Professional MBA Programs Online
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Earning a master of business administration degree (MBA) can be crucial for enterprise-minded professionals who aspire to become managers, executives, or leaders in companies or organizations. A quality MBA program can provide graduates with the knowledge, applicable skills, and extensive network of other business professionals that may help them succeed in their careers.
There are two major categories of MBA that prospective students may encounter during their search for MBA programs: executive and professional MBAs. Executive MBAs are generally for seasoned business veterans with years of experience who are looking to earn senior-level management positions without leaving their current place of employment. Professional MBAs, by comparison, are more “traditional” MBA programs. They’re designed for those already working in business with minimal experience (zero to five years), who want to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to eventually transition into management or leadership roles without leaving their current professional position.
Students can pursue both professional and executive MBAs full- or part-time, on-campus or online. With such a wide range of options, it’s important for prospective students to consider what kind of program works best based on their schedule, current commitments, and learning styles. For the prospective student who is a business professional, relocating or attending classes during normal business hours can prove challenging. Fortunately, there are many online professional MBAs designed for those with busy schedules and set geography.
Because of the growing number of prestigious universities embracing online learning as a long-term strategy, more and more quality professional MBA programs traditionally offered as on-campus programs are being translated into the distance learning space. Prospective online MBA students enjoy a range of options in terms of quality, affordability, and format.
Discover what to expect from an online professional MBA program and the noteworthy professors teaching these programs.
Featured Online Professional MBA Programs
GW’s online MBA is one of the most reputable in the country. The university and business school have been ranked as the best of their kind and excellent options for veterans by the U.S. News & World Report. Notably, the school also offers an online healthcare MBA program option created for business professionals interested in healthcare and healthcare professionals interested in business. The program aims to combine both fields so that graduates can improve healthcare efficiencies and processes.
To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They will complete all 46.5 credits online through classes in business ethics and public policy; microeconomics for the world economy; and strategic management, among others. Students can also customize their education through a graduate certificate in healthcare quality, health sciences, regulatory affairs, integrative medicine, clinical research administration, clinical research practice, and clinical and translational research.
| Location: Washington, D.C. |
| Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: Two years to 30 months, and up to five years |
| Estimated Tuition: $2,285 per credit |
The flexible MBA at Johns Hopkins is designed for professionals to complete part-time while continuing to work. Depending on their schedules and needs, they can take classes on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. The program can be completed in as little as two years and up to six years. Blending traditional and project-based classes, this program allows students to advance successfully in their current field or transition into a new sector.
Students take 20 credits of business foundations classes, including business communications; accounting and financial reporting; business analytics; business microeconomics; corporate finance; marketing management; and operations management, among others.
They also have concentration options such as business analytics & risk management; entrepreneurial marketing; digital marketing; entrepreneurship, innovation & technology; health care management, innovation & technology; financial management; and investments. The program requires a total of 54 credits.
While most of the program can be completed online, students must attend a mandatory residency, which includes a two-day synchronous component. There will be additional, optional residency courses throughout the program.
| Location: Baltimore, MD |
| Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 36 months or less |
| Estimated Tuition: $1,800 per credit |
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler and the MBA@UNC have made it to the top of several school and program rankings, including those by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review. The online MBA@UNC is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to travel the world while learning about business. All students must complete two in-person immersions in a major business center, where they work with leading companies in the business community.
The 62-credit program includes core courses such as analytical tools for decision-making; business communication; business strategy; leading and managing; financial accounting; finance; and operations. Students in this program will be able to tailor their education by selecting from several concentrations that focus on a specified field or discipline. These include data analytics and decision-making; entrepreneurship; finance; management and leadership; marketing; and strategy and consulting. Students who can travel to campus can take elective courses from the school’s full-time on-campus program and its executive MBA program.
Applicants are not required to have a minimum GPA from previous education but must have at least two years of professional experience before being accepted into the program.
| Location: Chapel Hill, NC |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 36 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $133,691.58 total |
Utica University offers a customizable MBA program with several options for specializations. These include data analytics; entrepreneurship; finance/accounting; and healthcare management. Students can also enroll in the general MBA track.
The 30-credit online curriculum can be completed in two years part-time, allowing students to continue working while studying. They first take core classes, then move on to the concentration elective courses. GMAT test scores are not required; however, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume, are required for admission. Work experience is recommended but not required.
Courses include principles and practices of leadership; financial fluency; data-driven decision-making; global consumer, markets, and logistics; and strategy, among others.
| Location: Utica, NY |
| Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $21,000 total |
The Queens University of Charlotte offers an online MBA which can be completed in 18 to 24 months. With concentration options in finance, cybersecurity management, global business management, leadership and change, executive coaching, and healthcare management, students can set themselves apart and grow as professional leaders in their communities. The program also offers networking opportunities, mentorships, personalized executive coaching, and an international travel opportunity for MBA students.
Admission requirements include a completed online application, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation from professional references. Three years of professional work experience is preferred.
Made up of 36 to 39 credits, the program includes courses such as leadership development; managerial accounting; economics for managers; marketing management; business analytics; managerial finance; and strategic planning & implementation, among others.
| Location: Charlotte, NC |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $1,165 per credit |
Florida International University’s College of Business offers a professional online MBA, ranked #4 in the U.S. among public programs and #10 in the world by the QS World University Rankings (2022).
The program currently offers ten specialization options in business data analytics; entrepreneurship and innovation; business law; finance; leadership; international business; real estate; and strategic negotiations, among others. With five start dates throughout the year, the program can be completed in three different tracks: 33 months, 21 months, and 18 months.
Students in this 42-credit program must complete twelve core courses and two specialization courses. The program also includes three professional development seminars. Core courses include competitive strategy; accounting for managers; corporate finance; business analysis for decision-making; marketing management in the global environment; financial reporting and analysis; management of information systems; and organizational behavior, among others.
| Location: Miami, FL |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18, 21, or 33 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $59,892 total |
Boise State University’s online MBA program can be completed entirely online, featuring seven-week courses and six start dates a year. The program allows students to explore leadership techniques and group dynamics while learning project management and creative processes. Four emphasis areas are available: management, healthcare leadership, marketing leadership, and construction management. Graduates of this program will be able to take up roles such as senior managers, executives, directors, business owners, general managers, and project managers.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0, two years of full-time management experience, and GRE or GMAT scores (waivers available).
This 49-credit program includes courses such as business foundations; design thinking and strategic management; marketing strategy; people and organizations; corporate finance; managerial communication; information technology and business alignment; leadership for health professionals; healthcare systems and delivery; and healthcare operations and financial management.
| Location: Boise, ID |
| Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $750 per credit |
Students at the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts can pursue an online professional MBA that can be completed in as few as 18 months, although students can take longer to finish their degree.
Seven specialization areas are available in the program: accounting; business analytics; finance; information systems and technology; law and taxation; leadership; and marketing. Students in this program must complete 15 courses, although the five foundation courses may be waived depending on prior classes completed before the beginning of this MBA degree. Although the classes are available on-campus, all required courses can be completed online.
The curriculum includes courses such as strategic information technology alignment; business process management; leading responsibly; global strategy; designing for the value chain; and law, ethics, and social responsibility.
| Location: Waltham, MA |
| Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18 months or more |
| Estimated Tuition: $5,590 per course |
The College of Business at Florida Atlantic University offers an online professional MBA that can be completed in 23 months. Students may choose electives to diversify their understanding of different disciplines and industries, or pursue a concentration in one of the following areas: international business; hospitality and tourism management; finance; operations management; health administration; management information systems; business analytics; marketing; and accounting. This program consists of 40 to 46 credit hours, depending on the prerequisite coursework already completed by applicants.
Students in this program can expect to take classes on operations management; leadership and organizations; financial management; global environment of management; advanced marketing management; management of information systems and technology; and global business strategy, among others.
| Location: Boca Raton, FL |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 23 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $900 per credit |
At the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University, students can complete an online professional MBA program for up to 28 months or seven consecutive semesters. This online program requires between 30 and 36 credits, depending on previous coursework completed by applicants.
In addition to coursework, students must participate in a two-day regional student orientation, a faculty-led international trip, and a professional development and learning seminar. This program includes courses on foundations of accounting; foundations of finance; managing organizational behavior; information technology strategy and application; operations and supply chain management; managing the triple bottom line business; business strategy; marketing concepts and research; and economic analysis for business. A final capstone project is also required to earn the degree.
| Location: Manhattan, KS |
| Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 28 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $25,000-$30,000 total |
The College of Business and Economics at Regis University offers an online MBA program for working professionals. Students have the option to specialize in one of nine different areas of concentration, including general business; finance; business and data analytics; finance and accounting; health industry leadership; human resource management; marketing; project leadership and management; and strategy and innovation, all of which require the completion of 36 credits to graduate.
The program offers eight-week accelerated courses that begin at six different times throughout the year, meaning students can start studying on flexible dates. The core curriculum includes courses such as accounting for managers; finance for managers; managerial economics; strategic human resource management; operations management; and marketing strategy. The program also includes a capstone course.
| Location: Denver, CO |
| Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $1,051 per credit |
Students at the Business School at the University of Colorado–Denver have the opportunity to complete a part-time, online professional MBA degree that is designed specifically for working professionals. This 45-credit program requires students to complete 30 credits of core MBA courses, three credits of international business, and the remaining 12 credits in electives or specialization coursework.
Fifteen fields of specialization are available in this degree program. While not all concentrations can be completed entirely online, many offer courses with online options. The following specializations can be completed entirely online: business intelligence; accounting; entrepreneurship; information systems; finance; management; marketing; managing for sustainability; and risk management and insurance. Students can also choose to focus on the general MBA track.
Core courses include financial management; operations; economics; information systems; marketing; strategic management; accounting; law and ethics; data analysis; and leadership.
| Location: Denver, CO |
| Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 16 months or more and within five years |
| Estimated Tuition: $780 per credit |
The Miami Herbert Business School at the University of Miami offers an online professional MBA program providing students with the tools needed for succeeding in global business and an experience that reflects the diverse and multicultural perspective of the city of Miami. The program has two available tracks. The 42-credit traditional track can be completed in as few as 20 months, while the 35-credit accelerated track (available to those with a bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent degree in business) can be completed in as few as 16 months.
The curriculum includes courses such as innovative business strategies for future leaders; foundations of marketing management; accounting for decision-making and control; management of digital transformation; fundamentals of finance; managing for employee engagement; responsible business; managerial economics; data analytics for managers; and various electives that can be chosen by the student.
While the program is delivered 100 percent online, various on-campus experiences are offered, including two immersion experiences and other in-person networking opportunities.
| Location: Coral Gables, Florida |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 16 to 20 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $2,310 per credit |
The College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers an online MBA that is specifically tailored for working professionals who wish to obtain a master’s degree without leaving their job. Students in this program can choose to specialize in business analytics, healthcare administration, or finance, or may also choose the general MBA track. This program can be completed in as few as 24 months. As all of the coursework is delivered online, students are never required to visit campus throughout the duration of the program.
As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as economics for managers; organizational behavior and leadership; information technology for business; financial management; quantitative decision analysis for business; accounting for managers; marketing management; and corporate entrepreneurship and innovation. The program comprises 36 credits.
| Location: Chattanooga, TN |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: In-state ($1,990 per course); out-of-state ($2,131 per course) |
The Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas offers an online professional MBA, which can be completed in 21 months. This 53-credit program includes 32 hours of core courses and 21 hours of electives, although aspiring online students should understand that not all elective classes are delivered in an online format.
Students will have fifteen concentration options, some of which include accounting; energy management; business analytics; finance; information technology management; healthcare leadership and management; innovation & entrepreneurship; international management; and supply chain management. Elective coursework can also be pursued through academic certificate programs. Certificates are available on topics such as project management, transformational leadership, executive and professional coaching, organizational consulting, and strategic HR.
This program offers one start date per year in August, and students’ courses include financial accounting; marketing management; statistics and data analysis; organizational behavior; business economics; international business management; financial management; and strategic management. Students also have the opportunity to complete an international study trip, although this is not required.
| Location: Richardson, TX |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition: $85,689 (non-resident tuition) |
Professors to Know in Online Professional MBA Programs
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Luka Powanga, PhD Regis University
Dr. Luka Powanga is a professor of economics and finance at Regis University. He has developed and taught several economics, logistics, international business, finance, commercialization, and strategy courses. Dr. Powanga was involved in pioneering the online MBA program at Regis University, which grew to over 4,000 students.
He has earned various honors and awards, including the 2014 Award for Social Justice from the College for Professional Studies, and the 2012 Best Paper Award from the Association for Global Business, New Orleans. His research interests are in energy and the environment, entrepreneurship, mining and natural resource development, systems, resilience & sustainability. Dr. Luka Powanga completed his PhD at the Colorado School of Mines.
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Kevin P. Gwinner, PhD
Dr. Kevin P. Gwinner is the Edgerley Family Dean of the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University, where his research focuses on improving and managing the performance of front-line, customer-contact employees. Dr. Gwinner has published 36 peer-reviewed journal articles and three book chapters, and his research has been presented at various national and international conferences.
Additionally, Dr. Gwinner’s work has been cited by others over 12,000 times in peer-reviewed journal articles. His teaching areas include marketing management, marketing strategy, MBA, services marketing, and sports marketing. Dr. Gwinner completed his PhD, MBA, and BS at Arizona State University.
