Are you looking for the top online MBA programs in Minnesota? There are a lot of reasons why you would be. Professionals looking to advance or change careers are continually turning towards an online MBA. This advanced degree program can help you achieve your business goals on an accelerated timeline. Also, everything about the distance degree is designed to fit into an active professional’s schedule.
But why is Minnesota a good place to look? Maybe you have your sights set on a top business school. This state houses many world-renowned business schools like the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Paseka School of Business. Pursuing a top Minnesota MBA in an online format allows you to study with top business schools and never have to relocate.
If you are a resident of Minnesota, the top MBA degrees in Minnesota are an extra great find. Enrolling in an online program in your home state can boost your MBA brand on your resume. Students greatly benefit from having an MBA brand known by nearby businesses. The top online MBA programs in Minnesota offer great advantages to students near and far.
Online MBAs in Minnesota
MBA students in the Land of 10,000 Lakes take classes online, in person, or both. There is a program for everyone. However, pursuing an online MBA may feel overwhelming. It’s a significant commitment in time, effort, and money. But it comes with many advantages. You can build your professional network while working alongside diverse and exciting students. The best business schools in Minnesota employ instructors with experience and business know-how. The advantages of this distance degree go on and on. If you are serious about business leadership, it might be time to consider an online MBA in Minnesota.
Methodology
This is a consensus ranking of the best Online MBA programs in Minnesota. This ranking is a great tool for business students. We intentionally use data from multiple top-ranking sources. This means that students get a comprehensive view of the best programs available. These are not the best according to one person. They are the best according to everyone.
Data for our ranking order was collected from:
All scores were averaged and placed on a 100-point scale. The base tuition of each Minnesota Online MBA program was used as a tie-breaker.
Related Rankings:
Best Online MBA Programs
Best Online Colleges in Minnesota
One of Minnesota’s best online MBA programs is offered at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. This powerful MBA is from a top-ranked business school. Students pursue the degree on their schedule. MBA students learn from internationally recognized instructors, join a robust network, and customize their education to meet career goals. With this Online MBA program, graduate students are in control of their education. The Carlson MBA Program has featured online asynchronous courses for over a decade.
Program highlights include new scholarships for fall 2023 applicants. And it is important to note that nearly nine out of ten graduates report a promotion or switched industries or roles within four months of graduation. The business school offers one-on-one career support. A GMAT waiver is available for qualifying applicants.
Getting an MBA is flexible with the Carlson School’s Online MBA. Graduates finish the program in two years or go at their own pace. Minnesota’s online MBA offers the flexibility to suit lifestyles and align with career ambitions.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 612-625-3014
AACSB Accredited: YES
The Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University provides one of Minnesota’s best online MBA programs. This St. Cloud State MBA program is where real-world case studies replace theoretical lectures. Enrolled students build a program focused on their success. Distance learners apply their knowledge through experiences they will take to the next phase of their careers.
The HBS Advisory Council shapes the business school’s innovative KNOW—DO—BE approach to business curriculum. This team provides long-lasting benefits to students, the faculty, the school, and industry. Through their interaction, dedication, involvement, and participation, the HBS Advisory Council plays a vital role in ensuring the school’s ongoing success, growth, and vitality.
This online MBA reflects the business school’s mission of excellence in education, research, and service. MBA students graduate knowing about business and embodying and practicing what it takes to be influential leaders within their professional roles. Concentrations allow students to choose the online MBA program that best fits their goals. This top MBA in Minnesota is worth a second look.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 320-308-2244
AACSB Accredited: YES
Minnesota has an excellent online MBA program at Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Paseka School of Business. This professional program gives students the knowledge needed to become more effective leaders who embrace a high-level worldview of organizations. MBA students are strategic thinkers who embody an analytical approach to business. The curriculum includes investments, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and project management courses.
The online MBA increases students’ operational understanding of the functional areas of business. Program instructors give the tools to apply critical thinking to managerial decisions. The business school provides a framework for strategic planning that applies to all business areas. This online MBA has four emphasis areas allowing students the flexibility to customize their degree. MSU Moorhead has a fifth-year extension program providing a direct line from a business administration to an MBA degree. In just five years, students earn an undergraduate and a master’s degree in business administration. This expedited online MBA in Minnesota is worth a second look.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 218-477-2134
AACSB Accredited: YES
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College of Business houses one of the top online MBA program in Minnesota. This excellent online MBA program features a flexible structure. There are online courses with synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
Earning an MBA equips students with the tools to succeed in a global business economy. Distance learners gain leadership and managerial skills with business ethics and real-world experience. Program leaders provide tomorrow’s business leaders with the tools to succeed in a global business economy. Critical strategic thinking is this program’s foundation. MBA students learn ethics, managerial skills, real-world applications, and leadership in an active, technologically advanced environment.
MSU’s online MBA program features real business situations. Graduate students can apply and integrate their knowledge. The program’s executive seminar lets students learn from top business leaders and executives. Program highlights include entirely online classes, two-credit online courses, and eight-week terms. Enrolled students choose one or two eight-week courses each term. Most graduate students take two years to complete their degree. MBA students in Minnesota get flexibility without compromise.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 507-389-1822
AACSB Accredited: YES
The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business features an excellent online MBA. The St. Thomas Part-time Flex MBA Program is perfect for working professionals looking for a personalized, highly flexible program. Enrolled students join a collaborative community that will challenge and empower them to grow as ethical business leaders, ready to make an impact. This unique part-time program features maximum flexibility. MBA students can take courses in any format – entirely online, in-person, or a combination.
St. Thomas MBA students choose their own pace. Distance learners wanting an accelerated experience can finish in two years or take longer to learn at a rate that fits their lives. MBA students can expect to gain practical experience. The business school’s expert, dedicated instructors use a real-world approach to help develop creative problem-solving skills. Minnesota graduate students wanting to gain valuable knowledge should look into this program.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 651-962-6150
AACSB Accredited: YES
Other Top Programs
Southwest Minnesota State University – School of Business and Public Affairs
One of Minnesota’s best online MBA programs is offered at the School of Business and Public Affairs at Southwest Minnesota State University. This online MBA helps working individuals acquire the skills and knowledge they need for professional advancement within their organizations. Distance learners can pursue graduate education while maintaining ongoing responsibilities. All classes are scheduled for weekday evenings, online, or on weekends. Graduate students seeking a program that streamlines their home and work obligations will appreciate this degree.
The program’s curriculum meets the management needs of organizations. The curriculum focuses on enhancing a person’s financial, managerial, and market decision-making abilities. Southwest Minnesota State’s program includes global markets, leadership/teamwork skills, ethics, effective communication, and diversity management topics. This stellar online MBA helps students become competent managers in a rapidly evolving world. If you are looking for a curriculum with a solid background in general business disciplines, look no further.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 507-537-6286
AACSB Accredited: NO
Online MBA Website
Metropolitan State University – College of Management
The College of Management at Metropolitan State University provides one of Minnesota’s best online MBA programs. Metro State’s Master of Business Administration prepares well-qualified and motivated students for success and advancement in leadership roles. There is no GMAT or GRE required for incoming students. Accelerated students will enjoy the chance to complete their online MBA degree in a year and a half. The business school offers online, hybrid, or “hyflex” formats for students seeking convenience and flexibility. Graduate students can mix and match to meet their needs or complete their entire degree online.
All online MBA students learn from full-time professors and industry-leading professionals. Graduate students seeking diversity can pursue electives from the College of Management or other colleges and schools at the University. Distance learners earning their MBA at Metro State University immerse themselves in one of the best graduate programs in the Twin Cities. This online MBA has it all.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 651-793-1302
AACSB Accredited: NO
Online MBA Website
St. Catherine University – School of Business
Students can find an excellent online MBA program at St. Catherine University’s School of Business. This degree is a women-centered MBA program. It gives graduate students the ethical perspective, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to make an impact in their work. The curriculum includes customer insights and strategy lessons, agile project management, design thinking, and corporate finance. Program leaders have cultivated a welcoming environment and uniquely collaborative learning atmosphere. Online MBA students express their ideas and practice business strategies without traditional MBA power dynamics.
This stellar degree’s online format is flexible enough to allow students to continue working while earning their degree. St. Catherine University’s online MBA program features healthcare and strategic management concentrations.
Enrolled students develop strategies for long-term growth. They uncover insights to improve their business performance. Students learn to use data and analytics to drive decision-making. This MBA is a gem.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 651-690-6933
AACSB Accredited: NO
Online MBA Website
Bethel University – College of Adult & Professional Studies
Bethel University’s College of Adult & Professional Studies features a top online MBA program. Enrolled students develop as whole people: professionally, ethically, intellectually, personally, and spiritually. Business students are interested in an MBA to improve their job opportunities, receive promotions, get raises, or become better leaders and managers. Bethel’s MBA program features the skills to meet these goals and much more.
MBA students take their leadership and management abilities to new levels through this online program. You can expect to develop greater confidence, professionalism, passion, depth of character, and wisdom. Program leaders help students become the kind of discerning, ethical leaders and managers organizations want to hire and promote. Bethel’s robust online MBA consists of 42 credits. There are 30 credits of core curriculum and 12 credits in any of the eight concentrations. Four specializations are offered through Bethel, and four are provided through MITx.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 651-635-8000
AACSB Accredited: NO
Online MBA Website
Walden University – School of Management
Walden University’s School of Management features an excellent online MBA. Program architects understand that influential leaders don’t just help their organizations succeed; they direct business toward a future that works for everyone. Walden’s online Master of Business Administration prepares students to be socially minded leaders. Program graduates work as high-impact change agents in the business setting. This online MBA builds the confidence to sit at the table and stand up for what’s right. Students get access to the people, tools, and resources they need to help them stay on track to pursue graduation.
This online MBA prepares students to become capable, confident, and socially conscious leaders. There is no GMAT/GRE requirement for the MBA program. Walden makes the application process straightforward. The business school’s MBA Success Planner offers the end-to-end support needed to be successful in their program. If you are looking for a program designed around your schedule, this is for you.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 844-768-0539
AACSB Accredited: NO
Online MBA Website
Minnesota Online MBAs
The online MBA continues to exist as a popular advanced degree in Minnesota. You may be surprised to know business has overtaken education as the top field of study with the nation’s highest number of advanced degrees conferred. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that since 2000, graduates with advanced diplomas in business have represented 1/4th of all graduate degrees awarded annually in the United States.
What has caused this substantial shift in education? One undeniable reason is the prestige and wide recognition of the online Master of Business Administration degree. The degree’s general acceptance by employers is another reason to find the program in Minnesota that is right for you.
Online MBA degrees in Minnesota are known for providing a healthy return on investment (ROI). Program graduates enjoy increased financial stability and excellent career advancement. A recent Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) survey found that 90% of business school alums credit their graduate management education with increasing their earning potential.
But is pursuing an online MBA always the right move? Evaluating your professional goals before enrolling in a Minnesota MBA degree program is vital. Ask yourself some essential questions before embarking on the journey:
Do Your Specific Goals Align with Pursuing an Online MBA in Minnesota?
The decision makes sense if earning an online MBA degree would help you attain your career goals. An online MBA provides advantages when transitioning to a new career or industry or working your way towards the c-suite. This advanced degree will make you more marketable in various business fields.
What Direction Would You Like to Take Your Career?
MBAs are one of the best ways to succeed. They provide graduates with a higher level of business expertise. The theory and practicality help in solving complex industry problems. The leadership attributes, peer knowledge, and interpersonal skills gained within the curriculum of an online MBA are unique to the program.
The connections and networks students build – along with what they learn – while earning an online MBA combine to make graduate students valued assets as team members and leaders.
What Type of Careers Will an Online MBA in Minnesota Prepare Me For?
MBA students tailor their degrees with focused electives across many subject areas. MBA students learn about accounting, finance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. An MBA education can be useful for leaders across all fields.
Minnesota is famous for its solid presence in healthcare. Industry giants like Mayo Clinic and Medtronic are headquartered in the state. An online MBA emphasizing Healthcare Management is advantageous for students looking to excel in this sector.
The state is known for its healthy retail sector. Living in Minnesota, you can work for industry-leading companies like Best Buy and Target. An MBA with a retail management or marketing specialization provides graduate students with competitive skills.
Minnesota maintains a burgeoning tech industry. Do you dream of a successful career in medical technology and software development? An online MBA concentration in information systems or technology management would benefit your work in those sectors.
You may not realize that the agricultural industry remains a significant part of Minnesota’s economy as well. An online MBA with an Agribusiness or Supply Chain Management concentration is relevant and satisfying.
How Can You Know When the Timing is Right for an Online MBA in Minnesota?
From a career perspective, an online MBA helps you jump from mid-level positions to management. From a financial perspective, quitting your job is not always possible. This truth is incredibly profound for working professionals caring for family members and juggling other responsibilities.
If you need to keep your current job while advancing your education, consider the convenience and flexibility of a Minnesota MBA program offered entirely online.
Affordable Online MBAs in Minnesota
Online MBA programs in the U.S. can generally run anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000. Our list of top online MBA programs in Minnesota can be found across that entire spectrum. They are available for around $20,000 to almost $90,000.
| School | Affordability |
|---|---|
| University of Minnesota | $$$$ |
| St. Cloud State University | $ |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $$ |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | $$ |
| University of St. Thomas | $$$$ |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | $ |
| Metropolitan State University | $$ |
| St. Catherine University | $$ |
| Bethel University | $$ |
| Walden University | $$$ |
How is an Online MBA Perceived in the Workplace?
On-campus and online MBAs are viewed as valuable credentials across all industries. Employers in the private sector, the government, and nonprofit arenas depend on trained MBAs to manage firms. In many organizations, an MBA is a requirement for career advancement.
Some entities do not require upper-level candidates to have graduate business degrees. However, these organizations benefit from the soft skills and know-how attained through an online MBA program. This advanced educational credential can be the difference-maker when securing a sought-after promotion or new position.
What is an Online MBA Program’s Reputation?
A business school’s reputation is a major factor in the eventual ROI of pursuing a graduate business degree. Make sure your program of choice is regionally accredited. MBA degrees certified by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education or AACSB are excellent choices.
Consider the quality of instruction offered at the business school. Minnesota’s best online MBA degrees have faculty members who bring real-life business experience to their teaching. Top-notch B-schools provide additional support to students, like career coaching and mentoring. You can also research to ensure the program’s alums enjoy career success.
What is the Primary Motivation for Wanting an Online MBA?
Your motivation for pursuing an online MBA in Minnesota will be crucial in deciding whether it is the right move and time for you to earn the credential. Some of the best reasons to pursue an online MBA include:
- Wanting to increase your business knowledge.
- Learning how to manage people.
- Building a competitive advantage.
- Expand your business network and professional connections.
An online MBA is proven to open doors to new opportunities.
Minnesota online MBA programs don’t guarantee success. However, attaining an MBA from a reputable and respected university will give you the specialized skills and knowledge needed to advance your career.
As anyone will tell you, professionals with MBAs or other graduate-level business degrees constantly rise to higher professional jobs.
What are Some Advantages to Pursuing an Online MBA in Minnesota?
An Online MBA Develops Needed Skills
Today’s business world requires professionals with broad skills to succeed in leading organizations and people. An online MBA program allows graduate students to stay up to date on leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and strategic thinking while learning from industry experts. With an online MBA, you can graduate with a sharpened command of business management know-how to solve today’s organizational issues.
No matter your goals, solid leadership is essential to helping you build your career. Online MBA degrees empower you to identify and build on your strengths. You can develop new abilities that will form you as a well-rounded professional.
An Online MBA is a Degree That Pays Off
An MBA graduate’s average income is much higher than that of a worker lacking a degree in higher education. GMAC’s 2021 survey of corporate recruiters showed that over 90% of represented companies planned to hire MBA graduates that year. There was a median projected starting salary of nearly $120,000.
An Online MBA Helps You Develop a Network of Like-Minded Coworkers
Just as much learning happens peer-to-peer as it does from your textbooks in an online MBA. Enrolled students connect with other students, trying to better themselves. All students bring their own experiences and expertise into the virtual classroom. Cohorts form a tight-knit class dedicated to helping each other succeed. After graduation, online MBA students in Minnesota have a network of peers across industries to tap into.
Online MBA programs are a great tool for professionals to use to reach their business goals. Now is the time to decide if a top online MBA in Minnesota is right for you.