Are you hoping to earn a higher salary and progress in your career quickly? If so, you may consider earning a one year online MBA program. Most people still think you get an MBA by moving to live near a school and spending two years of your life grinding it out in class all day. What you may not know is many of the nation’s best programs have part-time, online, and accelerated options for working professionals. These students want to continue working rather than put their lives on hold by returning to school full-time. A one year online MBA program, designed for distance learners who want to graduate quickly, will often help students become more productive at work and in the virtual classroom.
The Nation’s Best One Year Online MBA Programs
An accelerated format does not mean a skimpy curriculum. Online MBA students seeking a one year degree can complete the program in half the time. That fact that it takes half the time doesn’t mean it’s only half as good as a program. You may be interested in getting on an accelerated track to developing your career. If that’s the case, be ready for an MBA experience that will be rigorous and fulfilling. Many accelerated program students build an excellent network quickly because of the program’s pace. You may even find a program with an attractive tuition rate much lower than its traditional two-year counterpart. To aid you in your search, we have compiled 25 of the best one year online MBA programs in the United States.
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Methodology
This 2023 ranking of the 25 best one year online MBA programs is a consensus ranking. This means that we can give a comprehensive overview of the most prestigious degrees around. We do this by combining data from five leading MBA ranking systems: U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Financial Times, and The Economist. We then researched which top hybrid and online MBA programs could be completed in a year. The ranking order was informed by the Consensus Score of the each one year online MBA program. This was found by averaging all ranking data and converting to a 100-point scale. In the event of a tie, the base tuition of each MBA was used as the tie-breaking factor.
An online MBA with an accelerated pace is available at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. The accelerated option is an excellent fit for those with an undergraduate degree in business. Students who graduated in the last seven years will meet the business school’s requirements. Graduate students in UF’s Outreach Engineering Management program are also eligible for this option.
This is one of the best ways to get an MBA at UF. An intentional course modality and an industry-informed curriculum set this program apart. USC Marshall’s one year online MBA stands as the best in the United States.
Baylor University features an accelerated online MBA at the Hankamer School of Business. This program allows distance learners to earn the business degree they’ve always wanted. Online MBA students learn from the same curriculum delivered by the same nationally acclaimed faculty as traditional MBA students.
The esteemed faculty at Baylor is committed to providing leadership skills. Graduate students can expect to gain the relevant business knowledge they need to advance their careers. MBA students can earn their degrees while continuing their career uninterrupted. This program’s completion duration is twelve months. MBA students can choose from several in-demand emphases to gain a competitive edge.
The Kogod School of Business at American University features an exemplary one year online MBA. The [email protected] is for mid-career professionals wanting to learn communication skills and strategic management to help them develop in leadership roles.
The Kogod School of Business takes a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to business education. It prioritizes diversity and recognizes that modern business development requires a global perspective. This online MBA focuses on foundational business practices. It takes advantage of Kogod’s regional location. Students can create new connections within Washington DC during in-person immersions.
A one year online MBA is available at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. This stellar program is comprehensive and unique. It fuses academic, research-intensive learning with practical experiences that prepare students with the skills needed to tackle today’s business issues.
Enrolled students gain decision-making and strategic leadership skills. The curriculum features core marketing, accounting, economics, finance, and leadership skills. Students also learn about operations management, business analytics, and information technology. Online learners can log on when their schedule allows. This excellent program can be completed in twelve months.
Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business offers an online MBA with one year accelerated completion time. OSU’s online MBA is among the highest-ranked, most attractive accredited programs in the United States. It has been specifically designed for motivated, full-time active professionals wanting to engage with fellow students and instructors.
All courses are taught by full-time faculty in the Spears School of Business, who lead coursework on campus. OSU’s 100% online program offers maximum flexibility for students. Distance learners receive the same academic excellence that on-campus students enjoy. Spear’s one year online MBA is easily a top-five program.
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An online MBA with a one year option is available at the College of Business at Bryant University. Enrolled students experience efficiency as they learn asynchronously online. Full-time students earn their entire degree in just one year. The program’s flexibility features five start terms. MBA students can begin the program at their convenience.
A collaborative approach means program leaders offer small class sizes with a low student-faculty ratio. MBA grads become part of Bryant’s extensive alum network of over 50,000 proud graduates. The competitively priced program is a perfect fit for junior and senior professionals with at least five years of qualified work experience. Bryant has designed a high-quality one year online MBA.
An online MBA with an accelerated completion time is offered at Kent State University’s College of Business Administration. The business school’s dynamin distance degree prepares students for responsible leadership in private, nonprofit, and public organizations. Upon completing the online degree, graduates demonstrate a global mindset and competence in problem-solving. Students also gain critical thinking, sustainable management, digital technology, communication, and teamwork training.
Kent State’s curriculum is rigorous and manageable. This distance degree provides many benefits to professionals seeking an online MBA degree. Earning this online MBA allows graduate students to continue working full-time. They continue advancing their skillset and increasing their earning potential.
St. John Fisher College’s School of Business offers a one year online MBA. The MBA curriculum leads enrolled students to better understand current management, accounting, and finance theories. Graduate students gain from the curriculum’s practical applications of these theories and the ethical issues they encounter on the job.
All courses are presented in an online format. The business school’s synchronous learning component results in powerful business connections and networking opportunities. Distance learners meet weekly for interactive sessions with engaged instructors as part of the Fisher Family experience. This thirty-credit program can be completed in a year to bolster career advancement.
The Rawls College of Business Administration at Texas Tech University provides an excellent one year online. This MBA features many customizable options for today’s business students. New students can begin coursework at any time during any semester. Start dates are in January, June, and August. This format gives students the power to start when they are ready.
Tech offers this business program entirely online. There are no campus visits required over the one year format. Regardless of their backgrounds, students will thrive within the comprehensive curriculum. Students gain an in-depth understanding of critical business issues. Program leaders help students develop strategic decision-making skills. Online MBA students will appreciate all this program has to offer.
Fayetteville State University provides a one year online MBA at the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. The business school’s distance education program offers an affordable, flexible way for active professionals to pursue academic goals. Broadwell’s online MBA benefits from industry-best software tools, entirely recorded lectures, and virtual class meetings. Distance learners are always connected to the business community at Fayetteville State University.
The MBA’s core curriculum consists of twenty-seven credit hours and nine-to-twelve elective credit hours. Those hours can be used to acquire an emphasis in one of eleven specific business leadership areas. [email protected] concentrations are designed in line with industry requirements for professionals in various fields. This program gives distance learners an excellent opportunity.
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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin College of Business provides an accelerated online MBA. This online MBA program is one of the most affordable programs researchers will find. The program’s competitive tuition may surprise the value-minded graduate student. Distance learners pay no out-of-state tuition rates. MBA students can earn an affordable degree from anywhere worldwide.
Enrolled students set their learning schedules and complete all coursework wherever it’s convenient for them. All online courses are taught by Ph.D. business professionals who also teach on campus. MBA students can finish their online program in twelve months.
The School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke currently features an accelerated online MBA. This distance degree will help MBA students succeed in any business environment. UNCP’s entirely online Master of Business Administration is a versatile professional degree. UNC Pembroke’s AACSB-accredited MBA helps graduate students earn top business credentials. Graduates advance in their current companies or start new enterprises.
Curriculum designers have included all significant aspects of business, including marketing, accounting, finance, and economics. Enrolled students can expect to develop interpersonal and management skills. They also examine the nature of human behavior and organizational structures and processes. Online MBA students looking for an accelerated program will want to apply to this program.
The Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University provides an excellent one year online MBA. The AACSB accredits this online MBA program. Program graduates enjoy more career options with higher earning potential. They also experience the confidence to grow their professional careers in any business environment.
A 100% online MBA program format means students do not travel to the school’s campus. The degree is designed to equip future business executives for success in the competitive workforce. This program stresses broad preparation in competencies business executives exercise. Enrolled students also experience practical insight with case methods and simulations embedded in the coursework. Kelce leaders offer an affordable one year online MBA that checks all the boxes.
Emporia State University’s School of Business provides an excellent one year online MBA. This degree benefits from AACSB accreditation and a 100% online delivery. Emporia State’s online MBA gives students a top-quality, rigorous business education at a value. The online program is delivered within accelerated, seven-week courses.
Seasoned faculty with real-world experience guide students through dynamic lessons. All program requirements can be satisfied in one year. Graduate students in the program gain a reasonable understanding of business management practices. Emporia State’s case study-driven coursework means MBA students can apply what they learn in the workplace immediately. It’s time to take the plunge into solid business leadership.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s John Massey School of Business features a solid online one year MBA. Southeastern Oklahoma State online students prepare for success through an online, accelerated MBA curriculum. The Master of Business Administration provides essential business skills in finance, strategic management, and marketing. Enrolled students add specialization courses in their chosen fields.
The AACSB accredits the online MBA program. Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online general MBA prepares students for business leadership in the corporate workforce. This emphasis helps students meet and exceed MBA graduate expectations. MBA students develop skills and competencies through applied business projects with a course covering all aspects of entrepreneurship. Get ready for a game-changing program.
The School of Business & Industry at Jacksonville State University features a one year online MBA. Two options are available at JSU. Students can pursue the MBA General program or the MBA with an Accounting concentration. The Department of Political Science and Public Administration features an Administrative Management option within the Master of Public Administration.
Graduate students seeking this one year online MBA have access to research opportunities. MBA students learn under the supervision of the business school’s seasoned instructors. The curriculum is loaded with real-world case studies through the College’s Small Business Development Center. MBA students looking for internships will acquire on-the-job work experience. This one year program offers a lot of bang for the buck.
A top one year online MBA is delivered at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business. This MBA program is designed to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in management, executive, and supervisory positions. Graduates will be qualified for roles in many businesses.
This professional online MBA degree emphasizes the application of behavioral, analytical, and technical tools to solve organizational issues. The core courses teach concepts across all business disciplines. Specialized electives allow students to hone their skills in the areas that interest them. Leadership and teamwork with entrepreneurial approaches are integrated throughout the quality program.
The College of Business Administration at Nicholls State University provides a top one year online MBA. Graduate students can enroll on a full or part-time basis. The full-time track allows for degree completion in one year. Students complete twelve hours in the fall/spring semesters and six hours in the summer term. The part-time track allows for completion in a minimum of 18 months. That scenario involves completing six-to-nine hours per semester until completion.
Continuous enrollment in coursework is not required. All program participants are exposed to the same curriculum and faculty. They pursue identical learning goals and objectives. Admission into this one year online program requires an application for admission and completing an undergraduate degree from a college/university. Online MBA students will want to research this stellar program.
A top online MBA with an accelerated completion rate is available at Louisiana State University Shreveport’s College of Business. This program makes sense, whatever one’s career goals. The online MBA at LSU Shreveport will guide students through a top-shelf academic journey.
Current working professionals and those ready for a fulfilling career in a new profession will want to enroll. All MBA students benefit from the valuable management insights within this degree program at LSUS College of Business. Throughout the coursework, MBA students will develop a comprehensive understanding of organizational strategy. Enrolled distance learners gain leadership and management experience. They learn how to apply tools in various business settings. Louisiana State University Shreveport’s one year program is one to watch.
The College of Business at Clayton State University features a top-notch one year online MBA. Enrolled students take courses at their own pace with the flexibility of online learning. Clayton State’s online business program allows MBA students to customize their studies.
Students choose which program they want to master. Clayton’s Master of Business Administration offers specializations in Accounting and Digital Marketing. Students can also select a General Business, Human Resource Leadership, or International Business focus. Supply Chain Management students will also find a concentration. This online graduate program can be completed in one year. Degree completion may take longer depending on semester credits and the selected emphasis. Clayton State’s MBA offers flexibility and an accelerated pace.
The University of Central Arkansas College of Business provides an MBA with an online format and a one year duration. This MBA program offers graduate students a pathway to accelerated career advancement. Graduates can enter a new profession and many new, fulfilling opportunities. MBA students are equipped with the critical thinking skills and technical knowledge needed to thrive in the business world.
Best of all, the 30-hour program can be completed in twelve months. Classes are featured in person during evening hours. Online courses meet the demands of working adults. This stellar degree can be earned entirely online if that is the student’s preference.
An exemplary online one year MBA is featured at the University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business. This program offers interactive instruction and experiential learning. Enrolled students develop their ability to think critically and creatively within business leadership.
This is an attractively priced, entirely online MBA degree program. The distance degree will help graduates take on leadership roles in any business. MBA students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for success as innovative company managers, directors, or VPs. The University of Southern Indiana’s interactive online MBA is excellent. It prepares students to engage in issues where business and society intersect strategically.
An accelerated online MBA is delivered at Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Business. Students can earn this flexible, convenient MBA program by completing a ten-course program. Students can work through courses entirely online or utilize a hybrid of online and on-campus education.
This one year online program is designed for working professionals’ needs. Courses are offered in the evenings. The core and elective courses in the program are selected based on employer demand. All MBA students may complete the MBA in a year. Completion time varies from three semesters when starting in the Fall term. This distance degree is unique.
The College of Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi provides an excellent online one year MBA. Enrolled students develop the technology, communications, and analytical skills they need to surpass new career levels. Distance learners enrich their earning potential. This program is for students wanting to realize their full capabilities as business leaders.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi provides excellent faculty and engaging instruction. The business school performs ground-breaking research. Online students experience the prestige of a coveted university degree when they graduate. The College of Business doesn’t offer just another MBA program—it provides a distinctive edge.
Longwood University’s College of Business & Economics offers a one year online MBA. Enrolled students step into a future built on their strengths and engineered to increase success. Longwood University’s entirely online MBA is flexible, affordable, and nationally acclaimed.
The business school fosters a sterling academic reputation. Program leaders empower achievement through rigorous coursework. The convenient online format is ideal for working professionals. This one year MBA program’s core curriculum includes strategic thinking and decision-making lessons. Graduate students enjoy technological insights and advancements that factor into leadership. MBA students learn about interpersonal and intergroup conflict and resolution. This one year online program is a diamond in the rough.
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What is a One Year Online MBA?
A one year online Master of Business Administration is an advanced business degree. It provides theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to individuals interested in pursuing a high-level business position. Traditionally, MBA programs take two years of full-time study to complete. Students seeking the degree as part-time learners may take three or more years of study.
But today’s MBA students can consider an online program. These stellar degrees give students access to the nation’s best MBA programs without them having to move. Add an accelerated format to the distance degree, and you have the popular one year online MBA. This program is ideal for working professionals looking for a rigorous curriculum and an accelerated completion time.
Another benefit to the one year online MBA is the lower tuition rate potential. Due to the high cost of continuing education tuition, some organizations pay all or part of the expenses associated with the degree. This payment program can reward high-performing employees and encourage MBA students to stay in their current roles once they graduate. Online or part-time MBA programs often feature lower costs and more flexible course schedules.
What Can I Expect From an Online MBA?
An MBA program features courses that address various business aspects. Students are exposed to lessons on marketing, business operations, and management. Some excellent programs also allow specialization in a specific business or industry sector. MBA students can add a concentration on real estate, social media marketing, sports management, and other emphases for a customized program.
Earning an MBA is excellent for individuals who want to transition into a new industry or gain a senior manager or business executive position.
Online MBA Grad Experience
When I was researching possible Online MBA programs, I had a list of priorities to narrow down my search. I ended up pursuing an Online MBA at a university over two thousand miles away from me. What made it possible was the online format. I was able to maintain my personal and professional obligations while pursuing my degree. I then graduated with knowledge, vocabulary, and experience in business management to move forward in my career. I was able to gain leadership in large organizations, launch a product and brand, and eventually run my own business.
How do I Apply to a One Year Online MBA?
Candidates will need to address requirements when they apply for an MBA. Here are the typical requirements for business school acceptance:
An Undergraduate Degree in Business
Applicants with a business bachelor’s degree are primed for a one year online MBA. These students have already taken some coursework that could allow them to waive foundational courses. Students with a communications, engineering, or a degree in a related field can also look good to admissions representatives.
A Healthy Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
Not all business schools require placement test scores from applicants. These test scores have served programs over the years to help ensure that candidates are forecasted to do well throughout the program’s duration. Not all business school students perform well on standardized tests. Many schools now offer waivers or lean on other components of a candidate’s application.
Professional Work Experience
Some say there is no greater teacher than experience. Business schools are attracted to candidates who have experience “in the trenches” of business leadership. One year online MBA students are often already working and not interested in putting their careers on hold for education. Most MBA programs prefer that applicants have at least five years of quality business leadership under their belts.
Business References
It’s not what you know but who you know. Well-connected program candidates are attractive to business schools as these students have made a positive impression on past professors and employers. Letters of recommendation are a staple to many business school applications.
What is the Difference Between a Traditional MBA and a One Year Online MBA?
Here are some of the ways a one year online MBA differs from other MBA programs:
One Year Online MBA Programs Require Less Time
The most essential characteristic of the one year online MBA is the time it takes to complete it. These distance degrees are intensive programs. Enrolled students complete them in an educational sprint of consecutive months. A traditional full-time program usually takes two years. It may also include some breaks between terms. Part-time MBA students often take three to four years to complete a degree. They also have periodic breaks. The traditional route of an online MBA allows the possibility of working while pursuing the degree. One year online students can also choose to work while completing their degrees. But they must remember that the pace is fast, and the work is rigorous.
One Year Online MBA Programs Seek a Unique Target Audience
The optimal student for a one year online MBA is a mid-career professional returning to school to earn a degree that will help advance her career. Compared to other MBA programs commonly seated by recent college graduates, there may be more older students with experience in business management. College graduates wishing to earn an MBA but interested in saving time and money will discover the one year program has a lot to offer.
One Year Online MBA Programs Feature Excellent Student Opportunities
At first glance, you may think an accelerated program offers fewer opportunities commonly associated with graduate school. With being an off-campus program, you might think this MBA limits students’ exposure to quality networking. The truth is distance degrees feature many networking opportunities for students. Enrolled MBA students can meet with professionals and other students virtually. They can gain experience working for organizations in the United States and abroad.
How Does a One Year MBA Stack Up Against a Two Year Program?
Accelerated Students Run Through the Term
One year and two-year MBA programs are comprehensive programs. But besides the obvious time difference, they are unique in a few ways. A traditional two-year program consists of 18 months of full-time academic study. Traditional two-year students break for holidays. One year programs typically run for 11-13 months. Students are responsible for an intensive study period with no significant breaks.
Curriculum
Another difference between the two programs is the curriculum. Many two-year MBA programs offer a broad range of courses to their students. These programs also feature more specializations. Two-year MBA degrees provide professional working opportunities. Study-abroad residencies are standard within these programs. An internship can be featured as a requirement for completion. The one year online MBA is shorter. It typically won’t allow for similar opportunities.
Why Should I Consider a One Year MBA?
An accelerated online MBA offers some excellent benefits over a traditional program. Here are some things that set this degree apart:
The Pace of a One Year Online MBA
The rapid pace of a one year distance degree is a tremendous advantage for students wanting to graduate early. The intensity of the program leaves less time for enrolled students to idle. MBA students can remain better focused. Some distance learners find it easier to concentrate in a learning environment that forgoes periods of inactivity. One year students often maintain interest in their study topics and retain what they learn.
The Financial Responsibility of a One Year Online MBA
The shorter study length typically means a lower cost of education. One year program students pay for only twelve months of learning. This term amounts to slightly over two semesters’ worth of work. Two-year full-time students pay for at least four semesters of coursework. One year students can save a significant amount on tuition expenses for their graduate education.
The Opportunity Expense of a One Year Online MBA
There’s a lower opportunity sacrifice for a one year online program. Besides money, students must think about opportunities they may miss because of business school. Specifically, they are responsible for only one year of having their schedules affected by online education.
A one year online MBA has many advantages for today’s business students. A quick online search for high-quality programs across the nation will yield favorable results for the program researcher. If you are ready to up your game in business, an accelerated online MBA may be just what the doctor ordered.
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