Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

    Welcome to our online MBA programs in Pennsylvania guide.

    If you are searching for an online MBA in Pennsylvania, you’ve found the right place! Our guide is designed to provide you with a fast yet in-depth overview of every MBA program in the state of Pennsylvania. From accreditation to program length, credit hours, and concentrations – you’ll find the information you need. Pursuing an online accredited MBA is a big decision, and we hope that this guide will make it a little easier – and ultimately help propel your career forward.

    Pennsylvania is known for its online MBA programs. Some well-known business schools in Pennsylvania also offer online MBA programs. Did you know the online MBA Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon is among the top 10 online MBA programs in Pennsylvania?

    Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

    The online MBA programs in Pennsylvania found below are listed in alphabetical order.

    1. Carnegie Mellon University

    The Tepper School of Business first opened its doors in 1949, and since then, it has helped shift management education towards management science. The school has produced nine Nobel Prize winners in Economics, achieved Top 10 rankings, and is recognized among the world’s most innovative business schools. Tepper offers a Part-time Online Hybrid MBA program for working professionals who want to advance their skills and explore potential career opportunities.

    With Tepper’s Part-Time Online MBA, students get to experience access weekends held every two months on campus, one live evening class per week (synchronous learning), independent online access (asynchronous learning). Besides the online program’s flexibility, online students take the same courses using the same learning materials as students in Tepper’s traditional campus program. To complete the program, students must finish 192 units, of which 90 are electives. Concentrations are also available, and students usually pursue three to four.

    Admission

    Tepper’s admissions team believes that a “typical” student does not exist. To apply, there are no minimum GPA requirements, professional experience is not required, and there is no set minimum GMAT/GRE score. Instead, each applicant is evaluated by examining their entire academic record, work experience, and assess their potential for success. Tepper insists that the only sure-thing in the admission process is that you can’t get in if you don’t apply. The application deadline for round two is on January 4, round three is on March 15, and May 1 for round four. The program begins every September.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (102 units) – Accounting I, Accounting II, Corporate Strategy, Ethics & Leadership, Finance, Global Economics, Interpersonal Communication, Management Presentations, Managerial Economics, Managing Networks & Organizations, Managing People & Teams, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Optimization, Probability and Statistics, and Statistical Decision-Making.

    MBA Program Concentrations and Specialization Options

    Accounting, Communications, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Social Responsibility, Finance, Business Technologies, Marketing, Operations Management, Operations Research, Organizational Behavior, and Strategy.

    2. Drexel University

    Drexel’s LeBow College of Business offers an online MBA program in Pennsylvania that is designed for individuals who seek mastery of business fundamentals and desire to gain an advantage in their workplace. The program is accredited by AACSB International and ranked #15 in the world by Financial Times.

    There are two options for the Online MBA: Accelerated and Flexible. Apart from length (23 months vs. 43 months), the programs are identical. Both require 51 credits that consist of nine concentration credits, six credits of Flexi-core electives, and 36 core courses. To kick off each program, students must complete a four-day intensive course to stress the importance of social interaction in the learning process. Classes are asynchronous and progress through a cohort to build collaboration.

    Admission

    Drexel’s Admission Committee seeks exceptional and diverse individuals who show the potential to prosper in an academically rigorous program. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a GPA of at least 3.0, and a GMAT score of at least 570 or a GRE score of at least 153 in both verbal and quantitative reasoning. Requests for GMAT or GRE waivers can be made if applicants hold advanced degrees (JD, MD, Ph.D., or DDS) or have a minimum of five years of professional experience. Programs start in March and September.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (36 credits) – Business Consulting, Business Ethics, Business Statistics, Corporate Financial Management, Essentials of Economics, Leadership & Professional Development, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Managing Technology Innovation, Managing the Total Enterprise, Marketing Strategy & Planning, Measuring & Maximizing Financial Performance, Operations Management, and Strategic Management.

    Popular Articles: Accounting Schools in Pennsylvania | Business Schools in Pennsylvania | Online Business Degrees in Pennsylvania | Online Accounting Degrees in Pennsylvania

    3. La Salle University

    Central to the Lasallian mission is its conviction that learning is best achieved by doing. In the spirit of “doing,” La Salle University offers a blended MBA that combines face-to-face instruction and online learning. The program’s hybrid format is a great option for students who require flexibility and want to connect with professors and classmates on campus.

    Full-time students can earn the degree in as little as 12 months, while part-time students usually earn it in between two to three years. Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long, while the Summer semester is only 12 weeks. Most classes meet one evening per week and are extended via an online computer-based learning component.

    Admission

    La Salle’s Admissions Committee understands that each applicant has a unique background and profile; therefore, it does not set specific quantitative minimum requirements for admission. It does, however, adhere to the accreditation standards set by the AACSB. Required documents include an official transcript from all schools attended, GMAT test scores, and a professional resume. Application documents must be submitted by August 15 (Fall semester), December 15 (Spring semester), and April 15 (Summer semester).

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (10 courses) – Business Economics, Effective and Efficient Management of Operations, Financial Accounting, Financial Markets, Financial Performance, Information Technology for Decision Making, Managerial Accounting, Marketing Management, Self-Assessment for Leadership, Statistical Thinking for Managers.

    4. Lehigh University

    Lehigh University is committed to developing business and industry leaders, and its online MBA program is no exception. Lehigh offers an online MBA that is AACSB-accredited and provides a rich learning experience for its students. Graduates obtain the skills needed to be effective leaders and communicators in today’s competitive global environment. The program is built on an integrative model and focuses on bringing relevant concepts and challenges into its curriculum.

    The program is condensed and requires a total of 36 credits. The program is very flexible, and coursework can be tailored to each student’s individual needs. Online MBA students can even become full-time students if they so choose. In addition to pre-recorded classes, classes are also delivered live, allowing online MBA students to collaborate with their instructors and classmates. The course content is also routinely updated to ensure it is in line with present business standards. Full-time evening students can finish the program in 12 to 16 months. Part-time and online students typically complete the program within two to five years.

    Admission

    To apply, students must have an undergraduate degree and submit an official GMAT or GRE score. A minimum of two years’ work experience is required, along with some prerequisite courses, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and computer literacy. Start dates are generally in August, January, and May.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (21 credits) – Introduction to the Organization and its Environment, Integrative Experience, Managing Financial and Physical Resources, Managing Information, Managing People, and Managing Products and Services.

    MBA Program Concentrations and Specialization Options

    Corporate entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management. An MBA with an Educational Leadership focus is also offered.

    5. Robert Morris University

    Robert Morris University is an AACSB-accredited institution that currently enrolls over 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students from 47 states and 39 nations. It offers an Online MBA that is specifically designed to fit the active and busy lifestyle of young professionals. Its MBA program focuses on providing experiential learning, internships, and networking opportunities.

    RMU’s Online MBA is built on the same curriculum and delivered by the same faculty as its campus MBA. Course materials are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program has 36 credits, consisting of 27 core MBA credits and nine elective credits. The degree can be earned in as little as 24 months.

    Admission

    RMU’s School of Business requires applicants to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, an official GMAT score of no less than 470, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. The program accepts students on a rolling admission basis. The admissions committee will only process applications upon submission of all required credentials.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (27 credits) – Economics Foundations for Decision-Making, International Business, Legal Issues of Executive Management, Managerial Accounting, Managerial/Corporate Finance, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management.

    6. Shippensburg University

    In 2012, the John L. Grove College of Business started offering a 100% online MBA program designed for working professionals. The program is AACSB-accredited and built to provide the flexibility that professionals need to balance family, work, and school. An MBA from Ships helps students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct successful business in both a domestic and international context.

    The 30-credit program consists of eight core courses and two elective courses. Courses are taught in accelerated eight-week sessions and delivered using a mix of asynchronous and synchronous lectures, discussions, and exercises. This format allows students to concentrate on each course and quickly complete it. Students can take two courses each semester and earn a degree in two years.

    Admission

    Admission is based on the applicant’s undergraduate coursework, professional work experience, and goals statement. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and a minimum GMAT score of 450. A GMAT waiver may be granted if an applicant has five or more years of work experience. The application must be made no later than one semester before the planned semester to attend.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (24 credits) – Entrepreneurship, Global Managerial Finance, Information Management & Analysis for Decision Making, International Business, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Management, and Supply Chain Management.

    7. Temple University

    Temple University offers various programs that have continually achieved high rankings by The Economist, Business Week, Financial Times, and The Princeton Review. This includes its AACSB-accredited Fox School of Business Online MBA, which is ranked as the #1 Online MBA program in the nation by US News & World Report. Fox’s program is unique and built on what it calls a “carousel model.” With this model, students focus on a single class for four weeks before shifting to another class.

    Fox’s Online MBA starts with a week-long residency where students complete their first course, engage in professional networking, and participate in affinity-developing activities. After this, all content is delivered online through weekly web conferencing sessions and project-based learning activities. The degree can be earned by finishing 48 credit hours in as little as 20 months (six years maximum.)

    Program Admission

    Admission to the Online MBA program is highly competitive. Several factors are taken into account, including professional experience, aptitude, ability to contribute to the overall learning experience, and managerial skills. Evaluation is conducted upon submitting the following documents: official GMAT scores, college transcripts, and a current resume. Application deadlines are March 15 (May start), June 30 (August start), and November 15 (January start).

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (36 credits) – Financial Analysis & Strategy, Global Business Strategy, Healthcare Economics Finance & Payments, Healthcare Organizational Performance & Health Policy, HR Management Strategies, Industrial Organizations in Business, Legal & Ethical Foundations in Business, Management Information Systems, Managing Risk, Marketing Management & Strategy, Negotiations, Operations Management, Product Management, Project Management, and Sustainability.

    Online MBA Program Concentrations and Specialization Options

    Marketing Management (12 credits) and Human Resource Management (12 credits).

    8. University of Scranton

    The University of Scranton is rooted in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions and values integrity, the pursuit of wisdom, and truth. It offers an AACSB-accredited Online MBA program that mirrors its campus-based program both in curriculum and faculty. The mission of Kania School of Management is to provide working professionals with a Jesuit-inspired business education within a culture of excellence.

    Online courses can be accessed through the Angel Learning Management System, a leading online education provider that offers 24/7 technical assistance. Using this system, students interact with their peers and professors, collaborate through discussion forums, use virtual chat sessions for developing networks, and complete assignments on their timetable. The Online MBA program can be completed 100% online with no required residencies or on-campus visits. The curriculum requires 36 credit hours and is designed to be completed in 24 months (six years maximum).

    Admission

    The University of Scranton celebrates student diversity because of the overall quality of the online classroom environment. The program is not limited to business degree holders, but additional foundation modules must be completed. To be considered for acceptance, applicants must have a minimum of three years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (27 credits) – Accounting for Management, Business Policy, Financial Management, Management Information Systems, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Responsibility Sustainability & Justice.

    Online MBA Program Concentrations and Specialization Options

    Accounting (9 credits) – Example Courses: Financial Reporting & Research, Occupational Fraud & Abuse, Accounting Integration & Configuration.

    Enterprise Resource Planning (9 credits) – Example Courses: Integrated Enterprise Management Systems, Production Planning & Control, Treasury Management.

    Healthcare Management (9 credits) – Example Courses: Global Health Management, Health Services & Systems, Hospital Administration.

    International Business (9 credits) – Example Courses: Global Marketing, International Business, Macroeconomic Analysis – A Global Perspective.

    Operations Management (9 credits) – Example Courses: Business Intelligence, Investment Analysis, Marketing Research.

    9. West Chester University

    Situated in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, West Chester University is the largest public institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It offers many degree options, including a flexible Online Master of Business Administration. The program is built on a dynamic curriculum that exposes students to core business topics and ideas.

    The MBA program is a 30-credit program that consists of seven core-level courses and three elective courses. Students may choose to complete the degree in a hybrid classroom format or 100% online. The online courses are delivered through Desire2Learn online courseware. Students can access course materials through this platform, engage in discussion forums, and take online tests. Most courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete the coursework around their work and family commitments. However, some aspects of the coursework require students to be accessible online for real-time presentations or assessments.

    Online students may complete the entire program without coming to the West Chester campus. Hybrid students can choose to take classes on campus in addition to online courses.

    Admission

    WCU’s Admission Committee seeks motivated individuals who have demonstrated quality performance as an undergraduate. Applicants must submit an official undergraduate transcript from an accredited institution, a minimum overall score of 460 on the GMAT or equivalent GRE score, and an evaluated GPA for the last 60 undergraduate credits. Applications are processed year-round, and students may start at different times during the year.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (21 credits) – Business Society & Environment, Components of Effective Leadership, Financial Analysis & Valuation, Global Operations & Supply Chain Management, Innovation & Marketing Strategy, Strategic Cost Management, and Strategic Management & Planning.

    10. Widener University

    Since its founding in 1821, Widener University has prepared students to become active leaders in their chosen professional field. Widener offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA in Pennsylvania that allows working professionals to advance their positions within their industry through rigorous coursework. Since its inception, the program has continuously developed skilled and competent graduates through hands-on learning and an experiential curriculum.

    Requiring only 33 credit hours to complete the degree, the Online MBA may be earned in as little as 18-24 months. The curriculum consists of eight core business courses, three elective courses, and five non-credit hour professional development courses. Each semester is divided into two sets of seven weeks of instruction. Courses are delivered through video presentations, discussion forums, and reading activities. The program does not require students to engage in on-site residencies, but students are welcome to attend any on-campus activities.

    Admission

    MBA candidates are required to meet a few essential competencies, including having a bachelor’s degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7, and at least a 450 GMAT score. GMAT scores may be waived for applicants who have five years of relevant work experience, a master’s degree from an accredited institution, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.3. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

    Foundational Coursework

    Standard Courses (24 credits) – Accounting & Managerial Decision Making, Informational Systems & Data Analytics, Leading Organizations & People, Managerial Economics in an Innovative Environment, Managing Business Processes, Managing for Results, Marketing, and Strategic Financial Management.

    Online MBA Program Concentrations and Specialization Options

    Business Process Innovation Concentration (9 credits) – Example Courses: Business Process Analysis & Process Automation, Business Process Management: Modeling to Monitoring, Knowledge Management & Social BPM.

    Healthcare Management (9 credits) – Example Courses: Community Health Management, Health Care Policy, Developing Management Skills.

    Pennsylvania Online MBA Salary and Job Outlook

    Pennsylvania (the Keystone State) is an ideal destination for businesses and workers. The state has affordable housing, a vibrant culture, and internationally-acclaimed educational institutions. The state is a day’s drive from 60% of the population of the US and Canada. The state has six international airports, 66 railroads, and three major ports.

    Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product is over $570 billion, and the state the world’s 20th largest economy, larger than Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden.1 There are also close to 300 universities and colleges in Pennsylvania.1

    Pennsylvania is home to many world-famous institutions, including four of the US’s top 50 educational institutions. These include Penn University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania State University, and Carnegie Mellon University. More than 90% of Pennsylvania citizens between the ages of 24 and 34 have acquired a college degree.1

    According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the state has a civilian labor force of close to 6.5 million people.1 Its unemployment rate is low (4.8%) compared to the national average (5.5%).1 18 Fortune 500 companies call Pennsylvania home, including PNC, Comcast, United States Steel Corporation, Aramark, PPG, and others. These businesses are looking for MBA graduates to join their workforce in managerial positions. And when they do, they often turn to local Pennsylvania business schools first. Many MBA graduates from Pennsylvania’s acclaimed business schools eventually find jobs in local companies, including finance, marketing, human resource management, operations, logistics, and more.

    Did you know MBA graduates are likely to be paid more than non-MBA graduates? Job projects are also higher for MBA graduates. An end-of-year survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which conducts the famous GMAT test, found that 96% of companies believe hiring MBAs creates value for their companies. It also found that 79% of companies expect to hire an MBA graduate in 2017, compared to 685% of companies in 2016.4 Nearly 66% of companies plan to offer internship opportunities to MBAs.4

    The average salary of MBA graduates in various occupations is given below:2

    • Financial Analyst $46,834 – $84,550
    • Chief Financial Officer $83,297- $224,898
    • Marketing Manager $49,309 – $115798
    • Marketing Director $62,303 – $166,530
    • Operations Manager $46,614 – $112,764
    • Finance Manager $65,485 – $117,471

    Other Popular Online MBA Program Pages


    References:
    1. Pennsylvania Labor Market Information: https://www.workstats.dli.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
    2. Payscale.com, Average Salaries in Pennsylvania:https://www.payscale.com/research/US/State=Pennsylvania/Salary
    3. Payscale.com, Top Schools in Pennsylvania by Starting Salary Potential: https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/best-schools-by-state/grad/pennsylvania
    4. GMAC Year-End Poll of Employers:https://www.gmac.com/market-intelligence-and-research/market-research/corporate-recruiters-survey/year-end-poll-of-employers.aspx
    5. US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014 Employment and Wage Statistics For Pennsylvania:http://www.pasbdc.org/https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm
    6. US Bureau of Lbor Statistics, Career Outlook for Top Executives:https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/mobile/top-executives.htm