Utah is a great state to pursue an online Master of Business Administration. Many professionals have moved to Utah for its stable economy, affordable cost of living, and low unemployment rates. U.S. News and World Report rank Utah as 3rd Best State nationally. Earning a top Utah online MBA will help advance professionals’ career because 44.4% of the state holds at least a bachelor’s degree.
In some states earning an MBA means acquiring severe debt, but tuition is very economical in Utah. Utah is ranked #1 for the lowest debt at graduation. Utah’s economy is also the strongest in the nation. Several new businesses are launched each month, providing many employment opportunities while in grad school and beyond.
Why should I get a Utah Online MBA?
With the population growth and the birth of new businesses, earning an MBA is a smart career move. Young professionals gain credibility in their field by earning a graduate business degree. By pursuing an MBA online, there is no need to choose between work or school.
Attending a program in Utah allows residents to meet other professionals in the state for group projects and networking events. Mentorship programs and attending business luncheons can also increase career prospects.
What should I expect from a Utah online MBA?
Utah business schools provide a challenging curriculum to prepare students for the real challenges they’ll face in the workplace. Business theory is combined with hands-on experiences. Assignments can easily be accessed online so students can study before or after work. Some classes may require a weekly live session in the evening. All MBA programs included in this article are fully accredited through the AACSB or ACBSP.
Most Utah online MBA programs are 33 or 36 credit hours. If you are trying to speed up your career as quickly as possible, these programs can be completed in as few as 12 months. If you’re working full-time, you can slow down the pace and take a few years. Core courses will ensure students from all backgrounds gain advanced knowledge of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management strategies. Many programs conclude with a capstone project or an international immersion experience.
Concentrations
Concentration courses are the highlight of the MBA program for many students. Students choose these classes based on their passions and goals. Also, some consider the top industries and employers near where they live. Students can take advantage of internships and local opportunities by choosing in-demand concentrations. Some MBA programs offer professional certificates as an alternative. The curriculum can also be comprehensive or allow students to take a variety of electives rather than selecting an emphasis.
Career-boosting Concentrations:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Leadership
Professional Certificates:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- High-Performance Organizations
- Marketing
Learning Environment
Online learning has made great strides over the past few years as business interactions have become more digital. MBA students can work on group projects through virtual meetings with their team members. Professors have also worked hard to increase student engagement. Case studies, simulations, and business software programs make the classes more interactive.
Admissions
The acceptance rates for these Utah hidden gems are incredibly high. Flexible entrance requirements make it easier for non-traditional students to be accepted. Many programs also offer rolling admissions and several start dates throughout the year. Students will need to complete an online application and submit official transcripts. Most online MBA programs save students time by offering GMAT waivers.
What jobs can I get with a Utah online MBA?
From micro companies to Fortune 500 corporations, Utah has some of the best employers. Top industries include retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. There are also several fast-growing technology companies and large financial institutions.
Largest Companies in Indiana
| Company | Location | Number of Employees |
| Teleperformance USA | Murray, UT | 300,000 |
| Super Value Inc. | Salt Lake City, UT | 121,000 |
| Intermountain Healthcare | Salt Lake City, UT | 59,000 |
| Wealth Generators LLC | Salt Lake City, UT | 30,000 |
| Smith’s Food and Drug | Salt Lake City, UT | 22,000 |
Some of the largest employers in the state are Intermountain Healthcare, the University of Utah, Walmart, and the State of Utah. Each of these organizations have thousands of employees.
Intermountain Healthcare
Many career opportunities are available at Intermountain Healthcare for MBA graduates looking to make a difference. This non-profit operates 33 hospitals. Those with a concentration in Healthcare Administration are the perfect candidates for managerial roles. Talented students can become strategy interns. Successful interns are often promoted to full-time strategy consultants upon graduation. The Strategy Office is located in Salt Lake City, and employees follow a hybrid work schedule. Accountants, financial analysts, and project managers also play vital roles in helping with this healthcare system’s daily operations.
University of Utah
Higher education institutions love hiring MBA graduates. While in graduate school, you can get an on-campus job as a business or data analyst to build your resume. Executive roles include Chief Audit Executive, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and Real Estate Associate Director of Development. These roles include excellent compensation packages, including 50% tuition discounts for employees and eligible family members. If you’re considering earning a Ph.D. in Business, a career at the University of Utah would be an excellent fit.
Walmart
With over two million employees worldwide, Walmart is the world’s largest employer. Walmart tends to promote from within. It is a great company to work at while earning an MBA or for those with minimal professional work experience. Corporate positions in Utah include Analyst of Process Improvement, Business Operations Manager, and Store Project Coach. Executive-level employees appreciate generous tuition assistance, annual performance-based bonuses, and growth opportunities.
State of Utah
MBA graduates can use their business skills to help at one of Utah’s 30 state agencies. Most of the state’s business positions offer a flexible/hybrid work format. A Budget and Policy Economist for the Governor’s Office earns an hourly wage between $35.35-$46.06. Those passionate about marketing can become the Communication Division Director. This position pays up to $50 per hour. Other well-paying roles include Information Technology Agile Project Manager and State Payroll Manager. Government employees receive excellent benefits and job stability.
Utah Online MBA Hidden Gems
There are many hidden gems among Utah’s online MBA Programs. All of the programs listed below are accredited regionally and hold a business accreditation. Each school offers a top online MBA programs that everyone should know about.
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is home to the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. This business school features a flexible, online MBA that lets students control their graduate experience. Students can take only one class each semester or load up with four classes to graduate faster. Emphasis areas allow students to take courses that pique their interests. Options include Business Analytics, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Marketing. All online MBA programs consist of 33 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Though classes can be completed 100% online, there are many perks to living close to campus. Business school clubs include Finance, Marketing, Professional Accountancy, and the Student Management Association. The Entrepreneurship Office offers experiential learning opportunities for students interested in launching start-ups. The School of Business Career and Employment Center hosts a weekly lunch. Corporations such as Deloitte, Federated Insurance, and Northwestern Mutual attend. A dedicated career coach helps students navigate their career search. SUU MBA graduates report a 96.5% job placement rate.
Utah State University
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University offers an exceptional distance learning MBA. U.S. News and World Report ranked this outstanding program among Best Online MBA Programs for 2022. This MBA also has a long history of AACSB accreditation. The 36-credit hour curriculum consists of 12 career-relevant courses. One-year and two-year options are available, so students can choose the pace that is right for them.
Classes are broken into four domains: Ethical Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Analytical Rigor, and Strategic and Global Vision. The optional global learning tour takes students behind the scenes at businesses abroad. Past destinations have included Chile, China, England, Japan, India, and Italy. A unique Shingo specialization that focuses on operational excellence is also offered. Students who select this concentration will attend virtual conferences to learn more about this method.
Online students who live in Utah are invited to use study rooms, free WiFi, and other campus resources. The main campus is in Logan, and many locations are throughout the state. There are also numerous virtual services, including online tutoring, mentoring, digital library access, mental health counseling, and career planning. This program accepts new students for three yearly start dates.
Weber State University
Weber State University’s Goddard School of Business and Economics is on the business radar for its well-rounded MBA program. U.S. News and World Report rank this program 2nd among Part-time MBA Programs in Utah. Additionally, the MBA holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. It is also recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the “Best Business Schools.”
Students can complete the Part-time Virtual MBA 100% online. The Part-time Hybrid MBA meets once a week in the evening or on Saturday. Classes are held in eight-week sessions with six blocks per year. Completion time for both degrees ranges from one year to six years, based on the number of classes taken per block. The tuition for each of these MBA programs is economical at under $20,000 from start to finish.
The curriculum consists of 27 credit hours of core courses and nine hours of electives. Electives span many business areas, including Data Mining for Businesses, Leadership through Character, and Sales Strategy and Management. Hands-on learning options include International Business Field Studies and the Graduate Consulting Project. Alumni work for some of the world’s largest corporations, including Boeing, Edward Jones, Goldman Sachs, Tesla, and Wells Fargo.
Western Governors University
The online MBA at Western Governors University’s College of Business is self-paced. This unique model allows students to enroll for six month long terms and complete as many courses as they can within that time frame. Students typically enroll in one class at a time and focus on mastering the materials. Students successfully pass the course assessment and move on to the next class. Assessments may include questions about the objectives, an essay, or a presentation.
Tuition is priced under $5,000 per semester. Motivated students can graduate in two semesters, making this degree one of the most affordable in the state. It holds full accreditation through the ACBSP. A program mentor helps students build a schedule that works with their timelines.
The curriculum consists of 11 courses, including a capstone course. The courses cover accounting, economics, finance, leadership, management, marketing, and strategy. The capstone allows students to complete an actual project where they work. WGU MBA graduates seek employment with some of the nation’s largest organizations, such as Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google, MGM, and Microsoft.
Westminster College
The Westminster College online MBA is ideal for curious, self-directed professionals. The ACBSP accredits this program. The average MBA class at Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business consists of 15 students. Small classes allow for meaningful discussions and group work.
Classes are grouped into three learning modules and electives. The first module introduces students to advanced business concepts in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and quantitative analysis. When students progress to the second module, they enhance their decision-making skills and improve their business strategy. The third module explores the economy of a foreign region. It concludes with a 10-day international tour to experience that region first-hand. Previous terms have included China, Europe, India, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Students can apply electives toward professional certifications. Options include Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, High-Performance Organizations, or Marketing. Students who pursue the accounting certificate are prepared to sit for the CPA exam.
The business school reports a 90% student pass rate. The average degree completion time is two to three years, but students can graduate in as few as 18 months. Graduates have successful careers as corporate accountants, digital marketing directors, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, project managers, and senior recruiters.
A Utah Online MBA For Everyone
These five online MBA programs offer flexible pathways to some of the state’s top employers. Online MBA graduates increase their salary potential and career opportunities. These convenient programs allow professionals to continue working while preparing for a brighter future.
Related Resources
Top Reasons to get an Online MBA
Best Executive Jobs
How do I Balance Business School and Life?
Guide to Business School Accreditation
