Top Online MBA Degrees Affordable and Accredited Programs

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill offers students a number of options to receive a Master of Business Administration. This includes evening and weekend classes, study abroad opportunities or a fully online format to complete the 66 credits required to graduate. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as well as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, accredit this program. Students can choose to focus on data analytics and decision-making, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, or strategy and consulting. If these concentrations don't interest you, the school partners with a variety of additional programs to provide students with opportunities in public administration, public health or social work. Regardless of choice, all enrollees will participate in business core classes, which explore analytical tools, business communication, business strategy, leadership skills and financial accounting. Students are also required to participate in 2 immersion experiences, which are 3-day intensive workshops that take place on-campus, in another state or internationally. After graduation, MBA graduates can continue to register for courses at a reduced rate in order to stay up-to-date with industry knowledge and skills. For successful completion, students will receive an H (high pass) or P (pass) in all of their coursework. The school uses a variety of tools to create a distance education experience comparable to on-campus studies, including live video lectures, roundtable discussions and a mobile app. The cohort model encourages students to form relationships and support one another along the way. Students interested in admission can submit their applications alongside transcripts, recommendation letters and GMAT or GRE scores.

Students possessing an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college can enroll in an online program to earn a Master of Business Administration from Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. In order to qualify, students must submit GMAT or GRE scores and provide evidence of a minimum 3.0 GPA in all prior coursework. A strong background in calculus and quantitative skills is encouraged. Graduation requires the completion of 42 credit hours in coursework, which covers topics such as accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance and analytics. On top of core studies, students choose electives from a variety of concentrations, such as business sustainability, data science, energy business, entrepreneurship, global marketing, human resource management, information assurance, marketing analytics or nonprofit management. Distance education students can also take advantage of study abroad experiences through the Center for Advanced Global Leadership and Engagement. Online classrooms are conducted through the web platform Brightspace, and a tuitorial on how to navigate the system is available. Another resource available to online students is LASSO, which provides free online tutoring and success coaching. Students can also take advantage of the Math Learning Success Center and OSU Writing Center to assist in test prep and assignments and Career Services, which offers career exploration assessments, guidance on resume building and interviewing, and advice for perfecting a proper handshake. Roughly 80% of students receive some form of financial aid, and there are a number of scholarships awarded specifically to business students. On top of this, active-duty and full-time military personnel are eligible for tuition discounts and fee waivers.

At Missouri State University, 25% of students opt for the fully online option to earn a Master of Business Administration. This popularity may be due to the fact that both in-state and out-of-state enrollees pay the same tuition rates as their on-campus peers. The program consists of 24 core credit hours in subjects such as managerial accounting, organizational behavior and quantitative methods in business decision-making. On top of this, students choose from a variety of topics to satisfy 9 seminar and elective credit hours. Many work toward earning a business-specific graduate certificate. Some of the certificate options include computer information systems, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, forensic accounting, international business and tax accounting. All students must have fulfilled 18 hours of foundation courses in order to complete the MBA program, and students are encouraged to contact the College of Business to determine which classes may be waived as a result of undergraduate academics. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for graduation, and if this is not met, students can participate in up to 6 semester hours of extra credit to raise their average. Students who are unsure about whether distance education is the right choice for them can participate in the online readiness survey. Online students have access to the library, writing center, tutoring, technical help and veteran services to assist in their academic journey. The College of Business is also a member of the MBA Roundtable, National Association of Women MBAs and the Graduate Business Student Services Association, which links students to opportunities in the field. Those interested in this MBA program can submit an application, transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores for admissions consideration.

Accredited by AACSB, the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is host to a 100% online Master of Business Administration degree. Students can focus on concentrations in finance, international business, marketing or supply chain management. The school also encourages enrollment in a concurrent program to receive a master's degree in legal studies, electrical engineering or industrial engineering. This is due to the fact that additional coursework coupled with another academic plan requires less time and money. Beginning in either January or August, students will take an average of 21 months to complete 49 credit hours, or 17 classes, with a grade of B or above in order to graduate. Courses last for 7.5 weeks, and students are able to take 2 classes per quarter. Students will explore core subjects such as statistics for managers, operations and supply management, ethical issues and managerial accounting. They will also choose elective topics ranging from advanced corporate finance, to investment strategies, to sustainability and social responsibility. In addition, distance education students have opportunities to take their studies abroad if their schedule permits. ASU Online Student Support & Services can connect you to available resources, including the library, disability and veteran resources, career services and tutoring. Students who have a business idea can take advantage of Venture Devils, which offers support to student startup founders by connecting them to the appropriate information and people. For program admittance, students must submit GMAT or GRE scores as well as have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA in all prior academic history.

Temple University's Fox School of Business offers students flexibility through their online Master of Business Administration program. Entirely self-paced, students can take anywhere from 20 months to 6 years to complete the required 48 credits. A grade of a C- or above is necessary for any credit to count toward graduation. Courses begin at 3 different points each year, and students only take 1 class over a period of 5 weeks for added convenience and manageability. Core work looks into leadership development, managing risk, law and ethical foundations, business in a global environment and financial analysis. Online students can select from 11 concentrations, such as business management, entrepreneurship, financial management, human resource management, sport business, travel and tourism, and corporate compliance, governance and regulatory policy. Although curriculum is completed online, there is a requirement to participate in a weeklong, on-campus residency experience at the beginning of the program and satisfy a hands-on internship at the end. Housing and food for the residency experience are included in tuition costs. On Thursday evenings, students are expected to join classmates and faculty in a live web conferencing session, which encourages a sense of community and support. The Student Success Center and Writing Center are also available resources to assist in any questions or challenges students may come across. In order to be considered for admission, prospective students must submit an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT scores, a resume and essays, as well as take part in an interview.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, Arkansas State University provides students with the opportunity to receive a Master of Business Administration in a fully online format. Students in this program can choose concentrations in supply chain management or finance. GPA and GMAT or GRE scores are taken into consideration when applying for admission. Students are also required to have satisfied a number of undergraduate foundation courses, which are outlined in the graduate handbook. There are fast track options, however, to satisfy these credits prior to your graduate program if you completed a bachelor's degree in a field outside of business. If admissioned, students will need to complete 27 hours of core coursework, which explores topics of accounting for planning, managerial economics, global strategic initiatives, management information systems and strategic marketing. An additional 6 hours of electives complete the 33 credit hours needed for graduation. In order to count towards graduation, a C or above must be maintained in each class. A final obligation for program completion is that students must complete a research presentation in front of faculty. The school is committed to providing online learners with support, which includes linking every student to a personal teaching assistant who is an expert in their field of study. Student Services is also available to help with financial questions, disability services and technical help for Blackboard Learn, the web platform used to manage online classes. Before applying, make sure to confirm that your state of residency will acknowledge this degree program.

Sam Houston State University provides a 100% online program to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree. Students spend an average of 2 years completing this 36-credit hour program. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA for all coursework as well as pass their comprehensive exam with a B or higher in order to graduate. There are 27 credit hours composed of core business curriculum, including accounting for management, techniques of statistical analysis, financial management and a seminar for team leadership. The final 9 credits are business-specific electives. A student's GPA and GMAT score will determine their eligibility for the program. A 3.5 average in undergraduate studies, however, may waive the exam requirement. An additional qualification is the completion of 15 credit hours in specific prerequisite courses, such as Economic Principles and Policy, Analysis of Accounting Information and Foundations of Strategic Management. Students can start their program throughout the year, with classes beginning in August, January or May. Coursework is accessible at any time via the web platform Blackboard Learn. The system connects online learners with a number of smart phone applications to assist in organization, research and web conferencing. SHSU Online Campus encourages students to become a part of the school community by live streaming campus events. Other resources include access to the library, academic advising and career services. New online students are eligible to earn $1,000 in scholarships. On top of this, there are 32 financial awards presented to College of Business students annually.

Naveen Jindal School of Management's online option to receive a Master in Business Administration through the University of Texas at Dallas can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program consists of 53 credit hours. Of these, 30 involve core classes in financial accounting, information technology for management, business economics and managerial accounting. An additional 23 credits are elective-based, and prospective students can search the course listings to see which are offered online. Students can also choose from 15 concentrations, ranging from finance to international management to real estate. For added flexibility, there are start dates in the fall, spring and summer each year. In order to qualify for the program, students must have maintained a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work as well as completed prerequisites in quantitative foundation of business and communications for management. Additionally, the application requires GMAT scores, references, essays, a resume and an interview. Students can demo an online course to see if online learning is the right choice for them. For those living in the area, there is an option to observe a class. Upon program admission, students have access to a number of resources, including academic advising, the library and technical help. The Career Management Center stays in close contact with MBA students during their journey. They connect students with potential employers, host workshops and implement mock interviews. On top of this, the center showcases virtual professional development and program information sessions throughout the year. Graduates from this program typically go on to find careers in areas such as health care management, marketing and risk management.

Students earning their Master of Business Administration through the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University can do so in a fully online format or by combining on-campus courses with some distance education. Although working at an accelerated rate is an option, most students complete the program in an average of 2 years. Depending on your undergraduate education, this degree requires 31-46 semester hours. For those who received a bachelor's degree in fields outside of business, they will likely need to satisfy up to 9 semester hours in financial accounting, statistics and corporate finance foundational classes. All students will explore core coursework that covers topics such as data analytics, marketing, leadership and cultural intelligence. Additional credits involve emphasis-specific electives, which include options in general business, computer information systems, management, marketing and health care management. Students must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA for both program consideration and degree completion. Admission also entails the submission of transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, a resume and a statement of goals. GMAT scores are encouraged to boost your eligibility. Prospective students, however, can request a test waiver if their transcripts display a 3.0 average throughout their academic history. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the AACSB accredit all business programs at West Texas A&M University. Online curriculum is approved by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, but students will want to verify their degree will be recognized in their location of residency. Smart Thinking Tutoring, academic advising and technical help are available to assist students in their online studies.

Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland offers students the opportunity to work toward a Master of Business Administration via a fully online format. Students can choose to concentrate on general business, accounting, finance, information systems and business analytics, supply chain management or marketing. Graduation requires a grade C or higher in the required 54 credit hours of foundation coursework and concentration-specific curriculum. Students explore decision modeling, the global economic environment, operations management, organizational change, ethical leadership and international business. Two residencies are also required, which involve a 3-day, on-campus experience designed to acquaint you with the university and your fellow classmates at the beginning of the program, as well as a capstone experience toward the end. Degree completion takes an average of 2 years. The self-paced nature of online learning, however, allows for flexibility in timelines. During your studies, you will be linked with a career coach through the school's Office of Career Services. Throughout the year, this office hosts a series of activities to assist in building your career portfolio. These include networking opportunities, cover letter workshops and interview preparation. Your career coach works to understand your specific goals and is available to help in customized job exploration and career planning. Students interested in this program will need to submit transcripts, a GMAT or GRE score, 1 letter of recommendation and an essay. Most accepted applicants maintained a minimum 2.9 GPA and received GMAT scores in the mid-500 to upper-700 range. The admissions office encourages students to hold a minimum 2 years of professional experience. After graduation, students will be prepared for careers in fields such as investment banking, consulting and hospitality.

Students interested in completing a Master of Business Administration can do so in a fully online format through the University of Mississippi. The degree requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 2 years if you follow this plan of study. Online learners, however, can enroll in their chosen amount of classes at the fall, summer, or spring term, allowing for greater flexibility. All students follow the same curriculum, which covers topics such as leadership, managerial economics, business planning, organizational behavior, project analysis and statistics. If you are interested in applying, your transcripts must reflect a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate academics. This average is to be maintained throughout graduate coursework as well in order to finish the program. Prospective students will also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores of 550 or above, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume and a statement of purpose. Prerequisite courses include principles of accounting and business finance. Prior to application, the school offers a number of study resources to prepare for both the GMAT and GRE. The school's MBA board is composed of student alumni who wish to help current students on their academic journey. The group hosts professional development days throughout the year to assist in resume development, interview skills and job offer negotiations. Resident and non-resident students can expect to pay the same tuition rates, and there are state aid and school-funded scholarships to help cut down on costs. In addition, the annual Ole Miss MBA Golf Classic raises money for the MBA-specific scholarship fund.

For those living in the Lafayette, Indiana, area, Purdue University's Krannert School of Management offers flexibility through their weekend program to receive a Master of Business Administration. This option follows a cohort model and combines online classes with weekend on-campus visits twice per month. Beginning in August, students will complete 39 weekend sessions and 48 total credits to earn their degree over the course of 2 years. Prospective students can view the program timeline. During Saturday visits, students attend class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school's Rawls Hall. Following a full day of work, everyone comes together in the hall's common areas for MBA evening meals. Coursework covers accounting for managers, business analytics, macroeconomics, business law and negotiations. Electives are specific to and chosen by each year's cohort. Graduates of this program can expect to acquire financial decision- and policy-making skills, leadership skills and marketing knowledge. On top of the encouraged peer support, there are a variety of supports to assist in your distance education and on-campus studies. These supports include first-hand access to Purdue's Online Writing Lab, which is known to students throughout the world. The Krannert Professional Development Center helps in job exploration and networking opportunities, and the Parrish Library of Management and Economics is host to a large number of resources specific to the business field. Applications for the weekend MBA are accepted on a rolling basis. Those interested will need to provide evidence for 3 years minimum of professional experience. Although there is not a GPA minimum, a B average in undergraduate work is necessary in order to waive the GMAT testing requirement.

William & Mary's online MBA emphasizes communication, critical thinking and creative problem solving to produce tomorrow's business leaders. To do so, the school uses a unique approach -- at the beginning of the program, students are asked to identify a real world issue to work on throughout the course of their studies. This can be an actual problem they are currently facing at work or a larger issue within the business world in general. As students advance through the 12 courses, they are required to tie all classroom concepts into the solution for the problem they have chosen. By doing this, students gain the strategic analysis and problem solving skills that many of today's employers seek. At the end of the program, students participate in a practicum focused on the culmination of this work. It typically takes 2 years to complete this MBA program. Examples of first year courses include financial and managerial accounting, organizational behavior and business analytics. Second year courses cover marketing, integrated technology, leadership in the 21st century and the practicum. In addition to coursework, an on-campus 3-day residency is required. This is held twice a year and is a conference-style session that focuses on core business issues and encourages collaboration and networking. Attendance of one residency weekend is required but students are allowed to attend all residency offerings. For increased flexibility, the online MBA has 3 start dates and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Application requirements include official transcripts, completion of an online application, GMAT/GRE scores (waivers are given on a case-by-case basis) and a personal admission interview which can be conducted over Skype or telephone.

Just 5% of business schools in the world have earned AACSB accreditation. Missouri University of Science and Technology's online MBA program is among the few that hold such status. This 36 credit hour program is divided into 2 parts: core classes (21 credits) and electives (15 credits), and is ideal for working professionals and executives. Examples of core courses include teambuilding and leadership, integration of business areas, managerial finance and international marketing. Concentrations are not offered in the program but students can choose to earn a graduate certificate based on their personal interests. Certificates require 12 hours of electives so the 15 required credits for the MBA degree can go towards earning a certificate. Admission to the MBA program is dependent on official transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, recommendations, resume, statement of purpose and application form. If all materials are not ready, Missouri S&T encourages prospective students to still start the process but does note that nothing will be reviewed until each required item has been submitted. For students who need additional financial aid, Missouri S&T offers support for graduate-level assistants and encourages students seek outside funding through fellowships and organizations.

If you're considering earning an MBA, the University of North Texas has 2 online options: an online MBA in marketing and an online accelerated MBA with 6 areas of interest. The online MBA in marketing degree can be earned full- or part-time and the class schedule rotates, making it easy to fit courses into your existing schedule. It is divided into 5 parts: background courses (18 hours), core courses (18 hours), required courses (6 hours), supporting courses (9 hours) and non-marketing electives (3 hours). Background courses, however, are only required on an as-needed basis, for example if your undergraduate transcript shows your bachelor's degree does not prepare you for master's level coursework. The second option, UNT's accelerated online MBA, is ideal for those working full-time or who have otherwise busy lifestyles. In addition to the convenience of online accessibility, the accelerated program has 5 start dates and courses are just 8-weeks long. This option can be completed in as few as 14 months. Curriculum was designed to enhance and expand students' knowledge and skills in key business areas, making them eligible for promotions and managerial roles.

West Virginia University's Master of Business Administration is offered in a hybrid format. This means courses are conducted online but students will need to attend a series of 3-4 day long residencies to network with professors and peers and participate in experiential learning. 3 residencies take place in Morgantown, WV and 1 Washington DC. To graduate, students need to complete 48 credit hours in core courses such as business research, financial statements analysis, macroeconomics and strategy, and electives in topics such as negotiation strategy, strategic communications and international business. Students can also pursue 1 of 3 areas of emphasis. There is also an option to earn the MBA and a JD, Doctor of Pharmacy or MS in Nursing simultaneously. WVU prides itself on preparing its MBA grads for success in the real world. Graduates have gone on to careers at a range of companies including Chevron, NASA, Wells Fargo and Pfizer, to name a few examples. 33% of students reported starting a new job or getting a promotion while still in the program and 71% of recent alumni said the online MBA resulted in a new position, promotion or career. Prerequisites are not required but applicants must have at least 2 years of professional experience. Although there are no prereqs, it is recommended that anyone without a strong background in basic business take not-for-credit classes in financial accounting, economics and statistical concepts. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis but will not be considered if all parts are not submitted. Applicants can choose either a fall or spring semester start.

Offered through night classes on-campus or anytime, fully online, the MBA program at the University of Southern Mississippi was designed for both full-time students and working professionals. Consisting of 24 core credit hours and 9 elective hours, this program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on how many classes you take each semester. Specific course titles will vary but cover key topics such as managerial accounting, analytical decision making, global business strategy and sport management. Study abroad opportunities are also open to online students if it works with their schedule. Southern Miss' MBA program was designed for students with and without a business undergraduate degree. However, if you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-business field, you will need to satisfy prerequisite courses in accounting, finance and statistics. Applying to the program involves completing an online graduate application, submitting official transcripts and GMAT/GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, a professional cover letter and resume, statement of purpose, and immunization records. International students must submit official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores. If you have a master's degree or higher, GMAT/GRE scores can be waived. If you have 5 or more years of management work experience you may request a waiver consideration.

The University of Cincinnati's Master of Business Administration program is available in an accelerated online format that follows 7-week terms. Consisting of a total of 38 credit hours, coursework includes MBA core courses, electives, business foundations courses and a capstone experience. Those who have an undergraduate degree in a non-business field will need to fulfill additional foundations courses. The program is designed to be a mix of academic, research-intensive and real life learning experiences. Specific course offerings may vary from year to year but degree outcome goals remain the same -- exceptional knowledge of core skills, strong leadership and decision-making skills, a keen understanding of legal issues relevant to business, and an understanding of the importance of ethics and social responsibility. Those interested in gaining expertise in a particular area can choose from 7 concentrations. Faculty are industry leaders, many of whom are also award-winning researchers and active business professionals, which means students will receive the most current and relevant industry knowledge and insight. If interested in applying, you must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school and submit an online application, GMAT/GRE scores (unless you qualify for a waiver), 2 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, current resume, school transcripts and official TOEFL/IELTS (international students only). Lindner MBA online is selective and uses a holistic approach when reviewing application packets. Applicants may be accepted through direct admission (typically for those with 3 or fewer years of work experience) or conditional admission (typically for those with 3 or more years of work experience).

At the University of Tennessee at Martin, the online MBA is a flexible and convenient way for students to earn a business degree. Following a 20-student cohort model, this program typically takes 20 months to complete and is open to students with an undergraduate degree in any field and 2 or more years of post baccalaureate work experience. It is an ideal option for anyone who wants to advance in their career and boost their salary potential. All program requirements can be completed 100% online -- including exams -- and students can interact with peers and professors via virtual classrooms and group meeting rooms. Courses are 6-8 weeks long and curriculum is designed to help students develop a range of valuable business skills including leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, ethics, and creativity and innovation. Students who want the flexibility of an online program but still want some face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers can consider the hybrid MBA. With this option, classes are offered fully online and in hybrid formats that require about 5 visits to the UTM campus each semester. Both the online and hybrid programs require an application, 3 letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, resume, transcripts and an essay. Unlike the online MBA, however, the hybrid program does not require at least 2 years of work experience. Applicants with 7+ years of full-time business experience after earning a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 may be eligible to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement (such applicants will need to submit a GMAT/GRE waiver application for review).

Those considering an MBA have a few different options at Cleveland State University. However, if flexibility through online learning is a priority, CSU's online accelerated MBA may be the right degree for you. This option, which CSU says is one of the first online 1-year MBAs accredited by AACSB, allows students to earn the foundational knowledge to succeed in the business world in a fast, convenient and affordable way. Because all courses and requirements can be completed online, students set their own schedules and work at their own pace. Yet despite this flexibility, small cohort groups are emphasized to encourage peer interaction and group study. Cohorts start in the Fall and Spring. Tuition is all-inclusive, meaning what you pay covers everything from courses to online materials and e-books to student services. Once admitted, students will receive a link to instructions for the various apps needed to complete the program. These apps will give you access to course modules, interactive materials and e-books. All online MBA courses are taught by full-time CSU faculty so distance learners will receive the same education as their campus-based peers. While the program has been designed to maximize flexibility and convenience, CSU notes that it requires dedication so is best suited to highly-motivated individuals. Before applying, interested students must meet certain requirements, including taking the GMAT or GRE. Course prerequisites may also be required if your undergraduate degree does not fulfill the specified coursework. You can work with an advisor to determine whether you have met these prerequisites. International students are subject to additional admissions requirements.

Business professionals looking to boost their career and salary potential can do so by pursuing an online MBA at Southern Utah University. The school offers an accelerated program, which can be completed in 1 year, as well as a comprehensive program, which takes 2 years of full-time study and is most suitable for students without any prior business training or education. Despite being online, the SUU MBA program maintains a small class size so that students can get the most out of their program and professor. Coursework emphasizes human and technical knowledge and skills but still gives students the opportunity to explore projects in their own areas of interest. Overall, faculty encourage active learning to produce confident, capable and knowledgeable leaders. This approach, combined with career coaching services, has resulted in a 96.5% employment rate among its graduates. Curriculum is divided into core courses, electives and MBA foundation courses. Examples include accounting for decision making, managerial finance, data analytics, business law and managerial finance. For those interested in the accelerated option, completion of all foundation courses is required prior to admission. If interested in gaining expertise in a particular area or industry, SUU's MBA offers 2 concentration areas: business analytics (30 credits) and cybersecurity (30 credits). To graduate, students must complete the program within 6 years and pass all courses with a C grade or better. Although the school does offer graduate tuition waivers, these waivers are not currently available to online students.

Western Kentucky University offers an MBA in 3 formats: full-time, online and professional. Prospective students looking for the most flexibility will want to consider the online MBA. Coursework is 100% online, but some tests will be proctored at a site that is convenient to you. Students can progress through the program at their own pace, finishing in as few as 12 months or as long as 5 years. To earn this degree, students will need to complete 33 hours of business courses and can do so part-time or full-time. Examples of such courses include organizational theory, advanced marketing, applied microeconomic theory and 2 electives. All online MBA students are required to take 2 contemporary issues courses or can substitute this requirement for a 3-hour elective. All courses expose students to the latest industry theories and technologies but also emphasizes how to effectively apply them to real world organizations. In fact, students often work on real life business issues under the guidance of their professors, many of whom have extensive business expertise. This combination of classroom and real world knowledge gives students a competitive edge. To apply, students must complete a graduate application, provide 2 references, and submit official transcripts and an official copy of GMAT scores. Applicants will also need to meet a minimum GPA requirement and those without a strong academic background in basic business will need to demonstrate proficiency in 8 major areas by completing preparatory courses, a foundation module or one or more area proficiency exams.

Earning an MBA doesn't necessarily mean you have to set aside your professional and personal life. University of Florida's online MBA program allows students to balance the demands of life, work and school at all once. This program, which UF says was among the first fully-accredited online degrees, attracts students from all around the world and from a variety of professional backgrounds. However, despite its global reach, UF limits class size to 65 students to maintain quality interaction between learners and their professors. The MBA program is offered 100% online and consists of 5-week courses, which were developed by the same UF faculty who designed the campus-based MBA. There are 2 other formats available: a 1-year hybrid option for students who already have an undergraduate degree in business and a 2-year hybrid for students with a non-business undergraduate degree. Those who need maximum flexibility should consider the 100% online program as this option can be completed without a single campus visit. Lectures are available online and can be viewed at any time. Assignments, group projects and readings are expected to take up about 15 hours per week. To be considered for the online option, applicants will need to register with UF MBA and complete a UF application as well as a UF MBA supplemental application. Submission of a resume, official transcripts, recommendation letters and GMAT/GRE scores is also required. International students will need to complete a few other standardized tests and submit additional documentation. Admission requirements for the hybrid options are similar, but admissions criteria may be different so interested students should review each option carefully before applying.

Offered through Auburn University's Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, the online MBA is available to US-based students and US military personnel. It is 1 of 4 MBA options offered by the university. In addition to their MBA, candidates can earn dual degrees in finance, industrial and systems engineering or information systems or opt for a concentration, though a concentration will not be designated on a diploma or transcript. Online MBA students must complete 9 core courses and 4 electives. These courses are delivered through the CANVAS learning platform. While full-time, campus-based students follow a cohort model, those in the online program do not -- students are allowed to take courses at their own pace, provided they complete the full degree within 6 years. Auburn University notes the average student takes 2 courses per semester. Online learners will have access to a student services coordinator who can help them determine the right pace and electives to choose. Examples of some of the core and elective courses students will take include quantitative analysis, operations excellence, organizational leadership and change, and big data. Graduate certificates are also open to MBA students and options include business analytics or information systems. These certificates, however, are available to students regardless of their MBA enrollment so this can be an ideal option for professionals who want to develop skills and knowledge in a specific business area or industry but do not have the time to commit to an MBA program.

At East Carolina University, prospective students looking to earn an online business degree can pursue the school's MBA program, which has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1967. Offered completely online, hybrid and on-campus, this 18-course program covers the theory and practice of business management, and is ideal for those who hold a business and non-business undergraduate degree. Coursework is divided into 3 categories -- foundational courses, common body of knowledge courses and electives -- and will deep dive into a range of topics such as economics, marketing, strategy, operations management and supply chain management. Students can choose from more than 30 different electives to tailor their MBA to their career goals and interests. While only 3 electives are required, if students go further and complete 4-5, they can earn 1 of 12 graduate certificates to demonstrate their specific industry knowledge and skills. There is no residency requirement, even for online learners. Unlike many MBA programs, ECU's program does not follow a cohort model or dictate pace. This means students can customize their program to fit their specific and unique needs, goals and schedules. Courses can even be taken in any order, as long as all prerequisites are met first. To be considered, applicants will need to take the GMAT (although some may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver) and meet strict minimum GPA requirements. A bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized accrediting agency is also required. Letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose is not required.