Henderson State University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Henderson State University (HSU), founded in 1890, originally served as a teachers’ college. HSU later grew to offer degree programs in accounting, business, aviation management and more. The HSU aviation program currently offers the only four-year degree program in Arkansas. Today, HSU offers a multitude of degree programs through its College of Aviation, Science, and Nursing, the College of Business, the College of Performing Arts and Social Sciences, and the Teachers College. HSU is dedicated to preparing students for careers in high-demand fields both in Arkansas and elsewhere. Known for its motto as “The School with a Heart,” HSU’s core values include educational opportunity, measurable outcomes, learning outcomes, and innovation.

HSU offers an online master of business administration (MBA) program with four specializations: data science; engineering management; aviation management; and general business. HSU’s accelerated MBA programs feature seven week long courses, multiple admission date options per calendar year, and a streamlined admission process.

HSU, located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to award both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The HSU School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

What to Expect from HSU Online MBA Programs

Admission Requirements: All applicants to the MBA tracks must fulfill the same admission requirements. To be offered unconditional admission, applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in which their cumulative undergraduate GPA was at least 2.7 or at least a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants holding a GPA of at least 2.7 receive a waiver of the GMAT test requirement. Applicants are offered conditional admission if their cumulative undergraduate GPA is between 2.5 and 2.69 and they have an acceptable GMAT or GRE test score. Applicants should consult the HSU website for details on what constitutes an acceptable test score.

Henderson State University Online MBA Programs

State Restrictions: HSU welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including international students, military personnel, and transfer students.

International applicants must submit a number of documents to attest that they meet all requirements for full admission to their program of interest. International students are not eligible for conditional admission. Necessary documents include demonstrated English language proficiency from an accepted test provider, a financial statement form verifying the student has sufficient financial support while studying in the USA, and a certified transcript in English from an accredited credential evaluation agency. Additionally, international students are required to have valid medical insurance. Other details on the application process for international students can be found on the HSU website.

Applicants with military backgrounds may be able to use a variety of resources, including transfer credits for military experience and education, ROTC programs, and support services such as the Veterans Upward Bound program. College-level learning gained through military training and experience is evaluated by the American Council on Education. Students with military backgrounds may transfer a maximum of 30 credit hours towards their degrees. Students in active military duty may also be eligible for credit due to their physical activity. Additional details on resources available to applicants with military backgrounds can be found on the HSU website.

Transfer student applicants must have been in good academic standing at their current and/or former institution. They must have a GPA of at least 2.0 on their transferable coursework. Transfer students with fewer than 12 transferable credit hours must also provide ACT or SAT scores that meet the requirements for freshman student admission. All admitted transfer students are awarded a scholarship.

Study Plan: Students can complete all of HSU’s MBA programs in as little as 14 months. Seven-weeks-long courses and multiple start dates within the calendar year provide a high degree of flexibility in planning a course of study. Students can complete their program on a full- or part-time basis.

MBA Curriculum: MBA students of all tracks complete a 33-credit-hour curriculum consisting of 12 credits of core courses, a required course (MBA foundations) and concentration courses. Students complete four core courses to obtain their necessary 12 credits in accounting for business and management; managerial leadership and ethics; managerial finance; and organizational strategy. A list of concentration courses specific to each specialization is provided below.

  • MBA – Aviation Management Curriculum: Students complete concentration courses in airport operations and administration; aviation and aerospace law; economic analysis for managerial decisions; strategic information systems; evidence-based management and analytics; and marketing management.

  • MBA – Data Science Curriculum: In addition to the standard four core courses, data science students must also complete a data visualization core course. Concentration courses include economic analysis for managerial decisions; strategic information systems; evidence-based management and analytics; marketing management; and data science for business.

  • MBA – Engineering Management Curriculum: Students complete concentration courses in logistics and supply chain management (2 courses); project management; strategic information systems; marketing management; and quality control and improvement. This track also offers students certificate options in logistics and supply chain management, and project management.

  • MBA – General Business Curriculum: Concentration courses include economic analysis for managerial decisions; strategic information systems; evidence-based management and analytics; and marketing management. Students must also complete two concentration electives from a selection of seven courses. Elective topics include special studies in finance; data science for business; data visualization; quality control and improvement; logistics and supply chain management; special studies in marketing; and special studies in management.

Online Experience: All of HSU’s online MBA degree programs are offered fully online. There is no on-campus coursework or other participation requirements to complete this program. HSU recognizes the value of online learning as a means of enhancing accessibility and thereby broadening the pool of applicants who ultimately enroll, study, and graduate.

On-Site Requirements: As noted above, the MBA degree program is offered fully online. There are no on-campus requirements.

Paying for the HSU 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 HSU for additional support with applications and questions as needed.

The HSU website features an entire page dedicated to the topic of financial aid. On this page applicants can find information on numerous topics, including the cost of attendance, the financial aid application process, academic scholarships, other sources of aid, the federal work study program, and much more. Applicants and current students are recommended to maintain current knowledge of financial aid policies relevant to their circumstances. A Financial Aid FAQ link on HSU’s financial aid webpage can assist students in answering common questions.

To apply for financial aid to attend an HSU MBA program, applicants start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may also be able to finance their education through various means, including grants, scholarships, private loans, and other options. Students of particular backgrounds, such as military personnel and veterans, international students, and transfer students, may qualify for additional financial assistance by virtue of their particular backgrounds. Students seeking help navigating the world of financial aid are advised to contact the HSU Office of Financial Aid.

Henderson State University MBA - Aviation Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 6 start dates - 2 Spring, 2 Summer, 2 Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 14 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.5 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT waiver available
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $378.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $12,474

Henderson State University MBA - Data Science

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 6 start dates - 2 Spring, 2 Summer, 2 Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 14 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.5 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT waiver available
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $378.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $12,474

Henderson State University MBA - Engineering Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Yes
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? AACSB
100% Online? 6 start dates - 2 Spring, 2 Summer, 2 Fall
Program Accreditation Graduate in as few as 14 months.
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.5 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT waiver available
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $378.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $12,474

Henderson State University MBA - General Business

  • Offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course rate for all US residents
  • Graduate in as few as 14 months
  • Choose from 3 specializations: Aviation Management, Data Science or Engineering Management
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 6 start dates - 2 Spring, 2 Summer, 2 Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 14 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.5 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT waiver available
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $378.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $12,474

* 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.

Bernd Geels
Bernd Geels
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Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].