Michigan is a beautiful state with several great higher education options. If you have contemplated advancing your education in the Great Lakes State, this ranking of Michigan Online MBA Hidden Gems can introduce you to some of the best programs in the state. Michigan ranks fourth most affordable state nationally. The 10% lower cost of living makes it possible to maintain a high quality of life while paying for graduate school.
Remote work has seen a significant rise over the past few years. Livability recognizes Grand Rapids as the 2nd Remote-Ready City. Remote workers are ideal candidates for online MBA programs. They have acquired the self-discipline to complete tasks with little oversight and are tech-savvy enough to navigate online learning platforms. An online MBA can make candidates stand out in virtual work environments. In 2022, Wallethub ranked Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit among the 100 most educated cities.
Why Should I Get a Michigan Online MBA?
Forbes ranked the State of Michigan 8th in America’s Best Employers for New Grads 2022. Earning an online MBA will vastly increase job opportunities. Graduates in this thriving economy will be prepared for leadership roles.
Michigan produces entrepreneurs and analytical business professionals through rigorous online MBA programs. Six of the ten programs on this list hold AACSB accreditation. This distinction is awarded to less than 5% of business schools worldwide. The remaining four are accredited through either the IACBE or ACBSP.
What Should I Expect From a Michigan Online MBA?
The bar has been raised for online MBA programs in recent years. Courses are being taught by the same professors who instruct in-person classes. Professors have lived industry experiences and often feature expert guest lecturers. Students can complete programs at their pace, whether full-time in one year or spread out over a few years.
Programs range from 30-45 credit hours based on the student’s previous academic experience. Students complete core courses covering many business areas. Capstone courses are also a common requirement. These allow students to show their knowledge through strategic business projects. Study abroad trips and graduate student organizations offer outstanding networking opportunities.
Concentrations
Concentrations equip students with a niche skill set. These specialization courses allow students to prepare for a specific business career while having a solid foundation that will enable them to add value to any corporation. When choosing a concentration, students should consider goals, career outlooks, and salaries. Since manufacturing is one of the leading industries in Michigan, students may choose to pick concentrations that prepare them to manage these processes.
Concentrations that pair well with manufacturing:
- Entrepreneurship.
- International business.
- Marketing and innovation.
- Project management.
- Supply chain management.
Learning Environment
The business schools on this list offered online MBA degrees preceding the pandemic. They have perfected virtual delivery over the past couple of decades. Classes may be in real-time or offer the flexibility to complete assignments by specified deadlines. Courses often challenge students to apply their knowledge to their work environments. Group projects and online consulting allow students to practice project management skills.
Admissions
Online MBA programs require students to complete an online application and submit official transcripts. Many MBA programs recognize that GMAT and GRE scores are no longer the lead indicator of how successful a student will be. Therefore, these exams are generally optional. Resumes and letters of reference can also be part of the application process.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Michigan Online MBA?
Michigan is best known for Henry Ford inventing the Model T in Detroit in 1908. Ford remains the 2nd largest employer in the state. Ford paved the way for the manufacturing industry in Michigan. Today, Michigan has a thriving economy with various robust companies representing many industries. Forbes featured four Michigan companies on its America’s Best Large Employers 2023 ranking.
Ally Financial
Ally Financial is a top 25 U.S. financial holding company with over 11 million customers. MBA graduates can make an impact through career areas such as analytics, finance, marketing, human resources, and technology. Jobs available include business analytics director, lead auditor, and business intelligence manager. Ally has received many awards for diversity and inclusion from organizations such as the Disability Equality Index, Forbes, and the Human Rights Campaign.
University of Michigan
The Chronicle of Higher Education consistently recognizes U-M among “Great Colleges to Work For.” Staff is needed in procurement services, human resources, and benefits and payroll. Ideal roles for MBA graduates include:
- Marketing and relationship development program manager.
- Assistant director of financial aid.
- Communications strategist.
The competitive benefits package includes generous paid time off, retirement plans, and comprehensive health insurance. U-M also helps employees create a healthy work-life balance with fitness classes and mental health counseling programs.
Stryker
Stryker is dedicated to improving healthcare through manufacturing medical devices and equipment. People magazine has recognized Stryker as a Company that Cares three times. If you are seeking a job filled with purpose, you will find a team of like-minded professionals at Stryker. Every team member receives strength-based coaching to help them reach their full potential. Career opportunities include:
- Senior internal auditor.
- Director of customer care.
- Data management manager.
Summer internships are available with housing included. New grads can take part in a rotational accounting and finance program.
Bosch USA
Bosch creates state-of-the-art technology for home, work, or on the go. From electric car software to smart home appliances, Bosch employees have you covered. MBA graduates can be part of an exciting future with focus areas such as AI, global business, and research. Functional business areas include financial accounting, logistics, marketing, and purchasing. The corporate office is located in Farmington Hills. MBA graduates can pursue careers such as:
- Project managers.
- Sales and business development managers.
The Largest Companies in Michigan
When looking at Michigan’s Online MBA Programs, it is notable that many students attend colleges in their home state. One reason is that an MBA brand’s impact is stronger in proximity to the college. Students in the Michigan Online MBA hidden gems have many places to look for jobs in the workforce. The following large Michigan companies offer many careers to choose from.
| Company | Location | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch USA | Farmington Hills, MI | 398,150 |
| Ford Motor | Dearborn, MI | 186,000 |
| Lear | Southfield, MI | 174,600 |
| Magna International | Troy, MI | 169,000 |
| General Motors | Detroit, MI | 155,000 |
Michigan Online MBA Hidden Gems
With the number of Michigan Online MBA programs to consider, students consider location, accreditation, prestige, cost, and schedule. When researching, be sure to take note of these Michigan Online MBA hidden gems that everyone should know about.
Baker College
The College of Business at Baker College offers a top online MBA. This 36-credit hour program can be completed in one to two years. Students can choose between two flexible formats: BakerOnline and OnlineLive. BakerOnline allows students to log in and complete assignments around their schedule. OnlineLive gives students interaction with classmates through real-time virtual sessions. The IACBE-accredited curriculum consists of 27 hours of required business courses and nine hours of electives. Financial aid and scholarships are awarded to 86% of MBA students. Graduate scholarships are available for:
- Students who are alumni.
- Enrolled students in the accelerated MBA.
- Students serving as graduate assistants.
Cornerstone University
Through its online MBA, Cornerstone University prepares students for their future careers. U.S. News and World Report ranked this online MBA 6th in Michigan in 2021. This ACBSP-accredited program is delivered through the Professional and Graduate Studies Division. Cornerstone is a private Christian university. Professors often make connections between faith and business during lectures.
The 38-credit-hour curriculum focuses on six functional areas of business: accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. Four specialization options are available: finance, global business, health care, and project management. The program features convenient fall, spring, and summer start dates.
Davenport University
Distinguish yourself with an online MBA from Davenport University. Donald W. Maine College of Business proudly presents students with two IACBE-accredited programs. Students can choose between the comprehensive 30-credit hour option or a 39-credit hour program featuring a concentration. Nine dynamic concentrations are offered, including:
- Data mining.
- Human resource management.
- Leadership strategies.
Students can also earn a specialty graduate certificate in fields such as:
- Accounting.
- Finance.
- Marketing.
Students will complete a hands-on, real-world capstone project during their final semester. With six convenient start dates and no GMAT required, it’s easy to begin this MBA program!
Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University’s College of Business is home to an AACSB-accredited MBA. This fast-paced 36-credit hour program can be completed in as few as two years. Students can tailor their degrees to their career goals with the following concentrations:
- Cybersecurity.
- Finance.
- Information technology.
- Project management.
A variety of technology-driven and group projects are embedded into the curriculum. A Global Strategic Management Capstone is required during the final semester. Lectures are broken into manageable 15-minute sessions and can be viewed anytime. Students are encouraged to log into the online learning platform daily.
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University helps students achieve their goals through their 30-credit-hour online TechMBA. This innovative program holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. Data analytics and technology are emphasized throughout this 10-course program. Students select two electives from economic decision analysis, entrepreneurship, and international management. Full-time students can complete an accelerated degree in just two semesters. Part-time students can graduate in two years. Students graduate prepared to apply business skills to STEM careers. Graduates succeed in various managerial careers in fields such as:
- Construction.
- Manufacturing.
- Project management.
- Technical sales.
MBA students report a 100% career placement rate.
Northern Michigan University
Another hidden gem is the online MBA through Northern Michigan University’s College of Business. Most classes are delivered via Zoom sessions. Students enjoy interactions with their classmates and professors in real time. Classes are taught by full-time faculty, as well as guest business practitioners.
Through the Invent@NMU Incubator, students can work with local businesses. Students can also launch their own business ventures. Over the past six years, more than 700 business ideas have been created. The post-graduation job placement rate for students in this entrepreneurial program is reported at 99%. This AACSB-accredited online MBA program offers seven enrollment dates annually.
Saginaw State University
The top-ranked Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw State University offers an MBA 100% online. This convenient program holds AACSB accreditation. The Princeton Review ranks this program among the Top 300 MBA Programs. This STEM-designated program is highly customizable. Students can choose a concentration in:
- Accounting.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Finance.
- Health administration.
- Management.
- Marketing.
A certificate in international business is also available. The average job placement rate for graduates of this dynamic MBA is reported at 96.6%. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the fall, winter, or spring semesters. Prospective students can schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting through the school’s website.
University of Michigan-Flint
Professionals can elevate their careers by earning an online MBA from the School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint. U.S. News and World Report ranked this AACSB-accredited program as the 2nd Best Part-Time MBA Program in 2022. The MBA curriculum is 33-45 credit hours based on a student’s previous work and education experience. Teamwork, presentation, communication, and writing skills are emphasized. Several scholarships are available for MBA students, such as:
- The Dean’s Distinguished Grad.
- Alumni Graduate.
- Global Graduate Merit scholarships.
Specializations offered include:
- Accounting.
- Computer information systems.
- Finance.
- Health care.
- International business.
- Marketing and innovation.
- Organizational leadership.
- Supply chain management.
Walsh College
Walsh College is proud to offer an award-winning online MBA program. CEO Magazine consistently recognizes this program in its Tier One MBA Global Rankings. The ACBSP fully accredits it. The business school has strong business partnerships locally and worldwide.
The curriculum is 36 credit hours and is highly flexible. Students can focus on economics, finance, marketing, organizational resilience, or tax. The solid core foundation from this program can help students lead in any industry. Leadership skills such as critical problem-solving, diversity, and empathy are embedded into the program. Walsh MBA graduates can be found working at Michigan’s Fortune 500 companies.
Wayne State University
The Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University offers a highly recognized online MBA program. In 2022, U.S. News and World Report ranked the business programs among the best nationally. Additionally, The Princeton Review ranks Ilitch among Best Business Schools. Students can take part in the Graduate Business Student Association or offer free consulting to small businesses through the MBA Response. Study abroad programs can be completed for elective or concentration credits in:
- Brazil.
- China.
- Italy.
- Central Europe.
A wide array of 13 concentrations are offered through this AACSB-accredited program. A few options include:
- Global supply chain management.
- Information systems management.
- Sports and entertainment management.
Remote work has increased the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Candidates can easily apply for a cross-country job without the hassle of moving. Having an online MBA can position you for local and international management positions. MBA degrees ensure your business skills remain relevant in an evolving economy.
A Michigan Online MBA for Everyone
These Michigan Online MBA hidden gems are great for aspiring business professionals. They offer excellent education and the opportunity to earn an MBA without having to attend classes in person. With Michigan Online MBA Programs, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling, low tuition rates, and access to world-class faculty and resources. They also provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various fields, such as finance, marketing, operations management, and more. With the combination of quality education and convenience, these Michigan Online MBA hidden gems are great options for those looking to further their career development.
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Alternatives to an Online MBA
How can I succeed in an Online MBA?
