Online MBA Programs in Change Management

The way that major organizations work is changing faster than ever, thanks to advances in technology and globalization. Government agencies and private businesses all over the United States are in desperate need of workers who are capable of predicting, planning, implementing, and managing significant changes in the workplace. Individuals who obtain an online MBA in change management are, in most cases, the most qualified to perform such jobs.

An online MBA with a concentration in change management teaches students the necessary skills to manage change in the business world effectively. The curriculum blends business management courses with courses that prepare students to predict and implement change while in a leadership role strategically.

What is an Online MBA in Change Management?

Accredited online MBA programs in change management help students learn to manage change through strategic change, organizational design, influence in organizations, conflict management, and talent management. Students also learn the fundamentals of business administration, so they enter the workforce prepared to take on high-level jobs and leadership roles during their careers.

Online MBA programs differ from other degree programs in that they prepare students for transitions into management and executive roles throughout their careers. While a master’s degree provides students with a similar instruction level in the program’s concentration, only an MBA program in change management can offer students a well-rounded education in change management and business management.

Students who are considering obtaining any degree online must research the differences between online education and traditional classroom learning. MBA programs in change management online offer students more flexibility to complete assignments in their own time. They don’t usually require students to adhere to specific schedules as long as they adhere to certain program benchmarks. However, online learning doesn’t provide much opportunity for group study or active classroom participation.

Online MBA in Change Management Curriculum

All online MBA programs require students to successfully complete a variety of business administration and management courses. These courses prepare students to become successful leaders during their careers. Some of the subjects covered include:

Entrepreneurship
Economics
Social science
Operations management
Human resources management
Information systems
Marketing
Finance and accounting
Ethics
Business law

Students pursuing an online MBA in change management must also enroll in various classes that effectively manage significant business world changes. Although specific content and course titles vary between schools, the following is a small sample of the courses students can expect to complete while obtaining an MBA in change management online.

Talent Management for Global Operations: Students learn to effectively manage staffing needs for organizations that operate on a global scale. Students are taught to anticipate upcoming needs and roll out successful recruitment campaigns that attract qualified and trustworthy employees in an international market.
Strategically Implementing Change: This course teaches students to prepare employees and systems for major changes. Additionally, students are taught to analyze implemented changes to determine efficacy and success.
Aligning Workers with Strategy: Students who enroll in this course are equipped with a variety of methods for implementing change in the workplace and ensuring that employees are on board with corporate strategies as changes come about.
Social Intelligence in Management Roles: This course prepares students to lead with consideration for all employees. Students are taught to diversify their workplace and be accepting of differences in opinions and backgrounds.

Online MBA programs usually ask that students apply with some background in their field. Most often, prerequisites state that prospective students should have a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in a related field. Additionally, some schools ask all applicants to have high GMAT scores; however, many schools are now waiving this requirement² so they can attract more students to their online MBA programs.

What Unique Career Paths Can I Pursue With an MBA Specializing in Change Management?

Students who earn an MBA with a concentration in change management online have an array of career choices available to them. This list outlines just a few jobs that graduates may be qualified for.

Top Executive

Top executives³, such as chief executive officers, chief financial officers, and chief operations officers, sit at the head of an organization. They usually work in teams, each overseeing a different aspect of the corporate process. Graduates of online MBA programs in change management are typically qualified to take on these roles after gaining adequate work experience. The day-to-day duties of a top executive vary depending on their organization’s size and function. Generally, they include overseeing upper management, planning and directing change within their organization, setting company goals, and meeting with other executive team members to develop corporate strategy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics⁴, which analyzes and publishes industry information including projected job outlooks and salaries for a variety of careers, indicates that the average salary for top executives was $189,600 as of May 2018. Demand for this job is increasing at an average rate, and opportunities are expected to increase by 8% by 2026.

Human Resources Manager

Graduates of MBA programs with a concentration in change management make excellent candidates for human resources manager⁵ jobs. Their background in strategic change management and global talent management helps them analyze staffing needs, prepare recruitment campaigns, and manage and implement operational changes in the workplace.

As of May 2018, the average human resources manager earned $113,300 annually. Outlook for this job is expected to grow at an average rate of 9% by 2026.

Management Analyst/Consultant

Management analysts⁶ are often independently employed or work for a consulting firm. They’re hired by external companies to analyze workplace processes, efficiency, staffing needs, and productivity. After conducting a thorough analysis, management consultants prepare reports and make recommendations to managers on improving operations within their organization.

Management analysts earned an average wage of $83,610 per year as of May 2018. Demand for this job is increasing at an above-average rate; a 14% growth is expected by 2026.

Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers⁷ work in most industries. They’re responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing training programs within medium to large organizations. They’re required to work daily with employees in group settings and one-on-one to ensure they receive adequate training to succeed in their role.

As of May 2018, the average training and development manager earned $111,340 per year. This job outlook is increasing faster than average; a 10% increase in demand is expected by 2026.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Postsecondary education⁸ administrators work in universities, colleges, and technical schools. In some cases, they may oversee all departments within a single institution, while in others, they may direct a single department, such as faculty research, academics, or student services.

Postsecondary education administrators earned an average of $94,340 per year as of May 2018. This job’s opportunities are expected to increase by 10% by 2026, faster than average.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers⁹ work in hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical laboratories. They’re responsible for overseeing patient care and medical staff within an entire facility or an individual department. Their primary role is to direct change according to laws and regulations.

The average medical and health services manager earned $99,730 annually as of May 2018. Demand for this job is increasing quickly, and opportunities are expected to rise by 20% by 2026.

Industrial Production Manager

Those who possess an online MBA in change management are likely to find success if they choose a career path that leads them to a job as an industrial production manager¹⁰. These managers oversee daily operations in manufacturing and production plants. They’re responsible for coordinating and planning all activities and change, including staffing, production, and implementation of new technologies.

As of May 2018, the average industrial production manager earned $103,380 per year. Little to no change is expected in the job outlook for this role.

Should I Get an Online MBA in Change Management?

Before applying for any online MBA program, students must consider which concentration or degree program will help them achieve their career goals the most. Below are some important considerations that prospective students should make before applying to an online MBA program in change management.

Online MBA in Change Management vs. Online MBA in Project Management

An academic program in change management teaches students to prepare for changes within an organization and focus on workers and consumers affected by workplace changes. On the other hand, project management teaches students to manage a project from start to finish effectively and prepares them to handle all activities and processes within a typical project.

Online MBA in Change Management vs. Master’s in Change Management

Many prospective students may ponder the benefits of obtaining an online MBA and wonder if it’s better to apply for a master’s degree program instead. Students need to make this comparison to consider their ultimate career goals. While a master’s degree program provides a similar instruction level in change management, MBA programs blend change management courses with business management courses. They are designed to help graduates easily transition into management roles during their careers.

Are you prepared to manage negotiations and conflict on behalf of your employer?

Those who work in change management often undertake major negotiations on behalf of their employer and, in some cases, may need to mediate conflicts or face them head-on. Those who prefer to avoid conflict may want to reconsider this specialization.

Do you work well under stress?

Change management is a fast-moving, high-stress occupation. Workers must easily adapt to rapidly changing workplaces and help employees accept workplace changes with minimal conflict. These tasks can cause plenty of stress for those responsible for implementing changes.

Do you see yourself as an effective leader?

Employees often look to change managers for guidance during times of stress in the workplace. It’s essential that any person who is in charge of implementing change can intelligently and effectively lead their teams and coworkers.

Do you have the level of self-discipline that’s necessary to succeed in an online MBA program?

Because students complete online MBA programs at their own pace, it’s necessary for any person applying to an online MBA to be disciplined enough to complete their work on time. Students who can’t set a schedule for themselves and stick to it may struggle to complete their courses within the allotted time.

Do you have prior experience in change management or a related field?

Most online MBA programs in change management require prospective students to have some experience in the field. However, some programs have no prerequisites at all. Regardless, those who have prior education or work experience in change management or a similar field are far more likely to succeed in their studies.

How long does it take to complete an online MBA program with a concentration in change management?

There are several options available for students who want to enter an accredited MBA program in change management online. While the average full-time program takes about two years to complete, students who are eager to earn their MBA quickly can opt for an accelerated online MBA program, which usually takes between four and six weeks. Those who need more time can apply to study part-time, giving students up to five years to complete their coursework.

Am I better to pursue an MBA in change management in a traditional school instead of online?

Some students prefer to learn in a more traditional setting that lets them congregate with their peers and ask questions as they learn. However, seeking a more flexible program due to work or other time commitments usually find that online study is the best choice. Generally, the curriculum offered by online MBA programs parallels that of traditional in-class programs.

Are online MBA programs accredited?

Although most online MBA programs are legitimate, unfortunately, some claim to help students obtain an MBA online even though they’re not accredited to do so. Prospective students must take a moment to check the status of the program they’re considering on the United States Department of Education’s database of accredited post-secondary programs¹¹ before submitting an application or processing fee.

Will earning an online MBA help me obtain a job in management?

When employers are ready to fill management positions, they often look to promote from within. Employees who possess an accredited online MBA in change management may favor those with bachelor’s degrees or associate’s degrees. When applying to organizations externally, having an online MBA could help your resume reach the top of the list of qualified candidates.

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References
¹/education/online-mba/
²/education/online-mba/no-gmat/
³https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
⁴https://www.bls.gov
⁵https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm
⁶https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
⁷https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm
⁸https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm
⁹https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
¹⁰https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm
¹¹https://www.ed.gov/accreditation