Massachusetts is home to some of the best online MBA programs in the world. These programs offer a unique combination of quality education and convenience, allowing students to pursue their degrees without having to leave their jobs or relocate. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top Massachusetts online MBA hidden gems that everyone should know about. From accelerated options and specialized curriculums to flexible schedules and affordable tuition costs, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. Explore this list and discover the perfect program for you today!
Why Should I Get a Massachusetts Online MBA?
Massachusetts offers access to many top-notch online MBA programs. WalletHub ranked Massachusetts #1 on its 2023 Best States to Raise a Family In report. Education and affordability were ranked 2nd. These rankings are great news for prospective MBA candidates.
The state of Massachusetts has a rich educational history. The universities are well-established and have an excellent reputation in the business world. These Massachusetts online MBA hidden gems are accredited through the AACSB, IACBE, and ACBSP. All offer affordable tuition rates as well. Corporations also have built solid college-to-career connections through paid internships and training opportunities. These highly adaptable degrees allow students to balance school and work simultaneously. Graduates often receive pay raises and career promotions upon completing their degrees.
Many great cities are in Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Newtown, Springfield, and Worcester. These cities offer top Massachusetts online MBA programs through a local universities. Over 45% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is why it’s even more important to earn a master’s degree.
What Should I Expect From a Massachusetts Online MBA?
Online MBA students should be prepared to dedicate several hours to studying weekly. While these programs are flexible, the workload is often reasonably heavy. Students will read, research, complete modules, and answer discussion board posts. The assignments allow students to solve complex problems at their organizations. This is really exciting for students and allows them to gain immediate value from the degree.
Significant advantages of earning a Massachusetts online MBA include networking opportunities and career coaching. Online students are encouraged to take part in on-campus events if they can. There may also be some required residencies. During residencies, students work closely with their peers on business challenges. Additionally, optional international trips may be offered.
MBA programs often assign students a dedicated career coach. This coach helps students reach milestones throughout their MBA. By graduation, they are prepared to pursue their post-graduation goals.
Concentrations
Students generally pursue an MBA with a specific career goal in mind. A concentration allows them to hone in on industry-specific classes. Professionals in specialized careers need in-depth knowledge. These advanced business concepts will be covered during concentration courses. Most concentrations consist of three or four elective courses. Adding a specialization can make a student’s resume more marketable. This is especially true if the concentration is in a high-demand field.
In-Demand Concentration Options:
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity Management
- Data Science
- Financial Planning
- Healthcare Leadership
- Lean Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Marketing
Learning Environment
Students will be surrounded by like-minded business professionals in online classes and residencies. Students use their work experience in group projects and research papers. Consulting projects with actual firms help students develop tangible business skills. Virtual platforms allow students to interact with their classmates and professors. Some programs allow students to take a mix of online and in-person courses.
Admissions
Online MBA programs offer a seamless admissions process. Applicants will be required to submit an online application and official college transcripts. Transcripts must show students have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. Two or three years of work experience may be required or preferred for specific programs. Additionally, students may need to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Many programs waive the GRE/GMAT.
Information sessions are available for students to learn more about the MBA program. Students may even attend a class or networking event before enrolling.
What jobs can I get with a Massachusetts online MBA?
Massachusetts MBA graduates are primed to enter many lucrative careers. While online MBA students can hail from across the country and world, most students attend programs within their home state. But whether you live in Massachusetts or five thousand miles from there, the state houses many top companies with eyes on business schools and their graduates.
Top industries in Massachusetts include finance, information technology, and higher education. A Forbes ranking of America’s Best Large Employers for 2023 featured three Massachusetts companies.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is a highly reputable higher education institution with over 14,000 employees. There are many in-demand careers available for MBA graduates. MBA graduates can use their talents in the following functional areas:
- Business development,
- Finance,
- Fundraising,
- Human resources, and
- Marketing.
The two greatest financial department needs are financial analysts and financial officers. Some other job titles include:
- Senior leadership giving officer,
- Marketing strategist,
- Communications manager,
- Human resources administrator, and
- Director of event marketing.
Employees enjoy a work/life balance and know they are performing meaningful work. They are rewarded through excellent comprehensive benefits. Some of the fringe benefits include:
- MIT scholarships for employees and their children.
- Generous holiday and vacation time.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity serves nearly 41 million private investors. This dynamic company’s commitment to its customers creates award-winning business career opportunities. In 2022, Forbes recognized Fidelity among the Best Employers in three distinct categories:
- Diversity
- New Grads
- Women
Additionally, Glassdoor named Fidelity among the Best Places to Work. LinkedIn also recognized Fidelity in 2021 as a Top Company in the United States. Career areas at Fidelity include:
- Asset Management.
- Business Strategy and Operations.
- Customer Service, Sales, and Wealth Planning.
- Technology.
Career options include:
- Head of digital access risk,
- Director of senior development,
- Trust operations specialist, and
- Regional director of wealth management.
Mass General Brigham
Mass General Brigham always wants to add MBA graduates to their talented community. This healthcare institution serves 1.5 million patients annually. Newsweek recently recognized MGB among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and Women. Additionally, MGB is consistently a top-ranked hospital by U.S. News and World Report. The administrative department runs the hospital efficiently through billing, marketing, and human resources. There are flexible opportunities to work remotely or hybrid. Career opportunities include:
- Business manager,
- Health plan strategy program manager,
- Senior claims resolution coordinator, and
- Registration specialist.
The Largest Companies in Massachusetts
In 2020, there were nearly 180,000 businesses statewide. Massachusetts MBA graduates have bountiful job opportunities upon completing their degree. These are some of the largest companies with headquarters in the state.
| Company | Location | Number of Employees |
| General Electric | Boston, MA | 305,000 |
| Dunkin’ Brands | Canton, MA | 270,000 |
| The TJX Companies | Framingham, MA | 270,000 |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Waltham, MA | 125,000 |
| Stop Shop | Quincy, MA | 82,001 |
Massachusetts Online MBA Hidden Gems
Prospective students should list out their top priorities when researching Massachusetts online MBA programs. But there are lots of variables. Prestige, cost, concentrations, accreditation, and schedule are among them. For the students looking in Massachusetts, here is our list of Massachusetts Online MBA hidden gems that everyone should know about.
Brandeis University
Medical professionals can earn a unique Executive MBA for Physicians from Brandeis University. The Heller School for Social Policy and Management delivers this AACSB-accredited program. This 16-month program launches in January and culminates in May of the following year. Students take part in four 10-day on-campus residencies and many webinars. Cohorts consist of 30-35 physicians. They become close-knit due to their shared career experiences.
The curriculum finetunes professionals’ management skills in a healthcare setting. Courses are highly experiential. Sample courses include Leadership Coaching and Physicians Executive Field Experience. Physicians emerge prepared to implement health policies and improve patient care.
Clark University
Clark University’s Graduate School of Management offers a prestigious online MBA. This MBA holds elite AACSB accreditation. U.S. News and World Report has recognized it among the “Best Part-time MBA” programs and as a Top 50 “Best Value School.” The 36-credit hour MBA offers two distinctive concentrations: management and marketing. Students gain practical experience through real projects with companies. Approximately 90% of graduate students receive scholarships. Financial aid makes the MBA an affordable investment for their future. Graduates are prepared to assume careers such as:
- Business development directors,
- Content marketing managers, and
- Vice president roles.
MBA alum work for Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and The World Bank.
Elms College
Elms College features an online MBA through its Division of Business. The IACBE provides accreditation for the MBA. The MBA offers concentrations in:
- Accounting,
- Financial planning,
- Healthcare leadership,
- Lean entrepreneurship, and
- Management.
Students have many opportunities to build their resumes during this highly engaging MBA. Students grow personally and professionally through the Pathways to Leadership workshops. Quarterly workshop topics include confidence, emotional intelligence, and strengths-based leadership. Annual networking events include the Alumni Business Event and Chamber at Elms. MBA students are also encouraged to get involved in community professional organizations. Valley Venture Mentors is one of the most popular organizations.
Fisher College
Fisher College’s School of Management features an online MBA. Students can tailor their degrees with three unique concentration options:
- Cybersecurity management
- Healthcare management
- Strategic management
This IACBE-accredited program can be completed at an accelerated pace in as few as 10 to 14 months. Classes for the 39-credit hour curriculum are offered in six eight-week condensed terms. Fisher is in Boston and has strong ties to many of the city’s established businesses. Graduate students have the opportunity to complete an internship at The Washington Center. The training also consists of an evening course and professional development programming.
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University’s Business Administration Department offers a convenient online MBA program. Distance learning programs were launched at Fitchburg in 2008. These programs help students meet their career goals.
The curriculum and delivery platforms continuously change to meet the needs of learners. Courses are offered in short seven-week sessions. Students can focus on one or two classes per session. This IACBE-accredited program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
This Massachusetts online MBA is perfect for career changers or those seeking rapid advancement. Classes are small. Professors are able to offer professional guidance and mentoring for their students. A student coordinator and advisor also support online students.
Framingham State University
Framingham State University’s College of Business features a flexible online MBA. This degree offers a direct path to career advancement. Full-time students can complete the hybrid program in as few as 16 months. Part-time students can manage work and school while completing their degree online. The average completion time for part-time enrollment is three to four years.
Concentrations are available in Management and Biotechnology Operations. Classes are delivered in compressed eight-week modules. FSU offers a 10% tuition discount for employees of nearby corporations. A few eligible companies include:
- Bose
- Commonwealth Financial Network
- Dell
- MetroWest Medical Center
Hult International Business School
Hult International Business School features a Global online MBA. The core comprises five modules: Design, Sales, Delivery, Growth, and Impact. Each module features a real-world business challenge that immediately impacts students’ workplace performance. Challenges may include live simulations, team challenges, and hackathons. Students can target their career goals by choosing from 22 specializations. A few specialization options include:
- Data Science,
- Financial Technology,
- Sales Strategy, and
- Talent Management.
A dual degree can be completed with an extra six months of accelerated coursework. Personalized career coaches help students identify goals, grow their network, and negotiate salaries. Graduates are encouraged to remain life-long learners. Alum can take one elective online or in-person per year their entire life.
Lasell University
Lasell University’s Graduate and Professional Studies offers a flexible online MBA. This degree is designed to fit students’ schedules. The comprehensive 36-credit hour curriculum can be completed in 12-24 months. Students can choose to enroll 100% online or in a hybrid format. With an extra three courses, students may enhance their degree with a concentration. Six concentrations are available:
- Healthcare Management,
- Human Resources,
- Marketing,
- Product Management for Footwear and Apparel,
- Project Management, and
- Sustainable Fashion Operations.
This flexible program features six entry points. Before starting, students receive enrollment counseling and academic advising. Throughout the program, students receive free tutoring and career counseling. These support services help students succeed.
Springfield College
The Department of Business Management at Springfield College delivers an online MBA. This degree emphasizes Nonprofit Management. Students can complete this degree in one academic year or work at an independent pace. Internships are available to provide students with valuable business work experience.
The curriculum positions students for management careers within nonprofit organizations. Classes that help students gain these skills include:
- Accounting for Nonprofits,
- Fund Development and Philanthropy, and
- Leadership and Governance for Nonprofits.
Summer, fall, and spring start dates are offered. Graduates work for organizations like:
- Oracle,
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and
- TD Ameritrade.
Western New England University
Western New England University’s College of Business offers a challenging online MBA. This degree adds tremendous value to students’ careers. This AACSB-accredited program can be customized with a concentration in:
- Accounting.
- Business Law.
- Leadership.
A General Business track is also available. U.S. News and World Report ranked this online MBA among the 2022 Best Online Programs. Graduates are employed by companies such as Amazon, Deloitte, MassMutual, and Peoples Bank. Their prestigious titles include:
- Human Resource Director,
- Senior Production Specialist, and
- Senior Project Manager.
Among the 2019-2020 MBA program candidates, 78% have reported a career advancement.
A Massachusetts Online MBA for Everyone
With so many Massachusetts online MBA hidden gems, students are sure to find a program that aligns with their career goals. These well-established programs have been successfully producing business leaders for decades. Students will join a strong alumni base and be prepared for managerial careers in Massachusetts and beyond.
Related Resources:
Top Reasons to get an Online MBA
How to Choose an Online MBA?
How much does it cost to get an online MBA?
