Online MBA Programs in Michigan

The state of Michigan offers students many compelling reasons to pursue an in-state online MBA. Michigan is home to some of the top online MBA programs in the United States, for one. For another, the state boasts a steadily growing economy that regularly adds industries targeting MBA graduates: Labor Insight data confirm a robust demand for financial analysts, sales managers, general and operations managers, financial managers, and management analysts across the Great Lake State. MBA graduates in Michigan are positioned to take full advantage of the state’s growing demand for business professionals.

Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides the foundation you need to enter the workforce as a confident, capable business leader. Michigan offers many online degree opportunities for MBA students, including full-time or part-time options. And because online programs serve predominantly local (i.e., in-state) populations, any program you choose will help you build an all-important network of contacts, peers, and mentors.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about online MBA degree programs in Michigan and discuss your options by addressing the following questions:

• What is an MBA?
• What are the best online MBA programs in Michigan?
• How much will it cost me to get an online MBA?
• How do online and on-campus MBA programs differ?
• How long does it take to complete an online MBA?
• Will my online MBA improve my job prospects and/or my income?

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree. It teaches the fundamental skills and expertise necessary to advance business and management. It also dives deeper into various specializations. There are many advantages to obtaining an advanced degree in business, such as career advancement and a higher salary.

Students may choose to pursue their MBA degree through in-person instruction, online learning, or a hybrid of both. The typical curriculum within an MBA program offers coursework in:

• Economics
• Finance
• Information technology
• International business
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Strategic management

Most MBA programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in a business subfield such as business analytics, entrepreneurship, energy management, healthcare management, and human resources. You can also earn a general MBA without an area of concentration.

MBA students graduate with a versatile skill set that they can apply to various career options.

What are the best online MBA programs in Michigan?

Central Michigan University

Global Campus

Mt. Pleasant, MI

An MBA degree from Central Michigan University opens many doors by delivering real-world experience in marketing management, finance, and business analytics. Students may use elective courses to develop a concentration in one of ten disciplines:

• Business data analytics
• Cybersecurity, entrepreneurship
• Health systems leadership
• Human resources management
• Information systems
• Logistics management
• Marketing
• Project management
• Value-driven organization

Students may enroll and start the program during any semester. Tuition is $662 per credit, making CMU the least expensive of the programs listed here. AACSB International accreditation confirms that a CMU business education is thorough and rigorous.

University of Michigan (Main Campus)

Ross School of Business

Ann Arbor, MI

A worldwide reputation earns the MBA program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business the number twelve spot on US News & World Report‘s ranking of best American MBA programs. No wonder business leaders flock to recruit here.

Ross delivers online course content through a carefully designed mix of self-guided modules and live online course meetings. Students “put their learning into action” through Multidisciplinary Action Projects, in which teams of students solve a problem for a real-world company or organization.

The curriculum consists of 57 credits: 27 credits of core courses, 18 elective credits, 9 credits over 3 residencies, and 3 credits from an action project. The program offers two start dates, in the fall and winter; most students finish the program in two or three-and-a-half years, depending on whether they study full-time or part-time. Students may pursue a dual-degree after being accepted to both the Ross School of Business and another U-M school.

University of Michigan–Dearborn

College of Businesss

Dearborn, MI

The University of Michigan Dearborn offers part-time and full-time online MBA degree programs that students complete in 36 to 48 credit hours. Students may select from diverse areas of concentration, including:

• Business analytics
• Human resource management
• International business
• Information systems management
• Marketing
• Supply chain management

U of M-Dearborn emphasizes that “Students will have a strong understanding of the core business disciplines and be able to apply this knowledge to global business situations.”

The College of Business requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation, a GMAT or GRE score, and a non-refundable $60 application fee. Current bachelor’s degree candidates may apply internally to the part-time or full-time MBA program.

University of Michigan-Flint

School of Management

Flint, Michigan

The MBA program at the University of Michigan-Flint centers around project-based learning, focusing on innovation, risk management, and decision-making. Students complete most of the course work online and have the option of including two campus sessions per semester.

The graduate program offers several concentrations, including:

• Accounting
• Computer information systems
• Finance
• Healthcare management
• International business
• Marketing and innovation management
• Operations management
• Organizational leadership

The program also offers a general MBA.

Flint offers foundation courses for students whose undergraduate degrees are not in business disciplines. To apply, applicants must submit a $55 non-refundable application fee. Those who hold a graduate degree from an AACSB institution may waive their GMAT and GRE scores. Prospective students must also submit official transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation. Financial aid packages are available for select students.

Wayne State University

Mike Ilitch School of Business

Detroit, Michigan

The AACSB-accredited Master of Business Administration at Wayne State University provides a highly customized experience with 13 optional concentrations. Students may learn online or on-campus in midtown Detroit. The program offers many perks, including a GMAT waiver for qualified applicants, a full-service career planning office, and financial aid and scholarships.

All students in the MBA program complete a minimum of 36 credit hours (12 courses). Students lacking required undergraduate credits must also complete foundation courses before commencing work on the MBA. Those who wish to tailor their MBA programs with specific career goals may choose from 13 optional concentrations, including:

• Accounting systems
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Finance
• Global supply chain management
• Human resources
• Information systems management
• International business
• Sports and entertainment management

A full list of courses and concentrations are available on Wayne State’s website.

How much will it cost me to get an online MBA?

Business education at the graduate level can be expensive, so a program’s affordability plays a significant role in many students’ decision-making process. The exact cost of tuition involves many factors. For example, the price may differ based on where you are located (in- or out-of-state).

Online MBA programs in Michigan differ in price points. Options include the Ross School of Business ($1,766 per credit hour) Kettering University ($940), which contrasts to some of the state’s most affordable options, such as Wayne State University ($788), the University of Michigan-Dearborn ($810), and Central Michigan University at ($662).

Below are the price points for each of the MBA online degrees listed in this article. This table does not represent additional non-tuition fees.

How do online and on-campus MBA programs differ?

You’ll want to consider numerous factors when deciding between online learning and traditional on-campus learning.

The learning environment constitutes one significant difference. As a traditional student, you’ll attend classes on-campus (barring any pandemics, of course), while, as an online student, you will study remotely. On-campus programming offers live instruction in the same location. In contrast, remote programming delivers content online. Some of it (asynchronous content) is accessible at any time; other content, such as live classes and group study sessions, is scheduled for a specific time (synchronous content).

Online programs come in many different variations. Some are entirely online, while others, like the online MBA program at the University of Michigan-Flint, offer a hybrid of online and in-person programming.

On-campus and online programming differ in significant ways. However, the quality of your education does not need to be one of them. Most online programs are at least as effective as traditional on-campus learning. Online students typically do not sacrifice quality for convenience.

How long does it take to complete an online MBA?

The amount of time it will take to complete an online MBA depends on whether a student pursues full-time or part-time instruction or if a student pursues a specialty area. On average, most complete online MBA programs within two to three years. In some cases, students pursuing full-time instruction complete their degree even faster.

Will my online MBA improve my job prospects and/or my income?

Securing an online MBA helps young business leaders further their careers, improve their employment opportunities, and increase salary potential. According to Poets & Quants, MBA graduates can earn 50 percent more than those with undergraduate degrees and other postgraduate degrees.

Although there is no guarantee your salary will increase with an MBA, data show that MBA graduates tend to have higher earning potential. Also, an MBA degree unquestionably helps applicants stand out on the job market. According to the compensation projections published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for MBA grads in the class of 2020 will be $79,043, more than $20,000 higher than the starting salary projection for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business.

The value of an MBA depends on many factors, including circumstances and individual goals. An online MBA program in Michigan can serve as an excellent option for those who seek a business education that is both high-quality and affordable.

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