Online MBA Programs
Academic title: Business Administration, MBA
36 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Online MBA program
Lead with confidence in today's fast-paced business world. Our online Master of Business Administration (MBA) gives you a broad understanding of business while helping you develop the leadership skills to solve complex challenges and make informed decisions. You'll build important skills in areas such as finance, marketing, analytics and strategic management while learning how organizations operate.
U.S. News & World Report ranks us among the best online MBA programs in the nation.
With 10 emphasis areas, our online MBA programs let you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or move into a new one, you'll graduate with the knowledge and experience to take the next step in your career.
CMU's College of Business Administration is among the 2% of business schools worldwide accredited in both accounting and business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Online MBA overview
| Core credits | 27 |
|---|---|
| Emphasis credits | 9 |
| Total credits to graduate | 36 |
How much does an online MBA degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online MBA degree?
An MBA can open the door to careers in business, health care, manufacturing, finance, technology and many other industries. The combination of core business knowledge and specialized study prepares graduates to lead teams, solve organizational challenges and make strategic decisions.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Operations Manager | $105,350 |
| Director of Compensation/Benefits | $140,360 |
| Chief Executive Officer | $105,350 |
| Information Specialist | $105,990 |
| Chief Operating Officer | $105,350 |
| Operations General Manager | $105,350 |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MBA emphases
Business Data Analytics
Study real-world topics like management, finance and accounting while learning to use data to make better business decisions.
Possible Careers and Outcomes: senior data analyst, business intelligence manager, data scientist, director of analytics or operations manager.
Cybersecurity
Build a strong foundation in management, finance and accounting while developing specialized skills in cybersecurity. Learn to leverage data analysis to identify, manage and reduce organizational risks and gain the technical and legal expertise needed to protect your company’s information.
Possible careers and outcomes: information security director, IT security consultant, cybersecurity risk manager, chief information officer (CIO) and director of compliance and privacy.
Finance
Build a strong foundation in management, finance and accounting while gaining the skills to analyze your organization’s financial position and forecast future performance. Courses in financial statement analysis, international finance and financial modeling will help you understand your company’s finances and the global forces that shape them.
Possible careers and outcomes: chief operating officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), senior financial analyst, director of finance, portfolio manager and investment analyst.
Health Systems Leadership
Become a leader in one of the fastest-growing industries. With health care management jobs expected to rise 20% in the next decade, this MBA emphasis helps you build a solid foundation in management, finance and accounting while exploring the policies, compliance requirements and risk management strategies that drive today’s health systems.
Possible careers and outcomes: chief operating officer (COO), clinical operations manager, health care administrator, risk and compliance manager and health care consultant.
Human Resource Management
Build a strong foundation in management, finance, and accounting while developing the skills to lead people and organizations effectively. Become adept at hiring, retention and training, and gain expertise in strategic planning, fiscal management, team building and best practices to help organizations achieve their goals.
Possible careers and outcomes: director of compensation and benefits, human resources manager, training and development manager, human resources consultant and talent acquisition or recruitment manager.
Information Systems
Grounded in management, finance and accounting, this MBA emphasis equips you with expertise in SAP, the enterprise software relied on by leading organizations. Develop the technical and analytical skills employers demand, with the option to earn SAP certification.
Possible careers and outcomes: information specialist, IT director, business systems analyst, enterprise systems manager and IT project manager.
Logistics Management
Cut costs, improve customer service and boost profits through smarter supply chain management. With a foundation in management, finance and accounting, you’ll learn strategies to streamline purchasing, inventory, warehousing and transportation for maximum efficiency.
Possible careers and outcomes: supply chain manager, logistics specialist, operations manager, director of purchasing and warehouse manager.
Managing for Organizational Excellence
Become the kind of leader who drives improvement at every level. Grounded in management, finance and accounting, this MBA emphasis helps you strengthen your leadership skills while learning to enhance processes through customer insights, negotiation strategies and Six Sigma techniques.
Possible careers and outcomes: marketing operations manager, director of compensation and benefits, chief executive officer (CEO), information specialist, chief operating officer (COO), operations general manager and human resources manager.
Marketing
Build a strong foundation in management, finance and accounting while learning what it takes to market your organization successfully. Develop expertise in advertising, brand management, market research, new product development, communications and public relations to understand customer needs and drive demand.
Possible careers and outcomes: marketing operations manager, brand manager, market research analyst, digital marketing manager, advertising specialist and chief marketing officer (CMO).
Project Management
Build a strong foundation in management, finance and accounting while developing the skills to lead projects from start to finish. Learn to manage time, resources and communication effectively so you can complete projects on schedule and within budget delivering results that benefit you, your clients and your organization.
Possible careers and outcomes: project manager, program manager, employee training manager, director of operations, portfolio manager and director of business development.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MBA program, you'll need:
- A minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
- A current résumé
- A Statement of Purpose, which is a brief, one-page statement describing your purpose and general plan for MBA study at Central Michigan University. The statement should include information about your future career plans and past or current activities and achievements, including any relevant business or volunteer experience that makes you a good candidate for admission. The goal is to share relevant information that is not captured in the other documents you have been asked to submit.
We evaluate all submitted materials and encourage you to provide any information you think would demonstrate your interest in and/or potential for being a successful MBA student and a future business leader. Although not required, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with principles of accounting, finance, economics and statistics, at least through self-study or not-for-credit online courses, prior to beginning the MBA program. If you have not taken formal courses in these subjects but have gained a working knowledge on the job or by completing a not-for-credit online course, you are encouraged to describe this in your Statement of Purpose.