University of South Dakota Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The University of South Dakota (USD) traces its origins back to 1862 when the first legislature of the Dakota Territory created the very first postsecondary educational institution in the Dakotas. The university that would eventually become USD held its first classes in a loaned space in Vermillion. The future university’s first academic unit, its College of Arts and Sciences, was established in 1883. Additional schools and colleges would be created in the coming decades with the School of Business being created in 1927.
In the present day, USD is one of six public colleges governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. USD is the only public liberal arts college in South Dakota and is also home to the state’s only law and medical schools. USD academic programs are created and operated in accordance with USD’s values of student-centered education, responsible stewardship, transparency, community, hospitality, and integrity.
The USD Beacom School of Business offers an online master of business administration (MBA) degree program with nine specialization options: artificial intelligence for business analytics; business analytics; business leadership; finance; health services administration; marketing; operations and supply chain management; sustainability; and a general MBA program. The USD MBA program is a highly respected program and was ranked 19th in the Princeton Review Top 50 Online MBA Programs in 2025, as well as the most affordable program in that same ranking issue.
The University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, South Dakota, has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913. USD’s MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
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What to Expect from USD Online MBA Programs
Admission Requirements: The USD MBA program welcomes applications from applicants who have earned a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree. Domestic applicants must submit a complete online admission application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. Some academic programs also require official test scores and a statement of purpose. MBA program applicants are advised to contact the MBA program directly to confirm current admission requirements.
State Restrictions: USD welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds such as international applicants and military personnel.
International applicants must complete a more complex admission process than that of domestic applicants. To be considered for admission, international applicants must submit the online graduate school admission application, proof of English language proficiency, official transcripts, a professional foreign academic credential evaluation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and a photocopy of their valid passport. Information on accepted providers of English language proficiency exams and foreign academic credential evaluators can be found in the international admissions section on the USD website.
Students in need of an I-20 must also provide financial documentation as federal regulations require all students to prove they have the financial ability to pay for at least one full academic year of tuition, fees, and living expenses before USD can issue an I-20 document. International students seeking to transfer from another accredited college or university in the USA should contact USD International Admissions.
Veterans, active military, and military family members may apply to USD’s MBA program by applying for USD Graduate School admission. Applicants can obtain details on particular admission requirements relevant to military and related applicants by contacting USD directly. The USD Office of Veterans’ Services serves as a centralized source of information and support for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Students from a variety of additional backgrounds are welcome to apply to USD programs. Such individuals should also review the USD website and contact the university directly to confirm current application requirements.
Study Plan: Students can complete these MBA degrees in as little as 12 months full-time and generally within 24 months part-time. Students interested in completing their program over a more extended time period should contact USD to verify the current university policy regarding degree study planning.
MBA Curriculum: MBA students across all tracks must complete a curriculum comprising 27 credits of MBA core courses, six credits of elective coursework, and specialization coursework. Students complete core coursework in the following topics: managerial finance, quantitative analysis, operations management, leadership development, business and its environment, managerial marketing, strategic management, managerial economics, and either managerial accounting or accounting in governmental and non-profit organizations.
Students complete their remaining six credits by choosing business essentials, a thesis, or electives. Generally, students whose undergraduate degree was not in business must complete six credit-hours of business essentials coursework. Those who complete electives must complete business-related elective coursework. Details on these three options can be found on the USD website.
Specialization coursework varies by degree track. A listing of courses specific to each specialization appears below.
- MBA – General (Non-Specialization) Program Curriculum (33 credits): Students’ undergraduate backgrounds determine what path they may choose within the general program. Students with a bachelor’s degree in business complete the 33 credits of advanced coursework and may choose the thesis or non-thesis option. Students choosing the thesis option complete their required six credits beyond core courses by completing their thesis project. Those choosing the non-thesis option may complete six credits of business-related electives. Students whose bachelor’s degree was not in business must complete the non-thesis option. This particular option requires students to complete six credits of essentials coursework rather than elective coursework. This coursework consists of two courses focused on business essentials.
- MBA – AI for Business Analytics Curriculum (39-45 credits): Students complete 12 credits of elective coursework covering the following topics: business analytics fundamentals; data mining for managers; data mining for competitive advantage; and business artificial intelligence applications.
- MBA – Business Analytics Curriculum (39-45 credits): Students complete 12 credits of elective courses in the following topics: data management and warehousing; data mining for managers; data mining for competitive advantage; and operational analytics.
- MBA – Business Leadership Curriculum (36-42 credits): Students complete nine credits of elective courses in the topics of human resource management and managerial communication. Students complete a third course from the following course topic options: business ethics; negotiation/dispute resolution; project management; communication and conflict resolution; advanced leadership theory and practice; and public personnel management.
- MBA – Finance Curriculum (36-42 credits): Students complete an elective course in the topic of investment analysis and portfolio management as well as two additional courses from the following course topic options: security analysis; advanced corporate finance; financial derivatives; financial institutions; commercial bank management; international finance; advanced financial analysis and modeling; international financial management; and a seminar course.
- MBA – Health Services Administration Curriculum (39-45 credits): Students complete 12 credits of elective coursework by completing courses in the topics of contemporary issues in health services administration, international health systems, and managing health services resources. Students complete a fourth course from the following course topic options: health services for long-term care; long-term care administration; health services administration abroad (study abroad course); or an internship.
- MBA – Marketing Curriculum (36-42 credits): Students complete nine credits of elective coursework by completing a course in advanced consumer behavior and then choosing two courses from the following course topics: supply chain management; data mining for managers; brand management; new product development; and a topics in business course. The topics in business course will earn students a maximum of three credits. If students choose this course the content must be related to marketing and the course must be approved by the graduate program coordinator.
- MBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management Curriculum (36-42 credits): Students complete nine credits of elective coursework by completing a course in supply chain management and then choosing two courses from the following course topics: lean management; project management; data management and warehousing; quality and six sigma management; and a topics in business course. The topics in business course will earn students a maximum of three credits. If students choose this course the content must be related to marketing and the course must be approved by the graduate program coordinator.
- MBA – Sustainability Curriculum (42-48 credits): Students complete nine credits of elective coursework by completing two courses in sustainability & complexity and sustainable futures. Students complete a third course by choosing from the following course topic options: sustainability innovations, opportunities, and challenges; research for sustainability; or an internship course.
Online Experience: All USD online MBA degree programs are offered fully online. There are no on-campus coursework or other participation requirements to complete the MBA program.
On-Site Requirements: As noted above, the MBA degree program is offered fully online. There are no on-campus requirements.
Paying for the USD Online MBA Degree Programs
The tuition figures for the online MBA degree programs are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should carefully review the tuition information and contact USD for additional support with applications and any questions they may have.
The USD Office of Financial Aid and the university’s website offer extensive resources explicitly dedicated to student financial resources. Applicants will also be interested to know that affordability is a metric upon which USD is rated very highly. The USD webpage dedicated to financial aid describes the financial aid application process, different types of aid, and features a topic directory focused on numerous subjects, including aid eligibility, federal resources, financial aid and study abroad, satisfactory academic progress policy, and more. USD also offers graduate students graduate assistantships as a means to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their contributions to USD teaching, research, and service activities.
Many students use a combination of resources to finance their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a ubiquitous form that often serves as the primary application for determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. The FAFSA is issued annually, and universities generally provide robust support to help students understand and complete it. Financial aid eligibility determinations generated by the FAFSA and other applications are often generated based on a number of factors, such as academic achievement, talent, financial need, and family background.
Students from certain backgrounds may be eligible for additional financial assistance. Examples of such backgrounds include military personnel, first-generation students, and those with significant obstacles in their family and personal backgrounds. Such assistance may originate from a variety of sources. All prospective students are advised to research the USD website thoroughly.
University of South Dakota Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Offers the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
- Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time
- Choose from a wide variety of concentrations
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 33 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, essay, three recommendations, english language proficiency (international applicants) are required. |
| Credit Hours | 33 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $15,975 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $21,785 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $21,785 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $20,332 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $20,332 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $21,785 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $20,332 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $20,332 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Summer, Fall, Spring |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 48 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year, full-time and as little as two years, part-time. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.7 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose are required. |
| Credit Hours | 48 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $484.10 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $23,237 |
* 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.
