Online MBA in Delaware
Welcome to our in-depth guide on online MBA programs in Delaware! We have put this guide together to help you as you search for the right accredited MBA program online. Our team of researchers and editors have spent hours researching so that you don’t have to. You’ll find a wealth of useful and up-to-date information inside this guide. So go ahead and scroll through, and all the best as you pursue your education!
Online MBA Programs in Delaware
We have researched and organized all of the information for you. Below you’ll find quick facts on its structure, admission criteria, and foundational coursework.
1. University of Delaware
The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware offers an AACSB-Accredited online MBA program. The program is designed to fit professionals’ busy schedules and does not require any campus classes. Qualified Ph.D. faculty members teach classes, and students graduate from the program with a firm grasp of international business and finance.
The degree is 48 credits long and can be completed in as little as 16 months. Each course is seven weeks in length, and students can study at their own pace. Concentrations include Finance and International Business, and students can take both for a dual concentration.
Admission
To apply, an accredited undergraduate degree is required with a GPA of at least 2.8. An official GMAT score is also needed, along with two or more years of work experience.
Foundational Coursework
Standard courses (30 credits) – Corporate Strategy, Economic Analysis for Business Policy, Financial Management, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Management Accounting, and Control, and Operations Management and Management Science.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Finance (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Financial Institutions and Markets, Financial Engineering and Risk Management, and Special Topics in Finance.
- International Business (9 Credits) – Example Courses: International Financial Management, International Economics for Managers, and International Marketing Management.
MBA Programs in Delaware
Delaware offers a total of 2 AACSB-Accredited campus-based programs. These MBA programs are found at Delaware State University and the University of Delaware.
1. Delaware State University
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University offers an AACSB-Accredited MBA program. The program is extremely flexible and designed for professionals and others who desire to advance their careers. It is built on a core curriculum that emphasizes industry-specific knowledge and business techniques and concepts.
Credit hours for the program can vary. Here is how it is broken down:
- General MBA without foundation courses: 30 credits
- General MBA with foundation courses: 48 credits
- General MBA with a concentration and without foundation courses: 33 credits
- General MBA with a concentration and foundation courses: 51 credits
Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months (18 months is typical). The program can also be pursued part-time and completed within two years. Classes are eight weeks in length and meet once a week from Monday through Thursday during the evenings. Weekend classes meet on Fridays or Saturdays once a week.
Program Admission
Students must submit official undergraduate transcripts along with an official GMAT or GRE score. Applicants who have not completed foundational business courses may be required to take some courses, including accounting, economics, marketing, and others.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (24 credits) – Accounting for Decision-Making, Applied Strategic Management, Economics for Managerial Decision-making, Financial Management, Information and Technology Management, Marketing Management, Organizational Analysis and Management, and Organizational Leadership and Behavior.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Finance (9 Credits) Example Courses: Domestic and Global Financial Markets and Institutions, Economic and Financial Environment of Business, and Investments and Portfolio Management.
- Information Systems Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Managing Electronic Commerce, Strategic Information Systems, and Information Systems
- Project Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Program and Portfolio Management, Project Management Methodology, and Project Risk Management.
- Aviation Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Aviation Safety and Crew Resource Management, Aviation Security, and Airport Operations Planning and Management.
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Financial and Cost Analysis Management in HTM, Global Contemporary Issues in HTM, and Researching Technological Investments in HTM
- Business Analytics (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Data Analytics, Database Management and Systems, and Data Mining and Visit Visualization.
2. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics offers an extremely flexible MBA program. It is AACSB-Accredited and ranked by Forbes as 38th among public colleges (2016). The average starting salary for a Lerner graduate is $87,000, and top employers include Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, and DuPont. In 2015, 74% of students were employed on the day they graduated.
The 48 credit program offers a variety of concentrations and specializations. Concentrations allow students to tailor their MBA to their interests and goals, and are more structured than specializations. Specializations include Accounting, Business Economics, Management, Public Administration, and Sport Management.
Completion Options
- Full-Time – For students who wish to complete the program as quickly as possible, 3 to 4 courses can be taken per semester to complete the program in two years.
- Part-Time – For students who need to continue working or simply desire to pursue the program at a slower pace, 1 to 2 courses can be taken per semester. The program can be completed in three years, and classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate work schedules.
- Hybrid – For students who need maximum flexibility, classes can be taken on campus and online. This is a great option for individuals who need to maintain a work/life balance and those who simply want to complete the degree faster.
- Online – The entire MBA program can be completed online without campus visits required at all. Instructors are the same as those who teach on campus, and the degree can be completed in as few as 16 months.
Admission
To apply, an accredited undergraduate degree is required with a GPA of at least 2.8. An official GMAT score is also needed, along with two or more years of work experience.
Foundational Coursework
Standard courses (30 credits) – Corporate Strategy, Economic Analysis for Business Policy, Financial Management, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Management Accounting, and Control, and Operations Management and Management Science.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
Concentrations include the following:
- Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Startup Experience I, Startup Experience II, Private Equity/Venture Financing.
- Finance (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Financial Institutions and Markets, Financial Engineering and Risk Management, and Special Topics in Finance.
- Information Technology (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Project Management and Costing, Security Control, and Specialized Topics in Marketing.
- International Business (9 Credits) – Example Courses: International Financial Management, International Economics for Managers, and International Marketing Management.
- Marketing (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Advertising Strategy, Buyer Behavior, and Marketing Channels
- Museum Leadership and Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Curatorship and Collections Management, Museums and Modern Technology, and Theory and Practice of Historical Preservation Planning.
Dual degrees include the following:
- MBA/MS in Accounting
- MBA/MA in Economics
- MBA/MS in Finance
- MBA/MS in International Business
- MBA/MS in Information Systems and Technology Management
- MBA/MS in Hospitality Business Management
- Master of Engineering/MBA
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences/MBA
- MD/MBA
Additional MBA Programs in Delaware
Apart from AACSB accreditation, there are several other well-respected accrediting bodies. Each is unique and uses a variety of criteria to assess applicants. Many b-schools with fantastic MBA programs are accredited by one of these bodies, which include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC – National), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP – National), and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE – National).
1. Goldey-Beacom College
Goldey-Beacom College is located just outside of Wilmington on a 24-acre campus. It is a private, coeducational college that offers an ACBSP and IACBE-Accredited MBA program. The program is designed to provide students with a solid grasp of management theories, marketing concepts, financial knowledge, and social responsibility and ethics. Classes are taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their field and bring business experience to the classroom.
The program is 36 credits in length, consisting of 6 credits of competency courses, 21 credits of core courses, and nine elective credits. The program offers several concentrations as well as two majors: Finance and Taxation. Regardless of concentration or major, 36 credits are required to graduate. The program can be pursued either full-time or part-time, and part-time students can complete the program in two years. Each semester is divided into two-week sessions, and courses are offered once a night or on alternating Saturdays. Classes begin eight times a year.
Admission
Admission requirements include an accredited undergraduate transcript. No GMAT exam score or work experience are required.
Foundational Coursework
Standard courses (21 credits) – Contemporary Management Theory, Corporate Finance, Financial Statement Analysis or Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Strategies, Strategic Human Resource Management, and a Seminar in Strategic Management.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
Concentrations include Comprehensive, Entrepreneurial Studies, Financial Management, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, International Business Management, Marketing Management, and Taxation. Each requires nine credits of coursework.
Majors include:
- Finance (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Ownership, Fixed Income Securities, and International Capital Budgeting.
- Taxation (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Basic Taxation, Taxation of Corporations, Taxation of Estates, Gifts, and Trusts, Taxation of Partnerships and S Corporations.
2. Wesley College
Wesley College is located in Dover and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers an MBA program that is structured for working professionals who require flexibility. Case studies, quantitative analysis, and practical projects are some of the unique aspects of the program. The Middle States Commission accredits Wesley College on Higher Education.
The 36 credit program is cohort-based, and courses are seven or nine weeks in length. Students typically meet one night per week for the entire length of the course and take one course at a time. Three concentrations are offered, including Executive Leadership, Management, and Environmental Sustainability.
Admission
To apply, applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate transcript with a GPA of at least 3.0. Previous business coursework, as well as an official GMAT score, are not required. The school recommends that applicants be at least 25 years of age.
Foundational Coursework
Standard courses (21 credits) – Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Managerial Accounting, Business Statistics, Managerial Economics, Marketing Theory, and Buyer Behavior, Operations Management, and Social Forces in Business.
3. Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a fast growing university with multiple locations, including Dover, Georgetown, Middletown, and Brandywine. The school offers an IACBE-Accredited MBA program that is extremely flexible, rigorous, and built with working professionals in mind. It is an affordable MBA that prepares students for management and leadership roles in a variety of business sectors. Executive skill development is unique emphasis of the program.
The program can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, and classes are offered in an accelerated seven-week format. Classes are typically offered during weeknights and Saturdays. What’s more, many courses, as well as concentrations, can be completed fully online. The program is 36 credits in length and consists of seven core courses and five concentration courses. Undergraduate coursework in mathematics, economics, accounting, and finance is required before the program is commenced.
Admission
Students must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Foundational business courses are also required and include three credits: mathematics, economics, accounting, and finance. A GMAT exam score is not required.
Foundational Coursework
Standard courses (21 credits) – Business Strategy, Economic and Financial Environment of Business, Financial Management, Global Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, and Ethical Leadership, and Quantitative Business Analysis.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Accounting (18 Credits) – Example Courses: Advanced Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting Theory, Policy, and Research, Federal Taxation, Policy and Research, Fraud Prevention and Forensic Accounting, Issues in Auditing and Assurance Services, and International Accounting and Taxation
- Environmental Sustainability (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Economic and Financial Analysis of Environmental Issues, Environmental Regulations and Ethical Issues, Management Using Sustainable Green Technologies, Principles of Environmental Sustainability, and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Organizations.
- Finance (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Advanced Financial Analysis, Corporate Taxation, International Finance, Investments, and Portfolio Theory
- Healthcare Administration (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Health Insurance and Reimbursement, Health Policy and Economics, Legal Aspects of Healthcare, Marketing in the Healthcare Sector, and Seminar in Healthcare Administration.
- Homeland Security (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Crisis Leadership, Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security, Legal Aspects and Policy of Homeland Security, Risk Assessment and Management, and Sociology of Terrorism.
- Management Information Systems (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Analysis, Modeling, and Design, Data Communications and Networking, Data Management, IT Policy and Strategy, and Project and Change Management.
- Marketing Management (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Business-to-Business and Business to Government Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Market Research and Consumer Behavior, New Business Ventures, and Salesmanship in Salesforce Management.
- Organizational Leadership (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Group Process and Facilitation Skills, High-performance Teams, Leadership and People, and Leadership Foundations.
4. Wilmington University – Online
Wilmington University is located in Dover, Delaware, and offers classes at 14 different locations as well as online. The school’s College of Business is accredited by the IACBE and offers an MBA program on campus and online. Its online program is built specifically for busy professionals and is incredibly flexible and convenient. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it #3 for online learning programs in the Mid- Atlantic region.
The program is 36 credits in length and delivered 100% online. Classes start every other month and are taught by the school’s award-winning faculty and built on a powerful, high-tech framework. Classes are offered in seven or 15-week formats and are not self-paced. Students are expected to participate at least 3 to 5 days per week in discussion boards and other assignments. Technical support is available 24/7 online.
Please see above under “Wilmington University MBA – Campus” for concentration options, coursework, and admission information.
Delaware MBA Salary and Job Outlook
If you are looking to work in the state of Delaware after receiving your MBA, you have good prospects. “The First State” offers many opportunities for MBA graduates. To help you understand what you can expect, we have put the hard work in and gathered plenty of information for you. This includes economic data, significant employers, employment sector data, and possible salary levels of positions held by MBA graduates.
According to bea.gov, Delaware’s Real GDP grew in 2014 by 2.9%, which beat the national average of 2.2%. And in terms of unemployment, Delaware is ranked #19 for March 2016 at 4.4% (tied with Massachusetts and New Jersey). Delaware’s Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) for 2015 was $47,662 – 21st nationwide in terms of income levels. What’s more, the state’s largest industry in 2014 was finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing, which accounted for 41% of 2014 GDP. And the second largest industry? Professional and business services, which accounted for 11,8% of GDP. Both of these industries offer many job opportunities for MBA graduates.
When it comes to business, Delaware is very popular! Delaware does not have a state tax and is considered a tax shelter. What’s more, LLC and franchise tax for businesses are very low compared to other states. These, and other tax advantages, make Delaware home to many companies and banks. Major employers include the State of Delaware, Christiana Care Health System, DuPont Co., and Bank of America Corp. For example, the chemical company Dupont has its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. The company posted revenue of $25.68 Billion (2015) and operated in 90 countries worldwide. It ranks 86th on the Fortune 500 list and employs almost 60,000 worldwide. Other companies with headquarters include Navient (a loan management service) and Incyte (biotechnology).
W.L Gore and Associates, known for its Gore-Tex fabrics, is headquartered in Newark, Delaware. In 2015 the company had sales of just over $3 billion and currently employs over 10,000 individuals. The company has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the “Top 100 Best Companies to Work For”.
Each of the companies mentioned above and many others requires the skill sets that MBA graduates possess. From maximizing profits to implementing HR theory and developing strategic direction, Delaware companies are continually in need of an MBA graduate’s expertise.
Your job outlook is also affected by the school you attend. The truth is, the school you go to will impact the salary level you can expect initially.
Delaware is home to a few excellent MBA programs offered at institutions such as the University of Delaware and Delaware State University. Each school offers an AACSB-Accredited program, and the University of Delaware also offers an online option. Many other non-AACSB Accredited schools offer MBA’s as well, including Wilmington University and Wesley College.
However, the starting salary and mid-career salary is different for each school. The following data is taken from Payscale.com for both MBA graduates.
- University of Delaware – Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics early career pay: $73,800; Mid-Career: $118,000.
- Wilmington University early career pay: $59,600; Mid-Career: $93,200.
In Delaware, MBA graduates’ career positions fill outperform the annual mean wage by at least double, if not triple. That is significant! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for all Delaware occupations for 2015 (May) is $50,300. Please find the typical annual mean wage for various occupations below. We have chosen occupations that MBA graduates typically hold.
- General and Operations Managers- $144,380
- Managers, All Other- $134,260
- Financial Managers- $159,740
- Marketing Managers- $ 157,510