and two on-campus residencies. Students begin the program with a residency to learn business fundamentals; then, they take online classes in leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and organizational change, among many others. They conclude the program with a campus-based residency incorporating everything they learned throughout the program. Students do not have to have previous work experience but two years in business is highly recommended.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution, a non-refundable application fee of $75, a letter of recommendation, essays, official transcripts for each college or university attended, and proof of English language proficiency required for non-native English speakers.

Washington State University’s Carson College of Business offers an online MBA that ranks #27 among the “best online MBA programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2023). Apart from the general MBA track, this fully online MBA offers four concentrations in finance, international business, hospitality and tourism, and marketing, allowing students to tailor their degrees to fit their professional goals. Each of these concentrations is also offered as a nine-credit graduate certificate.

Applicants to this program must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution or have the international equivalent with a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, they must submit a completed online application, unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended, a complete resume, letters of recommendation, GMAT scores (waivers available), and a statement of purpose.

Made up of 36 credits, the program includes courses such as strategic planning for personal and program success; strategy formulation and organizational design; managerial leadership and productivity; financial management; information systems analysis; marketing management; and administrative control. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business will have to complete additional 16 credits of foundational business coursework.

Lamar University’s online MBA program prepares students for advancement and higher management positions. This fully online program provides students with a strong business background and the opportunity to tailor their degree to their interests with several concentration options. Students gain strategic and leadership savvy skills while also being equipped to solve both the human and technical sides of the management equation. Concentrations are available in accounting; business analytics; construction project management; criminal justice management; enterprise resource planning; financial management; healthcare administration; management; management information systems; and marketing.

For admission to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The GMAT or GRE requirements are waived if the GPA is 2.5 or higher.

Comprising 30 credits, the program includes courses such as managerial accounting; managerial decision-making; managerial economics; financial management; international business; international business; marketing management; and ERP overview. Two leveling courses may be needed for candidates who do not have any undergraduate study in business.

Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management offers an online MBA that ranks #11 among the best online MBAs by Fortune Education (2023) and #31 by Poets and Quants. Through a curriculum built to reflect real-world business trends, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders and tackling tomorrow’s business challenges no matter where they are in their careers.

The program’s 54-credit flexible curriculum empowers students to tailor their MBA experience based on their career interests by choosing from six available specializations in accounting, entrepreneurship, business analytics, marketing management, supply chain management, and finance. Students can also choose from various business electives to create their own individualized course of study. Notably, students in this online program will be required to attend three in-person residencies where they will explore timely topics in the evolving business landscape.

With four start dates per year, this online program is designed for professionals with two or more years of relevant career experience. GMAT scores are not required for admission.

The curriculum includes courses such as data analysis and decision-making; marketing management; global entrepreneurial management; strategic management; financial accounting; microeconomics; leadership in organizations; managerial finance; taxes and business strategy; and project management, among others.

Babson College offers a part-time online MBA program where students will learn from leading experts, discover how to solve problems using entrepreneurial leadership skills, and apply what they’ve learned immediately on the job, positioning them for career mobility and acceleration. With a wide range of available electives, students can customize their business program based on their career needs and goals. For those who wish to concentrate in a given field, this MBA allows them to choose from three popular concentrations to further specialize in specific academic areas: entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.

This 45-credit program includes courses in entrepreneurship; business analytics; strategy; marketing; financial and sustainability reporting; operations and information management; managing people and organizations; and finance. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.

UNC Pembroke’s online master of business administration program can be completed entirely online and is taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Apart from the general MBA options, the program offers concentrations in supply chain management; finance; financial services; business analytics; healthcare administration; and forensic accounting.

For admission to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. GMAT or GRE requirements are waived for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Consisting of 36 credits, the program includes courses such as international business; organizational theory and behavior; marketing planning and strategy; managerial finance; managerial economics; quantitative methods; and managerial accounting. Students must also complete a capstone course in strategic planning.

The online MBA program from the University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business offers experiential learning and interactive instruction that helps students develop their ability to think creatively and critically within the business world. The program prepares students to strategically engage in modern issues where society and business intersect, such as the challenges of globalization, fast-moving changes in technology, and the ethics of business administration. Graduates of this program will be qualified for several leadership roles, such as market research analysts, operations research analysts, information systems managers, business operations managers, and product managers.

Southern Indiana’s online MBA offers several concentration options in accounting; data analytics; engineering management; healthcare administration; human resources; marketing; and project management. This 30-credit program includes 21 credits of core coursework, 3 credits in data-driven decision-making, and 6 credits of concentration coursework.

The curriculum includes courses such as leadership skills and innovation; accounting for decision-making and control; information systems and technology; managerial economics; financial management and financial markets; marketing strategies; and strategic and international management.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for admission, while GMAT or GRE scores are optional.

Miami Herbert Business School’s online MBA program offers three start dates per year and does not require GMAT scores for admission. The program has two tracks available: a 42-credit traditional track, which can be completed in as few as 20 months, and an accelerated 35-credit track, which is available to students who have a bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent degree in business completed in the last seven years. This option can be completed in as few as 16 months. Notably, students will be required to complete two immersion experiences on the University of Miami campus.

The curriculum includes courses such as innovative business strategies for future leaders; managing for employee engagement; foundations of marketing management; managerial economics; accounting for decision-making and control; data analytics for managers; management of digital transformation; and finance fundamentals.

The Miller College of Business MBA degree was ranked as the 19th best online MBA program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Students in this program may focus on one of eight concentrations, including artificial intelligence; business analytics; construction management; healthcare administration; information technology leadership; health economics, policy, and administration; finance; and logistics & supply chain management. Students can even take the general MBA option.

This 30 to 34-credit program allows for an incredible degree of flexibility for students. It can be completed online, in-person, or a mixture of both; allows for full- or part-time study; and can be started in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

The curriculum includes courses such as entrepreneurial leadership; statistics & quantitative methods; information systems; economic analysis for managers; accounting and decision-making; managerial finance; marketing management; and global strategic management.

Additionally, students who aren’t ready to start the MBA program can complete a certificate in fields such as business essentials for professionals, professional sales management, or health economics.

The College of Business at East Carolina University offers an online MBA program that is delivered asynchronously, meaning that students are never required to be signed in at a time that doesn’t fit into their schedule. Students can connect with their classmates and professors through interactive chat rooms, emails, and threaded discussions. The school also offers on-campus and hybrid MBA options for students who wish to attend in-person classes.

Overall, all three MBA routes require students to complete 54 credits. However, a significant portion of these can be waived for students who completed an undergraduate degree in business.

Some courses in the curriculum include accounting for decision-making; organizational behavior; strategic management; delivering business value through information systems; marketing strategy; operations and supply chain management; and management science.

The College of Business MBA program at Missouri State University has received several accolades for its affordability and flexibility. The U.S. News and World Report ranked it as a top online MBA program and one of the top 10 online business schools with low out-of-state tuition.

Students can tailor the program to fit their needs. They can study entirely online or take day or night courses in person. This 34-credit program can also be paired with additional graduate certificates focusing on cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, finance, financial analysis, international business, leadership, management, or marketing. The school also provides an executive MBA program, which is only offered to a cohort of students who already have significant business experience.

Courses include managerial accounting; management information systems; advanced financial management; organizational behavior; organization strategy and policy; marketing management; quantitative methods in business decision-making; and professional communication skills.

MBA students at Sam Houston State University can complete a degree either online or at the Huntsville campus, the Woodlands Center campus, or in a mixture of all three. Alternatively, students may also choose to complete an executive MBA in banking and financial institutions, which requires them to participate in two in-residence sessions each last two weeks; the rest of the EMBA is offered online.

Both programs consist of 36 credits (27 hours of core coursework and nine hours of electives), and the traditional MBA can be completed in as little as four semesters. However, the school encourages students with full-time jobs to aim for a completion time of two years.

The curriculum explores topics such as accounting for management; managerial communication; techniques of statistical analysis; marketing management; and managerial finance.

At the Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University, students can complete an MBA degree from the fastest-growing university in the state. This program is available either online or on-campus and during the day or night—and the same faculty teach all online classes as the on-campus classes. Students can specialize in topics such as agriculture business, social entrepreneurship, or supply chain management.

This 30- to 36-credit program includes 24 core coursework credits and nine electives hours. It can be completed in two years for students taking two classes per semester, including the summer. As part of the program, students will explore topics such as accounting for decision-making; managerial economics; managerial finance; strategic planning and analysis; human behavior in organizations; strategic marketing; and business analytics.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university regardless of the undergraduate field of study, a minimum grade point average of 2.5, official transcripts, a completed online application, and GMAT scores (can be waived).

UHV’s MBA program is the third-largest MBA program in Houston and has been ranked as one of the most affordable nationwide. Students enrolled in this MBA program can pursue either a global or a strategic MBA, which can be completed entirely online; at an associated campus in Katy, Texas; or through a mixture of both.

Students who possess an undergraduate degree in business, or other relevant coursework, may be exempt from completing foundational classes and may be allowed to complete only 30 credits of study. In addition, students can choose between one of many concentrations, including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, marketing, or management.

The curriculum of the global MBA program with a concentration in general business includes courses such as management information systems; global economics; international marketing; international management & leadership; international operations & supply chain management; international finance; and international business strategy.

The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from one of the six recognized regional accrediting associations, a GPA of 2.5, a personal essay, a recommendation from a practicing professional, and English language proficiency for students whose educational instruction has not been in the English language.

UMass Lowell’s Robert J. Manning School of Business online MBA program was ranked one of the best programs of its type in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report. Lots of flexibility is offered to all students, who can complete the degree entirely online or in a hybrid manner with both online and on-campus courses.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree and must submit a completed online graduate application form, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, a one-page essay, GMAT or GRE scores (waivers available), and TOEFL or IELTS scores for citizens of non-English speaking countries.

This program consists of 30 to 42 credits, depending on the student’s background. Students may also choose between nine focus areas during their studies: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, business analytics, healthcare, information technology, international business, managerial leadership, or marketing.

The curriculum includes courses such as accounting information for management decisions; corporate finance; customers and markets; management information systems; operations management; managing organizational change; and strategy formulation and implementation.

Students in this program are required to take eight core courses, as well as six semester hours of electives in the field of business administration or nine semester hours of electives in an approved MBA concentration, such as criminal justice, educational leadership, gerontology, nursing health care, psychology, or public administration, among others.

Some of the topics students will explore include management information systems; economic environment; accounting analysis for decision-making; financial analysis, marketing strategy; global operations and supply chain management; and strategic management.

The online MBA program at Saint John’s University combines technology, analytics, research, and case studies for interdisciplinary education in business administration. The program can be completed in 18 months full-time or over three years part-time. The 36-credit program consists of 24 core credits, nine concentration credits, and a 3-credit capstone course. Students have nine options for concentrations: interdisciplinary business; risk management; risk and financial advisory; marketing; management; finance; enterprise risk management; business analytics; and entrepreneurship and innovation.

In the core courses, students learn about global financial and managerial reporting; business analytics; industrial economics; financial management; risk management; decisions in marketing management; managing for global success; and law, ethics, and the principled path in business. They also complete a capstone business strategy seminar at the program’s end.

All applicants to this program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent before enrollment. Candidates with a GPA below 3.25 can strengthen their application by submitting GMAT or GRE scores.