West Liberty University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
West Liberty University (WLU) is a four-year public university and West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. WLU was originally established as West Liberty Academy 26 years before West Virginia was admitted to the United States. WLU was created to meet the need for higher education west of the Appalachian Ridge.
West Liberty was named as such in the late 18th century in recognition of its location, which at the time delineated the westernmost point of the liberty provided through West Virginia’s accession to the United States. WLU’s vision is to prepare its graduates to become leaders in both their professions and communities via the innovative and inclusive opportunities contained within the university’s diverse educational programming. WLU’s academic program curricula are designed in accordance with WLU’s values of community, excellence, innovation and integrity.
West Liberty University offers an online master of business administration (MBA) program with four specializations: accounting, marketing, management and project management. WLU’s MBA program is robust and accessible, designed to help its students achieve their professional goals. Students may choose from an accelerated or standard track study pace and may take classes in a fully online or hybrid format.
West Liberty University, located in West Liberty, West Virginia, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The West Liberty University Gary E. West College of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
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What to Expect from West Liberty University Online MBA Programs
Admission Requirements: To be offered admission, applicants must submit a complete admissions application and official transcripts that demonstrate receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in which they maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Prior to full admission and enrollment, students must also complete an inbound placement exam. Applicants whose exam results indicate deficiencies in foundational business areas must complete online leveling/tutorial modules before enrolling in the course.
Applicants whose cumulative undergraduate degree GPA was less than 2.5 may be offered provisional admission. Such admission may be offered at the discretion of the graduate program director. Applicants must meet all other requirements prior to starting courses. Provisionally admitted students must obtain a grade of “B” or higher in their first 12 credits of courses in order to continue in the program.
Applicants may also enter the MBA program through an undergraduate fast-track admission pathway. In order to be eligible for admission via this pathway, applicants must apply for conditional admission via the chair of graduate programs, have earned at least 75 undergraduate credits, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Finally, students can take up to four graduate course replacements. Applicants of this admission pathway should contact WLU to confirm admission details.
State Restrictions: West Liberty University welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds, such as international applicants and military personnel.
International applicants must fulfill requirements beyond those expected of domestic applicants. In particular, such applicants must provide a demonstration of their English language proficiency, a foreign academic credential evaluation prepared by an approved credential evaluation service provider and written in English, proof of financial support, a copy of the ID page from their current passport, and immunization records. Details on these requirements can be found online.
The process for military-affiliated applicants matriculating into the WLU MBA program includes applying for admission to WLU, applying for the GI Bill and related benefits, applying for financial aid, and, upon registration for classes, completing the WLU VA benefit certification request form. Eligible military students may use Chapter 33 benefits to finance their education. Military-affiliated applicants should work closely with WLU and the US military to coordinate their application and enrollment process. Details on the admission process can be found on the WLU website or by contacting the university directly.
Study Plan: Students can complete these MBA degrees in as little as 12 months. Students interested in completing their program of study part-time or over an extended time period should contact WLU to verify university policy regarding degree study planning. Students who complete one course per semester may still be able to complete the MBA program in less than two years.
MBA Curriculum: The West Liberty University online MBA program consists of a 30-credit-hour curriculum designed to prepare its graduates to become skilled, resourceful professionals. The curriculum consists of 21 credits of business core courses and nine to 12 credits of concentration courses. Core courses cover the following topics: managerial accounting decision analysis; information technology management; global economics; finance management and theory; integrative marketing management; strategic human resources management; and a capstone course in strategic management.
Elective courses vary by degree specialization. A listing of elective courses specific to each specialization appears below.
- MBA – Project Management Curriculum: Students complete three elective courses in the following topics: principles of project management; project management: planning, budgeting and procurement; and project management: execution and control.
- MBA – Accounting Curriculum: Students complete three elective courses in the following topics: auditing and attestation; financial accounting and reporting; and accounting regulation. Students complete a fourth course by choosing one of these course topics: business analysis and reporting; accounting information systems and controls; or tax compliance and planning.
- MBA – Management Curriculum: Students complete elective courses in the following topics: social responsibility and business ethics; public and non-profit management; and value chain management.
- MBA – Marketing Curriculum: Students complete elective courses in the following topics: consumer behavior; global marketing strategies; and marketing data analytics and research.
Online Experience: All West Liberty University online MBA degree programs are offered fully online. There are no on-campus coursework or other participation requirements to complete this program. WLU’s online learning delivery model enhances accessibility, thereby increasing the pool of qualified applicants eligible to study and graduate from 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 WLU 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 WLU for additional support with applications and any questions they may have.
The WLU Financial Aid Office and the university’s website offer a variety of resources to assist students in planning and executing their education financing. Online information covers topics including the various types of financial resources available, the cost of attendance, entrance counseling, loan default prevention, and more.
Many students will use a variety 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 used to determine 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 thoroughly research the West Liberty University website to help them formulate their strategy for financing their education.
West Liberty University Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 100% online
- Features concentrations in: Accounting, Management, Marketing, and Project Management
- Graduate in as little as one year
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, May, August |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 30 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 12 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Areas of Concentration | Management |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.5 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $495.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $14,850 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, May, August |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 30 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 12 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.5 or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required. |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $495.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $14,850 |
* 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.
