Master of Business
Administration (MBA)
Online
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Next start date
Every Monday
Year-round enrollment
Achieve Your Business Career Aspirations with an Online MBA Degree
Degree:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to successfully manage organizations in the ever-changing business environment. You’ll learn relevant management skills in both domestic and global business settings, effective team building, quantitative and qualitative decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills that you can immediately apply in your professional life.
Our MBA degree program also offers specializations that’ll help you stand out in the competitive business field and prepare you for its challenges. Specializations include Behavioral Economics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Technology, Global Business Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership Studies, Project Management, Strategic Marketing and Supply Chain Management.
Program Learning Models
Everybody learns differently, so NU has created two unique learning models for earning your MBA. Select the path that works best for your own personal style of learning.
1-on-1 Personalized Education
Taking the 1-on-1 pathway allows for more personalized instruction. This modality offers weekly starts, flexible online learning options, and 8-week classes.
The one to one model is accredited by Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.
Class-Based Education
Taking the 1-on-1 patThe class-based option is a more social approach to learning, with the pathway including teamwork, group projects, and collaboration. This modality offers monthly start dates, 4-week course options and more structured timelines.hway allows for more personalized instruction. This modality offers weekly starts, flexible online learning options, and 8-week classes.
Programmatic accreditation by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education is mission-driven and outcomes-based, and involves an independent, external evaluation of the business programs offered by an institution’s academic business unit. The effectiveness of the academic business unit is evaluated by reviewing the educational processes related to teaching and learning in the institution, and by an assessment of the outcomes of the teaching-learning process. The class-based model is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. For more information about IACBE, please visit their website.
Not sure which version is right for you? Click here to reach out to an Enrollment Advisor.
Degree Requirements
1-on-1 Courses
10 Courses
Changing Times – Business in the 21st Century
3.0 Credits
In this course, you will consider the impact of current trends such as 21st century leadership related to globalization and sustainability through the utilization of management and technology tools. The subsequent core courses will provide a greater in-depth knowledge of business concepts and areas in an integrated fashion.
Managing People and Teams
3.0 Credits
This course is designed to prepare you to lead in today’s global environment. You will examine concepts and strategies regarding global leadership. You will acquire skills relevant to managing human capital and teams, ethical decision-making, navigating organizational change, and budgeting/allocating resources across borders and cultures.
Financial Management
3.0 Credits
A study of corporate financial management, through problem solving, case studies and/or term projects, this course covers issues such as sources of long-term financing, cost of capital, capital budgeting, dividend policy, globalization of finance, ethical standards, information technology, and financial strategy.
Innovation and Marketing
3.0 Credits
The competitive marketplace gives consumers choices. Marketers need to understand the dynamic nature of consumers’ needs and wants, gather relevant data, conduct analyses of both consumers and the competition. To maintain their competitive edge, marketers need to launch innovative products at opportune times. In this course, you will research what makes a product innovative and the challenges marketers face to make innovative products available in the marketplace with the right marketing mix and effective marketing strategies. You will study the need for performance measures to determine if marketing objectives will be met in a timely manner.
Business Operations Management
3.0 Credits
This course presents a customer-oriented view of operations within an organization. Guided by the organization’s strategic plan, operations deliver the products and services to the customers. This course explores how this delivery is accomplished with efficiency and effectiveness. Components of the course include issues of quality, physical design, and systems management.
Info & Supply Chain Systems
3.0 Credits
Students focus on major corporate applications of information technology, learning how business decisions are facilitated by these tools. Specific applications include the effective and efficient management of projects, inventory and transportation. The course concludes with the evolution of logistics into the broader scope of supply chain management, focusing on how enterprise-wide information systems enable this cross-functional, inter-firm collaboration that leads to new competitive advantages.
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Strategic Planning (Capstone)
3.0 Credits
You will develop skills to effectively formulate strategic plans utilizing R&D, marketing, production, finance, human resources, and TQM to determine strengths and weaknesses. This will include the use of SWOT and PEST analysis techniques for assessing market position and direction for growth.
Class-Based Courses
10 Courses
Changing Times – Business in the 21st Century
4.5 Quarter Units
In this course, you will consider the impact of current trends such as 21st century leadership related to globalization and sustainability through the utilization of management and technology tools. The subsequent core courses will provide a greater in-depth knowledge of business concepts and areas in an integrated fashion.
Managing People and Teams
4.5 Quarter Units
This course is designed to prepare you to lead in today’s global environment. You will examine concepts and strategies regarding global leadership. You will acquire skills relevant to managing human capital and teams, ethical decision-making, navigating organizational change, and budgeting/allocating resources across borders and cultures.
Financial Management
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of corporate financial management, through problem solving, case studies and/or term projects, this course covers issues such as sources of long-term financing, cost of capital, capital budgeting, dividend policy, globalization of finance, ethical standards, information technology, and financial strategy.
Innovation and Marketing
4.5 Quarter Units
The competitive marketplace gives consumers choices. Marketers need to understand the dynamic nature of consumers’ needs and wants, gather relevant data, conduct analyses of both consumers and the competition. To maintain their competitive edge, marketers need to launch innovative products at opportune times. In this course, you will research what makes a product innovative and the challenges marketers face to make innovative products available in the marketplace with the right marketing mix and effective marketing strategies. You will study the need for performance measures to determine if marketing objectives will be met in a timely manner.
Business Operations Management
4.5 Quarter Units
This course presents a customer-oriented view of operations within an organization. Guided by the organization’s strategic plan, operations deliver the products and services to the customers. This course explores how this delivery is accomplished with efficiency and effectiveness. Components of the course include issues of quality, physical design, and systems management.
Info & Supply Chain Systems
4.5 Quarter Units
Students focus on major corporate applications of information technology, learning how business decisions are facilitated by these tools. Specific applications include the effective and efficient management of projects, inventory and transportation. The course concludes with the evolution of logistics into the broader scope of supply chain management, focusing on how enterprise-wide information systems enable this cross-functional, inter-firm collaboration that leads to new competitive advantages.
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Strategic Planning (Capstone)
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MBA 510; MBA 511; FIN 689; MBA 515; MGT 603; MGT 608
You will develop skills to effectively formulate strategic plans utilizing R&D, marketing, production, finance, human resources, and TQM to determine strengths and weaknesses. This will include the use of SWOT and PEST analysis techniques for assessing market position and direction for growth.
Specializations
Entrepreneurship Specialization
The Entrepreneurship MBA at NU takes you beyond the classroom as you build and test your entrepreneurial ideas in real-world scenarios. In our Online MBA Entrepreneurship specialization, you will explore various business disciplines, including marketing, finance, operations and strategy, as you develop skills in building businesses, investing in businesses, raising capital and evaluating business opportunities. Entrepreneurship courses emphasize analysis, decision-making and business planning of a real new venture product or service. As a graduate, you can expect to have a solid business plan that is ready to be presented to investors, banks, or private entities.
Financial Management Specialization
The Financial Management specialization works best for those seeking leadership and analysis positions in the growing, global field of financial management. With coursework applicable to domestic and international businesses, nonprofits, and governmental organizations, your studies will focus on growth and diversification policies, portfolio management, investment banking, merger strategies, exchange rate movement and risk, and case or research projects that analyze contemporary financial issues.
General Business Specialization
Students completing this specialization will learn about strategic financing decisions such as capital structure and dividend policy decisions, risk management, corporate mergers, and multinational financial management. Additionally, students will be prepared to appraise global business strategies that MNEs have used in emerging economies and identify factors contributing to the foreign debt crisis and its prevention. Students will also learn about human resources planning processes, including the selection process, employee orientation and integration, performance management, and current trends in employee outsourcing.
Global Business Management Specialization
Modern business activities have an increasingly global reach. From supply chains to expanding consumer and B2B markets, successful companies and professionals must thoroughly understand international business environments to grow and thrive. With the Global Business Management specialization, you’ll explore cultural, economic, and legal issues, as well as international exporting, licensing, franchising, foreign direct investment, outsourcing, risk analysis, and human capital development.
Human Resources Management Specialization
This graduate-level specialization focuses on the interrelationships between human resource capital, leadership, and the business organization. Students will explore all aspects of human resource management, and address the increasing human resource issues in the economy.
Leadership Studies Specialization
The leadership studies specialization prepares professionals to become problem-solving, change-oriented leaders in diverse, dynamic organizations. The instruction, coursework, and experiential exercises are for those desiring to understand and apply the technical and reflective processes that accompany leadership opportunities in the modern workplace — whether business or nonprofit, domestic or international.
Project Management Specialization
In NU’s online MBA Project Management specialization, you will explore principles, concepts, tools and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Under the guidance of mentoring professors, our MBA in Project Management specialization will have you examine all aspects of company projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any organization.
Strategic Marketing Specialization
The Strategic Marketing Specialization at the graduate level transcends traditional marketing by focusing upon emerging trends in the 21st century in marketing management and marketing research. Students will focus on thought leadership-driven strategic marketing, encompassing contemporary and emergent marketing management methods, global product management, precision pricing, advanced promotional methods, and proven distribution techniques. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared for the marketing workforce of tomorrow.
Supply Chain Management Specialization
While globalization and outsourcing impact nearly every market and industry, supply chain management skills have become essential for competitive businesses, professionals, and managers. The Supply Chain Management specialization examines the integration of logistical planning, inventory deployment, and transportation networks to achieve the most efficient physical connections between firms. Global corporations, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies demand the increased performance, timeliness, and cost savings that result from supply chain expertise.
Financial Technology Specialization
This specialization is intended to equip graduate students with core skills needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of financial technology. These innovative and comprehensive courses incorporate elements of finance and technology with the core MBA business curriculum. Students will gain deeper understanding of financial systems, cutting-edge technologies, and develop the strategic acumen required to shape the future of business.
Behavioral Economics Specialization
This specialization prepares students to understand individual and group deviations from economic theory as they relate to social, cultural, emotional, cognitive, and psychological factors. Focus on leadership and decision making. Decision making is explored in the context of managerial economic theory. Further, psychological aspects of economics are evaluated. Included is a consideration of global aspects of behavioral economics. Graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of fields involving leadership, economic decision making and complex analysis of human behavior.
Career Outlook
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Chief Executives
- $173,264 avg. salary (USA)
- 24,393 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Finance
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Public Administration
- Financial Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Dollar General
- Jack's Family Restaurants
- Banfield Pet Hospital
- Best Buy
- Bank of America
- Chevron
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Finance
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Sales Managers
- $134,000 avg. salary (USA)
- 55,729 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Marriott International
- AutoZone
- Hilton
- Carter's
- Wolters Kluwer
- US Foods Holding
- Facilities Managers
- $102,131 avg. salary (USA)
- 13,301 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Facility Management
- HVAC
- Construction
- Project Management
- Plumbing
- Facility Repair And Maintenance
- Renovation
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CBRE
- JLL
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Sodexo
- Life Time
- DaVita
- Industrial Production Managers
- $115,620 avg. salary (USA)
- 20,323 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Production Management
- Lean Manufacturing
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Manufacturing Processes
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Accenture
- Entergy
- Pizza Hut
- Claire's
- International Paper
- Amazon
- Transportation and Storage Managers
- $97,938 avg. salary (USA)
- 22,627 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Warehousing
- Forklift Truck
- Inventory Management
- Warehouse Operations
- Supply Chain
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement Process
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Lowe's
- Amazon
- Restaurant Depot
- Target
- US Foods Holding
- Ryder
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- $136,386 avg. salary (USA)
- 1,491 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Finance
- Auditing
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Billing
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Arby's
- Amazon
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sanofi
- Elevance Health
- Hub International
- Human Resources Managers
- $135,074 avg. salary (USA)
- 21,271 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Talent Management
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
- Employee Engagement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- Marriott International
- Arby's
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Cost Estimators
- $74,595 avg. salary (USA)
- 22,413 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Construction
- Project Management
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Construction Estimating
- Quantity Take-Offs
- Cost Estimation
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Gerber Collision & Glass
- Black & Veatch
- Crash Champions
- Boyd Group Services
- Turner & Townsend
- Kiewit Corporation
- Human Resources Specialists
- $67,652 avg. salary (USA)
- 103,328 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Employee Relations
- Auditing
- Talent Acquisition
- Recruitment Strategies
- Talent Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Deloitte
- Target
- University of California
- Goodwill
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- Amazon
- Logisticians
- $79,109 avg. salary (USA)
- 29,717 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Supply Chain
- Logistics
- Purchasing
- Inventory Management
- Warehousing
- Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Fastenal
- Lowe's
- Amazon
- Northrop Grumman
- Outlier
- Accenture
- Project Management Specialists
- $98,263 avg. salary (USA)
- 94,949 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Construction
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Project Schedules
- Project Planning
- Change Orders
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CDM Smith
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- CBRE
- Jacobs Solutions
- Black & Veatch
- Management Analysts
- $99,189 avg. salary (USA)
- 115,428 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Business Process
- Business Requirements
- SQL (Programming Language)
- Finance
- Process Improvement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Wells Fargo
- Elevance Health
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Guidehouse
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- $73,732 avg. salary (USA)
- 113,206 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Business Development
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Customer Relationship Management
- Marketing Strategies
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Ford
- Cracker Barrel
- Skechers
- PayPal
- Veralto
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Evaluate financial statements and quantitative information for decision making using appropriate information systems and tools.
- Assess the global supply chain and develop strategies that reach across different countries and cultures.
- Diagnose the systems, processes, and human capital of an organization.
- Understand decision making processes and use those processes to make effective decisions.
- Demonstrate effective communication strategies through the use of media and presentations that includes slide decks, personal presentation, and the creation of audio/visual files.
- Interpret legal compliance, ethical concerns of stakeholders, and social responsibility in terms of their impact on the conduct of business.
- Assess the economic environment within an industry and decide appropriate financial decisions for the firm.
Admissions
Next start date: Every Monday
Year-round enrollment
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
National University’s MBA program is currently pending state authorization and approval in Georgia, Kansas and Minnesota
Why National University
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online and In-Person
Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Master of Business Administration Degree FAQs
Yes. National University offers online programs that can be completed 100% online, one class at a time. By taking one class at a time, adult learners can earn their degree faster while balancing their busy lives.
Given the popularity, scope, and evolution of online degrees, recruiters say that most employers accept online MBAs from candidates. The reputation of where you get your degree remains the most important factor.
Yes. Not only does an MBA give you further experience and a better understanding of business, but it also opens the door for work in other industries. An MBA can help you hone your soft skills, be more marketable to employers, and advance your career. Plus, our MBA program allows you to earn it online.
Business and management are powerful industries, and projected salary reflects that. Employees with postgraduate business and management qualifications have reported significant salary growth.
Mastering soft skills is a must in the business world. Decision-making, digital literacy, and other core components of day-to-day operations are critical and must be addressed by an MBA program. With our online format, you can gain teamwork experience as you improve your digital literacy. Plus, you do it all at your pace, one class at a time.As you complete the program, you’ll be better able to think critically and communicate more effectively. All of these skills are crucial to career development and success in the business landscape.
The courses in the MBA program also have a workplace impact: you can take all of the aspects of business you learned and readily apply them to your workplace set-ting. With an MBA, you can hone the skills that are in demand and ensure success in the business sphere.
The business landscape is highly competitive. If your resume stands out, you have better luck succeeding in the field as you gain more opportunities and expand your growth in a rapidly evolving market. The NU MBA program allows you to show employers — in various industries — that you have the in-demand skills they seek to meet the demand of an industry expected to grow by 19% within the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, the demand for business expertise has trickled into other industries. An MBA could give you the established skills you need to advance to a new field, such as the tech industry. Silicon Valley, Amazon, and other companies are interested in hiring MBA graduates.
MBA graduates can expect higher salary outcomes: the BLS also states that, in some business sectors, employees with a master’s degree can earn up to 89% more than their bachelor’s counterparts. The BLS’ data also points out that the median wage for management occupations was $109,760 in May 2020 — the highest wage of all major occupational groups.
Learn more about the benefits of an MBA degree and which industries are looking for MBA graduates in our article, “What Can You Do With an MBA?”.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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