Dakota Wesleyan University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), founded in 1885 by a pioneer group affiliated with the Dakotas Conference of the Methodist Church. Known as Dakota University until 1904, the institution became the largest independent college in the state by 1920. The institution’s focus and growth have been guided by its founders’ vision of being a university that stands for the highest Christian thoughts and deeds. This commitment is reflected in its motto, “Sacrifice or Service.” This foundation remains fundamental to DWU in the present era as it continues in its second century of educating leaders of the future.
The Dakota Wesleyan University Musick Family Department of Business offers an online MBA program featuring four distinct degree specializations. These specializations are in strategic leadership, athletic and activities administration, nonprofit administration, and practical church leadership. The MBA program is designed for working professionals by working professionals, and can accommodate students who work part- or full-time.
Dakota Wesleyan University, located in Mitchell, South Dakota, has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. The MBA program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
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What to Expect from DKU Online MBA Programs
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission, applicants must first submit a complete online application. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, as confirmed by official transcripts, which applicants must submit as part of their application. Applicants must have maintained a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75. Though applicants are not required to have a business-related bachelor’s degree, those whose studies were not in a business-related field may be required to complete leveling courses through DWU’s Peregrine Academic Services.
Applicants also must submit a current resume and a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Current DWU undergraduate senior students, as well as graduates of DWU bachelor’s degree programs who have a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0-point scale) are permitted to enroll in the MBA program automatically. They are only required to submit a complete application form. The MBA program does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
State Restrictions: DWU also welcomes applications from international and military-affiliated students.
International students must submit a complete online application for admission to the MBA program, official transcripts from all international secondary and post-secondary institutions attended, proof of English language proficiency, and proof of financial support as documented on the DWU statement of financial responsibility for international students form. Official transcripts from institutions attended outside the USA must be evaluated by an approved foreign academic credential evaluation service. Details on approved credential evaluation providers and acceptable English language proficiency exam providers can be found on the DWU website.
Military-affiliated applicants are also welcome to complete DWU degree programs. DWU is approved to accept military students’ federal education benefits awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. DWU is also a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. SOC Consortium institutional members adhere to principles designed to ensure that quality academic programs are available to military students. For full details on the admission process for military applicants, please contact DWU directly.
Study Plan: Full-time students can complete these MBA degrees in as little as 12 months. Students interested in completing their program of study part-time or over an extended period should contact DWU to verify the university’s current policy regarding degree study planning. The curriculum features accelerated courses of seven weeks duration. No thesis is required to fulfill requirements to graduate.
MBA Curriculum: The DWU online MBA degree program features four distinct MBA degree options in the areas of strategic leadership, athletic and activities administration, nonprofit administration, and practical church leadership. All degree tracks require completion of 36 credit-hours.
- MBA – Strategic Leadership Curriculum: Students complete courses in the following topics: practical economics; employee life cycle; strategic business analysis and management; project management; conflict management; coaching and mentoring in the workplace; adaptive leadership and change management; data-informed decision making; financial analysis; contemporary marketing; managerial accounting; and high-performance teams.
- MBA – Athletic and Activities Administration Curriculum: Students complete courses in the following topics: practical economics; revenue generation and management; adaptive leadership and change management; data-informed decision making; contemporary marketing; coaching and mentoring in the workplace; advanced public relations and promotion; event and facilities planning and management; employee life cycle; strategic business analysis and management; and conflict management. This is not a complete course listing. Applicants should contact DWU to verify the complete curriculum for this program.
- MBA – Nonprofit Administration Curriculum: Students complete courses in the following topics: governance, personnel and volunteer management; financial resource development; adaptive leadership and change management; project management; high-performance teams; communications and community outreach; practical economics; data-informed decision making; and conflict management. This is not a complete course listing. Applicants should contact DWU to verify the complete curriculum for this program.
- MBA – Practical Church Leadership Curriculum: Students complete courses in the following topics: the path to stewardship; financial resource management; vision, strategy, and evaluation; governance, personnel, and volunteer management; communications and community outreach; and financial resource development.
Online Experience: All DWU online MBA degree programs are offered fully online. There are no on-campus coursework or other participation requirements to complete this program.
On-Site Requirements: As noted above, the MBA degree program is offered fully online. There are no on-campus requirements.
Paying for the DWU Online MBA Degree Programs
The tuition figures for the online MBA degree programs are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should carefully review the tuition information and contact Dakota Wesleyan University for additional support with applications and any questions they may have.
The DWU website maintains a wealth of information explicitly dedicated to student financial resources. Particular financial topics available online include information on financial aid resources, the financial aid application process, the cost of attendance, student rights and responsibilities, and more.
Many students will ultimately use a variety of resources to finance their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a widely used form that serves as the primary application for determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. The FAFSA is issued annually, and universities typically provide robust support to help students understand and complete the FAFSA. Financial aid eligibility determinations generated by the FAFSA and other applications are often based on several factors, including academic achievement, talent, financial need, and family background.
Students from certain backgrounds may be eligible for additional financial assistance. Examples of such backgrounds include military personnel, first-generation students, and those with significant obstacles in their family and personal backgrounds. Such assistance may originate from a variety of sources. All prospective students are advised to thoroughly research the DWU website to guide them as they formulate their strategy for financing their education.
Dakota Wesleyan University Online MBA
- Best online MBA in South Dakota by Fortune in 2023
- Offers the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
- Graduate in as few as 12 months
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Spring, Summer, Fall (7-week academic calendar) |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as few as 12 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | IACBE |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.75 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $425.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $15,300 |
* 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.
