Online MBA Programs

An online master of business administration (MBA) is widely believed to guarantee wider career options, more opportunities for promotions, and greater job security. If you pursue an MBA online, you’ll explore many types of management positions in a range of fields such as operations, construction, human resources, and public relations. An MBA will train you for high-level positions in these fields by teaching you practical skills; you don’t need to hold an undergraduate business degree to pursue an MBA.

Students of online MBA programs graduate with advanced degrees that lead to increased job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of job openings in the field will grow by 6% from 2014-2024, with more specific MBA-related fields growing at even higher rates. Furthermore, job candidates with MBAs on average earn $45,000 more per year than their bachelor’s degree-holding counterparts.

By completing an MBA program online, you can earn an advanced degree at an affordable price and from the comfort of your own home. There’s no need to disrupt your busy work or family life to further your education. Read on to learn more about the careers you’ll be eligible for after earning an online MBA degree, and the added advantages of executive online MBA programs.


Jump to a Section

Degrees

Online MBA Degree Overview

Degree Avg Degree Cost Avg Loan Default Rate Time Commitment Early Career Pay Mid-Career Pay Unemployment Rate
Master's $19,104 8.56% 1+ years $56,750 $77,466 5.1%
Whether you are new to the field, or looking to advance in your current career, you should weigh the costs and time of getting a new degree against its benefits. There is no one-size-fits-all degree. The best choice for you will depend on your current educational background, financial standing, employment history, and area of interest. For instance, those with no experience may want to consider an associate degree, due to its shorter time commitment and lower cost. If finances are tight for you, then you should prioritize the student loan debt and default categories, as you will want to choose a degree that offers you the best chance of improving your financial standing with minimal risk. If your employer or someone else is paying for your education, then you might want to consider the degree that will offer you the highest salary. All salary information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and/or PayScale

Earning an MBA online can help you significantly advance in your career. Not only are MBA-holders qualified for increased salaries, but the flexibility of an online degree allows professionals to work as they learn, making online MBA programs wise investments.

Online MBA Degrees

/

Online Master’s Degree in MBA

MBA

An online master’s in business administration prepares learners for a highly rewarding and potentially lucrative career. Regardless of one’s background, a master’s degree in business can position graduates for exciting job opportunities with strong potential for growth in a variety of industries. Graduate programs in business administration help students hone the necessary leadership, communication, and management skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced, competitive business world.

An MBA provides widely valued management skills, increases one’s earning potential, and builds a business and social network that graduates can lean on in the field. Many MBA graduates can also start their own business from scratch. Additionally, MBA holders pursue careers in virtually any type of business-related field, such as healthcare administration, market research analysis, financial analysis, project management, and more. With experience and a proven track record, many MBA graduates can obtain executive-level positions as CEOs, COOs, and CFOs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that management occupations in the U.S. will grow by 8% by 2026, which equates to more than 807,300 new jobs. In all major business-related fields among comparable industries, workers with a master’s degree make between 36-89% more per year than their bachelor’s degree-holding colleagues in similar positions.

  • COMMON MAJORS

    Accounting, Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, Management, and Marketing

  • WHO GETS AN MBA?

    Many people already working in the field seeking job advancement, those with no business background seeking a career change

MBA
Get Seal
For the 2016 rankings, OnlineColleges.net has greatly refined its approach to evaluating schools and their respective programs. Our innovative method of assessing schools is what makes our rankings so distinctly authoritative. On the surface, every ranking we produce employs a basic formula: Academic Quality + Online Offerings + Cost and Student Aid = Final Score. This final score determines where a school ends up in our rankings. Of course, there's a lot more than meets the eye. Visit our methodology page to discover the data points that shape our formula and to learn more about our process.

MBA Master’s Degree Rankings

/
Rank School Name School Logo City Cost Address & Contact Info School Links Acclaim for Online Programs School Description
1University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill103 South Bldg Cb 9100
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211

As the flagship university of UNC system, UNC-Chapel Hill is a public research university that serves approximately 30,000 students across over 70 academic programs.

Located in the Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC-Chapel Hill offers an online MBA program that prepares graduates with the communication, analytical, and managerial tools for a successful career in business. Over the course of two years, students complete 62 credits of coursework that introduces them to all areas of modern business practices.

Online MBA students at UNC can pursue concentrations in marketing, management consulting, sustainable enterprise, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and data analytics. Distant students typically finish the degree requirements in 18-36 months.

Faculty deliver courses entirely online in a synchronous format. Distance learners engage in face-to-face virtual classes and multimedia-heavy coursework. As a cohort-learning style program, distance students participate in online group discussions and use message boards and other interactive platforms to connect with professors and classmates.

2Virginia International UniversityFairfax4401 Village Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 591-7042

Virginia International University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fairfax, Virginia. Established in 1998, the school serves approximately 1,300 students with numerous on-campus and online programs, including a nationally accredited online MBA program.

The online MBA at VIU gives students 15 concentrations to choose from, including accounting, global logistics, healthcare management, international finance, leadership management, marketing management, and more. The curriculum develops learners' foundational knowledge in core areas of the field and prepares them for diverse career opportunities in virtually any industry, especially roles in finance and high-level management.

The 36-credit online MBA requires three courses per semester, and students can finish the program in two years. Required core coursework includes managerial communication, project management, marketing management, and business statistics.

Prospective students must submit an online application with their official bachelor's degree transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Competitive applicants possess a 2.5 GPA or higher.

3Johnson & Wales UniversityProvidence$$$$$8 Abbott Park Pl
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 598-1000

Johnson & Wales is a private nonprofit institution located in Providence, Rhode Island and holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Schools and Colleges.

The school's online MBA program prepares graduates for careers in the global marketplace. Students learn high-level problem-solving, leadership, and strategic skills over the course of two years. The career-focused curriculum features eight-week courses and a competitive tuition rate. Distance students build advanced communication skills and engage with global and domestic business training exercises from a culturally sensitive perspective. Course highlights for this program include business information and decision-making, global economic environments, financial management, and social responsibility and law.

Prospective online MBA students must submit an online application containing two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Successful applicants typically possess a 2.85 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.

4North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$$$$$2101 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
(919) 515-2011

A public research university established in 1887, NC State is a member of the University of North Carolina system and serves approximately 36,000 students. NC State offers over 100 master's programs, including an online MBA degree that holds programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Distance learners choose either an accelerated or regular-paced program and can complete the degree in as few as 21 months. All students participate in two required three-day residencies on NC State's main campus in Raleigh. Accepted active military students may receive a residency waiver.

NC State's online program does not offer specific concentrations, but it does require a six-credit "depth requirement" in which students focus on a particular area of business with the help of faculty.

Incoming students must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least one course in statistics. Interested students need at least two years of full-time professional employment before applying, and all applications must include GRE, GMAT, or MAT exam scores.

5Golden Gate University - San FranciscoSan Francisco$$$$$536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
(415) 442-7800

Established in 1901, GGU is a private nonprofit school that serves approximately 5,300 students and offers more than 15 graduate degrees, including an online MBA program. GGU holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

GGU's MBA is an activity-based learning format in which distance students build leadership skills and business acumen in an online or hybrid format. Learners choose one of 13 concentrations that best meet their personal interest and academic goals, such as finance, marketing, project management, human resource management, business analytics, and more.

The 54-credit MBA includes a 3-credit capstone course in business planning and 12 credits in the concentration. Distance students may pursue more than one concentration provided they finish the additional required units before graduation.

Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Students who possess a 3.5 GPA or higher, a certified public accountant (CPA) license, or a master's degree or higher receive a GMAT/GRE waiver when they apply.

6University of VirginiaCharlottesville$$$$$1827 University Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903-2628
(434) 924-0311

Established in 1819, UVA is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The school serves 24,500 students across more than 120 academic programs, including an online MBA degree. UVA holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance students participate in live online sessions on a regular cohort-learning style schedule, attending multiple in-person residencies held in Charlottesville. Depending on the student's location, other options for residencies may include China, India, Brazil, Europe, and Silicon Valley.

Students must complete 60 credits to earn their MBA. During the first year, students develop a baseline competency in foundational business skills with courses such as business ethics, marketing, management communication, and leadership in organizations. During the second year, distance students customize their degree by choosing from a group of approved courses with the help of faculty and an academic advisor.

Interested students must submit their GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts for consideration. Accepted online students may apply for a merit-based scholarship.

7Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion$$$$$4201 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953-4974
(765) 674-6901

An evangelical Christian liberal arts school, IWU is the largest private university in Indiana with nearly 14,000 students. The school's online MBA program holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

IWU's program allows students to develop a personal management style, solve complex business problems, and engage with disciplines in the field such as economics, finance, management, and accounting. Students learn to follow ethical protocols in strategy development, decision-making, business communication, and the workplace environment. As a Christian school, faculty teach every course from a biblical perspective.

Online students complete 42 credits for the MBA and follow a predetermined curriculum. Required classes at IWU include global management, business strategy and policy, business economics, and managerial economics. Students complete this cohort program in approximately 18-26 months.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for consideration. Successful applicants typically possess a 2.5 GPA or higher.

8Brandman UniversityIrvine$$$$$16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-9800

Established in 1958, Brandman is a private nonprofit institution with more than 50 academic programs, including an online MBA program available in both online and hybrid formats. Brandman holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and serves approximately 11,000 students.

The school's MBA program serves students interested in starting or managing successful businesses or organizations. Students learn to analyze modern business functions and processes, develop effective business strategies, and absorb quality leadership characteristics. Learners may pursue their degree with an optional emphasis in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, or human resources.

While graduate students may complete all required courses online, learners interested in a hybrid format can choose from 15 locations in California and Washington to attend in-person classes.

Brandman offers multiple scenarios for unconditional acceptance into the graduate program depending on the applicant's educational history, GPA, and test scores. In general, successful applicants possess a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit writing samples, a resume, letters of reference, and a personal statement for consideration.

9George Washington UniversityWashington2121 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-1000

A private research university in Washington, D.C., GWU offers an online MBA degree. The school serves approximately 27,200 students and earned regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online students engage with video lectures, podcasts, and traditional reading assignments and complete courses entirely remotely. Distance learners work at their own pace and complete assignments on a regular schedule. All students participate in one live classroom session each week that consists of lectures, group activities, and class discussions. In addition to live classroom settings, distance students may consult with their professors during digital office hours.

The 55 credit curriculum can be completed in three years or less. Aside from three elective courses, students take required classes such as finance, strategic management, human capital, operations management, and business ethics and public policy. Online students may also participate in an optional four-day residency in D.C.

Interested students must submit their official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, one letter of recommendation, and a personal essay for consideration.

10University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$$$$$601 E John Street
Champaign, IL 61820-5711
(217) 333-1000

Established in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research institution offering over 100 graduate programs, including an online MBA. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Online MBA students participate in a flexible cohort-learning format in which they work in teams with other students to complete assignments on a regular schedule. With this model, the department relies on the diverse academic and professional backgrounds of individual students for the benefit of their classmates. This format also allows for more realistic business training scenarios.

Online students must complete 72 credits with a 2.75 GPA or higher to graduate. Required coursework includes a seminar in business administration, managerial accounting, strategic management, process management, managing organizations, and investments.

Prospective students need at least seven years of full-time work experience before applying to the program. Additionally, the school expects enrolled students to concurrently work full-time jobs outside of the program.

11University of South FloridaTampa$$$$$4202 East Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011

A public research university established in 1956, USF is the fourth largest public university in the state with approximately 50,800 students. Full-time students can complete the 32-credit online MBA degree in as little as two years, while part-time students often complete degree requirements in three years. Regardless of enrollment status, online students may complete all requirements entirely online with no on-campus obligations.

Distance students complete 16 credits of business foundation courses and 15 credits of core courses. The core curriculum covers topics in business decision-making, market orientation, and foundations of management and finance. This highly customizable degree also includes 15 credits of electives that come from concentration areas such as data analytics, risk, anti-money laundering, and cybersecurity.

Strong applicants possess a 3.0 GPA or higher in their regionally accredited bachelor's degree program. Prospective students must also submit their GRE or GMAT score.

12Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - WorldwideDaytona Beach$$$$$600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900
(800) 522-6787

Embry-Riddle is a nonprofit private institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Established in 1920, the school offers an online MBA degree in aviation. Embry-Riddle boasts approximately 31,100 students and is the largest accredited institution that specializes in aviation and aerospace. The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the MBA receives programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

This program serves students interested in pursuing careers in the global aviation business. Distance learners acquire traditional business skills, as well as those unique to the aviation and aerospace industries. Students complete this research heavy curriculum entirely online over the course of two years, including a capstone course.

Students in this 33-credit MBA may choose from specializations in accounting, information technology, marketing, international business, or finance. Incoming students may transfer up to 15 credits from previous graduate-level coursework. Competitive MBA applicants possess a 2.5 GPA or higher. Applications need only to include official transcripts from undergraduate work.

13Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale$$$$$3301 College Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
(954) 262-7300

Established in 1964, NSU serves approximately 22,000 students across 150 academic programs, including an online MBA. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

This program prepares graduates for corporate careers in as few as 12-16 months. NSU offers business administration concentrations in marketing, management, process improvement, entrepreneurship, and complex health systems. Faculty designed the curriculum for students pursuing graduate training immediately after their undergraduate degree and for working business professionals who wish to make a career change.

The 40-49 credit online degree includes core classes such as effective resume writing, business communication, and interviewing techniques. NSU expects incoming students to possess a history of college-level classes in accounting, business finance, and introductory business statistics.

Interested online students must possess a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher for consideration. Prospective learners with lower GPAs or a bachelor's degree from a non-regionally accredited institution may supplement their application with GMAT or GRE scores.

14New York UniversityNew York$$$$$70 Washington Sq South
New York, NY 10012-1091
(212) 998-1212

Established in 1831, NYU is a nonprofit private research institution that serves approximately 51,900 students. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

NYU's online MBA program can be completed in as few as 18 months. The curriculum covers topics from a global business perspective, such as finance, accounting, marketing, executive leadership, and business strategies. Students participate in six training modules designed to engage students with specific themes and skills. The required modules include 3-4 courses, each which cover areas such as marketing, negotiation analysis, and cybersecurity. Online MBA seekers also complete a capstone project as a team with their classmates. The final project requires a live-streamed presentation.

Applicants need a minimum of 10 years of professional work experience and a documented history of interest or work in global and international business. Competitive applications include a personal essay, a resume, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Applicants with less than 15 years of work experience must submit GRE or GMAT scores.

15Texas A&M University - CommerceCommerce$$$$$2600 South Neal
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
(888) 868-2682

Located in Commerce, Texas, outside of Dallas, TAMUC boasts approximately 12,000 students and numerous online programs, including an online MBA. Courses are delivered entirely online or in a hybrid format.

Accredited by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, this program provides students practical training through experiential learning methods and case studies. Coursework in accounting, management, marketing tools, and finance prepare graduates for a variety of leadership roles in the industry.

This 30- to 48-credit online MBA requires six prerequisite courses, including quantitative analysis, accounting, and marketing. Incoming students with the appropriate bachelor's degree credentials may receive a prerequisite course waiver. Required graduate courses for the MBA include business analytics, managerial economics, financial management, and statistical methods.

Prospective students must submit their official undergraduate transcripts from a regionally accredited university and one letter of recommendation. Interested learners with a 2.9 GPA or lower need to submit their GMAT or GRE scores.

16University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesMinneapolis$$$$$100 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213
(612) 625-5000

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota is a public research institution established in 1851. The school's 48,000 students rank UMN as the largest campus in the University of Minnesota system.

Students can complete UMN's online MBA completely online. Faculty introduce students to the fundamentals of business along with a diverse selection of electives. Students work directly with an academic advisor and career coach to tailor the curriculum to fit their educational and professional needs.

The 52-credit online MBA includes courses in marketing management, leadership skills, business ethics, and strategic management. Distance learners can also take advantage of various professional development services, including career counseling, job search assistance, networking events, and job application material preparation. Students can earn their MBA in just two years.

UMN requires applicants to possess two years of full-time work experience. Additionally, applicants need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, official transcripts, a personal statement, two professional recommendations, and a resume.

17Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteHovde Hall of Administration
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040
(765) 494-4600

Purdue is a public research university based in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school hosts approximately 44,000 students and offers over 69 graduate programs, including an online MBA.

Purdue's MBA is available in two separate dual degrees. The school combines its MBA program with a master of science and engineering and a master of science in agricultural economics. The dual degrees require students to complete 57-60 credits over the course of 2-3 years. Both programs allow students to explore business fundamentals, project management, financial management, law and ethics, and team-based management.

Graduate applications must include an application fee, a statement of purpose, official college transcripts, and GRE scores. Purdue expects incoming students to possess college-level experience in prerequisite courses including principles of economics, statistics, matrix algebra, and mathematics.

The business school holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students may complete all degree requirements online, but they have the option of face-to-face instruction with faculty in the Kelley School of Business.

18University of DallasIrving1845 E Northgate Drive
Irving, TX 75062-4736
(972) 721-5000

The University of Dallas is a private, regionally accredited institution in Irving, Texas. Established in 1956, the school serves 2,900 students and is rooted in the heritage of the Roman Catholic Church. The school features an online MBA with available concentrations in accounting, business analytics, finance, cybersecurity, information and technology management, and strategic leadership.

Students complete 30 credits to earn their online MBA, while those pursuing a concentration finish an additional three courses for a total of 42 credits. Courses are delivered entirely online or in a hybrid format, and distance learners can take advantage of various online resources, including tutoring and academic advising.

Prospective students must submit an online application and official transcripts. Applicants need to possess a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA from a regionally accredited university or college. Each MBA concentration requires certain prerequisite classes. Prerequisites for the general MBA program include foundations of management strategy, introductory marketing, and foundations of business economics.

19City University of SeattleSeattle$$$$$521 Wall Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98121
(800) 426-5596

Established in 1973, CityU is a private university with approximately 6,800 students. The business program offers an affordable online MBA for distance learners and holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

CityU's online MBA program prepares graduates to manage, lead, and expand virtually any type of business or organization. Online students may pursue concentrations such as accounting, project management, and human resource management to customize their degree to fit their interests. Learners develop strong communication skills; learn to follow standard and ethical business protocols; and understand a wide variety of business theories, technologies, and disciplines.

The 48- to 51-credit online program includes core business courses in law for global business, project management and prioritization, managing with technology, applied marketing, and more. Concentration areas require an additional 12-15 credits, some of which include flexible elective credits. Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree and submit their official undergraduate transcripts for consideration.

20Columbia International UniversityColumbia7435 Monticello Rd
Columbia, SC 29203-1513
(803) 754-4100

Columbia International University is a private Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Students in the master of business administration develops their ethical leadership and management skills by exploring advanced business-related disciplines. Graduates are prepared for careers in for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as government and non-government organizations.

Students complete 36 credits to earn their degree, and most can complete the program in 18 months. Students follow a predetermined course of study including classes such as managerial finance, international business, strategic planning in management, operations and quality management, and more. CIU alums pursue careers in senior-level marketing positions, business-focused positions in churches and related organizations, and academic careers such as teachers or researchers.

Prospective students must submit an online application, an application fee, and their official transcripts. CIU expects applicants to possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

21University of Maryland - College ParkCollege Park
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-1000

Founded in 1856, UMD is a public research institution with over 41,200 students and numerous online programs. UMD ranks as the largest university in the state and offers an online MBA program.

Online MBA students complete a diverse curriculum focused on global commerce and data-driven business intelligence. MBA students pursue a general track of coursework or concentrations in accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, and information systems and business analytics. Students engage with faculty and classmates using a flexible online platform with audio and video messaging, collaborative online workspaces, and other multimedia learning technologies.

Students complete the 54-credit online MBA at UMD in as little as 24 months. Required courses include managerial accounting, marketing management, entrepreneurship, data analysis, and decision modeling.

UMD distance learners take advantage of various online learning and career development resources, including career coaching, networking opportunities, job interview preparation, and professional development workshops. Prospective students must submit an online application, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and GRE or GMAT scores.

22The University of Texas at DallasDallas800 West Campbell Road
Dallas, TX 75080-3021
(972) 883-2111

UT Dallas is a public research institution established in 1969. The school offers over 140 academic programs, including a master of business administration.

Online MBA students at UT Dallas engage in a cohort-learning style program and pursue concentrations in accounting, business analytics, energy management, finance, healthcare management, internal audit, international management, and more. Distance learners complete 53 credits to earn this online MBA, which includes core courses such as business economics, organizational behavior, operations management, and statistics and data analysis.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher for consideration. Students must also submit their GMAT scores, an admissions essay, and one letter of recommendation. The department also recommends that students take prerequisite classes in quantitative foundations of business and communications for management before applying.

Graduates of the UT Dallas MBA pursue positions as marketing management directors, financial analyst, business managers, strategic planners, healthcare executives, real estate brokers, and more.

23University of St. FrancisJoliet$$$$$500 N Wilcox St
Joliet, IL 60435-6188
(815) 740-3360

USF is a Catholic Franciscan institution with more than 3,400 students. The institution holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Students can earn USF's online MBA entirely online with no on-campus obligations. The flexible 12-18 month program includes classes in international business, strategic management, managerial accounting, and operations management. Students can also pursue concentrations in areas such as business analytics, finance, health administration, human resource management, and supply chain management.

To gain admission, prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher; they must also submit an admissions essay, an application fee, official transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a resume. MBA applicants also need two years of full-time employment in a management role. Alternatively, students may take the Peregrine inbound exam in lieu of management experience.

Distance students enjoy remote access to academic counseling and career coaching services, including tutoring and online workshops through the academic resource center.

24Florida International UniversityMiami$$$$$11200 S. W. 8 Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000

Located in Miami, Florida, FIU is a public research institution with over 56,800 students. The school offers more than 81 master's degrees, including one of the top online MBA programs.

Students complete this 42 credit MBA entirely online, including core coursework in corporate finance, accounting for managers, financial reporting and analysis, and management of information systems. Learners can also opt for one of FIU's eight specializations, such as international business, finance, real estate, and leadership. Each specialization is six credits, and students can pursue more than one specialization at a time. Online students work at their own pace and typically complete the degree in 18-33 months.

Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Interested distance learners need at least two years of work experience to apply. Applicants with four or more years of experience receive a GMAT/GRE waiver when they apply.

25William & MaryWilliamsburg200 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
(757) 221-4000

Established in 1693, W&M is a public research University in Williamsburg, Virginia. The school ranks as the second oldest higher education institution in the U.S. W&M serves approximately 8,500 students and offers an online MBA program.

Distance learners can complete the 49-credit master of business administration in as few as 24 months. Required coursework includes organizational behavior, business analytics, marketing, finance, and integrated technology. Remote learners also complete a one-credit, on-campus residency that provides networking opportunities, professional workshops, and an opportunity for students to meet with classmates and faculty.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Interested students need to submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, two personal essays, and official academic transcripts. Additionally, W&M expects applicants to possess at least two years of professional work experience before applying.

Online MBA Choose Your Career

Average MBA Salaries

$113,860
$124,850
$102,690

Sales Manager

Salary: $113,860
Growth Rate 2014-2024 Number of Jobs: 2014 Degree Certifications
5% 376,300 Masters N/A

Sales managers lead sales teams. They analyze data to set quotas and goals and assign sales territories to sales representatives who work under them. They also train and provide support for sales representatives. Most sales managers were once sales representatives themselves. This first-hand experience gives them inside knowledge of the sales process, which helps them devise more strategic sales plans. Travel to different sites is also often part of a sales manager’s position.

Marketing Manager

Salary: $124,850
Growth Rate 2014-2024 Number of Jobs: 2014 Degree Certifications
9% 225,200 Masters N/A

Marketing managers generate interest in an organization’s products or services by designing targeted advertising programs. To accomplish this goal, they work closely with creative talent in art departments, sales people in marketing departments, and financial staff members in financial departments. Marketing managers usually have prior work experience in advertising, marketing, or sales, and are passionate about promoting their organization’s message. In today’s app-focused economy, an intimate understanding of social media is also beneficial to the position.

Top Executive

Salary: $102,690
Growth Rate 2014-2024 Number of Jobs: 2014 Degree Certifications
6% 2,467,500 Masters N/A

Top executives set policies and design strategies to make sure an organization meets its goals. They direct day-to-day and long-term activities by coordinating the organization’s human and nonhuman resources. Regardless of personality type, the best top executives are simply responsible individuals who are able planners and think in terms of “we” to promote the interests of the organization.