More and more business school candidates opt for 100% online MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs for their flexibility. To ensure a good program, you want to look for accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Most online AACSB-accredited MBA programs now provide the career support that was once exclusive to on-campus students, making virtual programs even more attractive. Such support includes:
- Counseling from seasoned career coaches
- On-campus recruiting
- Access to workshops
- Job opportunities from leading employers.
Additionally, online programs now encourage active participation, debunking the claim that online MBA programs are too passive. Virtual business schools also prioritize in-person networking opportunities, a major highlight of any MBA experience. Students can choose to participate in international study trips or consultancy projects. Most schools invite students to their campuses during the program.
With so many business schools, picking one that matches all your expectations can be challenging. One good indicator of a great MBA program is AACSB accreditation. Below we consider other factors that create an MBA program of excellence.
What is an MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. As a graduate degree, an MBA provides theoretical and practical training in business or investment.
The MBA has its roots in the US — Boston, to be precise. Harvard University Graduate School of Administration (now Harvard Business School) first introduced the degree in 1908 in response to demand from businesses across the country. Over the years, the MBA degree has become available in other countries and schools. It has aided graduates in gaining a better understanding and knowledge of general business management functions.
This degree offers either a general focus or a specific focus. Specialty areas include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Relationship management
The MBA program usually takes two years of study to complete.
Where You Can Work With an MBA
The business community regards a Master in Business Administration (MBA) as the top-notch graduate-level degree in business. Many working professionals concerned with career development and personal growth also invest in an MBA.
Every company and organization needs qualified people to lead and grow their businesses. Global and technology-dependent societies and hiring managers also look for employees with the most up-to-date business education. With an MBA degree, candidates are armed with the highest level of skills and knowledge to lead the world’s business to an advanced level.
It isn’t easy to find a business sector that does not need the skills and knowledge of someone with an MBA. Here is a list of some industries which are well-known for hiring MBA graduates:
- Consulting
- Energy
- Finance/accounting
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Manufacturing
- Nonprofit/government
Those with an MBA could consider other industries, including retail, transportation, education, engineering, and real estate.
As a multi-faceted degree, an MBA provides the background to work in various departments or areas of a company, such as:
- Executive offices
- Human resources
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Research and product development
- Data analytics
- Marketing
- Business development
- Information technology
- Operations
- Production
Job Titles for MBA Graduates
Furthermore, there are management levels and titles to positions that an MBA graduate can serve in in a company. MBA graduates can hold positions such as:
- Accounting manager
- Finance manager
- Financial analyst
- Budget analyst
- Data analyst
- Investment banker
- Investment fund manager
- Marketing manager
- Market research analyst
- Human resources manager
- Sales/business development manager
- Program manager/director
- Brand manager
- Operations manager
- Risk manager
- Supply chain manager
- Logistics
After some years of experience in business, professionals with an MBA can step into C-level positions such as:
- Chief executive officer
- Chief operations officer
- Chief financial officer
- Chief marketing officer
- Chief technology officer
- Chief information officer
What is AACSB Accreditation?
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a voluntary accreditation body that supervises and regulates programs within collegiate schools of accounting and business.
Founded in 1916, the AACSB is one of the most reputable organizations that accredits university business programs. Due to its distinction, most Ivy League business schools and other prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Duke University, and Stanford University hold AACSB accreditation.
AACSB is considered the pinnacle of business school accreditation by most employers and academics. In the US, the AACSB has accredited roughly 190 institutions. You can confirm the accreditation status of a school before applying.
Why Does Accreditation Matter?
All higher education institutions must have accreditation to be considered reputable learning centers. Accreditation is more or less a stamp of quality. It ensures that the school has a solid curriculum and adheres to best business practices.
Almost all programs and institutions have at least one accreditation. There are national and regional accreditation organizations for colleges and universities. While the national organizations focus on technical, vocational, and career training, regional bodies supervise comprehensive educational programs such as the MBA.
When choosing an MBA program, select a school with AACSB accreditation to ensure that your time and money will be well spent.
Steps to Get into MBA Programs
Before applying for an MBA, you must have completed your high school diploma and earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can give you additional confidence and boost your career. But before application, you need to fulfill specific requirements and go through the application process.
Step 1: Choose an Area of Specialty
MBA programs come in different flavors. You can focus on business in general or choose a specialty area. A general MBA program is best if you don’t know what area interests you. Within our recommended programs below, you will find specialties such as:
- Project Management
- Administration
- Supply Chain Management
- Finance
- Aerospace Logistics
- Human Resources
- Sales Leadership
- Engineering Management
- Healthcare Management
- Marketing
- Sports Management
Step 2: Prepare Your Transcripts
One of the essential prerequisites for your MBA application is an undergraduate degree from an accredited program. Before applying, ensure you have your official transcripts ready. If you are applying from another country, you must have a passport and proof-of-identity documents.
Step 3: Meet The GPA Requirements
A grade point average (GPA) is the average of all your grades from your previous coursework. Business schools generally have varied GPA requirements, ranging between 3.5 and 3.7. You should aim for a higher GPA since most colleges or business schools demand a very high GPA.
Step 4: Take GMAT and GRE Scores Seriously
Many MBAs require additional tests like the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores as part of the application process. Before applying, you should consider taking one of these tests. These tests capture your abilities to think and analyze on a level expected in graduate school.
Due to the COVID pandemic that started in 2020, many testing centers worldwide shut down as a safety precaution to prevent spread. The shutdown meant that this in-person exam was no longer available. Many schools offer alternative means of qualifying for their MBA program to compensate. You can find more information in the GetEducated.com article on Top MBA Programs with No GRE or GMAT requirements.
Step 5: Update Your Resume
Many applications require the submission of an MBA resume. This resume differs from a job applicant’s resume. You need a precise, informative, and crisp statement of qualification. It should convey your unique value and what you can bring to your chosen program. Programs are competitive, and you need to show that you are a top candidate.
Step 6: Write a Professional Motivational Essay
A professional motivational essay is necessary to land a spot in an MBA program. You may start by putting down your ideas for the article in a draft format. Be sure to edit your essay and even ask for input, corrections, and suggestions from close friends. This feedback helps you to create a solid motivational piece.
Step 7: Recommendation Letters
Endorsements coming from professionals in your field increase your credibility for your MBA application. The person writing the recommendation letter must be an authority in your field and be aware of your achievements.
GetEducated has scoured online MBA programs to bring you our top recommendations. Below you will find our top 15 programs and a brief description.
AACSB-Accredited MBA Programs
1. Georgia Southwestern State University: Master Of Business Administration
With a tuition of $9,210, this MBA program offered by the Georgia Southwestern State University is one of the most affordable programs. With practical experiences from the real world, the program teaches the theoretical aspect of business administration. Some of the courses include Finance, International Business, Marketing, and Management.
All applicants must have a minimum grade of “C” in the prerequisite courses. Also, if you don’t have a business bachelor’s degree, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Fayetteville State University: Master Of Business Administration / Project Management
The Project Management MBA program from Fayetteville State University is relatively new, but it has a lot of value. In this program, you’ll receive an introduction to project management and then learn about crucial areas of the field. These include Communication and Tools, Techniques, and Project Risk Management.
At Fayetteville State University, MBA students take 39 credit hours. The project management program has 27 credits for core courses and 12 credits for electives.
3. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke: Master Of Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Do you want to advance your career in supply chain management? This MBA program from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke might be for you.
While studying Economics, Accounting, Marketing, and Management, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to understand and manage the flow of goods and services. At the end of the program, you will be able to design a network, analyze a process or service, develop a product service, and more.
4. Texas A&M International University: Master of Administration / International Banking and Finance
The International Banking and Finance MBA program from Texas A&M International University is a 15-month long program that deepens your knowledge in the banking sector. This program covers Central Banking Practices, Regulations, Securities Trading, and Banking Ethics.
The program requires 30 credit hours, including seminars in Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Leadership.
Texas A&M International University has made provisions in the form of pre-module courses for candidates with no business bachelor’s degree or prior experience in any business.
5. Arkansas Tech University: Master of Business Administration
At Arkansas Tech University, their Information Management MBA program has three tracks. Students can decide to focus on the general business track, business data analytics, or the digital marketing track.
The courses provide you with information-analytical ability, data analytics skills, research skills, management, and leadership skills.
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University: Master of Business / Aerospace Logistics
With this MBA program in Aerospace Logistics, graduates can improve their employment opportunities in the aviation industry.
The program teaches the fundamentals of finance, economics, behavioral management, data analysis, and aviation business. Courses like Management and Administration of Aerospace Contracts, Logistical Strategies in Aerospace Administration, and Ethics round out the program.
Students complete 36 credit hours. Out of these credit hours, the core MBA courses take up 24 credit hours, while aerospace logistics courses account for 12 credit hours.
7. The University of Nebraska at Kearney: Master of Business Administration / Human Resources
The University of Nebraska’s business school, accredited by AACSB, now has some really flexible programs. The MBA program separates courses into four tracks -— professional, accounting, marketing, and human resources. In learning techniques applicable across several industries, you develop skills in critical thinking, networking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
The program has 33 credit hours — 18 hours for core MBA courses and 15 hours for electives.
8. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Master of Business / Sales Leadership
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a Sales Leadership MBA program that advances your knowledge and skill-set in the sales industry.
In 15 months, you can graduate from the program with no thesis required. You enroll in foundational courses, apart from the core and elective courses. These courses include Foundations of Accounting, Foundations of Economics, Foundations of Finance, and Foundations of Quantitative Methods.
After completing this program, you will understand advanced financial management, organizational behavior, negotiations, customer relationship management, etc.
9. The University of Southern Indiana: Master of Business / Engineering Management
The Engineering Management MBA program at the University of Southern Indiana prepares students for leadership roles in the manufacturing, technology, and construction industries.
As a requirement, you should have a business bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. The program lasts for 11 months, and you have to finish 30 credit hours of courses to graduate.
Elective courses include Quality Management Practices, Principles and Practices of Supply Chain Management, and Principles of Project Management.
10. The West Texas A&M University: Master of Business / Healthcare Management
West Texas A&M University’s Healthcare Management MBA program holds the honor of one of the best healthcare programs. Apart from the AACSB accreditation, the school also has accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The program itself is for professionals in the medical field or people with a background in medicine. Accounting, finance, statistics, and law are all covered for core MBA courses. To enroll in the program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.
11. Jacksonville State University: Master of Business Administration
This MBA program offered by Jacksonville State University prepares you for leadership roles in different organizations. The program is entirely online, and the same professors who teach in traditional MBA classrooms at the university lead the online program.
Some of the program’s benefits include networking with students from diverse backgrounds, a top-notch curriculum, and 24/7 technical support.
12. Prairie View A & M University: Master of Business Administration
Prairie View A & M University’s online MBA program targets professionals seeking to land executive roles in large corporations or management roles in nonprofit organizations. The program explores a wide range of business concerns and prepares you to take managerial positions.
Some of the coursework includes Strategy and Policy, Quantitative Analysis, Production and Operations Management, and Managerial Accounting. Since the program is entirely online, it offers flexibility, and you can learn at your own pace while working.
13. University of South Dakota: Master of Business Administration / Marketing
The Marketing Master of Business Administration appeals to working professionals. It offers the same curriculum that is available at their brick-and-mortar campus.
This graduate program aims to educate candidates on the latest trends in marketing and how to keep their products relevant in the digital space. You will learn about strategies to develop marketing plans using the latest data analysis and brand management trends. Some electives in the program include brand management, data mining for managers, new product development, and supply chain management.
14. University of Southern Mississippi: Master of Business Administration / Sport Event Security Management
This online MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi focuses on sports event security management. The program is for professionals looking to land top management roles in sports security.
Topics studied include the fundamental MBA principles plus hands-on experience as security practitioners. The specialization exposes you to the business side of managing operations and how to present a proposal for return on investments for sports security and management. You also gain experience with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).
At the end of the program, you will understand how to use innovative technology to address potential risks and threats to the security and safety of sporting events.
15. University of Houston-Victoria: Strategic Master of Business Administration / Finance
The University of Houston-Victoria’s strategic master of finance program helps professionals gain the insight and skills to help their organization succeed. You will learn about different types of investments and how you can apply models, tools, and theories to provide solutions to business challenges globally.
Some of the core MBA coursework includes Ethics, Organizational Leadership, Data Analytics, and Strategic Marketing Management. Other topics for finance students include Derivatives, Investments, Financial Modeling, Applied Technical Analysis of Energy and Commodity Markets, and Risk Management/Insurance. Students complete a capstone course in strategic management to earn the degree.
Which MBA Program Is Best for Me?
The best MBA program for any individual is one that matches their career goals. People aiming for top executive jobs and those who want to teach business at the university level need an AACSB-accredited MBA degree.
Whatever program you choose should offer a qualitative education in the business area where you wish to specialize. Visit the GetEducated.com education resource center to find out all you need to know about business schools and programs.