Best Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs of 2021
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Best MBA Programs
A master of business administration (MBA) degree offers focused leadership and management training to help professionals advance their career and move into new roles.
Earning an MBA prepares graduates for careers in growing areas in business, finance, and management. Professionals with an MBA work as financial managers, marketing managers, and top executives, roles that report median salaries of over $100,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects job growth of 9% for these roles from 2020-2030.
Our list ranks the top MBA programs to help prospective applicants find the best fit to reach their professional goals. By researching specialization options, delivery formats, and program lengths, applicants can begin earning their MBA degree. This article also discusses the benefits of an MBA degree, program requirements, and scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions About an MBA Degree
trueQ. What is an MBA good for?
An MBA degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in organizations. MBA holders qualify for decision-making roles that offer above-average salaries.
trueQ. How many years does it take to get an MBA degree?
Earning a master of business administration degree typically takes two years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated one-year programs.
trueQ. Which is better: an MBA or MS in finance?
Both an MBA and an MS in finance prepare graduates for roles like financial manager. However, the wide-ranging business administration training of an MBA can lead to more diverse career opportunities.
Q. What can you do with a master’s in business administration?
Professionals with an MBA work as human resources managers, marketing managers, and executives. They make decisions in diverse industries like healthcare, technology, and finance.
Featured MBA Programs
What Are the Goals of an MBA Degree?
In an MBA program, graduate students gain leadership and decision-making skills. Coursework in organizational behavior, financial management, and strategic leadership prepares students for management roles. Many programs also incorporate an internship to gain real-world experience and a capstone project to build career-ready skills.
MBA students often focus their education by choosing a concentration area. Many programs offer concentrations in general business, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, and healthcare management. Degree-seekers can also look for programs with unique specializations like entrepreneurship, business strategy, and consulting. These specializations prepare graduates for focused career paths after earning their MBA degree.
Why Get an MBA Degree?
Earning a master of business administration degree brings many benefits. Graduate students specialize their training and prepare for leadership roles in diverse organizations.
MBA students strengthen their management skills through focused coursework in organizational behavior, operations management, and leadership. This management focus qualifies MBA graduates for new roles.
According to 2019 data, the highest median starting salary for MBA graduates rose to nearly $135,000 per year. An MBA thus translates into greater earning potential.
The leadership training in an MBA program prepares professionals for increased responsibilities in their workplace. Professionals may take on supervisory responsibilities or more decision-making responsibilities.
During an MBA, graduate students can specialize their skills by pursuing a concentration. Options include marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, or human resources management.
With an MBA, graduates can move into supervisory and management roles. An MBA also prepares professionals for leadership positions in business organizations or entrepreneurship opportunities.
Applicants considering an MBA degree typically need a bachelor’s degree and standardized test scores. Most schools require GMAT or GRE scores, though some waive that requirement. Applicants often also submit a statement of purpose, professional resume, and recommendation letters.
MBA programs do not require an undergraduate degree in business. However, students may need to complete prerequisite coursework in management, accounting, finance, or statistics before entering the program.
During an MBA program, graduate students complete core, elective, and concentration courses. Many programs also incorporate a capstone project and an internship.
UT's McCombs School of Business enrolls over 12,500 students, including more than 1,000 MBA students. The school's MBA program provides a personalized course of study for each student.
Learners complete the two-year, full-time MBA option in a cohort format. The program begins with one semester of core classes. Students explore topics like finance, operations, and marketing. Learners then choose from over 20 concentrations to focus their studies. Choices include finance, analytics, and management.
UT offers more than 100 electives and more than 10 dual-degree options. Students can choose over 70% of their courses. MBA students complete internships, study abroad programs, and competitions to grow their business skills. Applicants submit essays, recommendation letters, a resume, and self-reported test scores.
UF's Warrington College of Business offers a business administration master's degree. Students can choose from nine program formats. Options include a two-year MBA, along with a 12-month or 10-month accelerated format. Learners can also choose an online MBA option.
Learners enter the program in cohorts. Coursework covers topics like asset valuation and marketing management. Students can customize their degree with concentrations. Options include human capital, strategy, and finance.
Applicants submit transcripts and GMAT and GRE scores. UF asks for recommendation letters from supervisors, clients, or mentors. Active-duty military members can submit evaluations instead of recommendation letters.
UCLA's Anderson School of Management prepares students for leadership positions in diverse industries. The school's master of business administration program takes 22 months to complete. Students receive career support throughout their program and after graduation.
The MBA program starts with a one-week leadership foundation intensive experience. Learners then take coursework in areas like marketing management and finance. Specialization options include corporate finance, entertainment, and consulting.
Advanced MBA students can customize the degree with electives. Popular options include digital marketing strategy and technology analytics.
Most incoming MBA students bring several years of work experience. UCLA also requires two recommendation letters, essays, and GMAT or GRE scores. The program conducts interviews with selected candidates.
Berkeley's Haas School of Business offers a master of business administration that integrates leadership development, experiential learning, and global fluency opportunities. Learners develop decision-making, collaborative, and leadership skills.
Students complete 14 required courses in diverse business disciplines. The curriculum covers team leadership, business decision-making, and strategic management.
MBA students choose from nearly 20 applied innovation courses to strengthen their skills. Options like corporate innovation and sustainable investment push learners to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Berkeley's dual-degree options combine an MBA with a degree in law, public health, engineering, or global studies.
Applicants submit a resume and essays. Other materials include two recommendation letters and GMAT or GRE scores. Berkeley also requires interviews during the admissions process.
UC Davis' Graduate School of Management features a business administration master's degree. The degree covers diversity and social and environmental responsibility. Learners can choose a full-time MBA option at Davis. They can also enroll in part-time programs in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area. UC Davis also offers an online MBA program.
The school uses an IMPACT curriculum. This stands for integrated management project and articulation and critical thinking. Coursework and experiential opportunities focus on sustainability, collaboration, and industry immersions. Students choose from immersion opportunities in areas like biotechnology and sustainable energy. Learners select concentrations like marketing, management, and strategy.
After their first year in the two-year MBA program, learners build a leadership development plan. They also complete an internship. Applicants submit a resume and two recommendation letters. Prospective students also provide answers to two personal insight questions. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE test scores.
Ohio State's Fisher College of Business offers a master of business administration. Students learn to bring a global perspective to business challenges. The program provides an immersive, personalized experience that focuses on experiential learning.
Core coursework covers finance, operations, and strategy. The program also includes experiential courses. Students gain experience through hands-on projects and business labs. Learners also choose personalized electives.
The STEM MBA specialization blends core business courses with technical skills. Ohio State also offers a flex working professional program. Learners can enroll part time. Students may also choose an online MBA designed for working professionals. Enrollees receive coaching and career support throughout the program.
Applicants submit academic transcripts, resumes, essays, and a video interview. Recommendation letters are optional. The program conducts live interviews with select candidates. Applicants can also apply for a GMAT or GRE test waiver.
Students complete internships and consulting projects with major corporations. The school boasts high job-placement rates for graduates thanks to its career coaching and local business ties.
The two-year MBA program takes a "learn by doing" approach. Students complete project-based courses and case competitions. Internships also help strengthen their skills. The program does not offer concentrations. However, learners can pursue optional certificates and specializations. Options include a marketing analytics specialization and a product marketing specialization.
Applicants submit two essays, a resume, two recommendation letters, and a video interview. UW also asks for GMAT or GRE scores. Instead of test scores, applicants can provide a summary of their qualifications.
UW's School of Business offers a business administration master's degree. The program features in-demand specializations, leadership training, and experiential opportunities. Students complete real-world consulting projects and get one-to-one career preparation.
Learners complete core business classes and choose specialized courses based on their career goals. Concentration options include marketing and real estate. Enrollees also explore topics like supply chain management and strategic human resource management. An internship provides networking and experiential learning opportunities.
Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, and professional recommendations. UW also includes recommended and optional essay questions. The program conducts interviews with candidates. Most applicants submit GMAT or GRE scores. Those with at least three years of work experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA qualify for a test-score waiver.
Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business encourages hands-on learning with mentorship support. The school's master of business administration program covers technology trends, innovative problem-solving, and service experience. MBA students strengthen their technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills through team projects.
Cal Poly applies a "learn by doing" teaching approach. This MBA program features a 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Enrollees benefit from small class sizes and instructor engagement.
MBA students complete 60 credits of core courses in areas like accounting and finance. Students customize their degree with electives. Choices include negotiation strategy, people analytics, and data management. Students can complete the degree in 2-3 years. Cal Poly also offers an accelerated 10-month pace.
Applicants submit a statement of purpose summarizing their experience and career objectives. Cal Poly also requires a resume, three recommendation letters, and GMAT or GRE scores.
UConn's School of Business offers a business administration master's degree. The program provides experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for business careers. Students choose between part-time, full-time, executive, and online MBA options.
Learners can complete the full-time MBA program in 20 months. The program includes three STEM-designated concentrations. These concentrations include business analytics and digital marketing strategy. Students can choose a concentration in entrepreneurship, finance, or real estate. Enrollees complete an experiential learning milestone. Learners can choose to complete an individual or group project, participate in an internship or co-op, or start a business.
UConn offers career coaching to help MBA students meet their professional goals. Applicants submit transcripts and a resume. UConn also requires two recommendation letters and personal essays. The GMAT requirement varies depending on applicants' enrollment option. Most options require two years of work experience.
BYU's Marriott School of Business incorporates Mormon values into its curriculum. The school's master of business administration program aims to develop leaders with character and faith.
MBA students choose from five specialization options. These include entrepreneurship and finance. Learners can choose an emphasis, minor, or certificate to specialize their studies further. BYU offers options in many high-demand areas, including analytics and strategy.
Learners participate in experiential learning programs that strengthen their skills. Applicants need at least two years of work experience. Prospective students submit GMAT or GRE scores and a statement of purpose. Other requirements include two recommendation letters and a resume.
CSULB's College of Business offers a master of business administration degree with an accelerated enrollment option. The program focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Enrollees strengthen their entrepreneurial skills by learning how to identify venture opportunities. They also create a business plan and finance a startup. Coursework covers topics such as marketing policies and financial management.
Students can complete the cohort-based program in 21 months. Enrollees complete an international trip and an internship. A summer internship requires 20-40 hours per week. CSULB provides career advising. Applicants submit two recommendation letters, a short-answer statement, and a video statement of purpose.
UGA's Terry College of Business offers a business administration master's degree with nine concentrations and three focus areas. The program includes projects with local corporations, startups, and nonprofits. These experiences help learners build real-world leadership and business skills.
The MBA program begins with core courses in management principles. Learners choose a specialization to fit their career goals. Options include business analytics, finance, and real estate. Students can also blend electives to create a custom concentration.
Enrollees can also choose a double degree to earn a law degree, a master's in public health, or a medical degree. Applicants submit a business resume, two recommendation letters, and essays. Prospective students also submit self-reported GMAT or GRE scores. The program offers test-score waivers to select applicants.
UC San Diego's Rady School of Management offers an MBA program with multiple enrollment options. Learners develop leadership and analytical skills.
Students choose between a full-time MBA, a flex evening program, and a flex weekend program. Each option focuses on quantitative and analytical abilities and counts as a STEM-designated MBA.
UC San Diego offers unique electives, including decision sciences and biotechnology strategy. After completing core and elective courses, students take a capstone lab-to-market field course. The course draws on prior coursework to evaluate the process of bringing an innovation to market.
Applicants submit a statement of purpose, essay responses, and a resume. UC San Diego also requires GMAT or GRE scores.
SDSU's Fowler College of Business offers a master of business administration with many concentration options. Learners also benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and a flexible schedule.
Students begin the program by completing 20 units of professional core classes. Core courses cover topics like organizational behavior and financial management. These courses prepare learners for advanced coursework in an optional specialization. Students choose 12 units in their specialization area. Options include entrepreneurship, health services, and project management.
Students can choose to write a thesis, complete a business consulting project, or participate in a business strategy simulation. Applicants submit a resume, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. Prospective students may submit an optional essay.
According to the , 7,313,623 students enrolled in at least one distance education course at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in fall 2019. The year 2021 is an ideal time to pursue...
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