Online MBA with an elective in Management
Missouri State University offers a top online masters degree. The MSU Online MBA with an elective in Management is a good value, offers the advantage of being online, and is housed in an AACSB-accredited and respected School of Business. Mizzou’s MBA is 33 credits and follows a three-fold sequence: foundations, core, seminars, and elective. Depending on your previous education and experience, some of the foundation classes can be waived. The MBA core is classic. It includes fundamental knowledge and skills touching every area of business. Not only this, but Mizzou’s experience and national reputation will make you more marketable for the job you’re eyeing or the promotion you’re working toward.
Once you complete the core, you move into the seminar and nine-credit elective component in Management. The business seminary features experiential, hands-on learning and collaboration. Besides conventional admission requirements, you will be required to submit your GMAT score (waivers are possible).
About Missouri State University
Missouri State University is considered a large public university, serving 24,000 students and operating four campuses. Missouri State Outreach is their thriving online school, and the MSU College of Business is able to boast that it is the largest college of business in the state of Missouri and one of the largest in the Midwest region.
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 22 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as several other accrediting bodies.
More InformationWhat does an online MBA in Management look like?
The first step is to apply to a program. After you are accepted, you will be ready to embark on your journey of online learning. You will need to check what the online program requirements are for the school you are attending. Some programs are only online, while others require on-campus visits. Other online requirements include downloading lectures, attending online classes, and uploading your classwork and projects. Using live video technology to complete exams may also be a requirement. Also, be sure that your internet connection and computer are compatible and will be able to handle any technical requirements for your program.
Once you are set up technologically and understand your requirements, you are ready to begin your program. Most MBA programs begin with a set of core classes, which are often between ten to thirty credits. Examples of courses that may be included are:
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Business Strategy
- Finance
- Marketing Management
- Managerial Finance
- Business Analytics
- Microeconomic Analysis
- Operations Management
- Legal Environment for Business Managers
- Leadership in Organizations
- Fundamentals of Economics
- Administrative, Organizational, and Operations Concepts for Managers
After you complete this set of core classes, you will go on to Managerial courses in your concentration. This portion is often six to eighteen credits. Most programs end here and only require an average of 36 credit hours. Concentration classes include:
- Communication for Managers
- Business Strategy
- Leadership in Organizations
- Applied Business Statistics
- Operations Management
- Market-based Management
- Information Technology Development and Innovation
- Internet-Based Systems Analysis and Development
- Project Management for Business Majors
- Risk Management
How much money can I make with an Online MBA in Management?
One of the most significant reasons to pursue an online MBA in Management is the financial benefit once you graduate. The pay raise associated with attaining an MBA is a well-documented statistic. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of management occupations is anticipated to grow eight percent from 2016 to 2026, this is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The result will be approximately 807,300 new jobs. BLS goes on to say that employment growth is expected to be due to the formation of new organizations as well as the expansion of ones that are already established. The result of this should require more workers to manage these operations.
Additionally, the average annual wage for management occupations was $104,240 in May of 2018. This was the highest wage of all the major occupational groups. It should be noted, however, that many of the jobs driving these statistics had a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree. Graduates with an MBA in hand will, on average, make even more money.
If you are still not convinced, let’s examine another source. According to GMAC surveys, the average base starting salary for recent MBA graduates in the U.S. in 2017 is $110,000. This is a $5,000 increase over the previous year, and a significant increase over recent graduates of bachelor’s degree programs, whose average starting salary in 2017 was $60,0002. Also, of those who graduate with an MBA, 93 percent say that their degree is personally rewarding, while 91 percent say it is professionally satisfying. There is little doubt that earning an online MBA in Management pays big, and the ROI is high.
How should I choose an Online MBA in Management program?
This can be a complicated question and we will strive to help you find the answer. As previously mentioned, various students are looking for different attributes. The first step is to decide what is most important to you. Think about what kind of career you are looking for. Are you looking for management positions in a large company in a big city where who you are, who you know, and what kind of degree you have matters? If so, then you need to look for a university with an excellent reputation, and the prestige of the school will carry you a long way. These kinds of schools will cost you, though. They are usually the most expensive on the list, and the cost per credit hour can be up to five times more than the cost of other schools.
If cost is your primary consideration, and you aren’t worried about having an Ivy-league-granted degree in hand, then many schools offer very affordable MBA programs, some of which are under $15,000. With the high level of pay that managers often make, the ROI of these schools is impressive.
Another factor to consider is the personal attention that you will receive when completing your degree. Online MBA in Management programs are challenging, and the likelihood that you will need mentorship along the way is high. Look at the school and consider how many graduate students attend the student to faculty ratio and the access to faculty that the school provides. The availability of faculty can be the difference between success and failure when completing your MBA program.
How will an Online MBA in Management benefit my career?
Obtaining an online MBA in Management will lead to numerous professional opportunities. Graduates can apply for higher positions in their current company, or enter into a new company with credentials in hand. Also, they can confidently ask for a pay raise or can obtain more desirable positions. The connections made in an online MBA classroom or cohort, including relationships with faculty and other students, result in job referrals and connections that benefit them in years to come. If you feel stagnant in your current position or role, desire to advance more rapidly, or want a change in your career path, earning an online MBA in Management will help you achieve your goals.
What professional organizations should I consider being a part of?
- American Management Association: The AMA provides resources and valuable training to ensure business professionals stay knowledgeable in the ever-changing business world.
- DECA: DECA is an international, non-profit organization focused on developing the business skills of college and high school students since 1946. Members can network with local business leaders and build business skills through various presentations and competitions.
- American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS): The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) provides education, research, and certification programs for supply chain and operations managers.
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO): The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global network geared towards helping entrepreneurs be successful through collaboration.
We hope this ranking for the best online MBA in Management programs was a valuable resource for you. If you are still considering other options, check some of our other related pages or rankings.
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