Online MBA in Oregon
Welcome to our in-depth guide on online MBA programs in Oregon!
Oregon may be known for its rugged outdoors, incredible bicycle trails and the Oregon Trail – but, it is also home to many unique and top-notch business schools in Oregon. We have put this in-depth guide together to help you quickly find and learn more about each school. From AACSB-Accredited MBA programs to job outlook data, you’ll find a wealth of information below to help you in your search.
Online MBA Programs in Oregon
If you need flexibility, pursuing an online MBA in Oregon can have its perks.
Online programs are typically very flexible and are a good fit for working or cannot attend campus classes. A total of 3 accredited online MBA programs are offered in Oregon. We have listed each below, along with a detailed breakdown of each program. If applicable, we have included the following information for each MBA option:
The below three online MBA programs in Oregon are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Eastern Oregon University
EOU is located in La Grande, Oregon, and offers an Online MBA. Its online IACBE-Accredited MBA utilizes the same curriculum as its campus MBA, and students can complete the program in 5 or 9 terms. Students can begin the 45 credit program each fall and take one or two courses per term.
2. Northwest Christian University (Now Bushnell)
Northwest Christian University offers an Online MBA that is anchored in the Christian faith. The program is Christ-centered and built on wisdom, faith, and service. It is designed for working adults who need the flexibility to complete their degree. The program is robust and well-respected, and students are given access to all of NCU’s services, including career counseling, employment information, and resume preparation.
The program is 36 credits in length and consists of 12 3-credit courses. It can be completed in 12 months entirely online and includes a Capstone project. Concentrations are offered and include Accounting and Management. Each concentration requires a total of 15 credits.
Admission
Students must submit an official undergraduate transcript with a GPA of at least 3.0. Neither work experience or an official GMAT / GRE score are required. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the start of a course.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (21 Credits) – Business Ethics, Business Portfolio, Corporate Financial Management, Leadership Strategies, Marketing Strategy, Marketing Economics, Marketing Finance, Marketing Statistics, and Strategy and Managerial Decision-making.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Accounting – Example Courses: Advanced Taxation, Business Law, and Advanced Financial Accounting Theory and Practice.
- Management – Example Courses: Corporate Sustainability, Managerial Accounting, and Organizational Behavior.
3. Portland State University
Portland State University is a leading public institution in the Pacific Northwest. It offers a number of MBA programs, one of which is its hybrid Healthcare MBA. The fact is that life expectancy worldwide is increasing, and healthcare management is a growing field. PSU’s program is designed to equip students with both the business skills and health care system knowledge to impact this growing sector. Graduates leave the program ready for success in both small and large organizations.
PSU has joined with Oregon Health and Science University to offer an integrated MBA in Healthcare Management. It is a rigorous program built on a hybrid model with classes being offered online and on-campus. It is designed for working professionals, 72 credits in length, and can be completed in 33 months. The program’s goal is “to educate for safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable healthcare.” Topics covered in the degree include financial management in healthcare, operations, and quality healthcare, understanding the healthcare industry, and more.
Admission
Applicants to the PSU MBA program must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75. Applicants must also submit an official GMAT exam score, although this can be waived. Application deadlines vary for each program, and students are advised to contact the school to find out more.
MBA Programs in Oregon
Oregon offers 10 MBA programs that are campus-based. Each school offers a unique approach to MBA education – some are general in focus, while others emphasis ethical decision making or sustainability.
(The below 10 MBA programs in Oregon are listed in alphabetical order.)
1. Concordia University
Concordia University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution that aims to prepare leaders for society’s transformation. The school is ACBSP-accredited and offers an MBA with classes on campus and online. A survey on bizjournals.com ranks the program #3 in Oregon. The program stresses servant and ethical leadership, global awareness, critical thinking, and project management skills.
Concordia’s 38 credit MBA program is highly flexible and can be pursued online or on-campus. Core classes are taught weekly in the evenings from 6 to 9:30 PM, on the weekends, and online. The program is cohort-based, and classes begin in the fall and spring. Each class is approximately eight weeks in length, and the program can be completed in 24 months (one class at a time) or as quickly as 18 months. Concentrations are offered and include General Business, Leadership and Management, Finance, Healthcare Administration, and Project Management.
Program Admission
An accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required to apply. An official GMAT/GRE score is also necessary but may be waived for applicants who have two years of relevant business work experience.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (29 Credits) – Business, Government, and International Economy, Capstone, Competition and Strategy, Finance, Financial Reporting, and Control, Foundations, Innovation, and Business Model Generation in a Digital Age, Leading Organizational Change, and Marketing.
2. Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University is located in La Grande, Oregon, and offers an IACBE-Accredited MBA degree. The program is designed to provide quality professional training and enhancement, and all classes are taught by EOU’s professional faculty members who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
The program is 45 credits in length and can be completed in 5 terms or nine terms. It is cohort-based and offered at EOU’s Le Grand campus, online, on-site in Gresham, or through video conferences from life on-campus classes in Hermiston and Ontario. Classes in Le Grande meet five times per term on Wednesday evenings from 6-10 p.m. Classes in Gresham are delivered on Thursday evenings from 6 -10 p.m.
Program Admission
An accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required to apply. Also, applicants may be asked to demonstrate knowledge in fundamental business areas such as management, marketing, and finance. An official GMAT / GRE score is not required. The application deadline is April 15th.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (45 Credits) – Business Ethics, Government and Society, Competition and Strategic Management, Contemporary Management and Organization, Financial Strategies and Techniques, Marketing Strategies and Techniques, Management Information Systems, and Operations Management.
3. George Fox University
George Fox University is a Christian university located in Newberg that has been ranked by Forbes as among the Top 10 “Best Religiously Affiliated Colleges” in the United States. Its School of Business offers a Part-Time MBA in Portland and a Full-Time MBA at its Newberg campus. The school is accredited by the ACBSP and aims to develop working professionals who are ethically grounded, globally engaged, socially responsive, and servant-minded.
Degree Completion Options
- Part-Time – Fox’s Part-Time MBA is 42 credit hours in length and can be completed in 24 months. Classes are delivered at the Portland Center (near Tigard), and students can choose from two formats: a weeknight “flex” format with classes taught one night per week from six to 9:30 PM, or a weekend format with classes offered Saturdays from 8:30 to 4 PM. Both programs are cohort-based, with the flex option beginning each fall and the weekend format beginning each January. An optional week-long international study trip is also offered, as are four concentration tracks: Finance, Organizational Strategy, Management and Leadership, and Strategic Human Resource Management.
- One-year – Fox’s One-Year MBA is also 42 credits in length but is accelerated in format. Completion time is 11 months, and all classes are taught at Fox’s Newberg campus. Classes are held Monday to Thursday with a Friday seminar that involves local travel. The program is cohort-based, begins in August, and ends the following June. Concentrations are not offered.
Program Admission
To apply, both programs require an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Part-Time MBA applicants also require professional work experience, while One-year MBA applicants require previous coursework in accounting, economics, statistics, and marketing management. Neither program requires an official GMAT exam score.
4. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, which is known as one of the nation’s greenest and safest cities. The school offers an AACSB-Accredited MBA program that is highly flexible and designed for working professionals. Programs are offered at OSU’s Corvallis campus and in a hybrid format in conjunction with its Portland campus. Some concentrations are available.
Depending on the concentration, OSU’s MBA program ranges from 60 to 68 credits. The majority of concentrations – or tracks – are taught on its campus in Corvallis, but a few are also offered in Portland. These include its Executive Leadership track and Business Analytics track, which are hybrid and consist of online lectures and campus classes in Portland. Students can choose to pursue the program either full-time or part-time. Completion time ranges from nine months (without foundational coursework) to one year (with foundational coursework), and longer for part-time students.
Admission
Admissions into OSU’s MBA program is competitive. OSU uses a holistic approach in selecting applicants, and criteria include undergraduate GPA, GMAT/GRE score (if required), and professional experience, among others. A minimum GMAT score of 500 is required to apply. Applications are received on a rolling basis and reviewed continually. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 30 days before the start of a term.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (Varies for each program) – Advanced Information Systems, Advanced Strategic Management, Business Law: New Ventures and Technologies, Corporate Finance, Financial and Cost Analysis, Financial Markets and Institutions, Managing Projects, New Product Development, Organizational Management, Practical Business Analysis, Supply Chain Management, and Venture Planning.
5. Portland State University
The School of Business at Portland State University is a top-ranked and innovative institution. It offers an AACSB-Accredited MBA program with a variety of specializations, as well as an MBA in Healthcare Management. PSU’s School of Business has been ranked #73 by U.S. News & World Report for Part-Time MBA programs, and top hiring companies of graduates include Nike, Microsoft, Facebook, and Xerox.
Completion Options
- Portland MBA – The program is 62 credits in length and can be completed full-time or part-time. Full-time students can finish the program within 21 months, and part-time students can take much longer. The program is very versatile, and students can choose to take part in an international experience, consulting project, or pursue a dual degree in supply chain management.
- Healthcare Management MBA – Please see PSU’s website for more information.
Admission
Applicants to the PSU MBA program must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75. Applicants must also submit an official GMAT exam score, although this can be waived. Application deadlines vary for each program, and students are advised to contact the school to find out more.
Foundational Coursework
Portland MBA Standard Courses (62 Credits) – PSU’s MBA curriculum is grouped into three segments: foundations of competitiveness (16 credits), the value chain of business (24 credits), and applied skills and leadership (22 credits). Sample courses include the following: Economics and Sustainability of the Firm, Executive Perspectives on Leadership, Marketing Strategy, Managerial Analytics, Organizational Management, Pioneering Innovation, and Sustainable Operations Management.
6. Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland, known for its bike trails, vineyards, and kayaking. The school offers an MBA program that is built on a framework of interactivity and practicality, and Affordable Colleges Online has ranked the school as a “High ROI College.” All SOU classes are taught by highly experienced professionals who bring extensive knowledge and experience to the classroom.
The program is 45 credits in length and can be pursued either full-time or part-time. All classes are offered at SOU’s Ashland campus and delivered by the school’s top-notch faculty. The program is also cohort-based, which means that students work in small groups throughout the entire program.
Completion Options
- Full-Time – For students who wish to complete the program at a quick pace, classes can be taken during weeknights and the program can be completed in one calendar year.
- Part-Time – The program can also be completed on a part-time basis. Students can take 6 to 7 consecutive quarters and complete the program within 18 – 21 months.
Admission
Applicants must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants who do not have a minimum GPA of 3.0 must submit a GMAT score of at least 500 or higher. Applications are accepted all through the year but are only reviewed after SOU’s March 1 priority date.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (22 Credits) – Advanced Organizational Behavior, Ethics, Financial Management Practices, Graduate Research Project, Information Systems, Legal Issues in Business and Management, Marketing Management Strategies, and Strategic Operations Management.
7. University of Oregon
The Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon is a highly respected and rated school. The Princeton Review has ranked it as offering the #1 Green MBA across the nation. The school offers two AACSB accredited MBA programs: the Oregon MBA and the Oregon Executive MBA.
Each program is AACSB-Accredited and built on the school’s four centers of excellence, including the Center for Sustainable Business Practices, Center for Finance and Security Analysis, Center for Entrepreneurship, and Marketing Centre.
Admission
An accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required for both programs. Students applying for the Oregon MBA also require an official GMAT score of at least 600 (average scores range from 631 – 646). Students applying for the Executive program do not require an official GMAT score. However, they must currently hold a mid-senior level management position and demonstrate at least three years of managerial or leadership experience.
Foundational Coursework
Oregon Executive MBA Standard Courses (36 Credits) – Business Ethics, Business Writing, Capstone Overview, Cross-cultural Communication, Financial Accounting, Leadership Motivation, Leadership Practices Inventory, Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Managing and Leading Organizations, Operations Management, and Statistics.
Oregon MBA Standard Courses (27 Credits) – Business Law and Ethics, Financial Accounting, Fundamentals of Finance, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Managing Individuals and Organizations, Operations Management, Quantitative Methods for Managers, and Strategic Management.
8. University of Portland
For 21 years, the University of Portland has earned a top 10 ranking by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best College.” The University’s Pamplin School of Business is AACSB-Accredited and offers two MBA programs: a General MBA and an MBA in Nonprofit Management. Each program is built on a broad curriculum and designed to deliver the knowledge that students need to succeed in today’s business environment.
Completion Options
- Master of Business Administration – This program is 39 credits in length and built on a flexible framework. Students can pursue the program full-time or part-time, and it can be completed in 1 to 5 years. Classes are taught on weeknights, usually begin at 7 pm, and the average time frame for completion is two years. Class sizes are small (16 – 28 students) and taught by the school’s top-notch faculty. Six concentrations are offered, including Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Sustainability, OTM, and Strategy. Four elective courses are used to complete a concentration.
- MBA in Nonprofit Management – This program is designed specifically for full-time employees who desire to pursue an MBA. It provides all of the traditional MBA advantages combined with specialized courses focused on the nonprofit sector. It is a 36 credit cohort program, and classes are taught once a week on a Monday through Thursday evening. The program begins in the fall semester. Concentrations are available.
Admission
Applicants for the General Business Administration program are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, and a GMAT score of 500 or higher must also be submitted. Work experience is not required, but two years of professional work experience is strongly recommended. Applicants for the MBA in Nonprofit Management must have a GPA of at least 3.2 and a GMAT score of at least 500. A minimum of five years of executive/managerial work experience with at least three years in the nonprofit sector is also required.
9. Willamette University
In 2015 Poets and Quants ranked Willamette’s MBA program in its “Top 100 USA MBA programs” list. Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management offers two AACSB-Accredited MBA programs: the Early Career and Career Change MBA, and the MBA for Professionals. Both programs are delivered by Willamette’s excellent faculty and designed to further each graduate’s career goals. Forbes and BusinessWeek are other publications that have spoken highly of the program.
Completion Options
- Early Career and Career Change MBA – This option is a full-time program that can be completed in 21 months and is designed for recent undergraduates and young professionals who would like to jumpstart their careers. A variety of formats are offered, including an MBA format, MBA/JD joint degree, BA/MBA combined degree, and an accelerated format. An accelerated format is a unique option that enables successful students to complete their degree in 9 to 15 months of full-time study. Students who choose to participate in the accelerated track must meet unique admission requirements.
The Early Career and Career Change program offers areas of interest students can focus on. These include Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations, Organizational Analysis, Public and Not-for-profit Management, and Sustainability Management. - MBA for Professionals – The MBA for Professionals program is designed for individuals who have three or more years of work experience, live in or near Portland or Salem, and are looking for a part-time or evening program. The program is built to provide working professionals with a transformational education that helps open new career possibilities. Classes are delivered on weeknights twice a week from 6-10 p.m. In either Portland or Salem. The program is cohort-based and can be completed in 24 months.
Admission
Both Willamette’s MBA programs require an accredited undergraduate degree and an official GMAT / GRE score. However, only the Professional MBA requires work experience. Applicants for the Professional MBA must have a minimum of three years post-undergraduate full-time professional work experience.
Foundational Coursework
Early Career MBA Standard Courses (Varies for each program format) – Accounting for Managers, Data Analysis, Modeling and Decision-making, Economics, Finance, and Markets, Leading Ethical, Socially Responsible and Sustainable Organizations, Managing Individuals, Teams and Organizations, Operations and Systems Management, PACE I: Consulting and Achieving Your Career Goals, PACE II: Consulting and Planning an Entrepreneurial Venture, Politics and Public Policy for Managers, and Strategic Management.
MBA for Professionals – Accounting for Managers, Creating and Implementing Market-Driven Strategies, Data-analysis, Modeling and Decision Making, Finance and Economics for Managers, Global Management and Innovation, LEAD: Leadership Effectiveness and Development, Managing Organizations: Individuals, Teams and Human Resources, Operations and Information Management, Politics and Public Policy for Managers, Special Topics in Management, and Strategic Management.
Oregon MBA Salary and Job Outlook
Oregon is a state that, economically speaking, appears to be on its way up. According to Oregon.gov, Oregon is 3rd for GDP growth between 2007 and 2014 (behind North Dakota and Texas). And according to the BLS, unemployment levels for 2016 are at a low 4.5%, which is better than major states such as New York, Florida, and California. In terms of income levels, Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) for 2015 was $42,974, placing Oregon in the 31st spot nationwide. What’s more, the state has recently made headlines for a landmark minimum-wage increase over the next number of years. Beginning July 1, 2016, the minimum wage will increase each year until it reaches $15 in 2023.
The state is also home to many Fortune 1000 companies, the most famous of which is Nike. Nike is the state’s largest public company and ranks at #106 on the Fortune 500 list. Other top companies also dot the Oregon landscape and include Precision Castparts (#302), Lithia Motors (#482), StanCorp Financial Group (#804), Schnitzer Steel Industries (#853), and Greenbrier (#948).
Oregon is also home to many other companies that employ thousands, such as Providence Health Care Systems (17,000), Intel (16, 250), Fred Myer (14,000), and Oregon Health & Science University (13,733), and Nike (7000). Each of these companies operates in a different sector and across state lines, and some operate worldwide. More importantly, each demands the skills and strengths that MBA graduates can offers. From generating higher returns to creating new HR policies and procedures, MBA students’ skills are useful to each of the above companies – and countless more.
That being said, Oregon is home to many excellent MBA programs, including programs offered at Oregon State, Portland State, and the University of Oregon. Each program is slightly different and delivers its education with a unique emphasis. For example, the University of Oregon is known as a “Green” school, and its programs reflect an admiration and care for the planet. At the same time, Oregon State pitches its program as extremely flexible and practical.
However, as stated above, a school’s brand does affect your pay potential. Take a look at data provided by Payscale.com for Master’s and MBA programs completed in Oregon.
- Marylhurst University (MBA) early career pay: $55,000; Mid-Career: $85,900
- Oregon State University (Master’s) early career pay: $58,400; Mid-Career: $104,000
- Portland State Univesrity (MBA) early career pay: $61,600; Mid-Career: $132,000
- University of Oregon (MBA) early career pay: $63,100; Mid-Career: $118,000
Lastly, the positions that MBA graduates typically fill in Oregon – Chief Executives, Financial Managers, etc. – often outperform the annual mean wage by at least double. In terms of an ROI for your education, that is quite good! According to the BLS, the annual mean wage for 2015 in Oregon is $48,100. In comparison, pay grades for typical job positions filled by MBA grads are listed below. There is a vast difference.
- Chief Executives – $167,950
- General and Operations Managers- $99,920
- Managers, All Other- $91,710
- Financial Managers- $111,290
- Marketing Managers- $112,940