The Cheapest Online MBA In The United States of America

A list of The Cheapest Online MBA In The United States. What good is an accelerated online Master’s in Business Administration in the field?

What good is an accelerated online Master’s in Business Administration in the field? For professionals who are working towards earning the degree, it is a sign of advancement in a career or a move in a different direction in the business world.

It is also the most respected business degree in the field and is a coveted distinction by both employers and employees. That’s why the proliferation of online degrees is important in this field.

It will come as no surprise to most professionals in the field that one of the most popular online degrees is the Master of Business Administration. In fact, there are so many online business programs that it would be impossible for a professional to go through all of them and make a decision.

That’s why this ranking was created; it will narrow down the number of business programs that are available to those that are affordable and offer accelerated options. This ranking will serve as an aide for any professional who is considering earning a graduate degree.

Methodology

Time to Completion

  • 20 Months or Less: 1 point
  • 18 Months or Less: 2 points
  • 16 Months or Less: 3 points
  • 14 Months or Less: 4 points
  • 12 Months or Less: 5 points
  • 10 Months or Less: 6 points

Graduate Tuition

  • Less Than $20,000: 1 point
  • Less Than $15,000: 2 points
  • Less Than $10,000: 3 points
  • Less Than $5,000: 4 points

Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item

Presence of an Online Student Support Network– 1 point

Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Business Administration

To develop this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of 60 colleges and universities offering an online MBA program with a minimum completion time of under two years. We then applied the rating and ranking methodology above, using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as well as each program’s website. In the case of a tie, we awarded the more affordable school the higher ranking. These are accredited online mba programs.

#50—Washington State University

Pullman, Washington

Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 22 Months

Points: 5

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Washington State University

The affordable online MBA program offered through Washington State University’s Carson College of Business features an optional international field study. Students enrolled in the program can customize their degree plans by selecting one of four available concentrations:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Marketing

Regardless of concentration, all MBA students will take core courses such as:

  • Business Analytics: Transforming Data into Decisions
  • Strategy Formulation and Organizational Design
  • Managerial Leadership and Productivity
  • Information Systems Analysis

Washington State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to confer the fast MBA online degree. Its College of Business is separately accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Moreover, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the 20 best online MBAs in the nation.

Graduate Tuition: $11,493

#49—Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 21 Months

Points: 5

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Old Dominion University

Full-time students can earn one of the cheapest online MBA programs from Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business within just 21 months. The curriculum for the program is comprehensive, requiring 40 credit hours of coursework. Core courses required for the MBA credential include:

  • Managing in Contemporary Organizations
  • Information and Knowledge Management
  • Investments and Portfolio Management
  • Leadership Dynamics

In addition to these core courses, four distinct concentrations are also available, including:

  • Finance
  • Information Technology/Supply Chain Management
  • Strategic Management
  • Marketing

A capstone course in International Business Issues or Strategic Management is also required before graduation. ODU is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this fast online MBA. The program is separately accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Graduate Tuition: $10,207

#48—Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania

Accelerated MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 6

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Gwynedd Mercy University

Students enrolled in the fast online MBA program from Gwynedd Mercy University can choose from among three available concentrations:

  • Strategic Management and Leadership
  • Transportation Leadership
  • Healthcare Administration

Regardless of the concentration they choose, all students will take core MBA classes, including:

  • Managing Business Operations
  • Accounting for Decision Makers
  • Ethical Decision Making and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Strategic Management

A hybrid accelerated MBA option is also available for students who desire a more immersive experience. Gwynedd Mercy University is institutionally accredited to award the Master of Business Administration credential by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Graduate Tuition: $13,749

#47—Southern Oregon University

Ashland, Oregon

Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months

Points: 7

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Southern Oregon University

Five optional concentration areas await students who enroll in Southern Oregon University’s cheap online MBA programs offering. These distinct tracks include:

  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Business Analytics

Regardless of concentration, students will be required to take certain core MBA courses, including:

  • Financial Management Practices
  • Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
  • Strategic Operations Management
  • Marketing Management and Strategies

A capstone course and graduate research project are also required before graduation. Southern Oregon University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to confer the online MBA credential. This fast online Master of Business Administration is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $17,028

#46—Northcentral University

La Jolla, California

Accelerated Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months

Points: 7

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Northcentral University

One of the cheapest online MBA programs in the nation, Northcentral University’s Master of Business Administration offering features a dozen specialization options. Standout concentrations include:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Management of Virtual Organizations
  • Global Business Management
  • Information Technology

The 30-credit hour curriculum for the program features core course titles such as:

  • Managing People and Teams
  • Innovation and Marketing
  • Changing Times: Business in the 21st Century
  • Managerial Decision-Making

Northcentral University is institutionally accredited to award the online Master of Business Administration degree. The program also holds specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $16,983

#45—Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months

Points: 7

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Regent University

Students enrolled in the AACSB-accredited fast online MBA program from Regent University will take ten core courses, including:

  • Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Planning and Launch
  • Innovation and Technological Success
  • Corporate and Personal Ethics

Those who desire to add a concentration to their credential can do so by selecting one of nearly a dozen available concentrations such as:

  • Cybersecurity Management
  • Innovation Management
  • Finance & Investing
  • Healthcare Management
  • Entrepreneurship

Regent University is fully accredited to award this accelerated MBA online by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 150 of its kind nationwide.

Graduate Tuition: $15,552

#44—University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts

Accelerated MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 7

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Massachusetts Lowell

The dynamic and affordable online MBA programs from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell features nine optional concentrations, including:

  • Managerial Leadership
  • Business Analytics
  • International Business
  • Information Technology

Designed to be completed within 18 months, the program features core MBA courses like:

  • Managing Organizational Change
  • Strategy Formation and Implementation
  • Accounting Information for Management Decisions
  • Customers and Markets

The fast online MBA from UMass Lowell has been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The university is fully accredited to award the MBA credential by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Its Manning School of Business is separately accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

Graduate Tuition: $14,590

#43—Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 8

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Benedictine University

Students enrolled in Benedictine University’s fast online MBA program take two courses at a time to finish the program in just one year. The program’s curriculum is customizable and features six concentration options, including:

  • Entrepreneurship and Managing Innovation
  • International Business
  • Marketing Management
  • Accounting

Sample course titles comprising the accelerated MBA’s curriculum include:

  • Leadership & Ethics in a Global Environment
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Financial Management

The Higher Learning Commission has extended full institutional accreditation to Benedictine University to confer the online Master of Business Administration credential.

Graduate Tuition: $18,273

#42—Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months

Points: 8

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Thomas Edison State University

Offered through the college’s prestigious School of Business and Management, the fast online MBA program from Thomas Edison State University is designed to be completed within just 15 months. The curriculum for the program emphasizes career preparation and features six concentration options:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Finance

Students enrolled in the program are required to fulfill 21 credit hours of core MBA courses, including:

  • Organizational Research
  • Ethics for Managers
  • Strategic Operations Management
  • Marketing Management

A management capstone course is also required prior to graduation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Thomas Edison State to award the accelerated MBA online. The program also holds specialty accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $12,024

#41—Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Online Accelerated Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 8

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University offers a 36-credit hour affordable online MBA programs through its renowned E.J. Ourso College of Business. The degree plan is customizable, featuring three distinct concentrations:

  • Emerging Technologies
  • Healthcare Management
  • Data Analytics

Students who choose not to elect a formal concentration can still personalize their studies by selecting elective classes. Required courses for the core curriculum include:

  • Understanding Behavior in Organizations
  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Cost Accounting
  • Information Systems

LSU is accredited to award this fast online MBA by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university’s College of Business also holds specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). U.S. News & World Report has ranked LSU among the top 100 colleges and universities nationwide for an online Master of Business Administration.

Graduate Tuition: $9,132

#40—Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

best online mba programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 8

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Governors State University

Students enrolled in Governors State University’s accelerated MBA online program can be pursued either completely online or via a hybrid track. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses, including

  • Information Systems and Technology
  • Managerial Economics and Forecasting
  • Organization Behavior in the Global Context
  • Operations Management: Strategies and Techniques

A capstone course entitled Strategic Management in a Global Context is also required for successful program completion. Students may also elect a 9 credit-hour specialization from the following options:

  • Leadership
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Finance

Governors State holds institutional accreditation to award the online MBA credential by the Higher Learning Commission. The program also holds specialty accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the university as a top provider of online Master of Business Administration degrees.

Graduate Tuition: $6,354

#39—Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

best online mba programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Southern New Hampshire University

As one of the most versatile affordable online MBA programs in our ranking, Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Business Administration features more than 15 different concentrations. Standout options include:

  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Music Business
  • Information Technology Management
  • Engineering Management
  • Business Intelligence

Sample course titles comprising the program’s core curriculum include:

  • Measuring Success in an Organization
  • Optimizing Brands
  • Innovation and Strategy for High-Performance Organizations
  • Organizational Strategy in a Global Environment
  • Online education

The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Southern New Hampshire University to confer this fast online MBA. The program itself, including all concentrations, is separately accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $18,810

#38—University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio

Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers both a one-year online MBA for students with an undergraduate degree in business and an affordable online MBA programs that can be completed in as few as 15 months. Students enrolled in either program can select one of two available specializations:

  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing

Regardless of specialization, all online MBA students at the University of Dayton will take core courses in business administration, including:

  • Operational Effectiveness
  • Information Systems and Business Decisions
  • Corporate Finance
  • Marketing Management

The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award graduate degrees in business. Its fast online MBA is separately accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It has been ranked among the best colleges and universities in the nation for online MBA studies.

Graduate Tuition: $17,190

#37—Mercer University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Mercer University

Offered through the university’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, Mercer University’s fast online MBA program can be completed within just one year. Students have the option of completing their MBA requirements entirely online or via a hybrid format, and online classes are taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus. The 12-month MBA offering is a general program, but students who are willing to study a bit longer can pursue one of seven available specializations, including:

  • Health Care Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Finance
  • Managing People and Change

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Mercer University among the top 75 colleges and universities in the United States for an online Master of Business Administration. The school is institutionally accredited to award the accelerated MBA online credential by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Programmatic accreditation for this degree plan has been extended by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Graduate Tuition: $15,422

#36—Johnson & Wales University

Providence, Rhode Island

Accelerated Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Johnson & Wales University

The one-year accelerated MBA online offering from Johnson & Wales University is comprised of 8-week courses. The curriculum for the program emphasizes career preparation and includes classes like:

  • Evidence-Based Research in Management
  • Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Law
  • Financial Reporting and Control
  • Global Economic Environments

A career capstone course in Business Policy and Strategy is also required for program completion. The New England Commission of Higher Education has extended institutional accreditation to Johnson & Wales University to award this fast online MBA and other academic credentials. The university has been ranked among the top 200 colleges and universities nationwide for an online MBA by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate Tuition: $13,734

#35—University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Accelerated Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 14 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Arizona

The fast online MBA from the University of Arizona is offered through its prestigious Eller College of Management. Students enrolled in the program can take advantage of six convenient start dates and then work at their own pace, completing all degree requirements in as few as 14 months. The curriculum for the best online mba programs features six in-demand concentrations, including:

  • Privacy and Security
  • Management and Organizations
  • Health Care Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Marketing

In addition to concentration-specific classes, MBA students will take core courses such as:

  • Communication for Managers
  • Strategic Management of Information Systems
  • Survey of Finance as Corporate Manager
  • Managing Ethics in Organizations

An optional hands-on global experience is also available to interested students. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Arizona to offer an accelerated MBA online. The program itself also holds separate accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 10 online MBAs nationwide.

Graduate Tuition: $11,938

#34—University of Texas-Arlington

Arlington, Texas

Accelerated Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Texas-Arlington

The best online MBA programs from the University of Texas-Arlington is both affordable and accelerated. The 36-credit hour program can be completed in just 16 months and features three optional concentrations:

  • Finance
  • Management
  • Health Care

Required courses for this fast online MBA include:

  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Management of Information Technologies
  • Leadership & Teams
  • Business Financial Management

UTA is institutionally accredited to confer this affordable online MBA program by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is also programmatically accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Graduate Tuition: $8,474

#33—University of Houston-Victoria

Victoria, Texas

Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 16 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Houston-Victoria

The fast online MBA program from the University of Houston-Victoria is a Global MBA option featuring four distinct concentration options:

  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Finance

In addition to concentration-specific courses, MBA students will complete core classes, including:

  • International Management and Leadership
  • Business and Society in the International Environment
  • International Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Global Economics

The 16-month, AACSB-accredited online MBA program features five annual start dates for added convenience and flexibility. The University of Houston-Victoria is institutionally accredited to award the online Master of Business Administration by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Graduate Tuition: $6,338

#32—University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana

Online Education

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months

Points: 9

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Louisiana Lafayette

Offered through the B.I. Moody III School of Business Administration, the fast online MBA from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette can be completed in as few as 15 months. Enrolled students can elect a general track or choose a specialization from one of eight different available options such as:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Global Management
  • Sales Leadership
  • Project Management

Courses comprising the core curriculum for the program include:

  • Advanced Financial Management and Policy
  • Management of Information Technology
  • Analytical Methods for Planning and Control
  • Data Analysis

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The University of Louisiana-Lafayette also holds institutional accreditation to award the online MBA credential from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 150 best colleges and universities in the United States for an online Master of Business Administration.

Graduate Tuition: $5,511

#31—William Paterson University

Wayne, New Jersey

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: William Paterson University

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the fast online MBA program from William Paterson University is offered by the school’s Cotsakos College of Business. The one-year degree plan requires 15 credit hours of core coursework, including:

  • Innovation, Strategy, and Corporate Sustainability
  • Financial and Economic Global Strategy
  • Influence, Persuasion, and Negotiation Strategy

An Integrated Learning capstone experience is also required for successful program completion. Though no distinct concentrations are offered, the program can be customized through elective class selection. Elective offerings include:

  • Crisis Management for Organizations
  • Ethical Leadership and Change Management
  • Innovation and New Product Development
  • Employment & Labor Law

William Paterson University holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Graduate Tuition: $13,086

#30—University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

Accelerated Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an AACSB-accredited fast online MBA program that can be completed within just one year of study. The program is dynamic, featuring eight distinct concentrations, including:

  • Health Care Finance
  • Health Care Policy and Regulation
  • Health Care Operations
  • Investment Management
  • Corporate Taxation

In addition to classes required for the chosen concentration, students are required to take core courses such as:

  • Management of Operations
  • Corporate Legal and Social Responsibility
  • Information and Technology Management
  • Managing Across Cultures

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 75 online MBAs in the nation. The University of Cincinnati is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer the accelerated Master of Business Administration online.

Graduate Tuition: $12,790

#29—Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey

Online Masters in Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Montclair State University

The most affordable online MBA progrmas offered by Montclair State University’s Feliciano School of Business can be completed within just one year of full-time study. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program features six distinct specialization options:

  • Business Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Finance
  • Project Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing

Students desiring a more interactive experience may choose to pursue a fast online MBA via a hybrid format. The program holds accreditation by the Association to Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Montclair State is also institutionally accredited to offer these credentials by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 colleges and universities in the United States for an online MBA.

Graduate Tuition: $12,600

#28—Baker College

Owosso, Michigan

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Baker College

Students who choose to pursue Baker College’s fast online MBA program may be eligible for the school’s Graduate Studies Accelerated Scholarship. This program requires students to take a minimum of three courses per year to graduate in just 12 months. The comprehensive curriculum for the 36-credit hour degree plan features course titles such as:

  • The Economic Environment
  • Accounting for the Contemporary Manager
  • Research and Statistics for Managers
  • Strategy in a Global Environment

Students may also choose three elective classes to complete the required credit hours for the program. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) has accredited Baker’s College of Business. The school itself is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Graduate Tuition: $12,510

#27—Kent State University

Kent, Ohio

Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Kent State University

The flexible and affordable online MBA programs from Kent State University features five yearly start dates and can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study. The curriculum for the program is built around eight-week modules and features two distinct concentrations:

  • International Business
  • Business Analytics

Regardless of concentration, students can expect to take core course titles such as the following:

  • Global Conditions and Macroeconomics Policy
  • Leadership and Managerial Assessment
  • Operations, Service, and Supply Chain Management
  • Human Resource Management

A capstone course in Business Strategy is also required prior to graduation. Kent State is institutionally accredited to award this MBA online by The Higher Learning Commission. The program itself is also accredited by the Association to Schools of Business and has been ranked among the best online MBA programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate Tuition: $11,766

#26—Eastern Washington University

Cheney, Washington

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 11 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Eastern Washington University

The fast online MBA from Eastern Washington University is a highly accelerated program that can be completed within just 11 months. The program features four optional concentrations, including:

  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Global Business
  • Health Services Administration

The comprehensive, 44-credit hour curriculum for the program includes core courses such as:

  • Essentials of Operations Management
  • Advanced Accounting for Managers
  • Corporate Finance
  • Leadership and Ethics

The school also offers a unique dual MBA/Master of Professional Accounting degree that can be completed in just 14 months. These programs are accredited by the Association to Schools of Business (AACSB) International. EWU also holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Graduate Tuition: $11,721

#25—University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, Kansas

Online Accelerated Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Saint Mary

A highly flexible affordable online MBA programs option, the Master of Business Administration program from the University of Saint Mary features six available concentrations:

  • Finance
  • Leadership and Organizational Health
  • Marketing and Advertising Management
  • Health Care Management
  • General Management
  • Human Resource Management

The 33-credit hour curriculum for the program includes eight core courses, including titles such as:

  • Managerial Finance
  • Global Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Legal Environment & Commercial Transactions

The Higher Learning Commission has extended institutional accreditation to the University of Saint Mary to award the fast online MBA. The program itself holds special accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). It has also been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top online MBA programs in the nation.

Graduate Tuition: $11,124

#24—Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Northern Kentucky University

The versatile, AACSB-accredited Master of Business Administration offering from Northern Kentucky University is a fast online MBA program that can be completed in just one year. The program features areas of emphasis, such as:

  • Innovation Through Competitive Intelligence
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Data Analytics

Students can choose two different areas of emphasis or combine emphases for a custom degree plan. Classes required of all students, regardless of specialization, include:

  • Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations
  • Strategies for High Performing Organizations
  • Accounting in a Corporate Environment
  • Marketing in Organizations

NKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the accelerated online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 200 online MBAs in the nation.

Graduate Tuition: $11,034

#23—Lincoln University

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Lincoln University

The affordable online MBA programs from Lincoln University gives students the opportunity to specialize their studies in business administration through two concentration options:

  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management

Classes are seven weeks in length, and full-time students can complete all degree requirements within just one year. Regardless of concentration, students will take core MBA courses such as:

  • Strategic Marketing Management
  • Business Research Methods
  • International Finance and Economics
  • International Business Management

A research project is required as a capstone element of the course. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Lincoln University to award this fast online MBA.

Graduate Tuition: $10,106

#22—Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Cleveland State University

Offered through the school’s Monte Ahuja College of Business, Cleveland State University’s accelerated MBA online program requires a minimum of 32 credit hours. The curriculum for this fast online MBA program emphasizes strategic management and features course titles such as:

  • Management of Innovation & Technology
  • Team Dynamics
  • Global Operation Management
  • IT for Competitive Advantage

Students who lack an undergraduate degree in business may need to take additional prerequisite classes. Cleveland State University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award the Master of Business Administration online. The program itself is also separately accredited by the Association to Schools of Business (AACSB).

Graduate Tuition: $10,014

#21—Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

A versatile and fast online MBA offering, the Master of Business Administration program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enables students to finish their general MBA in just one year or study a little longer to add an undergraduate certificate to their credentials. These certificates are available in eight different areas of study, including:

  • Healthcare Administration
  • International Development
  • Finance
  • Business Analytics
  • Project Management

In addition to 30 required credit hours of coursework, students must also complete a capstone course for successful program completion. Saint Mary’s of Minnesota is fully accredited to award the affordable online MBA programs by The Higher Learning Commission.

Graduate Tuition: $9,180

#20—Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 11 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Offered through the university’s School of Graduate & Professional Studies, the fast online MBA from Mount Vernon Nazarene University can be completed in as few as 11 months. This versatile program features nine different concentration areas, including options like:

  • Logistics Management
  • Organizational Management
  • Business Data Analytics
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Human and Social Services Leadership

The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Mount Vernon Nazarene University to confer the online Master of Business Administration. This affordable online MBA programs option is also separately accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $8,964

#19—University of North Texas

Denton, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 14 Months

Points: 10

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of North Texas

The University of North Texas ranks high on our list of fast online MBA programs because it is one of the most affordable and accelerated offerings available. The school’s online MBA program features seven available concentration options:

  • Marketing
  • Sports Entertainment Management
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Strategic Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Chain Analytics
  • Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management

Despite the concentration they choose, students enrolled in the affordable online MBA programs at UNT’s G. Brint Ryan College of Business will take core courses, including

  • Introduction to the Business Decision Process
  • Leveraging IT for Business
  • Seminar in Ethics and Social Responsibility

UNT has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this accelerated Master of Business Administration online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 35 colleges and universities in the nation for an online MBA.

Graduate Tuition: $5,900

#18—Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Wilmington University

Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the affordable online MBA programs from Wilmington University is one of the most versatile programs in our ranking. Students enrolled in the program can select one of over a dozen different concentrations, including unique options such as:

  • Business Technology Management
  • Sustainability
  • Business Communication
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Homeland Security

The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program mandates that students fulfill an MBA common core consisting of classes like:

  • Survey of Data Analytics
  • Organizational Behavior and Ethical Leadership
  • IT in Business
  • Global Marketing Management

Wilmington University is fully accredited to confer the fast online MBA credential by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Graduate Tuition: $8,784

#17—University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana

Masters in Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 11 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Southern Indiana

Home to one of the most accelerated MBA online programs in our ranking, the University of Southern Indiana offers a Master of Business Administration degree plan that can be completed via distance education within just 11 months. The 30-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as:

  • Strategic and International Management
  • Financial Management and Financial Markets
  • Accounting for Decision Making and Control
  • Information Systems and Technology

Students who wish to customize their degree plans can also elect a concentration in one of six different emphasis areas:

  • Engineering Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Project Management
  • Accounting

Accredited by the Association to Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the fast online MBA from the University of Southern Indiana has been ranked among the top 150 colleges and universities in the nation for an online Master of Business Administration by U.S. News & World Report. The school also holds institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.

Graduate Tuition: $8,546

#16—University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, Texas

Accelerated Online MBA

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 14 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Houston Clear Lake

Students enrolled in the fast online MBA track from the University of Houston-Clear Lake will take two courses at a time for a period of 14 months to complete their degree requirements. Concentrations in nine different areas of study are available, including:

  • Environmental Management
  • Management of Technology
  • Leadership
  • Management Information Systems
  • Sustainability

Core courses required for the MBA credential include:

  • The Global Environment of Business
  • Human Behavior in Organizations
  • Executive Decisions in Marketing
  • Management Science and Operations

A capstone course in Strategic Management is also required before graduation. The university also holds institutional accreditation to award the degree by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has identified it as one of the top schools for an online MBA nationwide.

Graduate Tuition: $7,920

#15—Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois

Accelerated MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Today, the school offers an affordable online MBA programs that can be completed fully online within just one year. The program is versatile, featuring five distinct concentration options:

  • Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Project Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Management Information Systems

Regardless of concentration, all online MBA students will take the same core courses, including titles such as:

  • Marketing Analysis and Applications for Managerial Decision Making
  • Information Systems and Technology
  • Decision Making in Organizations
  • Corporate Finance

The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville to confer this fast online MBA.

Graduate Tuition: $7,034

#14—Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida

MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Florida Gulf Coast University

The customizable and affordable online MBA programs from Florida Gulf Coast University features four distinct concentration options, including:

  • Marketing
  • International Business
  • Management/Leadership
  • Data Analytics

Classes comprising the 24-credit hour core curriculum include:

  • Marketing Management
  • Global Supply Chains
  • Financial Management
  • Data Driven Decision Making

A capstone course in Business Strategy is also required for program completion. Florida Gulf Coast University is institutionally accredited to award this fast online MBA by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Graduate Tuition: $6,974

#13—Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: ashland-university

The affordable and affordable online MBA programs from Ashland University is offered through the school’s distinguished Dauch College of Business and Economics. The program’s one-year track features two specialization options:

  • Project Management
  • Sport Management

Other specializations are also available but may take longer than 12 months to complete. These include:

  • Global Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Management Information Systems
  • Health Care Management and Leadership

The university also offers other flexible options such as hybrid and part-time formats. Ashland University is fully accredited to award the accelerated MBA online by The Higher Learning Commission. The program itself also holds specialty accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 150 best online MBAs in the country.

Graduate Tuition: $6,540

#12—West Liberty University

West Liberty, West Virginia

Online Master of Business Administration

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: West Liberty University

West Liberty University’s affordable online MBA programs is a one-year program offered through the Gary E. West College of Business. Courses comprising the 30-credit hour curriculum for the program follow a seven-week format and can be customized around three available concentrations:

  • Healthcare Management
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Management

Required courses for the program include:

  • Integrative Marketing Management
  • Social Responsibility and Business Ethics
  • Global Economics
  • Finance Management and Theory

This fast online MBA program has been ranked among some of the top colleges and universities for an online Master of Business Administration by U.S. News & World Report. West Liberty University is fully accredited to offer the online MBA credential by The Higher Learning Commission. The program itself is also separately accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Graduate Tuition: $6,300

#11—Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio

Affordable Online MBA Programs in Leadership

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Youngstown State University

Offered through the school’s Williamson College of Business Administration, the fast online MBA from Youngstown State University is a Master of Business Administration program with an emphasis in Leadership. The 30-credit hour degree plan features core courses such as:

  • Cost-Based Decision Making
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Business Policy & Strategy
  • Corporate Financial Management

Enrolled students will also take two classes in the Leadership concentration, including:

  • Managing Organizational Talent
  • Leadership

Three elective courses are also required and can be chosen from the following course titles:

  • Consumers in a Digital World
  • Planning and Fiscal Management in Health and Human Services
  • Digital Marketing
  • Health Care Reform

Youngstown State is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award this accelerated MBA online. Its school of business is also AACSB-accredited.

Graduate Tuition: $6,058

#10—Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers an affordable and flexible accelerated MBA online program with a minimum one-year completion time. The program features four optional concentrations:

  • Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management

This nationally ranked program features a 30-credit hour curriculum that requires course titles such as:

  • Organizational Behavior in Administration
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Business Decision Analysis Tools
  • Financial Management

The Higher Learning Commission has extended full accreditation to Northwest Missouri State to award the fast online MBA credential. The program itself is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (AACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $6,004

#9—University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Accredited by AACSB International, the affordable online MBA programs from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is designed to be completed within just one year. Courses required for the program are just seven weeks in length and can be completed entirely online. Students enrolled in the program will take classes like:

  • Production and Operations Management
  • Information Systems for Managers
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Accounting and Financial Analysis

No formal concentrations are designated, but students may select three elective classes related to their career goals and interests. UTRGV is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer the accelerated MBA online.

Graduate Tuition: $5,959

#8—University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, Texas

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 11

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler’s robust and affordable online MBA programs can be completed in as few as 12 months. The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program emphasizes real-world application of skills and features three optional concentrations:

  • Cyber Security
  • Healthcare Management
  • Marketing

Regardless of specialization, all MBA students will take core courses such as:

  • Accounting for Management Control
  • Decision Making in Operations Management
  • Advanced Marketing Fundamentals
  • Formulating and Implementing Strategy

The university also holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 150 colleges and universities in the country for an online Master of Business Administration.

Graduate Tuition: $5,850

#7—Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 10 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University offers one of the most accelerated online MBAs in our ranking. Designed to be completed within just 10 months of study, the program requires courses such as:

  • Production Research and Operations Management
  • Business Law and Ethics
  • Managerial Finance
  • Entrepreneurial Management

Students enrolled in the program will take two courses at a time to fulfill the 30-credit hour required curriculum. Emphasizing career development, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in business administration, including:

  • Sales Manager
  • Human Resource Director
  • Software Analyst
  • Corporate Executive Officer
  • Small Business Owner

The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges has accredited Gardner-Webb University to award this fast online MBA credential. The university’s School of Business holds departmental accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Graduate Tuition: $9,000

#6—Charleston Southern University

Charleston, South Carolina

Accelerated MBA Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 10 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University’s online accelerated MBA offering is a flexible program that can be completed in 10 months of fully online or hybrid study. The degree plan for the program can be customized around one of three concentrations:

  • General Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Healthcare Management

Depending on the specialty track they choose, students may be required to complete the following courses:

  • Contemporary Business Law and the Legal Environment
  • International Business and Trade
  • Business Ethics from a Christian Worldview
  • Advanced Economics and Business Analytics

A capstone course is also required for program completion. Charleston Southern is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this fast online MBA. The program itself is also accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). It has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best Master of Business Administration online programs in the nation.

Graduate Tuition: $7,500

#5—Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana

Accelerated Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 10 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: LSU Shreveport

The affordable, fast online MBA program offered through Louisiana State University-Shreveport is both highly accelerated and highly versatile. Enrolled students can choose a general track or pursue one of nine available specializations, including standout options like:

  • Project Management
  • Hospitality and Casino Management
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Core courses required for the MBA credential include:

  • Organizational Strategy and Policies
  • Economic Analysis for Management
  • Managerial Use of Accounting Data
  • Management Information Systems

LSU-Shreveport is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the accelerated MBA online.

Graduate Tuition: $6,196

#4—University of Texas at the Permian Basin

Odessa, Texas

Master of Business Administration Online

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of Texas at the Permian Basin

One of the most affordable accelerated online MBA programs in our ranking, the University of Texas at the Permian Basin’s fast online MBA can be completed in just one year of full-time study. Core courses required for the degree include:

  • Production & Operation Management
  • Accounting Analysis
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Financial Management

Though the program lacks pre-defined concentrations, students can customize their degree plan by strategically selecting elective classes like:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Topics in Federal Income Tax
  • Professional Ethics
  • Contemporary Control Systems

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited the University of Texas at the Permian Basin to confer fast online MBAs. UTPB has been ranked among the top 200 colleges and universities in the country for an online Master of Business Administration.

Graduate Tuition: $4,594

#3—University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The comprehensive fast online MBA program from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke requires 36 credit hours of coursework and can be completed within one calendar year. Core courses required for the degree include titles such as:

  • Organizational Theory and Behavior
  • Managerial Finance
  • International Business
  • Marketing Planning and Strategy

A Strategic Planning capstone course is also required for successful program completion. In addition to core MBA courses, students enrolled in the program will take four elective courses from options like:

  • Data Analytics for Business
  • Law for Entrepreneurs
  • Management Information Systems
  • Legal Issues for Managers

U.S. News & World Report has ranked this accelerated online MBA among the top online Master of Business Administration programs in the country. UNC-Pembroke is accredited by the Southern

Graduate Tuition: $4,280

#2—Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: TAMU Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a versatile and highly affordable fast online MBA program. Students enrolled in the program can select one of five optional concentrations:

  • Data Analytics
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Accounting

Whatever the concentration, students will take core MBA courses such as:

  • Organizational Behavior and Theory
  • Managerial Finance
  • Software-Based Business Solutions
  • Managerial Economics

A capstone course in Administrative Strategy and Policy is also required for successful program completion. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Graduate Tuition: $3,568

#1—Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Online MBA Programs

Website

Minimum Time to Completion: 12 Months

Points: 12

Top 50 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Business Administration Online: Fitchburg State University

The most affordable fast online MBA program in our ranking, Fitchburg State University’s Master of Business Administration option is also dynamic, featuring six available specializations:

  • Healthcare Management
  • Management
  • Accounting
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management

Despite concentration choice, all MBA students at Fitchburg State will take core courses, including:

  • Accounting Practices for Managers
  • Corporate Finance
  • Management Information Systems
  • Organizational Behavior and Development

Students will also take three additional classes in their chosen specialization as well as an elective course. This accelerated online MBA is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The school itself holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Graduate Tuition: $3,186

About Online Master of Business Administration Programs

Master of Business Administration programs—casually referred to as MBAs—are highly respected credentials in the business world. They used to be harder to come by, though. Thanks to distance education technology, the number of MBAs awarded in the United States each year has drastically increased.

According to the Wall Street Journal, more business schools are now offering these graduate credentials in business online, making them more accessible to professionals already working in the corporate arena. Now, instead of taking time off to pursue an advanced degree, busy students can keep their day jobs and complete their coursework during their off-hours, whether that be on the weekends, during the evenings, or both.

Related:

About Accelerated Master of Business Administration Online Programs

Impossibly, online MBA programs have become even more convenient for those students who want to earn their credentials quickly. Those looking to jumpstart or advance their careers without the hefty time commitment can do so now, thanks to the influx of accelerated online MBA programs that allow students to complete required coursework in substantially less time than the traditional offering.

Types of Accelerated Online MBAs

One thing all accelerated online MBA programs have in common is that they are faster than the average Master of Business Administration programs. Beyond this, however, there can be many variations from one program to the next.

Hybrid Versus Fully Online Accelerated MBA Programs

The accelerated online Master of Business Administration programs we’ve featured in our ranking are all fully online programs, but hybrid options do exist. These programs combine distance education with traditional on-campus instruction for a blended learning experience.

While more interactive and arguable better for some types of learners, hybrid programs lack the convenience of online accelerated MBA programs that can be completed without attending any classes on campus.

Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Accelerated Online Master of Business Administration Options

Even those accelerated MBA online offerings that feature exclusively online courses can differ in terms of content delivery, though. Generally speaking, there are two types of content delivery formats: asynchronous and synchronous.

Asynchronous accelerated online MBAs are the more flexible of the two, enabling enrolled students to log into their virtual classrooms at their convenience. Synchronous programs have a more structured schedule, requiring students to attend online classes at specific times to watch live lectures and participate in real-time class discussions, for example.

Accelerated MBA Online: Admissions

If the idea of earning an MBA credential conveniently and quickly is appealing, the next step is to consider whether or not you can get into such a program. When researching admissions criteria for accelerated online MBA programs, you’ll find that eligibility requirements can vary quite a bit from one business school to the next.

Still, there is some standardization. For example, you can expect that most all schools will require an undergraduate transcript with a minimum GPA as well as a professional resume detailing your employment history. Some programs will prefer that your academic and career backgrounds be business related while others will be more flexible. Other requirements for admission into an online accelerated Master of Business Administration program may include:

  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Writing samples
  • Professional references
  • Personal statements and/or essays

Curriculum for Fast Online Master of Business Administration Programs

Like the other aspects of accelerated MBA online programs we’ve discussed so far, the curriculum for these convenient graduate business offerings will differ also, depending on what school you choose to attend. Most programs do cover topics in fundamental business areas, however, such as economics, finance, accounting, and marketing, for example.

If you’re admitted to a program that doesn’t require an undergraduate degree in business, you’ll have the opportunity to take certain prerequisite business courses in order to “bridge the gap,” so to speak. Aside from these foundational courses, the curriculum for your accelerated online MBA program will likely consist of two basic elements: core courses and concentration classes.

Sample Core MBA Courses

Core MBA courses usually cover similar business topics, but their titles and approaches may vary based on the program you’re enrolled in. Below, you will find some examples taken from actual MBA programs offered in the United States:

  • Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership
  • Persuasive Writing for Business Leaders
  • Global Economic Environment
  • Accounting for Decision Making
  • Microeconomics for Management
  • Contemporary Issues for Competitive Strategy
  • Communication for Management

Popular Concentration Options for Accelerated Online MBA Programs

The field of business is one of the broader academic disciplines one can study, so it’s not uncommon for MBA programs to offer numerous concentrations. These specialization opportunities enable students to hone their knowledge and skills in a specific sub-field of business. Below, we’ll discuss some of the more popular MBA concentrations you will come across and list example course titles for each. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list; some schools offer more than a dozen different areas of emphasis.

Finance

The sub-discipline of finance has a variety of occupational opportunities for graduates of an accelerated online MBA program, particularly one with a concentration in Finance. For students interested in jobs as personal financial advisors, financial analysts, or brokers, for instance, this specialization is ideal. Classes comprising the curriculum for such a program may include:

  • Financial Markets and Risk Analysis
  • International Finance
  • Corporate Finance: Raising Capital
  • Financing and Valuing Sustainability

Marketing

Marketing professionals specialize in connecting buyers and sellers. This requires a comprehensive understanding of consumer trends and behaviors as well as excellent communication skills. MBA students who elect a concentration in Marketing will go on to successful careers as marketing directors, public relations specialists, and advertising and promotions managers, for example. First, though, they will have to complete courses such as:

  • Research Methods in Marketing
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Integrated Marketing Communication
  • Pricing, Profitability and Marketing Metrics

Healthcare Administration

Jobs in health care are rapidly increasing, so there is a great demand for professionals in the field, including those in management roles. Students who choose an accelerated online MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration can expect to take classes such as:

  • Financial Management in Healthcare
  • Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Policies
  • Legal Issues in Health Care
  • Multicultural Issues in Health Organization

Accounting

An online accelerated MBA in Accounting provides a solid foundation for careers in tax management, public accounting, financial planning and budget analysis, for instance. Such a program typically requires coursework such as the following:

  • Advanced Income Tax Accounting
  • Accounting Information Analysis
  • Cost Analysis, Profit Planning, and Control
  • Tax Influences on Decision Making

Business Analytics

An accelerated online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics lies at the intersection of advanced study in business and technology. Professionals in the field must be knowledgeable of data systems and information technology and apply this knowledge to business decisions. Coursework for a program of this kind may include:

  • Practical Data Science
  • Decision Technologies in Manufacturing & Operations Management
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science for Marketing Decision Making

Entrepreneurship

In today’s modern business environment, entrepreneurs need more than just a big idea and a dream to be successful. An accelerated MBA online with a concentration in Entrepreneurship can give graduates the competitive edge they need to reach their goals. Such programs routinely require classes like:

  • Entrepreneurship and Global Capitalism
  • Launching Technology Ventures
  • Commercializing Innovation
  • Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity

Human Resource Management

Jobs for human resources managers are growing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). One of the best ways to prepare for this occupational path is to complete an accelerated online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management. To do so, you’ll be required to take classes such as:

  • Leading Change
  • Retaining and Engaging Employees for the Modern Workforce
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Sourcing and Managing Talent in the Workforce

Frequently Searched Online MBA Programs

University of North Texas- The University of North Texas offers an accelerated online MBA that can be completed in as few as 14 months. Classes are offered via an eight-week format, and six concentration options are available.

Boston University- Boston University’s online MBA emphasizes contemporary business issues. This fully online option can be completed within two years of full-time study.

Auburn University- Students enrolled in Auburn University’s top-ranked online MBA program typically earn their graduate business credentials within 31 months of study. Those students who desire to study part-time have up to six years to complete the degree plan, however.

Arizona State University- The online MBA from Arizona State University features concentrations in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, and Marketing. The program can be completed within just two years.

Johns Hopkins University- The part-time online MBA program from Johns Hopkins University is designed to be completed in just under three years. The program is customizable, featuring six different concentration options as well as a hybrid track.

Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi- The highly accelerated online MBA from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi can be completed in just one year of full-time study. Courses are seven weeks in length and offered fully online.

If you’re seriously considering an accelerated online MBA program, then you probably have a lot of questions. That’s normal. To help, we’ve addressed some commonly-posed questions about these types of programs along with some general answers. For specific information about a specific MBA school or program, contact an admissions officer.

How quickly can I earn an online MBA?

In our research for this ranking of accelerated online MBAs, we discovered programs that can be completed in as few as 10 or 11 months. More commonly, these types of programs are designed to be completed within 1-2 years.

How much does an accelerated online MBA cost?

Tuition can vary widely depending on the school you attend to earn your credentials. Our research uncovered programs associated with expenses ranging from roughly $3,000 per year to over $50,000 annually.

What’s the best accelerated online MBA?

There’s no one best program for every MBA student. Instead, you’re tasked with choosing the best degree plan for your individual needs and career goals. Factors to consider include cost, available concentrations, and course scheduling options, for example.

What will I make with an MBA credential?

A: Your online MBA won’t guarantee you any specific salary. Instead, your pay will depend on a number of factors, including what you do, where you do it, and for whom. Still, PayScale reports that professionals with an MBA make just under $90,000 per year on average.

Are jobs for MBA jobs in demand?

Yes! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment opportunities for professionals in management are currently growing faster than average. Job projections indicate that over half a million new jobs in this field will be available over the next decade.

What professional organizations should I join?

As an MBA student or graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to join numerous professional organizations and associations. Examples include:

  • American Management Association
  • Human Resource Development Professionals
  • Project Management Institute
  • National Association of Women Business Owners
  • American Marketing Association

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