George Mason University Online MBA - Business Analytics & General Concentrations
For the latest academic year, we have over 250 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Online MBA programs are every bit as academically rigorous as in-person programs. The expectations, workload, and learning outcomes are aligned; what differs is the mode of delivery, not the academic standard.”
Ioannis Bellos, PhD, Associate Professor, George Mason University’s Costello College of Business
The George Mason University School of Business offers an online master of business administration (MBA) with a general track or the optional integration of a graduate certificate in business analytics. The primary focus areas of the program include analytical decision-making, contemporary business issues, functional business disciplines, and collaborative leadership and communication. Students have the option of participating in a one-week global residency in which they study organizations abroad, complete a team project, and gain new perspectives on business.
The graduate certificate in business analytics focuses on data collection, organization, analysis, and reporting. Integrating this certificate into the MBA degree gives graduates an edge in the area of big data and helps them to make informed predictions and decisions and develop business strategies based on the data.
The online program is taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program and is offered part-time for greater flexibility for working professionals. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and two years of professional work experience. Students come from various backgrounds, including marketing, history, psychology, computer science, accounting, and politics to name a few. Mason is located in Fairfax, Virginia, a 40-minute drive from Washington DC.
| Program | Degree Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Online MBA | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
| Online MBA - Business Analytics Concentration | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
Meet the Expert: Ioannis Bellos, PhD
Dr. Ioannis Bellos is an associate professor in the information systems and operations management area and the director of the MBA, MSM, and business certificate programs at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business. His research examines sustainable and service-oriented operations, with a particular focus on business models that emphasize access over ownership, including sharing-economy innovations and product-service systems. His work appears in leading journals in operations and management science.
Dr. Bellos teaches operations management at both the MBA and undergraduate levels and is a multi-year recipient of the MBA Faculty of the Year award. Through his teaching, program leadership, and research, he advances understanding of how organizations can design more efficient, environmentally responsible, and customer-centered operations.
BSchools.org: What do you wish the public understood about flexible online MBA programs?
Dr. Bellos: One thing I wish the public understood is that online MBA programs are every bit as academically rigorous as in-person programs. The expectations, workload, and learning outcomes are aligned; what differs is the mode of delivery, not the academic standard.
For example, the same faculty that teaches the in-person Costello College of Business MBA core and elective courses is also teaching the in-person MBA core and elective courses. There is no change in faculty quality or the expectations of what the students will need to do to be successful in each course.
At the same time, the tremendous flexibility that online MBA programs provide comes with trade-offs. The most obvious one is networking: it is possible to build strong professional relationships online, but it requires more intentional effort than walking into a physical classroom.
Another trade-off that people often overlook is the self-discipline required to succeed in an asynchronous format. In an in-person MBA program, the structure and social environment naturally help keep students on track. In an online setting, you have more autonomy, which means that time management and a proactive approach to coursework become even more important.
In short, online MBA programs provide access and flexibility without sacrificing academic quality, but students should be conscious that more of the responsibility to get the most out of their academic experience, staying on top of coursework, and being aware of networking opportunities, is on them. There are opportunities for online students, but it is up to the student to determine their own level of engagement.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to aspiring online MBA students?
Dr. Bellos: My advice to aspiring online MBA students is to consider programs that offer both flexibility and access to in-person touch points. Choosing an online MBA from a school that is geographically close can be an excellent way to get the best of both worlds: you can chip away at coursework on your own schedule without the commute, while still having access to in-person networking events, workshops, career services, and other on-campus resources.
This advantage should not be overlooked. At Costello, for example, we host speaker series, industry panels, alumni gatherings, and professional development events that online students can attend. Being close enough to participate occasionally can significantly strengthen your network and overall experience.
Many online MBA programs are asynchronous, meaning students are not required to participate in live sessions. However, faculty often offer optional real-time classes or discussions. My advice to online MBA students is to take advantage of these opportunities whenever possible, as they provide valuable interaction, clarification, and connection that enrich the learning experience.
Ultimately, success in an online MBA comes from being intentional. Look for a program that fits your lifestyle but also gives you opportunities to engage, both virtually and, when possible, in person. At the end of the day, your degree will read master of business administration, not “online” master of business administration, but the value that each student can really derive from their MBA is how much they were able to tap into their MBA community.
What to Expect from the George Mason University Online MBA Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MBA must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Two years of professional work experience are required. Admissions materials include an online application, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a goals statement (750 words or less), GMAT/GRE test scores, and an optional one-minute video introduction. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for qualified applicants.
U.S. applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with their application but will need official transcripts if admitted. International students who do not have a degree from a country where the primary language is English must provide proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS test scores. In addition, all transcripts must be translated into English and George Mason will provide a transcript evaluation at no charge to the student.
Study Plan: The online MBA is part-time and is designed to be completed in just 33 months. Students may begin in the fall, winter, or spring and can take up to six years to complete the program. Online courses last eight weeks and students take one course at a time. Online graduate students should expect to spend eight to twelve hours per week for each class. Students have the option of integrating the graduate certificate in business analytics into their program for a business analytics concentration.
Curriculum: The George Mason University online MBA program comprises 48 credits. Core courses include operations management, managing costs and evaluating performance, strategic management, marketing management, organizational behavior, the statistics for business decision making, the management of information technology, managerial finance, financial reporting and decision making, and managerial economics and decisions of the firm.
General track electives include several choices such as negotiations, entrepreneurship, leadership, financial markets, corporate financial policy, international business strategy, and more.
To earn a concentration in business analytics, students can integrate the graduate certificate in business analytics into their program in place of the elective requirements. Students must take data mining for business analytics and then choose three electives from the following: advanced data mining for business analytics, marketing research, fraud examination, or marketing analytics.
Online Experience: Courses for the online MBA are asynchronous and delivered through the Blackboard learning management system (LMS). Students collaborate through discussion boards, chat rooms, and online blogs. Assignments and assessments can be completed and submitted online through the available Blackboard technologies. Students access online courses through the myMason portal and should ensure they have all the required equipment to access courses.
Online students should set aside adequate time for class preparation and coursework, expect to collaborate regularly with faculty and fellow students, and be self-directed learners. Each course requires 8 to 12 hours per week. Graduates gain lifetime access to career services through George Mason University.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online Mason MBA. Students may take the optional one-week study abroad experience to fulfill the global requirement. As always, students are welcome to visit campus at any time and participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.
Paying for the George Mason University Online MBA Program
George Mason University Online MBA tuition numbers for all online students (regardless of residency status) are listed in the tables below, and include a per-credit distance learning fee. Other fees are not included. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of the George Mason School of Business for total costs.
George Mason University offers financial aid in the form of grants, merit scholarships, and federal loans through the FAFSA application. Online MBA students may also seek financial aid from outside resources such as community organizations and societies. In addition, prospective students can check with their employer concerning tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking an MBA.
George Mason University Online MBA
SponsorFor the latest academic year, we have over 250 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
- Primary focus areas include analytical decision-making, contemporary business issues, functional business disciplines, and collaborative leadership and communication
- Students have the option of participating in a one-week global residency
- Graduates gain lifetime access to career services through George Mason University
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 3 - Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 48 |
| Time to Complete? | Complete in as little as 33 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes, optional 1-week residency abroad |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Areas of Concentration | Business Analytics |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 2 years professional work experience is required |
| Credit Hours | 48 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,105.50 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $53,064 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 4 - Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 48 |
| Time to Complete? | Complete in as little as 33 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes, optional 1-week residency abroad |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 2 years professional work experience is required |
| Credit Hours | 48 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,105.50 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $53,064 |
* 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.
