Veterans have proven their dedication and leadership skills through service to our country. And veterans can transform their military leadership skills into managerial roles for civilian corporations upon completing their service by pursing an Online MBA degree. The military-friendly universities featured in this ranking of the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans are all approved to accept VA education benefits. Many colleges offer additional tuition assistance through the Yellow Ribbon Program, tuition discounts, and military appreciation scholarships.
Where are the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans?
Whether you want to make a big move or stay near the post where you were stationed, these top-ranked Online MBA programs make that possible. These flexible MBAs allow students to access coursework through digital platforms from anywhere yet offer the same rigor as traditional on-campus degrees. Many of The Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans have been recognized for their convenient format, affordability, and veteran services. They have also received prestigious awards from The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. All of the programs are fully accredited, with the majority holding AACSB accreditation. Veteran alumni from these dynamic Online MBA programs work at corporations spanning the globe, and by earning your Online MBA, you will become part of that distinguished network.
Methodology
To find the best Online MBA programs for veterans, we started with the top Online MBA programs from leading Online MBA, MBA, and university rankings systems. We then found which programs were also highlighted as Top Colleges for Veterans, which participate in federal programs to help veterans pay for their degrees. Because some veterans use federal funding for their undergraduate degrees, not all master’s programs will be fully covered with the remaining allotment. Because of this, we ranked our list of veteran-friendly Online MBA programs by affordability. The Online MBA tuition information was collected from each program’s website. The Online MBA Coach Score reveals each program’s affordability in relation to the other degrees in this list.
1 | Mississippi State University
College of Business
Veterans will feel right at home at Mississippi State University’s College of Business. This AACSB-accredited business school offers a top-ranked online Masters of Business Administration degree. In 2018, this convenient MBA was ranked 14th Best Online MBA for Veterans and 26th overall in Online MBA programs in 2019 by U.S. News and World Report. Mississippi State was also named a Top 10 Military Friendly School for 2022-2023. Veteran students are eligible for numerous scholarships and invited to attend free financial seminars hosted by The Center for America’s Veterans and Region Bank to learn how to pay for their education. The 30-credit hour curriculum consists of core courses, such as Business Decision Analysis, Strategic Business Consulting, and Strategic Marketing Management. The classes blend lectures with hands-on projects for real clients. Students also select electives, such as Enterprise Systems Engineering, Industrial Quality Control, or Project Management. Graduates of this dynamic program have assumed lucrative leadership roles as administrative services managers, loss prevention managers, and regulatory affairs managers.
OMBA Coach Score: 100.00
2 | Oklahoma State University
Spears School of Business
Oklahoma State University offers a military-friendly online Masters of Business Administration through Spears School of Business. This prestigious MBA is currently ranked 28th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and holds full accreditation through the AACSB. Veterans are encouraged to meet with a VA benefits counselor to receive assistance financing their degree. The Student Veteran Success Center offers workshops to help veterans transition into the civilian world, such as the Women’s Veteran Symposium: Purpose After Service. MBA students will discover their purpose through the 33-credit hour program, choosing Business Administration electives or selecting a specialty in Business Sustainability. The broad-based curriculum features courses in Individual and Organizational Behavior, Corporate and Business Strategy, and Prescriptive Analytics. Professional development is also embedded into the curriculum and offers exciting guest speakers, career-focused projects, and case consulting. Unique elective options include Launching a Business: The First 100 Days, Student Managed Investment Fund, and Social Media Strategies.
OMBA Coach Score: 99.19
3 | University of North Carolina Wilmington
Cameron School of Business
Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is prepared to help students transition from military heroes to business leaders with an online Masters of Business Administration. Many specialization options are offered, including Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resources, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. An online EMBA program is also offered, which offers the convenience of self-paced web assignments with the benefits of in-person residencies and networking opportunities. The MBA consists of 36-credit hours, and the EMBA is a total of 42-credit hours. Each of these degrees can be completed in as few as 12 months. The robust curriculum consists of courses in functional business areas, such as accounting, business law, corporate finance, economics, management, and marketing. Students can also pursue their interests through Real Estate Investment Analysis, Sales Success and Contemporary Customer Interactions, and Strategic Global Marketing.
OMBA Coach Score: 96.55
4 | University of Massachusetts Lowell
Robert J. Manning School of Business
The highly-respected Robert J. Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell offers the perfect next step for veterans: an online Masters of Business Administration. This elite MBA was ranked amongst the Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2021 by The Princeton Review and also deemed one of the Best Online MBA Programs and Veterans MBA Programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2022. Students can fast-track their career with the accelerated path that can be completed in as few as 12 months or set a pace that accommodates their busy lifestyle. The AACSB accreditation ensures students receive a high-quality education that exceeds industry expectations in today’s most in-demand business areas. Concentrations include Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare, Information Technology, International Business, Managerial Leadership, and Marketing. Veterans automatically qualify for a $2,000 graduate fellowship to help offset the cost of tuition. Veterans Benefits Administrators are also happy to assist students with certifying their VA education benefits.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.74
5 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Gies College of Business
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a first-rate, flexible online Masters of Business Administration from Gies College of Business. This transformational MBA emphasizes business mastery and will propel your leadership skills to the next level. The curriculum is offered in a modular format designed to portray the business concepts in the order students will encounter them in a management role. Students feel connected to their cohort through live sessions, and professors are accessible for business coaching during office hours. Focus areas offered include Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Innovation, Digital Marketing, Global Challenges in Business, and Mergers and Acquisitions. The focus areas also include certificates that can be immediately added to your resume to increase your marketability. Students will also complete three capstone projects throughout their program; two specialization projects and one overall program project. These group projects allow students to utilize critical thinking skills to solve case studies.
OMBA Coach Score: 91.85
6 | Stony Brook University, SUNY
College of Business
Stony Brook University’s SUNY College of Business offers a Masters of Business Administration that can be completed entirely online from your home or office. This AACSB-accredited degree ranges from 36-48 credit hours depending on whether or not students completed an undergraduate degree in business. Students have the flexibility to pursue this degree in a part-time or full-time format. Full-time students typically graduate in 12-18 months. Students may customize their MBA degree with a concentration in Innovation or Operations Analytics or tailor their degree to their unique career goals by choosing electives if pursuing the general track. The Career Center offers job placement assistance, and alumni are currently employed with Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, ESPN, Google, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, and Sterling National Bank. The CoB also partners with over 500 international corporations, making it possible for students to attain careers with Amazon, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and IBM.
OMBA Coach Score: 91.38
7 | Union University
McAfee School of Business
Union University’s McAfee School of Business has a large student veteran population, making it an excellent choice for earning an online Masters of Business Administration. Students can choose from three degree-completion timelines: 12, 18, or 24 months. Concentrations are offered in seven in-demand fields: Accounting, Business Analytics, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management. The program will launch with an online MBA orientation where students will learn how to communicate with their professors and other program expectations. Classes are taught from a Christian perspective, and students will learn how to integrate their faith into successful business organizations. Courses include Business and the Legal Environment, Human Resource Strategy, and Research Insights. Internships are also available for students with limited business work experience. Students may begin using their VA benefits upon completion of the Veteran Benefit Enrollment Request. Additional Yellow Ribbon Benefits are awarded to 15 graduate students, and once students are placed in the program, they remain in it until graduation.
OMBA Coach Score: 90.11
8 | Mercer University
Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics
Mercer University is home to an award-winning AACSB-accredited online Masters of Business Administration program. The Princeton Review consistently recognizes this top-notch MBA program, and it is additionally ranked amongst the Top 100 “Best Online MBA Programs” by U.S. News and World Report. Two distinct tracks are offered: an accelerated 30-credit hour option or a 36-credit hour option that allows students to select a concentration. Available concentrations include Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Global Business, Health Care Management, Integrative Business, Managing People and Change, and Marketing. Students seeking additional work experience may complete an MBA internship for credit. The program culminates with an MBA Capstone course, allowing students to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired towards a substantial business project. Students can also learn from experts through the Professional Development Series webinars and The Executive Forum. Virtual workshops cover relevant topics such as Branding Yourself, LinkedIn, mock interviews, and resume writing.
OMBA Coach Score: 89.43
9 | University of South Florida
Muma College of Business
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business presents veterans with personal and professional growth through the online Masters of Business Administration. U.S. News, The Princeton Review, and other top publications consistently rank this innovative MBA among the top in the nation. Five optional concentrations are offered, including Compliance, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Finance, and Healthcare Analytics. Online students are required to attend a two-day residency at the beginning of the program to meet with their professors, peers, and industry leaders. Students also can participate in additional on-campus week-long residencies and short study abroad trips to strengthen their business contacts. Online networking events, webinars, and workshops are also offered. The capstone course is full of exciting and challenging case studies that are completed in small teams. Veterans can learn about tuition benefits through USF’s Office of Veteran Success. The 50Strong Employer Connect Series offers student veterans weekly opportunities to connect virtually with recruiters.
OMBA Coach Score: 88.73
10 | Kansas State University
College of Business Administration
Kansas State University’s online Professional Masters of Business Administration program has been repeatedly recognized as a leader in business education. The College of Business Administration holds prestigious AACSB accreditation, and the online MBA is ranked 24th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. All incoming students are required to attend a two-day student orientation filled with team-building activities, networking events, and professional development sessions. PMBA courses are eight weeks long, and some courses students have the opportunity to take include Managing Organizational Behavior, Managing the Triple Bottom Line Business, and Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Design. Students will also attend an International Business Experience led by a faculty member to broaden their global business perspective prior to graduation. Virtual business events, such as PwC’s “Becoming an Inclusive Leader” workshop, also allow online students to engage in meaningful business-related discussions. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs also offers students ways to get involved and handles all questions related to financial benefits.
OMBA Coach Score: 88.43
11 | University of New Mexico
Anderson School of Management
The University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management invites students to unleash their potential with the online Masters of Business Administration. The 43-credit hour curriculum consists of 31-credit hours of core courses and 12-credit hours of electives. Classes are offered in an accelerated format with eight-week sessions, and students can graduate in as few as 16 months. Advanced core courses include Data Driven Decision Making, Managing People in Organizations, and Technology, Commercialization, and Global Environment. Students are able to apply their elective credits towards a career track in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Diversity Leadership, Finance, Operations Management, or Project Management. In order to graduate, students will need to pass an MBA Knowledge Exam. Over 200 employers recruit Anderson students annually, and career services host online chats and career fairs. The online MBA program offers five start dates per year, making it convenient for students to start their journey when they are ready.
OMBA Coach Score: 87.32
12 | University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an eminent online Masters of Business Administration through the Isenberg School of Management. This distance learning MBA is ranked 12th by U.S. News and World Report and 28th by The Princeton Review in the most recent 2022 rankings. Students can tailor their degree to focus on Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or Marketing. The Business Analytics focus was ranked 10th by U.S. News and World Report in 2021 for specialty rankings. Students will embark upon their MBA journey by attending an orientation consisting of presentations from alumni and information on helpful resources. Core courses include Economic Analysis for Managers, Human Resources Management, and Leadership and Organization Behavior. Most students enrolled in these programs are employed full-time and take two and four years to graduate. Students will be assigned a personal career coach to help with everything from career planning to job placement as they near graduation.
OMBA Coach Score: 85.44
13 | Thomas Jefferson University
School of Business
Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Business features an online Innovation Masters of Business Administration perfect for modern veterans. This customer-centric, industry-relevant degree ranges between 36-45 credit hours and can be completed in 18-24 months. Students from non-business backgrounds are required to complete nine credit hours of foundation courses to succeed in the program. Core courses consist of 18-credit hours, and students will complete nine-credit hours of Innovation courses. The Innovation courses include Business Model Innovation, Design Thinking in Business, and Managing Innovative People and Teams. For nine additional credit hours, students can add a complementary specialization from the following unique options: Biopharmaceutical Commercialization, Cannabis Business, Management, or Real Estate Development. In the spring, students have the option to attend an international graduate business trip to destinations such as Australia, China, England, India, and Spain. Graduates of the iMBA program have careers at Comcast Corporation, the National Board of Medical Examiners, Oracle, and have launched business ventures.
OMBA Coach Score: 85.10
14 | Drake University
College of Business and Public Administration
Drake University’s College of Business and Public Administration offers an exceptional Masters of Business Administration in a hybrid format, catered toward busy professionals. Classes alternate between in-person and online. This AACSB-accredited program emphasizes data-driven leadership principles. U.S. News and World Report recognized this dynamic degree in its 2022 Best Online Programs ranking. The 39-credit hour curriculum consists of core courses such as Creating Customer Value through Marketing, Leadership and Human Capital Development, and Project Management. Students can customize their studies with a specialization in Accounting, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity Management, Financial Management, Health Care Management, Human Resources, Innovation and Leadership, or Nonprofit Management. Professional Development seminars are also offered for credit, and the final step before graduation is the Strategic Business Processes capstone course. Alumni are employed at over 200 companies across Iowa, and students can connect with local Des Moines business leaders through networking events. Several program entry points are offered throughout the year, allowing students to start immediately.
OMBA Coach Score: 84.89
15 | Florida State University
College of Business
Florida State University offers a flexible, part-time online Masters of Business Administration through their AACSB-accredited College of Business. According to U.S. News and World Report, this program is ranked 37th overall amongst the Best Online MBA Programs and 26th amongst Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans for 2022. FSU was also named one of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Schools by Military Times in 2018 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and a “Best for Vets: Business School” by Military Times in 2017. Online students can tailor their MBA degree with a specialization in Business Analytics, Healthcare Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Real Estate, or Risk Management and Insurance. Students will graduate from this program in seven semesters by enrolling in two courses simultaneously. The 39-credit hour curriculum equips students with practical application in classes such as Financial Reporting and Managerial Control, Information and Technology Management, and Marketing Strategy in the Global Environment.
OMBA Coach Score: 82.03
16 | Washington State University
Carson College of Business
Carson College of Business at Washington State University offers a career-advancing online Masters of Business Administration. This outstanding MBA is ranked overall amongst the Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News and World Report and Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans for 2022. Students can select a Finance, Hospitality Business Management, International Business, or Marketing track. A General path is also offered, so students can determine which courses would be most beneficial for their career goals. An international perspective is intertwined in the curriculum, and students have opportunities to live out their global business dreams through Carson’s partnerships spanning four continents. In the summer, MBA students can participate in the Special Projects course. This experiential learning course includes lectures at local universities, tours of corporations, and visits to cultural landmarks. This MBA can be completed in as few as 22-29 months and concludes with a capstone course.
OMBA Coach Score: 81.62
17 | Robert Morris University
School of Business
Robert Morris University’s School of Business offers a top-ranked online Masters of Business Administration. Fortune ranks this professional MBA program 15th among the Best Online MBA Programs in 2022. The 30-credit hour curriculum features highly engaging case studies and assignments designed in collaboration with RMU’s corporate partners. Two leading experts teach all core courses, so students gain multiple perspectives from different industries. Core courses are offered in eight-week accelerated sessions and consist of Leading with Agility, Customer Value in a Digital World, and Strategic Knowledge Integration. Students can also stack courses to earn an in-demand certification in Business Analytics, Inclusion and Equity, Project Management, Risk Management, or Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Classes are capped at 23 students, so students build relationships with their professors and classmates. One-on-one career coaching and in-person networking opportunities are key program highlights. The business school’s partnerships have connected students to full-time careers at Deloitte, KPMG, St. Clair Hospital, and many other leading companies.
OMBA Coach Score: 81.30
18 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln
College of Business
Veterans will fit right in at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln’s College of Business. The online Masters of Business Administration is fully accredited by the AACSB and offers an exceptional ROI potential. In fact, Financial Times ranked this degree number one for Best Value Online MBA in the U.S., and The Princeton Review recognized it as a Best Value for the Money. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report ranked it among Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. Veteran graduate students receive a 15% discount on all online business courses. The purposeful 48-credit hour curriculum consists of 30-credit hours of core courses and 18-credit hours of electives. Students can gain a competitive edge with a specialization in Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management. Certificates can also elevate your career, and a few options available include Financial Communications, Marketing Analytics, and Supply Chain Analytics. When veterans are ready to apply, the Military and Veteran Success Center is prepared to assist them.
OMBA Coach Score: 81.12
19 | University of Iowa
Tippie College of Business
Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa values veterans and offers an unbeatable online Masters of Business Administration. The AACSB-accredited MBA is ranked #1 Best Part-Time MBA in Iowa by U.S. News and World Report for 2022. Additionally, the Princeton Review ranks this degree 14th Best Online MBA Program nationally. The 45-credit-hour curriculum consists of nine core courses and six electives. Electives can be applied towards earning a specialized certificate in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, or Marketing. A sample of elective courses includes Real Estate Finance and Investments, Data Programming in Python, Social Media Marketing, Maximizing Team Performance, and Managing the Growth Business. Global experiences allow students to network in several countries, meet with international business executives, and attend cultural outings. A few past destinations have included Argentina, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Vietnam. Most MBA students graduate in two years, but the program is flexible, and students can take longer if needed.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.77
20 | Creighton University
Heider College of Business
Heider College of Business at Creighton University is proud of its award-winning online Masters of Business Administration. U.S. News nationally ranked the Part-time MBA, MBA, and Veterans MBA Programs for 2022. This 33-credit hour AACSB-accredited distance learning MBA focuses on building values-based leaders through core courses such as Business Intelligence and Analytics, Business Policy and Managerial Action, and Leadership and Organizational Behavior. The remaining classes are applied to a concentration in Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance, Finance, Leadership, or Personal Financial Planning. Career prospects are numerous upon earning a Heider MBA. According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council survey, 95% of Heider alumni would recruit a fellow alum. That opens doors with major corporations such as Mutual of Omaha, TD Ameritrade, and Union Pacific. Alumni self-reported salaries that are 20% higher than the median salaries of graduates from other leading MBA programs.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.75
21 | University of Louisville
College of Business
The University of Louisville’s College of Business develops aspiring business leaders through their online Masters of Business Administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks this program among the best Online MBA Programs for Veterans and Best Online MBA Programs overall. Additionally, this degree holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. Military members receive discounted MBA tuition at $500 per credit hour, and tuition waivers are available for certain Kentucky veterans. Veterans are also eligible for six-credit hours of electives for their prior service. The highly customizable online curriculum consists of 45-credit hours. Students pursuing their MBA can earn several unique certificates, including Distilled Spirits Business, Family Business Management and Advising, Franchise Management, Horse Racing Industry Business, and Managerial Analytics. Spice up your resume with innovative electives, including Transitions: Military to Civilian, Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, and Managing in the Future. Students can also enhance their resumes with a 10-day international business excursion.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.18
22 | Montclair State University
Feliciano School of Business
The Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University offers a well-rounded online Masters of Business Administration. This AACSB-accredited program can enrich students’ careers with concentrations in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Project Management. Additional concentration options are offered for online students who are available to attend classes on campus. A general track is also provided, which consists of 36-credit hours. Students pursuing a concentration will need one additional course. All online MBA courses are eight weeks long, and students can complete their entire MBA in approximately two years. The Princeton Review and Fortune recognized this online MBA amongst the best in the nation in 2021. This flexible degree offers prospective students six entry points throughout the year so that veterans can make a quick transition back to civilian life. Recent graduates are employed in diverse careers, including operations managers, purchasing managers, and senior account executives.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.06
23 | University of Mississippi
School of Business Administration
The University of Mississippi’s School of Business offers professionals an Online MBA that can rapidly advance their careers. This comprehensive and challenging MBA is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 online MBAs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. The 36-credit hour curriculum focuses on five primary skills employers seek: communication, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, leadership, and strategic thinking. Students receive a solid foundation in several functional business areas, including accounting, economics, marketing, and supply chain management. A strategic management capstone course is required and allows students to apply practical skills to solve real-world business dilemmas. The same high-caliber faculty that instruct on-campus classes also facilitate online courses. Fellowships, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities are available on a competitive basis and can be applied with military education benefits to offset the cost of tuition. Graduates become part of a prominent group of worldwide business leaders.
OMBA Coach Score: 79.94
24 (Tied) | University of Kentucky
Gatton College of Business and Economics
Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky offers an online Masters of Business Administration designed to help students reach their business aspirations. This part-time MBA offers a vibrant virtual community where students engage in weekly synchronous sessions with their peers and professors. Classes are held from 6-8:30 PM on designated weeknights to accommodate the schedule of full-time professionals. Students can choose to pursue the two-year or three-year plan. Students will broaden their business mindset with core courses, such as Corporate Financial Policy, Global Management, and Quantitative Analysis in Business Decision Making. Analytic and Entrepreneurship concentrations are offered, as well as electives in Finance, Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain. Beyond the classroom, students can participate in GradResearch Live! Program. This resume-boosting program allows students to improve significantly upon their presentation skills, and students have the opportunity to compete in regional Three-Minute Thesis Competitions for monetary prizes and business exposure.
OMBA Coach Score: 77.57
24 (Tied) | Rowan University
Rohrer College of Business
Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business provides students access to professional business connections through the distance learning Masters of Business Administration. This 36-credit hour AACSB-accredited program is one of the most customizable MBAs available and consists of an 18-credit hour core and 18-credit hours towards concentration courses. Interesting core courses include Employee Engagement and Performance, Managing Organizational Strategy, and Responsible Leadership: Aligning the Interests of Stakeholders, Profit, and Planet. Students can select two concentrations from among Cannabis Commercialization, Entrepreneurship, Finance, HR Management, Management, and Organizational Leadership. Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week modules, providing six entry terms per year. Rowan is home to many military-affiliated students, and the university shows its gratitude for veterans by awarding a Military Appreciation Scholarship. This scholarship offers a 20% tuition reduction for graduate students during the fall and spring semesters. Veterans may also be eligible to earn credits for specific military training they’ve completed.
OMBA Coach Score: 77.57
Ultimate Guide to Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans
After spending four or more years in the military, it may be hard for veterans to imagine their next step. An online Master’s of Business Administration will prepare students to assume a wide array of business leadership careers.
Why is an Online MBA an excellent option for a veteran?
Veterans may not be accustomed to a course syllabus, but they are disciplined and have the grit to persevere during challenging times. These qualities are essential when earning an Online MBA degree. The business courses in these programs are academically rigorous and require focus but will transform students into influential business leaders.
MBA curriculum covers a broad spectrum of business concepts and helps students acquire an in-demand skill set. Typical courses within an Online MBA program include accounting, business ethics, economics, finance, human resources, marketing, management, and supply chain operations. Students will also strengthen their ability to make crucial decisions, communicate effectively, and lead a successful team. Individual interests can be pursued through concentrations, specializations, electives, and professional certifications. Concentrations commonly offered include Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, International Business, and IT Management. Options can be as unique as Cybersecurity, Personal Financial Planning, and Real Estate Development, so whatever you’re passionate about, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
What should veterans look for in an Online MBA?
Tuition Benefits
First and foremost, veterans should ensure the university they choose to attend accepts their federal education benefits from serving in the military. Some schools have a special enrollment coordinator to assist veterans with the eligibility process and filling out any necessary forms. The application can also be completed on the official VA website. Veterans also have access to many education benefits offered at the state level, such as TexVet and the Hazelwood Act. Housing is also covered through the GI Bill, at the rate of 50% of the national average, for online veteran students. Military education benefits may only cover a portion of the expense of earning an MBA if students have used their benefits to earn prior degrees. Hence, students need to consider how to pay for the remainder of their degree. Some colleges offer tuition discounts for former military students or scholarships through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additional scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships may be offered through the business school or university to reduce out-of-pocket tuition expenses.
Awards and Accreditations
U.S. News and World Report has a distinctive ranking of “Best Colleges for Veterans.” This ranking is based on factors such as affordability, accreditation, and accessibility. All of the programs within the ranking accept GI Bill benefits and either offer the Yellow Ribbon Program or charge in-state tuition for veterans. The Military Times also ranks schools for current military services members and veterans.
AACSB accreditation remains the highest business accreditation a business school can earn. This prestigious accreditation is awarded to less than 5% of schools across the nation.
Veteran Support Services
The Veterans Affairs Center at the university is an excellent resource. Students can connect with other fellow military students and receive academic and career support. Career counselors can assist veterans with locating a job. Peer tutoring and professional development opportunities may also be available.
Experiential Learning
Students with limited business experience will benefit greatly from programs that offer experiential learning opportunities. International study abroad trips usually range from seven to ten days and give students the chance to learn first-hand about business practices in another country. Many MBA students state these trips were the highlight of the program. Classes may also incorporate consulting projects for business firms, real-world case studies, and capstone courses. Optional residencies and in-person networking events are other great ways for students to expand their business contacts.
Program Length
How soon are you hoping to graduate? The answer to this question will determine whether you want to pursue a full-time or part-time program. Accelerated Online MBA programs can be completed in as little as one year but will require a significant time requirement during the program. Students who are employed full-time may be best suited for a part-time program, which will be less demanding on their schedule. Part-time programs usually take a minimum of two years to complete, but students have more flexibility to slow down their courses and even take off a session if needed.
Asynchronous v. Synchronous
Veterans who are unsure of what their new daily schedule will look like may prefer to enroll in asynchronous courses. These courses allow students to complete coursework when it is convenient for them. Synchronous courses require students to log in at a designated time weekly for live lectures. This format is excellent for additional interaction and students who enjoy having a set routine.
What jobs can veterans get with an Online MBA?
MBA graduates are prime candidates for many lucrative career options. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s Corporate Survey, MBA graduates earned a median salary of $115,000 in 2021, which is 77% higher than a candidate with a bachelor’s degree. U.S. News and World Report recently named the seven hottest jobs for MBA graduates: business operations manager, financial manager, human resource manager, information technology manager, management consultant, marketing manager, and medical and health services manager. These careers offer high salaries, low unemployment rates, and excellent future growth outlooks. With post-pandemic employee shortages, MBA candidates often have accumulated several job offers prior to graduation and are in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiating their benefits package.
What does admissions look like?
Most top Online MBA programs for Veterans offer a streamlined admissions process, so veterans can seamlessly transition into the next chapter of their life. GMAT and other standardized test scores are typically waived. Prospective applicants will need to submit their undergraduate transcript along with a graduate application. Veterans will also need to complete a VA form to verify eligibility for their VA benefits. Online info sessions and live chats with advisors are available for students who want a bit more information before committing to an online MBA program. Many online MBA programs feature year-round entry points and accept applications on a rolling basis.
Action Plans
If you are a veteran interested in an Online MBA, now is the time to get started on paperwork and planning. Check with the VA and verify your benefits that you are eligible for. If you have already used your benefits for an undergraduate degree, be mindful of how much financial assistance you have left to cover an Online MBA. Next, start making your list of Online MBA programs. Check out their offerings of courses, specializations, admissions criteria, and what type of military and veteran benefits they might offer. As you are making your list of schools to apply to, do not be afraid to apply to a program that is a stretch for you. What you might not have in past educational or business experience, you have in grit, courage, teamwork skills, and know-how. Your leadership is a gift and business schools are waiting for you.
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