Northern Illinois University Online MBA

• Online MBA

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By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore Reviewed By School

Updated January 11, 2024

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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 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.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a fully online master of business administration (MBA) program through the College of Business. The degree can be completed in as little as 18 months through full-time study or three years part-time. No campus visits are required and out-of-state students pay in-state tuition.

The online MBA curriculum has been redesigned to be more innovative and integrative, with interdisciplinary components. Online students have access to hands-on learning through advanced business simulation tools, case studies, and projects. The curriculum combines business theory with practical skills to create a successful MBA graduate.

Courses last eight weeks each and cover key business concepts including

• Information systems technology
• Marketing management
• Strategic management
• Business policy
• Global supply chain management
• Financial analysis
• Leading individuals and teams
• Managerial accounting

Students can tailor nine credits of electives to meet their specific career goals in leadership and management.

Graduates of the NIU online MBA program may go on to management business positions in consulting, entrepreneurship, healthcare, marketing, data analysis, financial services, banking, and more.

Northern Illinois University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The NIU online MBA holds accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb, IL with regional centers throughout Illinois.

What to Expect from the Northern Illinois University Online MBA

Admission Requirements: Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 Those who have not earned a bachelor’s degree in business will likely need to take several prerequisite courses. The GMAT is required. A GMAT waiver is available to qualified applicants with specific parameters.

No work experience is required. Applicants must submit an online application and fee, the required letters of recommendation, GMAT test scores, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. Proof of English language proficiency is also required if applicable.

Study Plan: NIU online MBA courses that last eight weeks each and the program can be completed in 18 months on a full-time basis or three years part-time. Those without a prior business degree may need to take several prerequisite courses. No campus visits are required. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Online students should expect to spend about three hours on work and study for each credit.

Curriculum: The Northern Illinois University online MBA comprises 30 credits including 21 core credits and nine credits of electives. Core courses include financial statement analysis; global supply chain management; leading individuals, teams, and organizations; marketing management; digital transformation strategy; financial analysis; and strategic management and policy.

Electives may come from course offerings through the College of Business or other schools within the university upon approval of the student’s academic adviser. Students should tailor their electives to meet their career goals. There are no concentrations available for the NIU online MBA.

Those without a bachelor’s degree in business must take the following courses: financial accounting concepts; survey of business economics; fundamentals of financial management; principles of management; legal aspects of business; graduate survey of marketing; principles of operations management; business information systems; and business statistics. These two-credit courses are offered through NIU.

Online Experience: The NIU online MBA is delivered through Blackboard Learn. Students have access to a wealth of resources and information through the MyNIU Student System. The curriculum has been redesigned to be more innovative and integrative including interdisciplinary components. Delivery may include recordings, case studies, assignments, and assessments. Online students have access to hands-on learning through advanced business simulation tools. Collaboration may take place through blogs, small-group activities, discussion boards, and virtual chats.

NIU online students have access to academic advising, tutoring, the University Writing Center, orientation, financial aid resources, mental health counseling, disability resources, the Career Center, and an alumni network.

On-Site Requirements: There are no campus visit requirements as the NIU online MBA is 100 percent online.

Paying for the NIU Online MBA

The Northern Illinois University online MBA tuition is listed in the tables below, and does not include additional fees. Prospective students should contact the NIU College of Business for cost clarifications and updates.

NIU online MBA students may qualify for unsubsidized graduate student loans in accordance with the FAFSA. Prospective students can inquire with the NIU Graduate School. Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement programs and students may wish to seek funding from their communities in the form of scholarships, grants, and private loans.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.