The Guide to Online Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Programs

The Master of Business Administration, or as it's commonly called MBA, is a graduate degree achieved at a university or college that provides theoretical and practical training to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business functions. An MBA can include a variety of specialties or focuses such as accounting, financial management, and business analytics. Central to any traditional MBA program are key lessons in managing a business or business function and a broad curriculum designed to prepare graduates to be effective leaders within their field.

It's common for busy working professionals to wish to earn an MBA in order to gain further expertise in business and advance their career. In many cases the most efficient way for these professionals to gain a graduate degree without having to pause their job and sacrifice income is to enroll in an online MBA program. Fortunately, as we continue to advance modern technologies, MBA programs that can be completed entirely online are becoming much more prevalent and abundant.

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

Master of Business Administration

Enrollment Type

Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program

As few as 18 months

Credits

62

Concentrations

Finance, Data Analytics and Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Consulting, Marketing

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • At least two years of professional experience
  • Resume or CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Two essays
  • GMAT or GRE scores are required for applicants with fewer than five years of professional experience
Request more info from UNC Kenan-Flagler.
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University of Miami • Miami, FL

Master of Business Administration

Enrollment Type

Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program

As few as 16 months

Credits

35-42

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • International Student Transcripts
  • Bachelor's, master's or equivalent degree in business earned within the last seven years for the accelerated MBA track
Request more info from University of Miami.
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Rice University • Houston, TX

Master of Business Administration

Length of Program

As few as 24 months

Credits

54

Concentrations

Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Energy, Health Care

Admission Requirements

  • Test Scores
  • Professional Work History
  • Essays
  • Resume
  • Official Transcripts
  • Interview
  • Letter of Recommendation
Request more info from Rice University.
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University of California, Davis • Davis, CA

Master of Business Administration

Length of Program

As few as 24 months

Credits

72

Concentrations

Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing Strategy and Analytics, Strategic Management, Organizational Leadership, Technology Management, Entrepreneurship, Product Management

Admission Requirements

  • Test Scores
  • Transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • Essay(s)
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Interview
  • TOEFL for International Applicants
Request more info from the University of California, Davis.

Why Should You Get an MBA Online?

There are many reasons one might consider getting an online MBA degree, from enhancing their earning potential to gaining a speciality in a new field. One of the great things about MBA programs is the versatility in both coursework and career opportunities that they offer.

A Master of Business Administration traditionally prepares graduates to pursue careers in the private sector in fields such as finance, marketing, and management. Some students equipped with an MBA, however, opt to use their newfound skills to tackle philanthropic or social issues, such as education reform, by working in the public and nonprofit sectors. Some of the skills one develops in an MBA program, such as leadership and public speaking, are universal and can be applied to a broad range of careers.

Finding The Best Online MBA Program For You

In searching through the many MBA online programs that exist across the country, it’s important to weigh a variety of factors in determining which program best suits your needs. A few main points to consider are GMAT and standardized testing requirements, the accreditation status of the program, and the length of time the MBA program takes to complete. Below are a few sponsored online MBA programs that might be a great fit for working professionals across the country.

Sponsored Online MBA Programs

Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months

Sponsored Online MBA Programs

Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months

Online MBA Program Admissions Requirements

Before you begin the MBA application process, be sure to contact the accredited institutions you are interested in for information about any prerequisites you may need to fulfill before applying to business school. The majority of comprehensive MBA programs will ask you to submit the following items in order to be considered for admittance:

MBA Application

Fill out an initial application, which you can find on the website of the accredited institution of your choice. Although paper forms are generally accepted, many institutions have switched to online applications as the preferred method.

Test Scores: GMAT or GRE

MBA programs have historically preferred to either receive an applicant's GMAT scores or GRE scores. These tests can be taken, for a fee, at various points throughout the year. Some institutions include a GMAT/GRE waiver if the applicant in question has enough professional work experience.

Transcripts

Request transcripts from your bachelor university and any other attended institutions before the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript to reflect your academic record.

Professional Work History

Include any relevant work experience in business.

Also to be included are:

  • Resume/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
  • Application Fee: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.

Essay/Personal Statement

Write a personal statement, which is typically in the form of an essay. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application. Below are some common topics that should be mentioned in a statement:

  • Your main academic and personal interests
  • Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study
  • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
  • Why you wish to study at the university
  • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree

Note: Some additional measures are needed for international students. If you are from a country outside of the United States, check with your chosen school/schools to see what is needed from you.

Online MBA Program Curriculum

The curriculum and how many credits are required to graduate vary greatly depending on the school and whether or not you have a specialization. The number of required credits in most standard MBA programs usually falls between 48 and 62 credit hours, though some executive MBA programs can be completed sooner. Typical MBA coursework includes courses in:

Online MBA Program Concentrations

One of the best things about masters in business administration degree programs is how highly customizable they are. There are numerous MBA concentrations that exist so that people can tailor their degree specifically to their business interest. Below are brief descriptions of just a few of the many MBA concentrations that are available to students - in both on-campus and online masters in business programs.

Finance:

Students in MBA programs focused in finance learn how to analyze financial data to inform business decisions and assist executives in carrying out internal processes.

Marketing:

Students in marketing MBA programs might learn how to create a marketing plan, manage and analyze marketing campaigns, and implement promotional plans for a company.

Business Analytics:

Students in analytics MBA programs will gain valuable insight into quantitative processes and analytics tools employed by corporations to forecast trends and influence strategy.

Corporate Strategy:

Although more general than other concentrations, MBA programs focused on strategy carry meaningful lessons in long term planning, operational management, and vision mapping.

Entrepreneurship:

MBA entrepreneurship programs tailored towards those with an entrepreneurial spirit focus on all the intricacies of getting a business idea off the ground: from funding to marketing to scalability.

Project Management:

MBA students focused on project management learn how to lead a project from start to finish and are specifically equipped with leadership and delegation skills from their coursework.

What Can You Do With An Online MBA Degree?

Recent graduates of MBA programs have a wide variety of career options to choose from. Below are just a few of the typical careers (and their average salaries according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 data) that students enter into upon graduation:

Although the careers outlined above are common jobs for MBA graduates, one of the best things about the degree is the freedom it grants you. Graduates can also pursue options that marry a love of business with a love of something else like philanthropy or education. Discover whether an MBA career is right for you.

Sponsored Online MBA Programs

Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months

Sponsored Online MBA Programs

Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months

Online MBA Programs to Consider

Teach.com has compiled a list of online masters in business administration programs from across the United States and has included information about their testing (GMAT or GRE) requirements, their accreditation status, and the length of time they take to complete. Look through them carefully before determining which is the best online MBA for you!

Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required3 years
Auburn UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.5+ years
Babson CollegeMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1+ years
Ball State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Baylor UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1+ years
Boise State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE1 year
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.3 years
Central Michigan UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1 year
Clarkson UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE1.5+ years
Clemson UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.5+ years
The College of William and MaryMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5 years
Columbus State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Creighton UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Dallas Baptist UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Drexel UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
East Carolina UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Florida Atlantic UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
Florida International UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.3+ years
Florida State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
George Mason UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
George Washington UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Georgia Southern UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
Hofstra UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
James Madison UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT3 years
Johns Hopkins UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2.5+ years
Kennesaw State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
Lehigh UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required3.5 years
Louisiana State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5 years
Marist CollegeMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MarylandMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Mercer UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MississippiMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
North Carolina State University at RaleighMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5+ years
Northcentral UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.3 years
Ohio UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
Oklahoma State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Old Dominion UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5 years
Oregon State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2.5 years
The Pennsylvania State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5 years
Quinnipiac UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
Regis UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Not applicable1+ years
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
Rochester Institute of TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5 years
Rowan UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
Rutgers University, New BrunswickMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Seton Hall UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Southern Illinois UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Stevens Institute of TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
GRE1.5 years
SUNY OswegoMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Touro University WorldwideMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
University of ArizonaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
University of California Los AngelesMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
University of CincinnatiMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of DelawareMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.3+ years
University of FloridaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required3 years
University of KansasMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
Maryville UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
University of Massachusetts AmherstMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
University of Massachusetts-LowellMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MemphisMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
University of MichiganMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Mississippi State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
University of Nebraska-LincolnMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
University of Nevada, RenoMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
University of New HampshireMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months
University of North DakotaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5+ years
University of North TexasMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5+ years
University of ScrantonMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
University of South California - MarshallMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2+ years
University of South FloridaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of Southern CaliforniaMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of Texas - DallasMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of UtahMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of VirginiaMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Washington State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of WisconsinMaster of Business Administration
GRE2.5+ years
Villanova UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2+ years
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of WashingtonMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Westchester UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT3 years
West texas A&M UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
West Virginia UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Western Kentucky UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Worcester Polytechnic UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5 years
Institution & ProgramTest requirementStudy Length
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required3 years
Auburn UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.5+ years
Babson CollegeMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1+ years
Ball State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Baylor UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1+ years
Boise State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE1 year
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.3 years
Central Michigan UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1 year
Clarkson UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE1.5+ years
Clemson UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2.5+ years
The College of William and MaryMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5 years
Columbus State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Creighton UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Dallas Baptist UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Drexel UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
East Carolina UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Florida Atlantic UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
Florida International UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.3+ years
Florida State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
George Mason UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
George Washington UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Georgia Southern UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
Hofstra UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
James Madison UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT3 years
Johns Hopkins UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2.5+ years
Kennesaw State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
Lehigh UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required3.5 years
Louisiana State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5 years
Marist CollegeMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MarylandMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Mercer UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MississippiMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
North Carolina State University at RaleighMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5+ years
Northcentral UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.3 years
Ohio UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
Oklahoma State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Old Dominion UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5 years
Oregon State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2.5 years
The Pennsylvania State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5 years
Quinnipiac UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
Regis UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Not applicable1+ years
Rice UniversityMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT or GRE requiredAs few as 24 months
Rochester Institute of TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5 years
Rowan UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
Rutgers University, New BrunswickMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Seton Hall UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Southern Illinois UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
Stevens Institute of TechnologyMaster of Business Administration
GRE1.5 years
SUNY OswegoMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Touro University WorldwideMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
University of ArizonaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of California, DavisMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMATAs few as 24 months
University of California Los AngelesMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
University of CincinnatiMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of DelawareMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.3+ years
University of FloridaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required3 years
University of KansasMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
Maryville UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1 year
University of Massachusetts AmherstMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2+ years
University of Massachusetts-LowellMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of MemphisMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of MiamiMaster of Business Administration
Ad
No GMAT requiredAs few as 16 months
University of MichiganMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
Mississippi State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
University of Nebraska-LincolnMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
University of Nevada, RenoMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
University of New HampshireMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5+ years
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Business Administration
Ad
GMAT, GREAs few as 18 months
University of North DakotaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1.5+ years
University of North TexasMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required1.5+ years
University of ScrantonMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2 years
University of South California - MarshallMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2+ years
University of South FloridaMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1+ years
University of Southern CaliforniaMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of Texas - DallasMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of UtahMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
University of VirginiaMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Washington State UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2+ years
University of WisconsinMaster of Business Administration
GRE2.5+ years
Villanova UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GRE required2+ years
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required2 years
University of WashingtonMaster of Business Administration
GRE2 years
Westchester UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT3 years
West texas A&M UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GRE2+ years
West Virginia UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT2 years
Western Kentucky UniversityMaster of Business Administration
GMAT1 year
Worcester Polytechnic UniversityMaster of Business Administration
No GMAT required1.5 years

Information last updated: May 2020