Kansas offers many hidden gem online MBA programs. Students can study from the comfort of their homes, whether they’re proud residents of the sunflower state or live in another country. And, Kansas offers some of the best value programs in the country. With flexible schedules and a wide range of courses, these degrees provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain an education without having to relocate.
In this article, we will explore some of the Kansas Online MBA hidden gems that everyone should know about. We will discuss their advantages, curriculum offerings, and potential career outcomes. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why Kansas Online MBA programs deserve your attention.
Why Should I Get a Kansas Online MBA?
Kansas is widely known for its agricultural industry. It also attracts professionals due to its lower cost of living and laid-back pace. Online MBA degrees are also highly affordable in Kansas and can bolster your career. Kansas has many rural areas. However, bigger cities, such as Topeka, Wichita, and Overland City, offer great career opportunities for MBA graduates.
If you live in a rural area in Kansas, the nearest university may be too far to attend, but don’t let this hold you back! There are many great online MBA programs. These programs allow you to advance your education from anywhere with an internet connection. Kansas also has a large military population with two army bases and an air force base. Earning an online MBA is an excellent next step for active duty to prepare for their future and veterans transitioning to civilian life. Many Kansas universities offer military tuition discounts for military members and their families.
What should I expect from a Kansas online MBA?
Fear holds many people back from taking the next step in their career journey. However, Kansas online MBA programs are achievable. Setting aside time for classwork is essential. Yet, it is possible for students to earn their degrees while still working full-time. Students can maximize their time by completing self-paced assignments around their other commitments.
Many Kansas MBA programs offer degree completion times of 12 months. This pace makes salary increases and career promotions possible in a short timeframe. Classes are generally offered in seven or eight-week condensed sessions.
All our Kansas Online MBA hidden gems are accredited through either the AACSB, ACBSP, or the IACBE. Accreditation ensures standards are rigorous. Core courses give students access to a broad range of managerial business principles. An effective leadership curriculum teaches students to think critically, ethically, and collaboratively. Classes are taught through real-world projects and case studies.
Core courses may include:
- Accounting
- Business Ethics
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Statistics
Concentrations
Concentrations provide a deep level of expertise within a specific business field. Students can research emerging industry-specific topics. Focus area courses prepare students for careers they are passionate about. These classes offer first-hand exposure to real-world projects. They also help students establish their professional network. Some programs take a more casual approach where students can mix and match a variety of electives.
Popular Business Concentrations:
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Strategic Innovations
- Supply Chain Management
Certificates may also be offered. Certificates add an extra credential to a resume.
Professional Certificates:
- Business Data Analytics
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Informatics
Learning Environment
The past couple of years has brought to light the value of social interaction. Even digital platforms can offer a sense of community and ways to communicate. Feeling connected is a critical component of completing an MBA program. Faculty teach Zoom classes and meet with students during virtual office hours. Group projects also give students the opportunity to work with their peers. Students can even take leadership assessments online and get real-time feedback. Business simulations that emulate real-work work scenarios are embedded into lessons.
Admissions
Online students do not have to navigate the admissions process alone. Students can gain instant access to their admissions questions through chatbots or connect with admissions counselors. Many programs allow students to test-drive an online course before enrolling. The application process for online MBA programs has also become significantly shorter. Students can complete an application online, have transcripts sent electronically, and upload a resume. Plus, students don’t usually have to wait until August or September to start a program. Most programs featured in this article offer half-a-dozen start options throughout the year.
What jobs can I get with a Kansas online MBA?
Koch Industries
This Wichita-based manufacturing company is one of the largest companies in the world. Koch has over 120,000 employees. They provide sustainable solutions in engineering, petroleum and chemicals, and energy. Koch owns many significant companies, including Flint Hills Resources, Georgia-Pacific, and Guardian Industries.
MBA graduates can find roles in accounting and finance or business strategy and development departments. Positions in the Wichita office include tax systems senior analyst, regional sales manager, and site finance leader. Koch offers tuition reimbursement. This benefit lets students advance their careers while earning a paycheck. Several hybrid or remote roles provide a flexible work schedule that accommodates a work/life balance.
H&R Block
MBA graduates specializing in accounting or finance will be in high demand at this tax mega-giant. H&R Block’s headquarters are located in Kansas City. Kansas City is technically in Missouri but has a large Kansas employee population. Some tax professionals work with clients in the office. Others help clients remotely. Tax experts may work with individuals or specialize in small businesses.
This company promotes mental health through vacation time, remote work, and a week-long Reboot in the summer. Onsite employee amenities include a fitness center, coffee shop, and a restaurant. H&R employs business professionals in several departments:
- Corporate finance
- Client and service support
- Field leadership
- Product and project management
Children’s Mercy
This pediatric healthcare system includes a hospital in Overland Park and Kansas City. Additionally, they have multiple clinic sites and administrative offices. MBA graduates interested in Healthcare Administration have opportunities for growth with this organization. U.S. News and World Report ranked Children’s Mercy Best Hospital in 10 specialty areas. More than 8,500 employees make up Children’s Mercy’s vibrant, diverse culture.
Professional openings include surgical services business data analyst, senior internal auditor, and performance improvement consultant. Research opportunities also exist through the Children’s Mercy Research Institute. The comprehensive benefits package includes the following:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Onsite health center
- Onsite childcare facility
Largest Companies in Kansas
The brand name of any degree is significantly stronger in close proximity of the school. Graduates from some of Kansas’s universities need not look too far when searching for companies with a wide employee base.
| Company | Location | Number of Employees |
| Koch Industries | Wichita, KS | 100,000 |
| Synergy Group | Overland Park, KS | 40,000 |
| NPC International | Overland Park, KS | 29,000 |
| AMC Theatres | Leawood, KS | 20,081 |
| YRC Freight | Overland Park, KS | 19,000 |
Kansas Online MBA Hidden Gems
If you are looking for an Online MBA in Kansas, here is a group of Kansas Online MBA hidden gems. These are a great option for students looking to acquire a flexible MBA at a regionally accredited school. While they might be from smaller or lesser-known schools, they offer excellent business accreditation and opportunities for every student.
Baker University
Baker University’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies was among the first to offer an online MBA. This convenient MBA holds full accreditation through the ACBSP. This hidden gem only requires 30 credit hours so that it can be completed at an accelerated pace. Students will take 18 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of concentration classes. Sharpen your leadership skills with foundational classes such as Economic Aspects of Business Decisions and Strategic Planning for Competitive Organizations. Then progress to an exciting concentration in
- Finance,
- Healthcare Administration,
- Human Resource Management,
- Strategic Management,
- Supply Chain Management, or
- Logistics.
Seven-week classes are packed with virtual networking opportunities, group projects, and discussions with expert MBA faculty. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to join the world-class Baker University Alumni Association. MBA graduates are prepared for careers such as business development directors, management consultants, and senior project managers. The flexible class sessions allow students to start year-round. Students must only submit an application and transcripts to start this career-changing journey.
Emporia State University
Emporia State University’s School of Business offers a top-quality online MBA. This rigorous MBA holds prestigious AACSB accreditation.
Students can graduate in as few as 12 months from this 33-credit hour program. The curriculum is customized to accommodate students from all backgrounds. The two foundational courses can be replaced with electives for students who have an undergraduate business degree. Elective options include Business Analytics, Law of Commerce, and IT Project Management. The MBA can also be tailored with a concentration in accounting, information systems, or marketing. Additionally, a joint MBA/MS in IT is available. The dual degree consists of 51 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Classes are rich in case studies that can immediately be applied to the workplace. The seven-week condensed classes allow students six annual start dates. Comprehensive tuition is exceptionally priced at just under $12,000. Graduates of this dynamic MBA program are ready to enter exciting careers, such as business analysts chief information officers, and entrepreneurs.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
The School of Business at MidAmerica Nazarene delivers a unique online MBA featuring stackable certificates. This well-rounded program includes a business core, the Business Administration Strategies certificate, and another certificate. These three components can be completed in any order. This format allows students to earn professional credentials early on. Certificate options include Business Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, and Informatics. The core and certificates are 12 credit hours each.
The Graduate Studies for Success core course equips students with the skills they need to succeed in this MBA program. Students can graduate in approximately two years while balancing school, work, and life. This ACBSP-accredited program also offers a hybrid option. Hybrid students meet one night per week. Tuition discounts are available through partnerships with many local employers. The Military Financial Aid Program offers tuition help for active-duty personnel and veterans. Additionally, specific start dates offer tuition discounts of up to 20% off.
Ottawa University
Learn to lead with Ottawa University’s online MBA. This ACBSP-accredited program is offered through the Angell Snyder School of Business. U.S. News and World Report recognized this program among the Best Online MBA programs in 2020. Accelerated courses are eight-week sessions, so professionals can fast-track their career goals.
Students can personalize their MBA experience with eight concentration options. Industry-focused options include Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership Development, Population Health/Health Care, School Business Operations, and Strategic Innovations. The curriculum consists of three modules: business behavioral courses, the well-rounded business core, and the capstone. The capstone allows students to conduct a case study within their office setting.
MBA graduates can enter various management occupations, such as HR directors, operations research analysts, and purchasing managers. With six entry points throughout the year, you can start when you’re ready! The student services team of academic, enrollment, and financial advisors will be happy to help you launch your MBA journey.
University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary’s Division of Business and Information Technologies makes it simple to earn an online MBA. The total tuition for this 33-credit hour program falls just below $12,000. This pricing is a steal for an AACSB-accredited program.
In addition to core courses, students can choose nine credit hours of electives. A few elective choices include Consumer Behavior, Design to Marketing Analytics, and Systems Analysis. Electives can be from various business areas or applied with a concentration in Accounting, Information Systems, or Marketing. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills needed to be an adaptive and responsive leader. Case studies and actionable steps that can immediately be taken at work make this program so impactful.
Rigorous classes are offered in practical seven-week sessions. The condensed format makes it possible for students to graduate in as few as 12 months. Students build leadership skills while in the program. When they graduate, they are ready to become business operations managers, chief information officers, and management consultants.
Washburn University
The online MBA from Washburn University’s School of Business makes students competitive. This program can be completed in just 12 months and 30 credit hours. Students can expand career opportunities by earning their MBA for under $20,000.
Virtual students will attend weekly Zoom classes in the evenings. All MBA students kick off the program with an orientation. The orientation teaches students how they will be assessed on their professional portfolios. They will also complete their first assignment.
Students can pursue interesting electives like Business Intelligence Systems, Entrepreneurship and Creativity, and International Business. The International Business and Entrepreneurial Experience partners students with MBA students in Romania. These students work together to complete a real-world capstone project.
This AACSB-accredited program provides excellent preparation for successful business careers. Washburn MBA graduates have scored at or above the 80th percentile on the MBA Major Field Test for the past five years. Additionally, 87% of graduates have received employment offers before graduation or plan to continue their education.
A Kansas Online MBA for Everyone
These Kansas online MBA hidden gems are prepared to educate the next generation of business leaders. What are you waiting for? With many start dates throughout the year, there is virtually no wait time required to start earning your online MBA.
Related Resources
Guide to Online MBA
Affordable Online MBA Programs
Top Reasons to get an Online MBA
