Q: Where can I get an online MBA in Iowa?

A: There are a handful of accredited institutions that offer online Masters in Business Administration in the state of Iowa: Upper Iowa University, Ashford University, Maharishi University, and St. Ambrose University all offer MBAs that can be fully completed online. A number of other institutions offer some online classes that count towards completion of their MBA, including the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, which was ranked as the number one Business school in Iowa by US News and World Report. Universities are increasingly adding online curricula for their graduate schools, allowing the schedule flexibility that professionals need to continue their day job while acquiring the graduate degree that will lead to promotion in their field. As more and more universities have incorporated distance learning into their programs, the prestige of an online MBA has risen in the job market.

Upper Iowa University offers a core curriculum for all of their MBA students, who then decide on one of five areas of emphasis: Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, General Management, Human Resources Management, and Organizational Development. They cater specifically to their online students with six convenient start dates throughout the year, flexible asynchronous schedules for accelerated degree completion, and maximum transfer of credits from other schools. This attention that Upper Iowa University has paid to online curricula has made it one of the 100 best online colleges.

Ashford University’s Forbes School of Business & Technology offers an IACBE-accredited MBA program for students all around the world. Their MBA courses promise to expand your professional competence in managing and influencing organizational effectiveness. They offer a standard MBA program that includes classes like Management Communications with Technology Tools, Organizational Behavior, and Operations Management. Students can also select from dynamic specializations to enhance their degree.

Maharishi University offers an online MBA in Sustainable Business, which emphasizes environmentally friendly business practices. Their class sessions are video-conferenced live on the internet and are recorded for students whose time zone or work schedule prevents them from participating in the live stream. They are also flexible with credit transfers, allowing prior undergrad Business classes to count towards the completion of their online MBA.

St. Ambrose University offers an online MBA that promises to emphasize the student-teacher relationship that campus learning is known for. Their professors offer in-person support on campus as well as help via phone or email within 24 hours. St. Ambrose has placed an emphasis on creating an online community that keeps students feeling engaged so they do not feel isolated when working from home.

In the early 19th century, Iowa established its agricultural economy at the heart of the American Corn Belt. In the 21st century, however, Iowa has diversified its economy and now includes industries such as information technology, biotechnology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing and processing. These new industries allowed Iowa to weather the storm of the most recent recession without the damage that was inflicted on the economies of other states, which makes Iowa one of the safest choices for pursuing a career in business.