Are you aspiring to advance your career in business administration but don’t have the time to commit to a traditional MBA program? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the best fastest (accelerated) online MBA programs that can help you achieve your goals without compromising your busy schedule.
These programs offer flexibility, convenience, and rigorous coursework to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the dynamic business world. Whether you’re a working professional or a busy parent, pursuing an online MBA can be the perfect solution for your career advancement.
So, let’s dive in and discover the top options available!
Why Choose an Online MBA Program?
Before we delve into the best fastest online MBA programs, let’s explore why pursuing an online MBA can be a smart choice for professionals seeking career growth:
- Flexibility: Online MBA programs offer the flexibility to study at your own pace and from anywhere in the world. You can tailor your coursework to fit around your work schedule and personal commitments, making it ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles.
- Convenience: With an online MBA, you can kiss goodbye to long commutes and rigid class schedules. You can access course materials and lectures online, allowing you to study at your convenience, be it early mornings, late nights, or weekends.
- Networking Opportunities: Contrary to popular belief, online MBA programs provide ample networking opportunities. You’ll interact with a diverse cohort of professionals from various industries, allowing you to expand your professional network and gain valuable connections.
- Career Advancement: An online MBA from a reputable institution can significantly enhance your career prospects. It equips you with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, opening doors to managerial and executive positions.
Now that we understand the benefits of pursuing an online MBA, let’s explore the best fastest (accelerated) online MBA programs that can propel your career to new heights.
10 Best Fastest (Accelerated) Online MBA Programs of 2023
University of Florida Online MBA Programs
Nationally recognized as one of the top public colleges, the University of Florida is especially known for its business education. UF’s Warrington College of Business holds accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
UF MBA Online
The University of Florida’s online MBA program features an accelerated 16-month option. It is open to students who have earned an undergraduate business degree in the past seven years.
Structured across five terms, the curriculum covers essential business concepts including operations, brand management, and financing. Students can take electives in marketing or technology, finance, and international business.
The program also includes a mandatory experiential learning component. Depending on the term, experiential learning options may include stints at the Washington Campus, a Global Immersion Experience, or an online project.
UF’s Specializations
General Business
UF’s Affordability
UF’s MBA Online program carries a total cost of less than $50,000. Students can take advantage of flexible payment schedules and options. UF has two financial aid officers to assist MBA students.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $48,000
- Required Credits: 32
- Program Length: 16 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online coursework with in-person experiential learning options
- Admissions
- Process: UF has a rolling admissions process and reviews applications as candidates submit them.
- GPA: 3.3 (average student GPA)
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE are optional
- Cost: $30
Western Governors University Online MBA Programs
Salt Lake City, UT- 4 years
- Online
WGU offers a unique take on education innovation by offering self-paced programs. It was founded during the mid-1990s. Nineteen U.S. governors convened to found WGU as a private nonprofit institution.
MBA Degree
Western Governors University’s mba degree program holds special accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program’s curriculum supplements its strong focus on business management with courses in accounting, economics, finance, leadership, marketing, and strategy.
The program culminates in an intensive capstone project, which guides students to synthesize and apply their gained knowledge.
Designed for optimal flexibility, the program features an asynchronous structure that allows students to learn at their own pace. WGU also uses a unique competency model enabling students to move quickly through material on which they have a strong grasp. Degree-seekers can take course-concluding competency assessments as soon as they feel ready.
WGU’s Specializations
General Business | Healthcare Management | Information Technology Management
WGU’s Affordability
WGU charges tuition per term, not per credit. As such, learners on accelerated schedules pay less to complete their studies.
MBA students who finish in one academic year pay less than $9,500 for their degree. Such an affordable cost profile is very rare for an AACSB-accredited program.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: NWCCU, AACSB
- Tuition: $4,530 per term
- Required Credits: 34
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must submit academic transcripts indicating the completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE scores are optional
- Cost: $65
Babson College Online MBA Programs
- Wellesley, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Babson College focuses on entrepreneurship. It’s ranked as one of the country’s leading schools for business students and emerging entrepreneurs.
Full-Time MBA
Babson’s AACSB-accredited full-time MBA programs feature one-year and two-year options. Learners pursuing accelerated education typically choose the intensive one-year program.
Babson’s tagline is “business as usual has no business here.” That sentiment captures the school’s innovative approach to business education. Students engage in intensive workshop-style courses led by successful entrepreneurs and business professionals with advanced real-world insights.
At Babson, online MBA students follow part-time schedules that can lead to graduation in as little as 18 months. Alumni have gone on to successful careers with high-profile organizations including Accenture, Deloitte, PwC, and many other major corporations.
Babson’s Specializations
Business Analytics | Business Analytics and Machine Learning | Entrepreneurship | Global Management | Finance | Quantitative Finance | Marketing
Babson’s Affordability
Babson offers merit scholarships to both full-time and part-time students. The institution also offers in-house loan and financing programs. Babson alumni also qualify for an automatic 20% discount.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: NECHE, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,990 per course credit
- Required Credits: 45
- Program Length: 18-48 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants must submit a resume, one letter of recommendation, transcripts, and answers to short questions supplied by the school. Interview requests may apply for some candidates.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE scores are optional
- Cost: $100
Texas A & M International University Online MBA Programs
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated at the U.S.-Mexico border, TAMIU doubles as an educational and cultural institution. This multicultural, multilingual school traces its operational history to 1970 and hosts more than 100 degree programs.
Master of Business Administration Online
TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business holds AACSB accreditation and offers seven specialized online MBA programs, including a unique criminal justice option. Each of the programs applies a core focus on foundational business topics to concentrated areas of enterprise management.
Coursework blends theory and practice, covering various management philosophies alongside leadership, ethics, organizational behavior, and HR management essentials. Learners from non-business backgrounds are welcome to apply. Students with undergraduate degrees in other areas can complete preparatory course sequences designed to bridge knowledge gaps.
TAMIU makes the program more accessible by offering six start dates throughout the calendar year. Courses run on compact seven-week terms, with scheduling options that make it easy to balance studies with work and other commitments.
TAMIU’s Specializations
Criminal Justice | Healthcare Administration | Information Science | International Banking and Finance | International Business | International Trade and Logistics | Management
TAMIU’s Affordability
TAMIU has affordable flat rates for all online MBA programs. Learners qualifying for in-state status pay just over $11,000 for their degree. Out-of-state learners still pay under $31,000. Students can pay per course.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $11,010 for the entire MBA program (in-state), $30,900 for the entire MBA program (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 30-33
- Program Length: 21 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: TAMIU offers automatic admission to high-achieving students with a bachelor’s degree in business and relevant experience. Other applicants must submit test scores, a personal statement, and multiple letters of recommendation.
- GPA: 3.25 (for automatic admission)
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE scores required for applicants not meeting automatic admission eligibility guidelines.
- Cost: $35
Northcentral University Online MBA Programs
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Founded in 1996, Southern California-based Northcentral University hosts a dynamic student body of approximately 10,000 learners. The 100% online institution has plans to merge with San Diego’s acclaimed National University.
Master of Business Administration
Northcentral University’s master of business administration program is endorsed by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Students can study general business management or choose from 12 specializations, including criminal justice, virtual organization management, and homeland security.
All specializations focus on devising organization-specific business solutions. Degree-seekers learn proven methods for evaluating a company’s financial status, improving management, and guiding change. Students also focus on moving businesses forward through innovation and navigating international trends and challenges.
Learners complete coursework in an individualized format. New sessions begin every Monday, enabling degree-seekers to start immediately.
NCU’s Specializations
Criminal Justice | Entrepreneurship | Financial Management | General Business | Health Services | Homeland Security | Human Resources Management | Project Management | Global Business Management | Information Technology | Management of Virtual Organizations | Strategic Marketing | Inclusive Leadership
NCU’s Affordability
NCU’s base per-credit rate is under $1,000, placing the total cost at about $30,000. The school offers tuition assistance and financing programs. Multiple tuition scholarships are available to graduate students.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: WSCUC, ACBSP
- Tuition: $960 per credit
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: 16 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: NCU’s process varies, depending on whether a candidate qualifies for direct entry.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: Not required
These five institutions offer some of the best fastest (accelerated) online MBA programs available. However, it’s essential to research each program thoroughly and choose the one that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Are online MBA programs as credible as traditional on-campus programs?
A: Yes, reputable online MBA programs from accredited institutions hold the same credibility as their on-campus counterparts. It’s important to choose a program from a recognized and accredited institution to ensure the quality of education.
- Q: How long does it take to complete an accelerated online MBA program?
A: The duration of an accelerated online MBA program varies depending on the institution and the program structure. Typically, accelerated programs can be completed in 18 months to two years.
- Q: Can I specialize in a specific area of business with an online MBA program?
A: Yes, many online MBA programs offer specializations such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. These specializations allow you to focus on your areas of interest and expertise.
- Q: What are the admission requirements for online MBA programs?
A: Admission requirements may vary, but most online MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GMAT or GRE scores (though some programs may waive the test requirement).
- Q: Can I pursue an online MBA while working full-time?
A: Absolutely! One of the significant advantages of online MBA programs is the flexibility they offer. You can study at your own pace and balance your coursework with your professional commitments.
- Q: How can an online MBA program help advance my career?
A: An online MBA equips you with advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and a valuable network. These attributes can significantly enhance your career prospects, opening doors to managerial and executive positions.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a fast-track to career growth in the field of business administration, the best fastest (accelerated) online MBA programs provide an excellent opportunity to achieve your goals. With the flexibility and convenience they offer, you can earn your MBA while juggling work, family, and personal commitments.
Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Wharton, and Kellogg provide world-class online MBA programs that deliver the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts.
So, take the leap and embark on your journey towards professional success with an online MBA program that suits your needs.