Thomas Jefferson University Online MBA Program
“I want more people to recognize real estate as a strategic field driven by data analysis, which demands analytical skills and long-term planning instead of intuition or chance.”
D.K. Malhotra, PhD, Professor of Finance, Thomas Jefferson University School of Business
Thomas Jefferson University offers an online MBA program with concentrations in biopharmaceutical commercialization, cannabis business, health analytics, leadership, real estate development, taxation and a customized program. The MBA can be completed in 18 months while adding a specialization increases completion time to 24 months. No campus visits are required as the program is 100 percent online.
Jefferson Online is a part of Thomas Jefferson University and is a separate school delivering interactive, innovative online degree programs. The Jefferson Online MBA prepares graduates to lead in the business industry with customer-focused business models.
There are several MBA concentrations available: biopharmaceutical commercialization, cannabis business, health analytics, leadership, real estate development, and taxation.
Finally, Thomas Jefferson University offers a customized specialization in which students design their own course of study in alignment with their professional and personal aspirations. Graduates of the customized specialization may go on to pursue a variety of careers.
Thomas Jefferson University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The university’s MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Meet the Expert: D.K. Malhotra, PhD
Dr. D.K. Malhotra is a professor of finance at Thomas Jefferson University School of Business, where he holds the Nydick Family Term Chair and directs the MBA programs. A leading scholar in finance, his research spans interest rate and currency swaps, mutual funds, and the integration of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. He has authored over 160 peer-reviewed articles, with work cited by the SEC, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and national media including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Dr. Malhotra is editor-in-chief of the Afro-Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting and serves on the editorial boards of several international finance and risk management journals. He holds a PhD and MA from the University of Alabama and an MS from the University of Delhi.
BSchools.org: What is something you wish the public understood about real estate?
Dr. Malhotra: Through my knowledge of finance as well as mortgage markets, I’ve discovered that this field extends well beyond basic property transactions. The field requires knowledge of local and global market trends while also understanding zoning laws and financing options, along with investment analysis and risk management skills.
I want more people to recognize real estate as a strategic field driven by data analysis, which demands analytical skills and long-term planning instead of intuition or chance.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to potential MBA candidates considering a concentration in real estate?
Dr. Malhotra: For those thinking about pursuing an MBA with a real estate focus, consider building a strong foundation in finance and economics alongside developing data analysis capabilities from the start.
Develop strong skills in finance, economics, and data analysis as soon as possible. Real estate works across multiple disciplines, which means a broader skillset will serve you well.
The real estate industry values relationships; therefore, participating in internships and networking through alumni events and real estate clubs holds equal importance to education in the classroom. I encourage you to explore different real estate asset classes, such as residential, commercial, and industrial properties, to find your niche.
BSchools.org: What does the future of this area look like to you?
Dr. Malhotra: I predict that technology will transform the real estate sector through AI-enabled property valuations and blockchain-based transaction systems. The real estate industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability as green buildings and smart cities become more popular. Students can now explore career paths that merge innovative practices with urban planning and investment techniques. The coming years hold dynamic possibilities that promise to create significant tangible outcomes.
What to Expect from the Jefferson Online MBA
Admission Requirements: The application process through Jefferson Online is streamlined and simple and includes an application, official transcripts, and a copy of the applicant’s resume. Additional materials may be requested.
Study Plan: Thomas Jefferson University runs courses every eight weeks, therefore sessions run twice per semester in the fall, spring, and summer which are also the start dates offered. The MBA may be earned within 12 to 24 months. Students may also transfer in credits in order to reduce the course load and time to completion. Though the MBA is 100 percent online, students have the opportunity to go abroad during the International Graduate Business Trip offered each spring.
MBA Curriculum: All online MBA program students take a core business curriculum as well as three concentration courses. The core business curriculum consists of innovation and business core courses totaling 27 credit hours. The 9 credits of innovation core courses are earned from courses in business model innovation; design thinking in business; and managing innovative people and teams.
The 18 credits of business core courses are earned by completing courses in competitive technical intelligence; accounting for management decisions; financial policy and planning; operations from a systems perspective; strategic insight and implementation; and a course in either international business innovation (overseas trip) or international finance and economics. The Jefferson online MBA consists of anywhere between 30 to 46 credit hours of coursework.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preparation and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) preparation students must also take a zero-credit review course. MBA students with business backgrounds may qualify for advanced standing waivers and therefore not need to complete a nine-credit-hour gateway foundation course suite.
Concentration courses for the various concentration options are listed below:
- Biopharmaceutical Commercialization Concentration Courses: Introduction to biopharmaceuticals and biologics production; biopharmaceuticals and biologics: regulatory and quality; and biopharmaceutical commercialization: strategy and analytics
- Cannabis Business Concentration Courses: emerging issues in the cannabis industry; quality control and quality assurance in medical cannabis analysis and dispensing; and one elective course. Available elective courses include pathology potentially responsive to cannabis; conventional and cannabinoid therapy of disease; health implications of medicinal cannabis; botany and chemistry; forensic analysis of cannabis and cannabis-derived products; cannabinoid pharmacology; entrepreneurship; and an internship course.
- Health Analytics Concentration Courses: health informatics and analytics; data science; data visualization
- Leadership Concentration Courses: communication, negotiation, creative economy; entrepreneurship; and career jumpstart or new product development
- Real Estate Development Courses: sustainable real estate development process; and two of the following courses: real estate finance and investment; real estate law & ethical practices; real estate taxation; market analysis and valuation; public-private partnerships. Students also complete three separate case study courses in mixed-use, commercial and health care facilities; urban revitalization, historic neighborhoods, and adaptive reuse; and sustainable affordable housing.
- Taxation Concentration Courses: individual taxation; corporate taxation; tax research; and a zero credit hour Becker CPA review course
- Customized Concentration Courses: Students design their own course of study in alignment with their professional and personal aspirations. Students may complete courses from the Jefferson School of Business, any other college at Jefferson, or special topics courses.
Online Experience: The MBA is delivered through Jefferson Online in a flexible format, utilizing a project-based curriculum. Collaboration with faculty and peers is encouraged and promoted. Thomas Jefferson University may deliver courses through the Canvas or Blackboard learning management systems. Synchronous sessions and online office hours are delivered through either Collaborate or Zoom.
Online students have access to the same support as on-campus students, including library services, browsing privileges, academic advising and support, financial aid services, career counseling, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the MBA and specializations are 100 percent online. Students have the option to complete a course in international business innovation in which they take a trip abroad in the spring. This course may be taken to fulfill business core coursework requirements. However, because students may instead choose another course in international finance and economics rather than complete a course requiring international travel there are no actual on-site requirements for the MBA program.
Paying for the Thomas Jefferson University Online MBA
The tuition rates are listed in the tables below. Jefferson Online graduate students may have access to graduate student loans in accordance with the FAFSA. Grants, scholarships, and veteran benefits may also be available.
Finally, MBA students are encouraged to inquire with their employers in regards to a tuition reimbursement program and to seek funding from other outside sources. Applicants should contact Thomas Jefferson University for current costs, discounts, and available financial aid.
Thomas Jefferson University Online Innovation MBA (iMBA)
- Choose the online Innovation MBA (iMBA) or add a specialization in biopharmaceutical commercialization or management
- Complete your degree in 18-24 months with 8 week courses
- Unique foci include the study of multinational firms, foreign exchange markets, capital markets, and technical intelligence, plus the foundational concepts necessary to compete in the global business world
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 18 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Areas of Concentration | Biopharmaceutical Commercialization, Leadership, Cannabis Business, Real Estate Development, Health Analytics, CPA |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $855.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $30,780 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $845.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,025 |
* 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.
