Accredited MBA

Below is a list of highly-rated universities with accredited MBA degree programs. More schools can be found by using the search widget on the left or further down. You can also use the search to find other degrees that may interest you. Either way, you can get free information from each school by filling out the “Request Information” form with the links provided. Requesting info from at least four schools with similar degrees can help you better compare your options.

University of Phoenix

Degrees Offered: MBA: General Studies

Kaplan University

Degrees Offered: MBA: Finance MBA: HR Management MBA: Marketing

Keiser University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General Studies

Liberty University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General

Colorado Technical University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General MBA: Executive MBA

Strayer University

Degrees Offered: MBA: Professional Studies MBA: Acquisition

South University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General

Ashford University

Degrees Offered: MBA: Environmental Mgmt MBA: General

Everest University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General

Capella University

Degrees Offered: MBA: General

Click here to see more Accredited MBA Degree Programs

What should I look for in an online accredited MBA?

Going to school to obtain your MBA most likely means you’re looking to improve your career and earning potential. This means you want an accredited MBA program that will serve you well after you’ve graduated. Remember there are many phony accreditation organizations that basically serve as diploma mills. This isn’t what you want to be involved in because it means spending thousands and having little to show for it once you enter the job pool.

When looking into online MBA programs, you want to make sure the program is accredited by a national or regional organization. Some online programs are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. While this organization is slowly gaining respect in the education community, it is not among the top accreditation sources. Ask a school advisor about the program’s accreditation. Remember just because a school is accredited in one program does not mean they are properly accredited in all of the programs they offer, so it’s best to double check with an advisor before committing to courses or handing over a check.

You can check a school’s accreditation by visiting this site of the U.S. Department of Education and entering the appropriate information. You can also find out more about the regional accreditation sources, which are your best bet when finding a valid online MBA program. Most of these programs will be done through traditional colleges and universities, though your courses will be conducted online.

How expensive is an average online MBA?

Just because an online MBA offers you convenience and flexibility doesn’t mean the cost of the degree is cheaper than going the conventional route. The average cost of an online MBA for 2009 was $32,926. This included all tuition costs and books. See this list of the most inexpensive (and still accredited) MBA programs for an idea of schools that offer MBA programs for $31,500 or less.

While you may be scared off by sticker shock, remember that there are other places you’re saving by attending school online. Online courses do not have the social aspect of traditional classes, so there’s no latte runs during study sessions with friends. You’re also able to work from home, thus saving a substantial amount of gas money that would otherwise be spent commuting to and from campus.

When it comes to paying for your education, most school’s offer payment plans. This means you will work out a plan when enrolling and have due dates for payment throughout the school year or semester. Remember you aren’t writing out a check for 30K in one sitting, so take your time in finding the MBA program that is right for you. Discuss payment options with the registrar’s office and don’t be afraid to ask a school advisor to give you a solid total for how much your particular program will cost.

Is an MBA obtained online respected by employers?

Online degrees of every type are becoming more and more common. Many employers realize that after undergrad school, it is difficult to continue a full-time education. Most people have to start working and also may have a family to tend to. Never lie or misrepresent your online MBA to an employer.

On your resume, you should state the name of the school you attended and the MBA program. You do not have to bring immediate attention to the fact that it was an online program. However, if you are asked about it, do not lie. Tell your employer about managing your time and attending courses online, promoting the fact that you’re a self-starter and disciplined when it comes to learning. If you do choose to state on your resume that it was an online MBA program you attended, be prepared for questions the potential employer may have. They will likely want to know how you learned the material and what the experience was like for completing an MBA program online.

Answer all questions honestly. Remember to play up your time management and multi-tasking skills. Do not refrain from explaining that in order to complete your MBA, you had to hold down a full-time job and deal with family life, which may be the reason you went the online route.

Do credits I earn in an online MBA program transfer?

Whether or not your MBA credits transfer depends on the accreditation of your school or program. Not all MBA credits will transfer and many schools put a limit on how many incoming transferred credits they will accept others. In order to grant your incoming credits, some schools require you to be enrolled in their own MBA program from a semester to an entire school year before issuing the credits to your transcript. This is normal of any specialized or post-baccalaureate degree.

Online programs are designed to help the student succeed, wherever they may be. Most are accessible from any computer with an Internet connection anywhere in the world, so there’s no reason you’ll have to stop studying. If life throws you something that prevents you from continuing courses in your program, it is best to take a hiatus from school versus transferring, since in most cases a prospective school won’t grant you enough credits to make it worth the move.

What is class like when you earn your MBA completely online?

An MBA program conducted online covers the same principles as a traditional MBA, only online. Upon registering, students are given a website address. Visiting this web address allows you to create a username and works similar to an email account. You will log in regularly and view that week’s work. Most professors for online courses do not dictate individual lessons for each day, but rather certain material that should be covered each week or before a designated date. Lectures are available via podcasts and can be listened to at each student’s convenience.

A syllabus issued at the beginning of the course will outline the pace of learning the material. Many classes are accompanied by a messageboard, where students can discuss topics going on in class. Some professors have a participation grade for being active on the messageboard, while others just see it as a resource for students to use if they choose to. Your professor will let you know within the syllabus the breakdown of grades throughout the course and this should tell you if there’s a participation grade linked to the online forum. You will also be able to see your grades upon logging in, giving you an idea of your progress in the class.