By OCR Staff
March 2019
As one seeking a list of 2019 online executive MBAs, your goals and motivations will be incredibly variable. You may have planned this since you were an undergraduate engineer. You may have just realized how much you need to know about the changes to the marketplace. You may anticipate a dead end in your career arc and know this is the best way to be that administrator, that economic advisor, that entrepreneur. Note, please, that the executive MBA differs significantly from the conventional MBA. It is tailored more for those continuing work and requires students to have a more significant professional background to be admitted.
Though you may be doing this online, location may be of significant benefit to you. For instance, if those schools with clusters around the DC metro area will have real-life opportunities as well as programs sympathetic with your highly busy and ambitious scheduling needs. Executives can get things done in seventeen months
This list of executive master of business administration degrees online for 2019 has been derived from a weighting of hourly tuitions rates, comparative list rankings, accreditations, rates of specialization, and whether these schools charge digital students less than traditional students.
Ranking Schematic
Hourly tuition rate
- Under $500 – 5 points
- Under $650 – 4 points
- Under $800 – 3 points
- Under $1000 – 2 points
- Under $1200 – 1 point
US News and World Report Graduate Online MBA Program Ranking
- Top 5 – 5 points
- Top 15 – 4 points
- Top 40 – 3 points
- Top 65 – 2 points
- Top 100 – 1 point
Special Awards
- More than one specialization – 3 points
- More than four specializations – 5 points
- Regional accreditation – 5 points
- Digital students charged a lower rate than traditional students – 3 points
#24 – University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Executive MBA Online
Points: 5
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Those interested in the online executive MBA program at the University of Virginia may watch videos that feature alumni of the program discussing their experiences. Based near D.C., the 60 hour, quarter system program utilizes online classes, bolstered with monthly residencies and an international residency. A minimum of seven years of professional experience is preferred, and a waiver may be available for the $250 application fee. EA, GMAT, or GRE scores are accepted, along with a resume, two letters of recommendation, and supplemental material outlined on the online application. The University of Virginia asks for $2,218.33 per credit hour for their online executive MBA.
#23 – Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Executive MBA
Points: 5
US News Ranking:Not ranked
The online executive MBA at Purdue University is a global product, drawing students from all over the United States as well as from Canada, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The 19-month, cohort-based program calls for five two-week residencies and an international study trip. The online executive MBA is a 48 credit hour program, and Purdue University charges $1,770.83 for each credit. The application process requires a personal interview, resume, two professional letters of recommendation, official transcripts, three essays (prompts found online), a $60 fee, and GMAT scores, though a waiver is available.
#22 – Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Online Executive MBA
Points: 5
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Marquette University offers a rather unique take on the hybrid/online executive MBA degree. Beginning with an “immersion week” of on-campus classes, the schedule then changes to classes on the Milwaukee campus every other Saturday, and the remainder of the instruction is given through online courses. The 17-month, four semester, 44.5 credit hour program calls for GRE/GMAT scores (though there may be a waiver) and five years of management experience. For their online executive MBA, Marquette University asks for $1,662.92 per credit hour, which covers the cost of the program’s international trip and other important elements.
#21 – University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Online Executive MBA
Points: 5
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The University of Missouri’s 48 credit hour, online executive MBA is considered to be “75% online and 25% on campus.” The cohort class will meet four times each year for 8 weekend sessions, with a planned nine-day international residency. The online executive MBA costs $1,520.83 per unit of instruction. The University of Missouri calls for five years experience in a professional context, in which case no GRE/GMAT scores are needed. Also required are a resume, up to three letters of recommendation, written responses to questions about character, experience, and work philosophy, and a fee of $65.
#20 – Pace University
New York, New York
Online Executive MBA
Points: 5
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Pace University offers a 54 credit hour, online executive MBA that is a hybrid, cohort-based model, with face-to-face meetings every 10 weeks in New York City (34 face-to-face days in 20 months, always a Friday to Sunday). The capstone module, a student-proposed project, personalizes this program. The cost for the degree, which intakes in the fall, is $1,444.44 per credit hour. Pace University emphasizes the need for five years of management or professional experience, a resume that highlights previous work history, and a $95 application fee. No GMAT scores are required for this online executive MBA.
#19 – Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama
Executive MBA Online
Points: 5
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Faulkner University offers a 30 credit hour, 100% online executive MBA. With September or January enrollment, the program may be completed in one year. If your undergraduate degree is in another field, you must have at least one course in each of the following: accounting; economics; statistics; and either marketing or management. To apply, submit GMAT scores (less than two years old), resume, GPA of at least 2.75, official transcripts, but no application fee is required. Faulkner University’s online executive MBA is a 10-course program, and the charge is $550 per credit.
#18- Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Executive MBA Online
Points: 6
US News Ranking:#51 among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA Programs
Website
Colorado State University’s executive MBA is a blended learning program, consisting of 60% face-to-face time and 40% online time. The course is 42 credits, five semesters including one summer and one start date per year in August. The cost for the online, executive MBA degree is $1,831 for each credit hour. Colorado State University asks for three professional recommendations, a 3.0 GPA, eight years of professional experience, and an application fee of $60. Obligatory classroom meetings at the Denver campus are held every other Saturday, with some 3-4 day residencies in Fort Collins. An international study trip of ten days is also scheduled.
#17 – University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online Executive MBA
Points: 6
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The University of Alabama has an executive MBA program that blends online classes with face-to-face classroom meetings every other weekend (Tuscaloosa option) or a once-a-month, blended in-class/online format (Huntsville option). The 48-hour program can be completed in 17 months in Tuscaloosa or 21 months in Huntsville. The University of Alabama charges $1,166.10 per credit. Admission to the online executive MBA program requires GMAT/GRE scores (a waiver is available), a personal interview, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume showing a minimum of five years work experience, and an application fee of $80.
#16 – Texas Southern University
Houston, Texas
Executive MBA Online
Points: 6
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Vetted by the Houston business community, the online executive MBA offered by Texas Southern University is a 36 credit hour program. Students will typically take two classes (six credit hours) per semester for six semesters, all as part of a cohort, with two specializations available: energy finance and general business. The per credit cost of $1,000 includes books, course materials, and airfare for the international trip. Texas Southern University requires five years of significant, management-level experience, two letters of recommendation, resume, 500-word-minimum statement of purpose, and a $50 application fee to apply to their online executive MBA program.
#15 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Executive MBA Online
Points: 6
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Sam Houston State University’s two-year, cohort-based, online executive MBA mandates a two-week residency at the beginning of each fall semester. The 36 credit hour program has one start date per year, in the fall. The cost of $1,000 for each credit hour covers room and board during residencies and textbooks. To apply for their online executive MBA, Sam Houston State University requires the following items: official transcripts, GMAT scores (though there is a generous GMAT waiver policy), a resume, and an application fee of $45. August 1 is the deadline for fall admission.
#14 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online Executive MBA
Points: 7
US News Ranking:#45 among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA Programs
The University of Arkansas offers an online executive MBA that is a 38 credit hour degree, to be completed in 24 months. Weekend instruction is mandated once per month on the Fayetteville campus. The program’s focus is on the following five areas: supply chain; finance; business analytics; retail; and innovation and entrepreneurship. The University of Arkansas charges $1621.61 for each out of state credit hour. To apply for this online executive MBA, submit GMAT/GRE scores (though a waiver is available), official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose showing two years of significant, full-time work experience, three letters of recommendation, and a fee of $60.
#13 – University of Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Executive MBA Online
Points: 7
US News Ranking: Not ranked
One of the five Learning Goals of the University of Hawaii online executive MBA is to “understand and apply management skills to the Asia-Pacific business environment.” The program is a 48 credit hour degree with an optional health care management track. The 22-month program is cohort-based. Intensive, residential study modules are held at the Manoa campus. The University of Hawaii online executive MBA calls for a 3.0 GPA, GRE or GMAT scores, statement of work experience, resume, statement of objectives, two letters of recommendation, a successful personal interview, and a $100 application fee. The cost for each credit hour is $980.
#12 – Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
Executive MBA Online
Points: 8
US News Ranking: 26
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a 47 credit hour, online executive MBA, that is cohort-based. On-campus attendance is required at an orientation at the outset of each semester, at alternate weekend classes (all day Friday and Saturday), and on a 7-10 day international study trip. During the 15-month, four-semester program, one online course per semester is taught. All textbooks are digitally available on a school-provided tablet. The cost per credit is $1,659.57. Admission to Rochester Institute of Technology’s online executive MBA asks for a minimum of six years of professional experience with advanced responsibilities, but no GRE or GMAT scores are needed.
#11 – University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Executive MBA Online
Points: 8
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The graphic emblazoned on the University of Wyoming’s business school web page shows a bronc-busting cowboy and the words, “I Mean Business.” The school’s online executive MBA is a 30 hour, cohort-based, lock-step model. The University of Wyoming offers a rate of $788 for each credit, with no out of state upcharge. Admission to the 100% online executive MBA program requires a resume showing educational and professional experience (with a minimum of five years work experience, including three years supervisory experience), GRE or GMAT scores, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and $50 application fee.
#10 – St Joseph’s College
Brooklyn, New York
Online Executive MBA
Points: 8
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The Latin motto of St Joseph’s College is “Esse Non Videri,” “To Be, Not to Seem.” Their 36 credit hour, online executive MBA gives students who have a significant amount of work experience the opportunity to utilize theories from management and finance and thus to create solutions in the workplace. Substantial work experience is required, along with two letters of reference, a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, personal statement on goals and motivation for achieving an executive MBA, and a $25 application fee. St Joseph’s College charges $650 for each credit for their online executive MBA.
#9 – University of Texas – Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Executive MBA Online
Points: 9
US News Ranking:#6 among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA Programs
The online executive MBA offered at the University of Texas – Dallas schedules two international study trips for each EMBA cohort. The 53-hour program is 70% online, 30% classroom. Executive Coaching is a part of the program designed to cultivate leadership skills. The University of Texas – Dallas charges $1,226.42 per credit hour for their executive MBA online. To apply, send official transcripts, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Six plus years of professional experience with international and management aspects are required, as well as a resume, personal essay, three letters of recommendation, interview with program director, and a $100 fee.
#8 – University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Executive MBA Online
Points: 9
US News Ranking: Not ranked
University of North Carolina Wilmington boasts four specializations in their online executive MBA: business analytics; finance; healthcare management; and international business. The program is 42 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 12 months. The charge for each credit hour is $1,092.62, out of state. To apply for the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online executive MBA program, two letters of recommendation and a minimum of two years work experience are required, with five years preferred. Waivers are available for GMAT or GRE scores.
#7 – Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Professional MBA
Points: 9
US News Ranking:# 36 among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA programs, 2018
Kansas State University offers a 30-39 credit hour, online professional master of business administration degree. Among the requirements of the program are two days of on-campus orientation and a faculty-led international trip. For those with a 3.5+ GPA, there is a waiver of the $65 application fee, and a GMAT waiver is also available. To be considered for admission, 3-5 years of professional experience are needed. For their online professional MBA program, Kansas State University charges $833 per online, graduate hour. All textbooks and materials costs are included in tuition charge.
#6 – University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, Nevada
Online Executive MBA
Points: 10
US News Ranking:#40 (tie), among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA Programs
The University of Nevada-Reno provides interested students with the opportunity to connect with recent graduates of their Online Executive MBA program to learn more about the program. It is a cohort model, consisting of 12 courses (36 hours), which are to be completed in two years. Any undergraduate major is acceptable, but five years of work experience beyond undergraduate work is required. GMAT or GRE waivers are available. To apply, submit official transcripts (with a 2.75 minimum GPA) and GRE or GMAT scores. The University of Nevada Reno charges $833.33 for each credit hour for their online executive MBA.
#5 – University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Online Executive MBA
Points: 10
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The online executive MBA at the University of North Alabama is developed expressly for students who already possess significant experience in business but who also desire to increase their management and leadership skills. Admission to the program does not require GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores, but a minimum 2.5 GPA is needed, with a 3.0 necessary in the final 30 hours of the undergraduate degree. Submit a resume detailing your five year work history. Up to six credits can be transferred into the 34 credit hour online executive MBA program. The University of North Alabama asks for $425 for each credit hour.
#4 – Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Executive MBA Online
Points: 12
US News Ranking:#9 (a tie) among 2019 Top 100 Online MBA Programs
Auburn University has a 21 month, online executive MBA with four concentrations: leadership; operations; health care; and cyber security management. The program costs $1,610 per credit, but the tuition will not change for the duration of your study and includes all expenses, even the airfare for the international experience and the costs of graduation. Auburn University’s online executive MBA is built on a cohort model, with five scheduled campus visits. Admission requires GRE scores, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a $60 application fee, and–once accepted–a $450 confirmation fee to secure your spot.
#3 – Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Online Executive MBA
Points: 12
US News Ranking:#13 among 2019 Top 100 Online Graduate MBA Programs”
Washington State University offers a 44 credit hour, online executive MBA that can be earned in as little as 18 months. The program has a general track but also has four concentrations: marketing; finance; international business; and hospitality management. The curriculum consists of 7 three-credit courses from your concentration or a pool of electives. The admissions process asks for five years of management experience, a minimum 3.25 GPA, three letters of recommendation, resume, $75 application fee, and GMAT scores, though a waiver is available. For their online, executive MBA, Washington State University charges $1,233 per credit hour.
#2 – Bethel University
St. Paul, Minnesota
Online Executive MBA
Points: 12
US News Ranking: Not ranked
Chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1847, Bethel University has a 36 credit hour, online executive MBA that can be completed in 19 months. Students may choose from four concentrations: academic practitioner; executive; healthcare administration; and human resource management. The program is offered as fully online or as blended. GMAT or GRE scores are not required, but two years of work experience is needed, and financial accounting is a prerequisite course. Submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, two professional recommendations, and a fee of $30. The cost of Bethel University’s online executive MBA is $595 for each credit.
#1 – University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Executive MBA
Points: 14
US News Ranking: Not ranked
The University of the Cumberlands offers a 31 credit hour, online executive MBA that is a hybrid format. The on-campus residency component is mandatory. The program has six concentrations: accounting; project management; strategic management; entrepreneurship; healthcare administration; and marketing. The cost for the online executive MBA is $500 for each credit hour, and the University of the Cumberlands asks for a minimum 2.5 GPA in undergraduate coursework, official transcripts, and a resume that shows professional experience. Residency class days will include student presentations, opportunities for networking, group case studies, and Q & A sessions with professors.