As our world becomes more and more digital, so does higher education, including MBAs. Not only are people more used to remote learning and working after COVID-related restrictions, but the pace of life and work is becoming increasingly fast-paced. Balancing responsibilities and relocating to pursue top-tier MBA programs has become more difficult than ever before. As a result, online MBAs are gaining more momentum.
If you are looking for the flexibility of an online MBA but still want the reputation and deep developmental experience that top, traditional MBA programs offer, you no longer have to worry about making any sacrifices.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the ten best online MBA programs out there. We’ve also included program highlights and benefits so you can decide which one(s) best fit your profile and objectives!
University of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler
UNC Kenan-Flagler is a business school with a great reputation, and that extends to its online MBA program. As their website states, “We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise if you want to pursue a rigorous MBA program without disrupting your life or job.”
The program lasts 18-36 months, depending on students’ schedules. It is also STEM-designated, which is a big plus for international students wanting to work in the US after graduation. Kenan-Flagler’s online MBA is known for its challenging curriculum that develops strong leadership skills, global learning experiences, strong alumni network, and ROI post-graduation. In fact, within one year after the MBA, graduates earn an average of 39% more with an online degree from Kenan-Flagler!
The curriculum is customizable, with over 25 electives and options to concentrate in one of the following areas: entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, strategy and consulting, and data analytics and decision making.
Imperial College Business School
Source: imperial.ac.uk
Imperial College also offers one of the world’s best online MBA programs. With the option to complete the program in 21, 24, or 32 months, plus a ton of options to customize your degree, Imperial’s online MBA is very flexible according to your schedule and objectives. The program aims to develop inspiring, socially responsible, analytical, and innovative leaders.
The online curriculum consists of pre-study modules, core modules, flexcore modules, and electives. Students also have the option to enroll in up to two classroom elective modules on campus if you have the option to travel to London. Additionally, you can specialize in a number of areas including Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, and Marketing and have this specialization certified for your employer.
Durham University Business School
Durham Business School’s online MBA is known for its globalism, flexibility, and innovative mindset. Over the course of the two-year program, you can choose to study 100% online or take a blended approach where you combine your online learning with in-person modules.
For Durham’s online MBA, you will not only have access to core modules, optional modules, and strategic case analyses, but you will also have many opportunities to connect with other online students through live webinar sessions and taking part in tutor-facilitated group discussions. If you desire to further focus your degree, there are three pathways you can pursue: entrepreneurship, consultancy, or technology.
Warwick Business School
Warwick’s online, or “distance learning,” MBA is another well-reputed option for online learners. As their website states, “Our reputation is built on a healthy balance between theory and practice, and a culture that challenges assumptions, goes beyond the classroom and believes in business as a power for good.”
Warwick’s online MBA can be completed in two to four years, depending on your schedule. The school’s innovative digital platform allows you to connect with peers remotely, attend lectures in real-time, access class resources and recorded sessions, access teaching materials, participate in global study groups, and speak directly to faculty and classmates.
Because Warwick’s online MBA has been running for over 30 years and is designed and led by Warwick faculty, you can trust that the program is going to give you an outstanding experience. Note that although the MBA is mostly online, there are two residential weeks at the Warwick campus and one required face-to-face elective.
Warwick’s online MBA curriculum focuses on developing inquisitive and entrepreneurial mindsets that prepare students to lead positive change. It includes core and elective courses, two residential weeks, and a strategic consulting project or dissertation.
Indiana University: Kelley
IU Kelley’s online MBA is a globally renowned program that takes anywhere from two to four years to complete. It is taught by the same Kelley faculty that teach in the school’s in-person MBA programs.
Kelley’s online MBA curriculum includes seven majors, 50% electives, and a business fundamentals core. Students can also engage in immersive experiences around the globe that allow them to refine their business skills with real-life organizations and businesses.
IE Business School
IE’s online MBA is a top-ranked program aimed at developing global business leaders and their networks. It can be completed in a variety of time frames: 17, 24, or 30 months. The program also includes three face-to-face residential weeks in Madrid to gain practical experience with industry leaders and businesses in the European city. If you cannot attend these weeks, there is an option to attend them virtually.
As one of the best online MBAs in the world, IE’s program includes simulations, videos, multimedia, exercises, group and individual sessions, and high-impact modules to fast-track your leadership and business skills. The focus of the curriculum is positive impact, innovation and digital skills, and boosting employability.
University of Florida: Warrington
While Warrington might not show up on top rankings for in-person MBAs, the school has an excellent online MBA with a great reputation for boosting graduates’ careers. There are two program options: one that lasts 16 months and is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in business who have graduated in the last seven years; and a more flexible 24-month option.
To ensure the program’s quality, Warrington caps its annual class size to 65, making it so that students can still have a personalized experience online.
UFL Warrington’s online MBA curriculum includes a number of innovative core courses as well as an experiential learning requirement, including a Global Immersion Experience which allows students to experience business challenges in business situations around the world.
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business
Tepper School of Business is known for its quality business education, and its 32-month hybrid online MBA is renowned across the globe. Not only that, but the program is STEM-designated as well!
Tepper’s analytics-focused curriculum is taught by the same faculty who teach the in-person MBA and prepares students to understand emerging technologies as deeply as possible and leverage data to make better business decisions.
Students also take part in Tepper’s Access Weekends which include in-person classes, group projects, and professional development activities. Lastly, as an online Tepper MBA student, you have access to a leadership coach, with whom you create a customized leadership development plan to improve your communications and leadership skills.
Australian Graduate School of Management
AGSM has a range of options (which they designate as MBAXs) for its online MBA, which lasts anywhere from two to six years. These specializations include technology, social impact, change, and finance.
The MBAX curriculum is flexible, with only two compulsory courses, the rest being a choice of core and elective courses. Not only will students attending this online MBA allow be able to experience business from the Australian perspective, but also grow their networks in the region through online interactions with classmates.
Get admitted into your top online MBA program
Here at Ellin Lolis Consulting, we pride ourselves on the success we bring our clients through a personalized approach to optimizing your MBA application. We work with you through every step of the process, from deciding on which online MBA is really best for you and your profile, writing outstanding essays, preparing to nail your interviews, and helping you negotiate scholarships.
Get started on boosting your career through a top online MBA – sign up to work with us today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
