[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is a manual edit. There’s a few reasons why a master’s in business administration (MBA) is consistently among the most popular graduate degrees in the country. Earning an MBA degree online is an investment that can provide flexibility, speed up your career, and pave the way to a high salary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MBA programs allow you to balance your education with other personal commitments, such as a full-time job or family obligations. They provide you with the same level of business expertise and marketable skills as a traditional MBA program, unlocking high-paying management and leadership positions across many business fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below, explore the best online MBA programs, concentration areas, average tuition costs, career paths and salary outcomes for MBA graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [fullwidth styles=”bg-white”] [/fullwidth] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online MBA Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [accordion controls=”false” component-theme=”primary”]

How We Chose These Schools [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[/accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an Online MBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MBA is an advanced business degree that develops broad expertise in business. Courses cover topics like business strategy, ethical decision-making and organizational management. Most MBA programs consist of 36-40 credits and take between 2-4 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MBA students take courses in asynchronous and synchronous settings, either through lesson plans or live classes. In addition to taking online courses, many MBA programs require a capstone project and professional development activities to graduate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many online MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission, preferably in a business-related major. Some require applicants to hold several years of professional experience. Others are open to all prospective students regardless of undergraduate major or prior career experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online MBA Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that online master’s in business/management costs $10,994 in average annual tuition and fees. For comparison, an in-person master’s in business/management costs $16,120.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But the cost of an online MBA can vary. Factors such as the school, program duration, and whether it is a public or private institution can change the price. Your access to reliable internet may also impact the cost, if you don’t have a strong web connection in your home.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online MBA Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MBA programs focus on business best practices, including leadership and management skills. Common courses in these degrees include:[/hen-ui-text] [checklist] Legal and ethical decision-making courses cover common ethical and legal considerations in business. Students learn to make company-wide decisions, avoid unethical behavior (e.g., insider trading), and stay up to date with legal regulations. Leadership theory and practice involves leadership and support for employees to help their companies achieve goals. Learners may explore case studies, write papers, and complete assignments in class to help them understand their own leadership approaches. Businesses use information technology to create computer networks, collect and protect data, and make data-driven decisions. In this course, students learn to use databases, manage digital strategies, and extrapolate data for business decision-making. Also called human resource management, this course explores talent management. Enrollees learn about hiring and training employees, managing benefits programs, and setting salaries. Coursework may also explore industrial-organizational psychology. Business professionals use accounting to assess business performance and set strategic goals. This class covers financial accounting principles, international financial reporting standards, and industry standards and trends. This course teaches marketing, branding, and advertising strategies. Topics typically include segmentation and targeting, pricing and promotion, distribution, and brand allegiance. Assignments may include analyzing case studies. [/checklist] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online MBA Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business is a broad topic, so most online MBA programs offer concentrations to help students focus their skills. Below are several common specializations for online MBAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/accounting/”]MBA in accounting[/hen-ui-link] focuses on financial leadership in corporate settings. This degree can help prepare you for work as a certified public accountant (CPA), management accountant, or financial consultant. An accounting concentration may require classes like advanced cost accounting, tax research and jurisprudence, and advanced auditing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Economics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Economists research economic issues and recommend solutions to economic problems. These professionals can influence public policy and global economies. An MBA in economics can prepare learners for economic careers by blending courses in business leadership with classes in econometrics, economic theory, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entrepreneurs create their own business ventures. Enrollees in this concentration learn about the finance, marketing, human assets, and management strategy aspects of developing business plans. Classes also cover topics like venture capital, the finance of buyouts and acquisitions, and intellectual property strategy for innovation-driven enterprises.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Finance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/finance/”]MBA finance concentrations[/hen-ui-link] explore the tools used to improve company bottom lines. Students learn to make financial decisions and keep organizations profitable. Classes explore ideas like international financial markets, advanced corporate finance, venture capitalism, and behavioral finance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Human Resource Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resource management concentrations prepare learners for roles like training manager, compensation and benefits manager, or human resource manager. Courses cover human resource staffing, talent management and development, and leading strategic change initiatives. Programs may also examine negotiation and conflict resolution strategies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]International Business[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrollees in international business concentrations study global markets, international trends, and the rules governing multinational corporations. This specialization covers traditional business topics — like human resource management and finance — through an international lens. Common courses include international business environments, international business law, and global operations for supply chain strategies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MBA in management programs can offer specializations such as operations management, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mba/healthcare-management/”]healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], or business analytics. Students take classes like organizational management, managerial economics, and supply chain management. Graduates can qualify for roles such as director of operations, procurement manager, or executive director.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Marketing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mba/marketing/”]Marketing concentrations[/hen-ui-link] teach students to lead marketing departments and make high-level decisions about brand strategy. Courses cover marketing analysis and development, global brand strategies, and how to use data analytics in marketing. Learners in this concentration can pursue jobs like brand and product marketing manager, public relations director, marketing data analyst, or marketing director.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Supply Chain and Logistics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Logisticians and supply chain managers help ensure efficient delivery of goods and services. An MBA in supply chain management may include classes such as global logistics management, quantitative analysis for supply chains, and artificial intelligence for supply chain management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]MBA Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because many sectors seek professionals with leadership and business skills, MBA graduates can find jobs across many industries. Common roles for MBA graduates include [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/management-careers/#administrative-services-managers/”]management[/hen-ui-link], executive-level positions, and consulting.[/hen-ui-text] [accordion component-theme=”tertiary”]

Management Analysts

• 2024 Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]$101,190[/hen-ui-link]
• Projected Job Growth, 2024-34: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]+8.8%[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also known as management consultants, management analysts observe the workplace, including interviewing staff and reviewing financial data, to help organizations increase efficiency. They offer recommendations like staff training or goal-setting to address efficiency issues. These professionals may work for a single corporation or in a consulting role for multiple organizations.[/hen-ui-text]

Top Executives

• 2024 Median Salary:

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Top executives help ensure an organization meets its goals. They develop business strategies, manage department leaders and decide company priorities. They may also set budgets, negotiate large contracts, and review financial statements. Executives need strong leadership, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.[/hen-ui-text]

Administrative Service Managers

• 2024 Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm”]$108,390[/hen-ui-link]
• Projected Job Growth, 2024-34: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm”]+4.6%[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administrative service managers oversee clerical staff, set department goals, enforce operational policies and manage recordkeeping. They may also manage organizations’ facilities. Sometimes, administrative service managers hire outside vendors or specialists to repair equipment or install technology. They also ensure that companies follow local, state, federal, and industry regulations.[/hen-ui-text]

Financial Managers

• 2024 Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]$161,700[/hen-ui-link]
• Projected Job Growth, 2024-34: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]+14.8%[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial managers help companies manage finances and increase revenue. They prepare financial statements, create income and loss forecasts, develop business activity reports, and present financial information to stakeholders. Financial managers need a keen eye for detail and strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.[/hen-ui-text]

[/accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Are Online MBA Programs Accredited?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MBA students should ensure all schools on their list hold institutional accreditation. Institutional accreditation is a process through which a third-party organization verifies whether a school meets high standards for faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, some business schools may hold programmatic accreditation — an optional process that evaluates how well a particular department or program’s coursework prepares learners for careers in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/mba/”]MBA programmatic accreditors[/hen-ui-link] include AACSB International, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA[/hen-ui-heading] [accordion]

trueHow Long Does it Take to Get an MBA Online? [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online MBA program usually takes 1-2 years for full-time students. For a part-time student with a lighter course load, it may take 3-4 years. Many accelerated MBA programs last 12-18 months. Some schools have “4+1 programs,” where students earn a bachelor’s and an MBA in five years.[/hen-ui-text]

What Does MBA Stand For? [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MBA stands for master of business administration. It’s a postgraduate degree that provides a broad business education and qualifies you for management or leadership positions, such as chief financial officer, management consultant and operations manager.[/hen-ui-text]

Is an MBA a Master’s Degree? [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, an MBA is a master’s degree. An MBA provides credibility and marketability for many business careers, including management and leadership positions. Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree to apply for an MBA program. Some schools also require applicants to hold several years of professional experience.[/hen-ui-text]

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