An online MBA program can be a fantastic option for working professionals looking to advance their careers without taking time away from their roles. They are also great for anyone who needs added flexibility when balancing their educational goals with other obligations. In Indiana, there are a number of Indiana Online MBA hidden gems to consider when it comes to building your experience and progressing in your career.
Why Pursue an Online MBA in Indiana?
According to U.S. News & World Report, Indiana is ranked seventh in the nation in terms of opportunity, with particular strength around its affordability. Combined with the financial boost of earning an MBA degree, Indiana is an appealing choice of location. In addition, Indiana has some large metropolitan areas near its borders—Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville—offering additional job opportunities for MBA graduates. With the flexibility of an online degree and an affordable cost of living, pursuing an online MBA in Indiana can be a great option for those navigating full careers and lives.
Additionally, the proximity to these cities and metropolitan areas within Indiana provides rich opportunities for internships and networking while within the online MBA program for those students who live in and around the state. Even fully online MBA programs sometimes offer or require internships or consulting projects best done in person. Indiana’s location, therefore, provides many career opportunities with the benefit of a low cost of living.
Largest Companies in Indiana
| Company | Location | Number of Employees |
| Koch Enterprises | Evansville, IN | 120,000 |
| Anthem | Indianapolis, IN | 63,900 |
| Cummins | Columbus, IN | 57,825 |
| Berry Global | Evansville, IN | 48,000 |
| Eli Lilly and Company | Indianapolis, IN | 33,625 |
What to Expect from Indiana Online MBA programs
Duration
Most of the online MBA programs in Indiana can be completed in one or two years, depending on whether a student is enrolled in a full- or part-time capacity. However, it is not uncommon for students to have up to five or even seven years to complete their Indiana online MBA program. This is possible because online program formats aim to provide a high level of flexibility for working professionals who might need extra time to earn their degrees.
Format
Indiana online MBA programs are offered asynchronously, synchronously, or as a hybrid of the two formats. Asynchronous classes mean that a student does not need to log into a class at any particular time. Lectures, for example, are pre-recorded, so a student can access the content whenever it is most convenient for them.
Synchronous classes, meanwhile, have set times, like a traditional, in-person class. The benefit of synchronous classes is that students have more interaction with their classmates and faculty, like students experience with in-person classes. It is not uncommon for many Indiana online MBA programs to use both formats for their classes, blending the flexibility of asynchronicity with the connection points of synchronous classes.
Areas of Focus
Some Indiana online MBA programs offer concentrations, specializations, or certificates. Typically, these areas of focus involve two to three classes in a particular business area, such as
- Accounting,
- Data Analytics,
- Finance,
- Healthcare Administration,
- Marketing, or
- Project Management.
Taking the GMAT
If the thought of taking the GMAT makes you want to scrap the whole idea of an MBA degree, don’t fret. Many Indiana online MBA programs offer waivers for the GMAT. Typically the stipulations include a particular undergraduate minimum grade point average or a certain number of professional business experiences. However, it is also becoming increasingly common for schools to waive standardized test scores completely. It is worth noting that if the school you are interested in requires the GMAT, a score of 400 to 450 is common when it comes to MBA admission requirements.
Cost of Indiana Online MBA Programs
There are a variety of factors at play when it comes to the cost of an Indiana online MBA program. Typically, public institutions are more affordable than private schools for those who are Indiana residents. However, for non-residents of Indiana, the out-of-state tuition at a public school can be just as costly as tuition at a private school.
While many Indiana online MBA programs are done entirely online, the cost of the program will go up for those programs that require any in-person residencies or trips, such as on-campus orientations or international coursework. If traveling to the school’s campus is a requirement, being an in-state resident will help keep the cost down.
For those who have an undergraduate business degree or have taken business classes elsewhere, it may be possible to transfer credits to your online MBA program. Additionally, some MBA programs require foundation-type classes that can be waived if you have already completed those classes or equivalents. While keeping the cost down by lowering tuition, there is the added benefit of keeping the cost down by helping you move through the program more quickly as well.
For working professionals, it’s worth speaking with your employer to see if they will cover part of the cost of your Indiana online MBA program. And it’s not uncommon for employers to foot the entire bill for an MBA degree for an employee. There are also federal grants and loans you can consider applying for through FAFSA, and scholarships are also an option, much like for an undergraduate degree.
Indiana Online Hidden Gems
Here is a group of hidden gems of the Indiana online MBA world. All of these programs are accredited with both regional accreditation and business accreditation. While they might be from smaller or less well-known schools, they offer excellent online MBA programs across Indiana and are worth considering.
Anderson University
The Falls School of Business at Anderson University offers its Online MBA program with flexible formats designed to help working students balance work and life needs. Classes are held synchronously one night each week. Students can choose to begin this program in January, May, June, July, or August for further flexibility. There are nine concentrations offered for this MBA program:
- Accounting,
- Finance,
- Human Relations,
- International Business,
- Leadership,
- Marketing,
- New Venture Development,
- Project Management, and
- Sports and Entertainment Brand Management.
Most students earn their MBA degrees in one to two years, going at their own pace. And as career needs change and evolve, Falls School of Business allows MBA alums to return and take MBA classes for free with its MBA for Life benefit.
Butler University
Butler University offers an Online MBA program through the Andrew B. Lacy School of Business. Most students enrolled in this MBA program earn their degrees in two and a half years, although they have up to five years to finish the program. Courses are structured in both synchronous and synchronous formats. In total, this is a 38-credit program with 11 core classes and three electives. Students can expect to spend between 15 and 20 hours per week on coursework.
New students may begin in either the spring or fall semesters. All students in this Online MBA program get their own certified executive coach who provides personal leadership mentoring throughout the program. This program does not follow a cohort approach.
Grace College
At Grace College, students can earn an MBA degree through the Online MBA program offered through the School of Business, which incorporates what Grace calls a Biblical perspective. Unlike many MBA programs, the first class students take in Grace’s program is a Christian perspective foundation, and subsequent classes build on this lens. Courses include
- Operations Management,
- Marketing Management,
- International Business,
- Legal Environment of Business, and
- Business Policy.
This is a 36-credit program, done entirely online, and most students can earn their degrees in two years. This program follows a cohort format, so students move through the two years together.
Indiana State University
Offered through the Scott College of Business, the Online MBA program at Indiana State University is a 12- to 24-month program designed to offer its students flexibility and balance. The 11 classes are held in an asynchronous format over eight weeks each. The 11 classes that make up the Scott MBA include:
- Advanced Analytics,
- Advanced Management Practices,
- Dynamic Strategy,
- Global Business,
- Information Systems,
- Management Accounting,
- Managing the Strategic Workplace,
- Strategic Financial Decisions,
- Strategic Marketing Management,
- Strategic Supply Chain and Operating Decisions, and
- Quantitative Problem Solving.
Students can enroll in the Scott MBA in the summer, fall, or spring semesters.
Indiana Tech
The Online MBA program at the College of Business at Indiana Tech offers concentrations in Accounting, Health Care Management, Human Resources, Management, and Marketing.
This is a 30-credit program that emphasizes students’ respective concentrations, allowing them to deeply immerse themselves in their areas of interest and build their respective talent stacks. In addition to the 21 credits of core courses, students take an additional nine credits in their concentrations. The learning outcomes of this program include:
- Advanced business knowledge.
- Complex problem-solving, strategic analysis.
- Strategic communications.
- Strategic-level ethical reasoning.
- Strategic use of information technology.
Indiana Wesleyan University
At Indiana Wesleyan University, the DeVoe School of Business offers an Online MBA program that allows students to work at their desired pace with the opportunity to graduate in just 48 weeks by doubling up on their courses if so desired. However, most students take 18 to 26 months to earn their MBA degrees. The program is built around a flexible format with both online and a hybrid option for class attendance.
For those who are on the fence, Indiana Wesleyan offers a three to four hours MBA Test Drive course to give prospective students a taste of what the Online MBA program is like. In addition, they earn a certificate of completion and receive a 10 percent discount on tuition if they choose to enroll.
Oakland City University
The MBA program at Oakland City University’s School of Business is aimed at students who have at least two years of leadership, managerial, or military experience. It is aimed at non-traditional students who are working professionals seeking to move to the next stage in their careers. Classes are offered year-round in either five- or eight-week formats, which allows students to move through their required courses efficiently. Most students who are enrolled part-time earn their MBA degree in 24 months.
Offered through the School of Business, this Online MBA program is made up of 10 courses:
- Business Research Methods
- Financial & Managerial Accounting
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business Management
- Leadership & Organizational Behavior
- Management Information Systems
- Managerial Economics
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Management & Operational Planning
University of Saint Francis
The Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Saint Francis has a one-year Online MBA program that requires 36 credit hours. Classes are held at USF’s Virtual Campus and run for eight-week sessions. Students may enroll at any of the six annual start dates.
In addition to the nine core classes, which include Franciscan Values and Ethics in Business, there are also 12 concentrations offered, in addition to the General MBA track. The 12 concentrations are
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Economics
- Finance Management
- Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Operations
- Higher Education Administration
- Human Resources Management
- International Business and Economics
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Organizational Management
- Operations Management
- Supply Chain Management
University of Southern Indiana
At the University of Southern Indiana, students can earn their online MBA degrees in as little as 11 months in the 30-credit Online MBA program run through the Romain College of Business. This fully online program also offers concentrations in
- Accounting,
- Data Analytics,
- Engineering Management,
- Healthcare Administration,
- Human Resources,
- Marketing, and
- Project Management.
In total, students complete seven core courses, one Data-Driven Decision Making course, and two concentration courses, of which students have course selections to choose from.
In order to apply for USI’s Online MBA, students must only have completed an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.5 grade point average. There are no standardized test requirements for enrolling in this program.
Valparaiso University
MBA students at Valparaiso University’s MBA program may choose to begin their program at any number of start dates throughout the year. This flexible MBA program, which is run by the College of Business, offers asynchronous classes online in addition to in-person and hybrid formats.
Students have the option of adding a certificate to the 12 required classes of their MBA program at Valparaiso University. The six offered certificates include
- Business Intelligence,
- Engineering Management,
- Finance,
- General Business,
- Healthcare Management, and
- Management.
An Indiana Online MBA for Everyone
You’ll find a plethora of online MBA programs across Indiana. Each program offers convenience and flexibility for its students, especially for those who are also working professionals. For those desiring deeper areas of focus, many programs also offer specializations, certificates, or concentrations to help students further refine their skills and build their careers.
Related Resources
Guide to Online MBA
How to Choose an Online MBA?
How do I find scholarships for an online MBA?
