Top 25 MBA Programs for Military Personnel Online

online mba military

It’s difficult enough to choose an online MBA program that fits your career needs and schedule, but when you’re an active duty military service member or a veteran, the decision can be even more challenging. Military personnel often have unique needs when it comes to higher education, and they often benefit from flexible programs that offer financial benefits and programs designed specifically for them. In this ranking, we’ll explore the top 25 online MBA programs for military personnel currently available.

Tuition

  • Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
  • Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
  • Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
  • Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • Less than 20:1: 1 point
  • Less than 15:1: 2 points
  • Less than 10:1: 3 points

Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com

  • Top 500: 1 point
  • Top 300: 2 points
  • Top 150: 3 points

Flexibility of the Program (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.) — 1 point per item
Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item (10-pt cap)
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point

Ranking the Best Online MBA Programs for Military Personnel

To develop this ranking of the best online MBAs for military personnel, our editors began with an initial pool of 75 colleges and universities offering this graduate degree in business administration. We then applied a tuition filter, eliminating schools with tuition costs of over $25,000 a year. Next, we gathered the data necessary to apply the rating and ranking methodology above, using information from each program’s website as well as credible sources like College Navigator and Payscale.com. In cases of a tie, the more affordable school was awarded the higher ranking.

#25—Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: No
Points: 9

The top online Master of Business Administration degree for military personnel from Texas A&M- Corpus Christi is an accelerated program designed to be completed in just one year. The curriculum for this 30-credit hour program features core MBA courses such as Organizational Behavior and Theory, Software-Based Business Solutions, Marketing Management, and Managerial Economics, for example. A capstone course in Administrative Strategy and Policy is also required. Enrolled students can also choose from among elective seminars in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Social Media Marketing. The program is accredited by the AACSB International. U.S. News & World Report has named the school a top national university and has ranked its business programs among the best in the country.
Net Price: $12,916

#24—Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado

Online Master of Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: No
Points: 11

The flexible online MBA for military personnel from Colorado State University is designed to be completed within two to five years. The program features an optional specialization in Marketing Data Analytics. Core courses include Business Economics for the World Market, Managing Human Capital, Marketing Strategy and Planning, and Financial Principles and Practices, for instance. In addition to these required courses, students can also choose from elective classes like Search Engine Marketing and Optimization, Private Equity and Venture Capital, and Business Database Systems. An MBA capstone course is also required. No GMAT is required for admission to the program. Colorado State University is accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission, and the MBA program holds separate accreditation from the AACSB International. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the 30 best online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $16,793

#23—University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Master of Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: No
Points: 12

The University of Florida offers one of the nation’s best online MBAs for military personnel through its distinguished Warrington College of Business. This accelerated offering can be completed within 20 or 21 months, and most of the coursework is asynchronous. A one-year hybrid option is also available. Sample course titles for the program include Problems and Methods in Marketing Management, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Statistics, and Operations Management, for instance. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online MBA. The program itself is separately accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). U.S. News & World Report has named the school a top 50 national university; it has also ranked the school’s online MBA program as #4 in the nation.
Net Price: $10,457

#22—Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Online Master Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: No
Points: 12

The online MBA for military personnel from Florida Atlantic University is designed to be completed in just under two years. The degree can be completed entirely online, and course delivery is 100% asynchronous for maximum flexibility. Students can also take advantage of three start dates per year. The core curriculum for the program consists of 28 credit hours and includes course titles such as Advanced Analysis of Accounting Data, Marketing Management in a Global Environment, Communication Skills for Business Professionals, and Operations Management, for instance. Students pursuing the optional International Business specialization will take additional classes like Global Supply Chain Management, Managing Effectively in Emerging Economies, and International Business Operations. Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online master of business administration. U.S News & World Report has ranked FAU’s business program as one of the best in the nation and has called its online MBA programs one of the top 30 for veterans nationwide.
Net Price: $9,861

#21—University of Maryland- College Park

College Park, Maryland

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 13

umd best colleges for women

The top online MBA for military personnel from the University of Maryland is offered through the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The program is experiential in nature and emphasizes data-centric business strategies. The 54-credit hour curriculum for the program consists of foundation courses such as Decision Modeling, Leadership and Teamwork, Data Analysis, and Corporate Finance, for example. The program is designed to be completed within 24 months, and there are three convenient start dates per year. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the University of Maryland- College Park to offer this MBA online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 5 online MBA programs for veterans nationwide. It has also ranked the university among the top 75 national universities in the United States.
Net Price: $17,723

#20—Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 13

Florida State University

Florida State University offers a versatile online MBA for military personnel through its College of Business. The program features four fully online concentrations: Business Analytics, Management Information Systems, Real Estate, and Risk Management and Insurance. The 39-credit hour curriculum for the program is comprised of core courses such as Business Conditions Analysis, Problems in Financial Management, The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, and Strategy and Business Policy. FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 75 national universities and the top 50 best colleges for veterans. The school’s online MBA was also awarded a top 15 spot in the publication’s ranking of best online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $12,568

#19—Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Master Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 13

iub best business schools

Indiana University-Bloomington offers a top online MBA for members of the military that requires 51 credit hours of coursework. Offered through the prestigious Kelley School of Business, the program’s curriculum consists of 39 credit hours of core classes and 12 credit hours of electives. Core course titles include Strategic Management and Business Planning, Global Business, Developing Strategic Capabilities, and Financial Management, for instance. An integrative team capstone course is also required. Though all coursework can be completed online, students will attend two on-campus residencies for the purpose of networking. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana University-Bloomington to award this online MBA. U.S. News and World Report has awarded the school’s online MBA program its #1 spot for general online MBAs and online MBAs for veterans.
Net Price: $13,306

#18—University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Master of Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 13

The University of Utah offers one of the nation’s best online MBA for military personnel through its David Eccles School of Business. Course delivery for the program is asynchronous and self-paced for maximum flexibility. The curriculum requires 48 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in as few as 24 months. Required courses include Managing and Leading, Business Ethics, Marketing Management, and Data Analysis. A 3-day campus residency is also required. Graduate certificates are available in Business Analytics and Information Systems. The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to award this online MBA. The school has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top national university and a best value school. The publication has also named the school’s online MBA program as a top 10 best online MBA for veterans.
Net Price: $13,739

#17—Washington State University

Pullman, Washington

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 14

Washington State University offers its top online MBA for military personnel through the school’s Carson College of Business. This versatile graduate business program features a general MBA option as well as four distinct concentrations: Finance, Hospitality Business Management, Marketing, and International Business. Coursework can be completed entirely online, and most students fulfill all degree requirements within 22 to 29 months. The curriculum for the program features core courses such as Strategy Formulation and Organizational Design, Information Systems Analysis, Managerial Leadership and Productivity, and Administrative Control. A capstone project and final presentation are also required. WSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the online MBA program holds separate accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as a top national university and placed it among the top 100 best colleges for veterans and the top 100 best value schools.
Net Price: $18,002

#16—Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Online Master of Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 14

The top online MBA for military personnel from Old Dominion University is an accelerated program offered through the Strome College of Business. Courses are eight weeks in length, and the program can be completed in less than two years. Students will take required core classes such as Managerial Accounting, International Business Issues, Introduction to Information Management, and Introduction to Accounting, for instance. Graduate certificates are available in four distinct areas of expertise: Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization; Public Procurement and Contract Management; Business Analytics and Big Data; and Maritime, Ports, and Logistics Management. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this degree. The program itself is also dually accredited in both business and accounting by the AACSB. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the 30 best online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $16,681

#15—University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes Points: 15

university-of-kansas

Kansas University’s School of Business offers a leading online MBA program for military personnel that is designed to be completed within 27 months. The program features three focus areas: Finance, Management and Leadership, and Marketing. Students may also choose to pursue a Foundations of Business certificate. Core classes comprising the curriculum for the program include Business Law and Ethics, Managing People, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Marketing, for instance. Depending on their chosen focus area, students may take additional classes like Consumer Behavior, Financial Institutions and Markets, Strategic Organizational Design and Change Management, and Digital and Social Media Marketing. The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 best value schools in the country as well as the top 75 public schools. The publication has also praised its online MBA program as one of the top 20 in the country for veterans.
Net Price: $19,195

#14—William & Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 15

William & Mary offers a unique online MBA for military personal built around the concept of a “Renaissance” manager. Classes are offered entirely online, and a single campus residency is required. The program features three different start dates, and most students earn their degree within just two years. The curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and features course titles like Organizational Behavior, Business Analytics, Leadership for the 21st Century, and Integrated Technology. A Revolutionary Leader practicum is also required. William & Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online graduate degree in business administration. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 20 best colleges for veterans, and its online MBA was placed among the top 50 best online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $18,551

#13—University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

Online Master of Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 16

university-of-massachusetts-amherst

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a fully online MBA for military personnel from its renowned Isenberg School of Management. This versatile offering features six available focus areas: Business Analytics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, and Sport Management. Sample course titles for the program’s curriculum include Economic Analysis for Managers, Strategic Information Management, Human Resource Management, and Business Data Analysis and Statistical Methods. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this online graduate degree in business. In addition to being named a top national university, the school has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 100 best value schools and the top 50 best colleges for veterans. The publication also ranked the school’s online MBA program as among the top 10 in the country for veterans.
Net Price: $22,927

#12—University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 16

The top online MBA for military personnel from the University of Cincinnati is both accelerated and versatile. Designed to be completed in just one year, the program features seven concentrations, including Individual Taxation, Finance, Health Care Operations, and Marketing. The program is a true online program, but in-person classes are available to students who are interested and available for campus attendance. Core courses required for the degree include Leadership and Organizations, Information and Technology Management, Corporate Legal and Social Responsibility, and Marketing for Managers. Students may also choose from elective classes like Innovation Tools, Managing Organizational Change, and Data Visualization. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Cincinnati to award this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has named the university a Best Value School and has ranked its MBA program among the top 40 online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $19,219

#11—Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, Florida

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 16

The unique online MBA for military personnel from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an online Master of Business Administration in Aviation. The program features six specialization options: Finance, Leadership, Accounting, Marketing, Information Technology, and International Business. Despite the specialization they choose, all students will take business core courses such as Advanced Aviation Economics, Business Policy and Decision Making, Managerial Finance, and International Business Administration. Elective offerings include Adaptive Leadership in Complex Environments, Advanced Corporate Finance, and Information Systems Project Management, for example. ERAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online master’s in business administration. Its online MBA program has been ranked among the 60 best online MBA programs for veterans. The university itself has also been named a top 50 best value school and a top 10 best college for veterans.
Net Price: $36,036

#10—Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 16

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers one of the nation’s best online MBA programs for military personnel through its W.P. Carey School of Business. The program features four distinct areas of emphasis: Finance, International Business, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. In addition to concentration-specific classes, students will take core MBA courses such as Finance: The Art of Managing Resources, Ethical Issues for Managers, Operations and Supply Management, and Financial Performance Reporting. A capstone in Strategic Management is also required. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online graduate degree in business administration. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 100 best colleges for veterans, and the program has received the #3 spot in the publication’s ranking of top MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $14,081

#9—University of Nebraska- Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska

Master Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 17

university-of-nebraska-lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a comprehensive, fully online MBA for military personnel. The program features five relevant specialization options: Business Analytics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. Graduate certificates in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management are also available. Thirty credit hours of the forty-eight credit hour curriculum are devoted to core classes like Introduction to Business Strategy, Applied Organizational Behavior, and Managerial Marketing, for example. The University of Nebraska- Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online graduate business degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 100 best value schools and the top 100 best colleges for veterans. The publication has also placed the school’s online MBA program among the best 20 online MBA programs for veterans nationwide.
Net Price: $17,093

#8—University of Massachusetts- Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts

Master of Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 18

A leading online MBA for military personnel, the Master of Business Administration degree program from the University of Massachusetts- Lowell is an accelerated offering designed to be completed within just 18 months. The versatile program features eight different specializations, including Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Managerial Leadership, and more. Required courses include Management Information Systems, Accounting Information for Management Decisions, and Customers and Markets, for example. Depending on their chosen concentration, students may take additional classes like Innovation and Emerging Technology, Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting, and International Financial Management. The University of Massachusetts- Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the 30 best online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $18,183

#7—University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 18

The University of Arizona offers one of the country’s best online MBA programs for military personnel through its prestigious Eller College of Management. The program features six distinct concentration options: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare, Management and Organizations, Management Information Systems/Privacy and Security, and Marketing. Core courses include Survey of Finance as Analyst, Communication for Managers, Business Strategy, and Economics for Managers, for example. Students will also choose from elective offerings like Leading and Organizing for Innovation, Investment Analysis and Management, Customer Focused Entrepreneurship, and Health Economics. An optional global experience is also available to online students. The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 best value schools and the top 75 best colleges for veterans. It has also placed the university’s online MBA among the top 15 online MBA programs for veterans nationwide.
Net Price: $16,580

#6—Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, Oklahoma

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 19

The online MBA for military personnel from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business is a part-time 33-credit hour program. The program is offered entirely online at an accelerated pace and can be completed in just one year. Students can choose from one of nine concentrations offered online, including Data Science, Energy Business, Business Sustainability, and more. Despite which concentration they choose, all students will take core classes like Management and Organization Theory, Descriptive Analytics, Corporate and Business Strategy, and Project Management, for example. Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online MBA degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked OSU among the top 100 public schools in the nation. It is also ranked among the publication’s picks for the top 25 online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $15,325

#5—North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina

Master of Business Administration Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 19

north-carolina-state-university

North Carolina State University offers its top online MBA program for military personnel entirely online and via a hybrid format. Both accelerated and flexible tracks are available, enabling students to work at their own pace toward their degree. Five areas of emphasis are available: Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management, Innovation Management, and Financial Management, for instance. Students will also be required to take core courses such as Critical Thinking and Communications, Economics and Managerial Accounting, and Statistics and Marketing. A 3-day residency is required, but active duty military personnel may waive this requirement. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the best online MBA programs for veterans nationwide.
Net Price: $15,325

#4—Rutgers University-Camden

Camden, New Jersey

Online MBA

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 19

Rutgers University Camden

The online MBA for military personnel from Rutgers University-Camden can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Students can also choose from three annual start dates for added convenience. In lieu of specializations, the program offers four focused learning modules: Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Investments, and Private Wealth Management, and Strategic Leadership. The 54-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as Managing Projects & IT, Leadership & Managing Human Capital, International Business Environment, and Financial Statement Analysis, for example. An optional international experience is also available. Rutgers University- Camden is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this master of business administration online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it a top 30 regional university in the North as well as one of the 15 best colleges for veterans. Its online MBA program has also earned a top 30 spot in the publication’s ranking of best online MBAs for veterans.
Net Price: $13,844

#3—Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Online Master Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 19

The versatile online MBA for military personnel from Purdue University Global features six concentration options: Health Care Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, and Project Management. Regardless of their choice of concentration, all students will take required core courses such as Economics for Global Decision Makers, Financial Accounting Principles and Analysis, Business Perspectives, and Managing the Value Chain. Depending on their chosen concentration, students may also take classes like Consumer Behavior, Strategic Project Selection and Initiation, Employment Law, and Decision Support Systems. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online Master of Business Administration degree. U.S. News & World Report has named the school a top national university and has ranked it among the 30 best colleges for veterans.
Net Price: $12,117

#2—Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

MBA Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Yes
Points: 20

Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in Philadelphia, PA

Temple University offers a top online MBA for military personnel through its renowned Fox School of Business. The program is self-paced and features an accelerated 20-month track. The curriculum for the program features over a dozen concentration options, including Travel & Tourism, Innovation Management, Sport Business, Marketing Management, and more. Core courses required for the program include Business Strategy in a Global Environment, Quantitative Methods for Business, Law and Ethical Foundations, and Managing Risk, for example. A week-long on-campus residency is also required. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this online military MBA. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 75 best colleges for veterans and the top 100 best value schools.
Net Price: $23,023

#1—Penn State University- World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Online Master of Business Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: No
Points: 20

psu online business master's degrees

Penn State University- Worldwide offers a nationally recognized AACSB-accredited online MBA program for military personnel. This 48-credit hour offering is exceptionally versatile, offering over a dozen concentration options like Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Marketing Analytics, Negotiation and Influence, Business Architecture, and more. Courses for the program can be completed entirely online, but students are required to attend a five-day on-campus orientation at the start of the program. In addition, students have the option to participate in a global immersion experience. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum features core courses such as Managing in the Digital Economy, Economics for Business Strategy, Leadership Communications and Change Management, and Team Performance, for example. Penn State University- World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has awarded the program its #5 spot for the top online MBA programs for veterans.
Net Price: $18,194

About MBA Programs

Overview:

There are many reasons to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree, commonly referred to as an MBA. For professionals with an undergraduate credential in business, the MBA represents career advancement opportunities in their current field. MBA programs are often attractive to professionals in other fields and industries as well. For them, an MBA is an opportunity to add business acumen to their repertoire of skills.

MBA programs were traditionally on-campus offerings only, but advancements in distance learning technology have changed that. More and more colleges and universities are offering MBA degrees online and via hybrid learning models. This includes those programs that cater to military personnel and veterans.

Characteristics of Flexible Online MBA Programs for Military Personnel

Active duty military members and veterans favor online MBA programs that are flexible in regards to scheduling. Below are some of the most sought-after characteristics of these academic offerings, according to military personnel.

Multiple Start Dates

Active military members as well as veterans often benefit from multiple annual start dates. This feature of online MBA programs allows students to begin their studies at convenient times of the year. Service members and veterans may find programs with a single yearly start date to be too restrictive.

Asynchronous Course Delivery

Online MBA programs often feature either asynchronous or synchronous course delivery, and some are comprised of both. Asynchronous course delivery is the most convenient form of course delivery because it allows military personnel to complete their coursework at their own pace, logging into their learning platforms whenever they desire. Programs with synchronous course delivery may be less appealing to active duty service members and veterans as they require specific log-in times.

Minimal Campus Residencies

Active duty military personnel and even veterans often have busy schedules that don’t allow for travel. This can make it difficult for them to attend campus for a residency, even a brief one. For this reason, most military personnel prefer MBA programs that are offered entirely online.

Admissions Requirements for Online MBA Programs for Military Personnel

Admissions criteria for MBA programs can vary significantly from program to program. All Master of Business programs require an undergraduate degree; some require that degree to be in business while others accept other types of bachelor’s credentials. Other common requirements for admissions include:

  • Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • Letters of Recommendation

Some schools may also require students to write a personal essay or statement of purpose and/or attend an interview.

Common MBA Specializations/Concentrations

MBA programs are known for offering multiple specialization and concentration options. It is not uncommon to find programs that offer a dozen or more! Below, we’ll explore some of these degree customization options.

Finance

With an online Masters of Business Administration in Finance, students will learn how to manage, invest, and guide a company in proper use of their financial resources. They will also learn how to present data gathered on the company’s finances, construct detailed plans on how to distribute resources, and manage risk assessment. Subjects probed throughout the degree program include banking relationships, cash forecasting, cash flow, and managing under financial risk. Some sample courses include:

Corporate Financial Management

Short-Term Financial Management

Quantitative Business Analysis

Money and Capital Markets

Marketing

A marketing track within the online MBA degree program teaches students strategic marketing skills to keep their company on top of the advertising and promotions game. Specifically, the courses in this concentration will help students with planning, targeting, and coordinating marketing efforts. An emphasis is placed on research and real-world application of skills. Some of the courses offered in the Marketing concentration include:

Marketing Management

Digital Marketing and Social Media Management

International and Multi-national Marketing

Operations Management

Human Resources

A Masters of Business Administration program with a focus in Human Resources will provide students with an understanding of business and HR functions while teaching them the leadership skills needed to guide a company and their employees efficiently and effectively. The program will focus on in-depth research alongside detailed case analysis. Courses that are commonly offered under this track include:

Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management

Compensation Management

Workforce Planning and Employment

Accounting

The Accounting concentration under the online MBA program teaches students the management skills and critical thinking needed to manage and track a business’s accounts. Students will focus primarily on tax analysis while applying different accounting theories to various scenarios. Research and case studies will help students learn the ethics and practices needed to be successful in an accounting leadership position. Many different course options are available for this track and include:

Tax Research

Auditing

Accounting Ethics

Financial Accounting Theory

Entrepreneurship

Focusing specifically on the Entrepreneurship track within an online Master’s of Business Administration program will equip students with the skills and training necessary to understand the dynamics of managing, marketing, and guiding a small business. Examples of courses that are offered in the Entrepreneurship track are as follows:

Business Strategy

Marketing Analysis

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies

International Business

An International Business focus will help students develop the expertise required to handle international business affairs and management. Language and culture classes are required to help deepen their understanding of other countries and their business policies. Courses in the International Business track include:

International Business

Environment of International Business

Global Financial Markets

International Government Policies

Cross-Cultural Management

Health Care Management

A focus in Health Care Management will equip online MBA students with the knowledge and training on ethical and legal matters as they relate to the healthcare industry. The curriculum for such a program will also focus on the marketing of healthcare services and delve into research methods and theories of management, for example. Courses offered under the Health Care Management concentration often include:

Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals

Managing Human Capital in Healthcare

Healthcare Information

Management and Leadership

The Management and Leadership specialty within an online MBA for military personnel offers students the opportunity to learn and develop the skills required to manage and guide a team while collaborating alongside them. Decision making, communication, building relationships, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are just some of the topics covered under a Management and Leadership concentration. Courses offered include the following examples:

Managerial Decision Making

Management of Organizational Behavior

Interpersonal Leadership Effectiveness in Business

Supply Chain Management

The Supply Chain Management concentration of an online MBA program allows students to learn critical and strategic thinking skills pertaining to business logistics and scenarios. Management skills will help provide the advantage needed to effectively deal with company operations and distribution. Sample course titles may include:

Supply Chain Management

Logistics

Supply Chain Information Systems

Project Management

Information Systems

An online MBA with a concentration in Information Systems provides students with the experience needed to apply research and theories of information systems to real-life situations. Students will focus on business ethics, security and privacy laws, and developing and designing effective data systems for companies. Various courses offered under the Information Systems specialization include:

IT Infrastructure

Information Technology Project Management

Systems Integration

Systems Analysis Modeling and Design

Operations Management

The Operations Management concentration within an online MBA for military personnel teaches students the logistics, organization, planning, and communication skills necessary to smoothly run operations for businesses. Students will study supply chain management alongside the communication and critical thinking needed to plan, execute, and direction management with others. Examples of courses offered under this track are:

Business Research for Decision Making

International Business Operations Management

Introduction to Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs for Military Personnel

Q: How long does it take to complete an MBA online?

A: Traditionally, online MBA programs take two years to complete. However, some accelerated offerings are also available that enable students to fulfill degree requirements in as little as a year. Alternatively, some colleges and universities offer self-paced and part-time programs that may take longer than two years of study.

Q: How much does an online MBA degree cost?

A: It varies. Some programs are much more expensive than others. While some schools charge tuition well over $30,000, others provide the MBA for less than $10,000 a year. Most programs cost between $10,000 and $25,000 annually.

Q: Are part-time online MBA programs available?

A: Yes, but not all programs are offered part-time, so it’s best to check with an admissions counselor to confirm.

Q: Is the GMAT required for online MBAs for military personnel?

A: Not always. Sometimes, schools waive the GMAT requirement for online MBA applicants.

Career Questions About MBA Programs for Military Personnel Online

Q: What career opportunities are available to online MBA degree holders?

A: There are many career opportunities available to military personnel with an MBA. Some of these positions include industrial production managers, architecture and engineering managers, computer and information systems managers, financial managers, and more.

Q: Is there a demand for professionals with an MBA?
A: Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management positions are currently growing about as fast as average, so jobs for MBA holders are on a steady incline.

Q: How much will I make with an MBA credential?

A: Pay for MBA holders will vary depending on the field they work in, their employer, and their years of experience in the field, for example. According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for most types of managers is over six figures a year, however.

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