Emporia State University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Emporia State University’s School of Business and Technology offers a 100 percent online master of business administration (MBA) program with several specializations: cybersecurity; management accounting; marketing; information systems; a dual degree program featuring a master of science in information technology combined with a master of business administration degree; and a general MBA program. The programs use case study-driven coursework, allowing students to apply what they learn in real-world professional situations.

The general online MBA program provides a broad managerial view of business best practices and develops the analytical skills needed for organizational decision-making. The MBA with cybersecurity concentration teaches students to manage organizational risk, navigate regulations, lead incident response, and align cybersecurity with business strategy.

The MBA with information systems concentration prepares students to assess an organization’s IT capabilities, manage IT projects, and understand the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The MBA with management accounting concentration builds advanced accounting knowledge in reporting, financial management, auditing, and taxation. Coursework in this program can be applied toward the 150-hour requirement for the Uniform CPA Exam.

The MBA with marketing concentration focuses on marketing analytics, digital marketing, and consumer behavior, preparing students to become marketing leaders in a data-driven business world. The dual degree combines the master of science in information technology with the MBA, giving students both advanced technology skills and business management expertise.

These online MBA programs are designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting their jobs or personal responsibilities on hold. Students do not need to visit campus because all coursework is completed online. Online students also have access to the same resources and support as on-campus students.

Emporia State University is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, and is one of six public universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The university holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Emporia State University School of Business and Technology is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), and all online MBA programs are AACSB accredited.

What to Expect from ESU Online MBA Programs

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements across ESU’s MBA program offerings are nearly identical. All MBA program offerings require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent) institution, in which they either 1) had a cumulative GPA that was at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, or 2) had at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of study.

Applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from all institutions they have previously attended. Applicants with a GPA as low as 2.65 may be admitted to any of ESU’s MBA programs if other factors suggest a student will likely succeed in the program. The online MBA programs have a streamlined application process, and no GMAT is required.

Applicants who have two to four years of work experience or study in a field that includes quantitative analysis are one way a student with a GPA below 3.0 may ultimately be granted admission. MBA program accounting concentration applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or business, in which they completed coursework in accounting and income taxation.

For the dual degree, applicants must also meet additional requirements. They must have completed three credits of applied statistics or an equivalent course and three credits of an object-oriented programming course, or have relevant IT work experience, before enrolling in the program. Applicants with a GPA between 2.65 and 2.99 may be admitted if other factors point to likely success in the program. These factors may include three or more years of experience managing technology resources or two to four years of work experience or study in a field that includes quantitative analysis.

Study Plan: Designed to be completed quickly and flexibly, Emporia State University’s online MBA and all its concentrations require 33 credits and can be completed in as few as 12 months. The dual degree MS in IT/MBA requires 51 credits and can be completed in as few as 18 months.

All online MBA programs are delivered in accelerated seven-week courses. The programs offer six start dates each year, allowing students to choose a start time that works best for their schedule. Coursework is asynchronous and accessible 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection, making the programs suitable for working professionals.

The general MBA and the cybersecurity, information systems, and marketing concentrations each require 11 courses. These programs include 24 credits of core courses and nine credits of concentration or elective courses. The management accounting concentration also requires 11 courses, including 24 credits of core courses, three credits of required accounting courses, and six credits of electives.

The dual degree includes 17 courses. It includes 48 credits of core courses and three credit hours of MBA electives. Students who do not hold an undergraduate degree in an information technology discipline may need to complete additional leveling coursework to build the foundational knowledge needed for the program.

Students without an undergraduate business degree may need to complete a series of IVY modules and earn a minimum grade of 80 percent in order to graduate. These modules cover financial accounting, managerial accounting, business math and statistics, fundamentals of economics, and understanding corporate finance.

MBA Curriculum: Emporia State University’s online MBA programs include core business courses along with concentration or elective courses, depending on the program. Core courses include management accounting and business analysis; managerial economics; quantitative analysis of business decisions; advanced financial management; information systems for managerial decision making; behavioral aspects of management; strategic management; and marketing strategy. A listing of additional track-specific courses for each specialization appears below.

• MBA – General Curriculum: Students choose three elective courses from several available options. Some of them include advanced income taxation; data analytics for accounting; accounting theory; advanced accounting information systems; law of commerce; cyber defense leadership; information technology project management; business analytics; digital marketing; and consumer behavior, among others.

• MBA – Cybersecurity Curriculum: Students complete concentration courses in cybersecurity governance and strategic compliance; cybersecurity strategic risk and incident management; and cyber defense leadership.

• MBA – Management Accounting Curriculum: Students must take financial statement analysis and valuation as the required accounting course. They must also choose two electives from advanced income taxation; data analytics for accounting; accounting theory; and advanced accounting information systems. Elective course options may vary by term and are subject to change.

• MBA – Marketing Curriculum: Students complete concentration courses in marketing analytics; digital marketing; and consumer behavior.

• MBA – Information Systems Curriculum: Students choose three courses from information technology project management; systems analysis and design; business analytics; and enterprise resource planning (ERP) foundations. Elective course options may vary by term and are subject to change.

• MS/MBA Dual Degree – Information Technology Curriculum: The MSIT/MBA dual degree is a 51-credit program. Students in the MSIT/MBA dual degree complete the same core MBA courses mentioned above. The MSIT core courses include information technology project management; systems analysis and design; database management; cloud computing and management; application programming; enterprise architecture; electronic commerce; business analytics; and information systems for managerial decision making. Finally, students must complete a single three-credit elective course. Elective course options include law of commerce; marketing analytics; digital marketing; or consumer behavior.

Online Experience: ESU’s online MBA programs are 100 percent online and use asynchronous coursework that students can access 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection. The programs are delivered in accelerated seven-week courses and offer six start dates each year. Students learn through case study-driven coursework and can apply what they learn in real-world professional situations. Online students also have access to the same resources and support as on-campus students.

On-Site Requirements: ESU’s online MBA programs do not require students to visit campus. All coursework is completed online, allowing students to study from wherever they live. The programs are designed for working professionals who want to continue their education without interrupting their careers or personal responsibilities.

Paying for the ESU Online MBA Degree Programs

The online MBA degree program tuition figures are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should closely review tuition information and contact ESU for additional support with applications and questions as needed.

The ESU website features an entire page dedicated to financial aid resources. On this page, applicants and students can access information related to the financial aid application process, the cost of attendance, loans, grants, work-study opportunities, veterans’ educational services, exit counseling, and more.

To receive financial aid, applicants may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may also be able to finance their education through other means, including grants, scholarships, private loans, and more.

Students from certain backgrounds may also be eligible for additional financial assistance. For example, as previously noted, ESU is a military-friendly school. Individuals with military backgrounds may be eligible to receive VA education benefits as well as a variety of other resources. More details about financial resources for applicants with military and other special backgrounds can be found on the ESU website.