The 15 Best Missouri Online MBA Degree Programs

The world of online MBA programs is vast. Without the constraints of location, it can feel overwhelming to sift through so many program options. There are so many factors to consider. Do you need something that is 100 percent online? Perhaps you’d prefer some periods of in-person contact, such as an initial orientation or possibly monthly weekend seminars. Perhaps a synchronous program is the right fit for you; because you thrive on the structure of attending a class at the same time and day, even though you can attend class from your kitchen table, a hotel room, or at the airport. For others, a greater level of flexibility is a necessity, and asynchronous is the way to go. As long as you complete your coursework, it genuinely doesn’t matter where or when you do it. These are some of the multitudes of reasons that an online MBA program, like the ones listed in this ranking of the Best Missouri Online MBA programs, might be a great fit. Especially for those working professionals who are balancing a career with educational goals and life priorities, the flexibility of an online MBA program can make all the sense in the world.

In this ranking of the best Missouri online MBA programs, you’ll find 15 online MBA programs that are all regionally accredited. Each program is unique, which is great because each person’s experiences, interests, and career goals are unique, too. Most of these programs are entirely online. However, some do have in-person requirements, and others are hybrid programs. A lot of these programs also offer concentrations, specializations, or emphases, allowing students to tailor their online MBA experience to their particular needs. While general online MBA programs are excellent for laying sturdy foundations for business leaders, these concentrations help students hone in, gaining skills and experience specific to their area of expertise.

So while there is a myriad of online MBA programs to choose from, this ranking brings the best of what Missouri has to offer, making the choice just a little easier. All these programs have business professionals in mind, helping students balance their educational goals with work and life.

Methodology

The question of cost can be the biggest hindrance to choosing an online MBA program. And it’s only fair to want to make sure you’re getting the highest quality program for the best price. To help bring clarity to what’s often an unclear choice, MBA Central has sifted through all the online MBA programs in Missouri and narrowed it down to the top 15. Data was collected from sources including the Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report, Quacquarelli Symonds, The Princeton Review, and The National Center for Education Statistics. These top 15 were chosen for their quality of classes (33%), affordability (33%), and support services (33%) and then given an affordability score ranging from very affordable to expensive. This score is based on the school’s base tuition rate for their online MBA program. The score breakdowns are as follows:

Very Affordable: below $15,000
Affordable: $15,000 – $19,999
Average: $20,000 – $29,999
Above Average: $30,000 – $49,000
Expensive: $50,000 – $99,999
Very Expensive: $100,000+

#1 Southeast Missouri State University Harrison College of Business & Computing – Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University offers online MBA programs in General Management, Sport Management, and Health Administration. Courses are entirely online, but they have a clear beginning and end date, offering flexibility inside of structure. This is a 33-credit program. All students take seven common core courses during the program plus an additional three courses that are specific to their area of study. Topics within this program include strategic marketing, quantitative and qualitative research methods, the financial environment, strategic decision making, and managing and leading human capital. In short, the foundational knowledge for every business leader. The length of study depends on if a student is enrolled full-time, pursuing a dual degree, or taking summer classes.

Interested candidates must have passed five prerequisite courses with at least a C before starting the program, though they will be provisionally admitted. These courses are generally covered in undergraduate business programs. To apply, interested students must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in addition to GRE scores of at least 147 for verbal and quantitative reasoning and at least 3.5 for analytical writing. Alternatively, students must have at least 1,000 when multiplying their grade point average with their GMAT score (which must be over 500). The GMAT score may be waived under certain conditions. Incoming students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited business program or completed equivalent work in another program. The Harrison College of Business and Computing is accredited by the AACSB, while the Higher Learning Commission fully accredits Southeast Missouri State University. This is a very affordable program, with tuition under $15,000. It has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #131 of the best online MBA program in the country. They have also ranked Southeast Missouri State at #60 in the country for the quality of support offered to its online and non-traditional students.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#2 Lindenwood Univeristy Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship – Saint Charles, Missouri

Lindenwood University offers one of the best Missouri Online MBA programs, which can be completed either on-campus or fully online, depending on students’ needs. This program’s emphasis is on management. Students must complete anywhere from 39 to 54 credits to earn their degree. Twenty-seven credits cover nine core business classes. These core courses cover topics that all business leaders build their studies upon. Topics include financial policy, marketing principles and issues, management practices, and managerial accounting. Students will also include a quantitative course and a capstone course that students complete during their final term. Twelve credits are fulfilled through electives. These elective courses for the purely online MBA program must come from the management emphasis. However, if online MBA students wish, they may fulfill their electives in other emphasis areas on campus, though the rest of the program may be done online. There are a wide variety of other emphases available in this mixed format, including accounting, entrepreneurial studies, finance, healthcare administration, human resource management, international business, leadership, marketing, nonprofit administration, project management, sport management, and supply chain management. For students without previous business education, up to 15 credits of foundation courses may be required.

The online MBA program at Lindenwood University, which is offered through the Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship, is ranked by U.S. News & World Report at #179 for best online MBA programs in the country. They have also ranked Lindenwood at #40 for best student support services for non-traditional and online students. This is an important factor for prospective students to consider. Strong support services testify that online students are integrated within a college and are seen as valued members within the overall educational community within the school. To be considered for admission to Lindenwood’s online MBA program, applicants must submit an online application, a resume, a letter of intent, official transcripts, and GMAT scores with at least a 500. This is an affordable program with tuition under $20,000.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#3 Park University College of Management – Parkville, Missouri

Park University’s College of Management has a flexible online MBA program that allows students to earn their degree either entirely online or a combination of online and in-person at one of their campuses in Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, California, or Texas. This is a 33 credit program that students can complete in as little as 15 months. Courses for this online MBA program are offered in an eight-week, accelerated format, allowing for faster degree completion. Important core business courses that all students will cover include strategic management, organization behavior and leadership, business law and ethics, and accounting for management decisions. Concentrations are available in Disaster Emergency Management, Finance, Global Business, Global Executive, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, Management Accounting, Management Information Systems, Project Management, and Quality and Innovation Management. This is a collaborative program, with students working together on training projects, case study analyses, and real-life experiences. It also provides students opportunities to network with possible employers. Class ratios are generally 18:1, which is an average size and allows faculty to provide attention to all their students.

Incoming students do not need to hold an undergraduate business degree to be accepted. However, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college is required, along with a grade point average of at least 2.75. Those with lower grade point averages may be considered conditionally. To remain enrolled, conditionally accepted students must maintain a B average for the first six credits. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Park University at #60 for best student support services for its non-traditional and online students. In addition, they have also ranked Park’s online MBA program as #213 of the best online MBA programs in the country. With tuition under $20,000, this program is affordable among online MBA programs. With an affordable tuition, flexible curriculum, and esteemed accreditation, this Missouri online MBA is a great asset for any future business leader.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#4 University of Central Missouri Harmon College of Business – Warrensburg, Missouri

The University of Central Missouri’s Harmon College of Business offers a 33-credit online MBA program. Students may choose a concentration in healthcare administration, international business, marketing, and sports business. There is also a general business track. The program is broken into three credits of foundation courses, 12 of core courses, and 18 in a student’s chosen area of emphasis. Each course requires students to complete both a written and oral presentation. Students also complete a capstone course during their final semester in the program. The focus that UCM takes throughout their curriculum is to make sure students have a strong business foundation that helps them identify problems and opportunities and strategically find an ethical course of action and to effectively communicate, lead, and inspire teams. U.S. News & World Report ranked this online MBA program at #83 for the country’s best online MBA programs. The university has also been ranked by U.S. News & World Report for best student support services for online and non-traditional students, coming in at #131.

There are six start dates each year. Students interested in applying for the online MBA program at the University of Central Missouri must have a 2.5 undergraduate grade point average or higher, a GMAT score of at least 450, or a GRE score of 300 or more for verbal and quantitative. In total, the minimum admission score must be at least 1050. However, GMAT and GRE scores may be waived for students with a master’s degree from another AACSB-accredited school, an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited school with at least a 3.5-grade point average, or a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. This is an affordable program; tuition for the 33 credits is under $20,000. This cost of this online MBA program is the same for both on-campus and online students, giving students the opportunity to choose their delivery mode throughout the duration of their program.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#5 Missouri State University College of Business – Springfield, Missouri

The College of Business at Missouri State University offers an online MBA program in an entirely online format. Missouri State combined flexibility, affordability, and the highest business accreditation standard to make their program stand out from the rest. Most students enrolled in this program are working professionals. Students must take 18 hours of foundation business courses, which equals six courses. However, these courses may be waived for those students with business degrees. The rest of the online MBA is made up of 33 credits. Twenty-four credits come from core coursework, and the remaining nine are fulfilled through a three-credit seminar and six credits of electives. For no additional credits, students may also choose to earn College of Business certificates in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Analysis, Forensic Accounting, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, or Tax Accounting. Instead of the seminar and one elective, a student may choose to complete a six-credit thesis. This program requires a lot of writing, with a significant writing project needed for each core course. An executive MBA program might be available for a cohort of students who each have at least five years of professional business experience.

Decisions on admissions to Missouri State’s AACSB-accredited online MBA program are made on a rolling basis. Applying students need to submit official transcripts, official GMAT or GRE scores, a resume showing professional working experience, and an application. GMAT scores may be waived for those applicants who meet the requirements of grade point averages and past business school experience. Unlike some schools, tuition for the online MBA program at Missouri State is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. This is a very affordable program; tuition is less than $10,000. This online MBA program has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report at #179 in it’s best online MBA program ranking. It also ranked Missouri State at #248 of best student support services for online and non-traditional students.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#6 Missouri University of Science & Technology College of Arts, Sciences, and Business – Rolla, Missouri

Missouri University of Science & Technology offers an MBA program students complete entirely online through the College of Arts, Science, and Business. Most classes in the 36-credit program are done asynchronously, with courses recorded and archived so students may refer to them later. Students complete seven core courses, which earn them 21 credits. Fifteen more credits are completed through elective coursework. Students may also opt to complete a Graduate Certificate to fulfill these elective credits. These graduate certificates are birthed out of the university’s strength in science and technology, offering professionals a wide range of interesting subjects to pursue. Graduate Certificate topics include Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience, Mobile Business and Technology, Business Analytics and Data Science, Digital Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, and much more. Over the course of their program, students work in teams to complete business cases, simulations, and projects assigned to them by actual companies. Most online MBA students take one to two courses each semester, which allows them to complete their program in three to four years.

To apply for this online MBA program with Missouri University of Science & Technology, interested students must submit an application, a statement of purpose, transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. Students need GMAT scores of at least 550 or GRE scores of at least 290. This is a highly ranked program, coming in at #88 for U.S. News & World Report’s best online MBA programs. They have also ranked Missouri University of Science & Technology at #202 for best online and non-traditional student support services, which is a huge plus for online MBA students. In terms of affordability, this program ranks at an above-average price; tuition is around $45,000. The AACSB has accredited this online MBA program at the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. Meanwhile, Missouri University of Science & Technology holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Above Average

#7 Northwest Missouri State University Graduate School – Maryville, Missouri

In 12 to 18 months, students can earn their online MBA degrees at Northwest Missouri State University. Offered through the Graduate School, programs are offered in management, marketing, human resource management, and data analytics, as well as a general MBA program. These are all 30-credit programs. Core coursework makes up 21 of those 30 credits. The remaining nine credits go toward courses specific to the track the student is following. Students in the general MBA get to tailor their elective studies to include topics like Quality Improvement Techniques, Global Marketing Management, Organizational Training and Development, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In total, students take 10 classes in this program. For those students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in business, a business foundation course is also necessary, so they are set up for success in this online MBA program.

This is a very affordable program at under $15,000 for tuition and all other fees (excluding a $50 application fee). There are multiple start dates offered for this online MBA program throughout the year. Tuition also remains the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. To help with the financial burden, students have the option of paying for each of their courses upon enrollment instead of in a lump sum. Interested students must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. To apply, applicants must submit transcripts, an online application, and a resume. GRE or GMAT scores are needed, but it is possible to have them waived with appropriate work experience, military service, a previously earned graduate degree, or a high score on the Business Major Field Test. This online MBA program at Northwest Missouri State University has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report at #245 of the best online MBA programs in the nation.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#8 William Woods University Graduate College – Fulton, Missouri

William Woods University offers an online MBA program designed to be completed in two years or even less by working professionals in a fully online format. This program is run through the Graduate School and gives students the option to focus on Small Business or Global Business. This program is perfect for the budding entrepreneur. For entrepreneurs that are looking for a strong foundation in today’s global business climate, and need a program that can fit into the busy life that juggles a full-time job, family/personal life, and a small business, this online MBA can fit the bill. The entire program is composed of 12 classes worth 36 credits in total. This includes a capstone project, which students present to a panel of business experts to complete. Students will learn how to build smart, results-oriented teams and take calculated risks and make intelligent decisions through a balance of theoretical and practical coursework. Courses include Financial Decisions; Managerial Ethics; Management and Leadership; Business Strategies; and Legal Environment for Business, Government, and Society. This is an ACBSP-accredited program.

For those students who stay enrolled continuously in this online MBA program, William Woods will not raise their tuition for the duration of their program, even if the price otherwise goes up. In addition, this is a very affordable program, with tuition coming in well under $15,000. There are also online course fees. U.S. News & World Report ranked this online MBA program at William Woods at #245 best online MBA programs in the country. To apply, interested students must turn in an application, official transcripts, and have at least three undergraduate hours of accounting and three of economics. These are courses that William Woods provides online if applicants have not yet completed this requirement. An applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be at least 2.5. There is no application fee to apply.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Very Affordable

#9 Columbia College School of Business Administration – Columbia, Missouri

Columbia College’s online MBA program is aimed at working professionals who are new to their careers in small or medium-sized organizations and prepares them for upper management. Emphases are offered in Accounting and Human Resource Management. It is important to note that for those interested in the Accounting emphasis, an undergraduate accounting degree is necessary. After finishing this advanced coursework, graduates will be prepared to launch an accounting career and sit for the CPA test. HR Management emphasis delves into the main aspects of the effect HR manager. Topics in this emphasis include recruitment, selection and placement strategies; employment law; and management of compensation and benefits. This program is offered through the School of Business Administration and can be completed entirely online. Twelve credits of foundation coursework must be completed at the start of the program. These courses, paired with 24 credits of core courses, make this a 36-credit program. Exciting Graduate Core Course topics include business communication theory and practice, international business, and information systems for management. One of the core courses is a capstone class, which students take at the end of their program and must earn at least a B to graduate. Those students enrolled in the Accounting emphasis need to take only nine foundation course credits and 21 core course credits. The remaining six credits are electives. Human Resource emphasis students take 12 credits of foundation courses, 15 of core courses, and a remaining nine credits of electives.

In terms of cost, Columbia College’s online MBA program is affordable, with tuition coming in at under $20,000. U.S. News & World Report ranked this program as #245 of the best online MBA programs in the U.S. Those students who would like to apply must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited school and have graduated with at least a 3.0-grade point average. Transcripts, an application with a narrative component, a 300-500 word personal essay, and a resume showing related work experience are all required. Newly graduated undergraduates are encouraged to spend several years working before applying. Conditional admission is possible for those who do not meet the 3.0-grade point average requirement.

Acred.: HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#10 University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management – Kansas City, Missouri

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a Professional MBA program that is offered in a unique online format. Nine core classes of 27 credits make up the bulk of the curriculum for this online PMBA program, which is run through the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. The remaining 12 credits of this 39-credit program are fulfilled through electives. The unifying core topics that students cover within this MBA include strategic management in the globalized world; corporate entrepreneurship and innovation; supply chain and operations management; and leading and managing people, teams, and organizations. UMKC does not offer any concentrations or specializations for this PMBA, but instead, students get to select from a wide range of topics to tailor their studies to their interests, skills, and future career goals. Students participate in online lectures that are accessible asynchronously. There are also “engagement activities” that students may choose to participate in either online or in-person at scheduled times. This program uses project-based opportunities for its students so they may implement what they’re learning in a hands-on way.

Students interested in applying to the online PMBA should have at least two years of full-time professional experience. However, recent graduates who have very clear goals for their careers and are already working full-time may be considered for admission. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is necessary to apply as well as a 450-GMAT score or higher or a GRE score of equivalent value. However, waivers are available for those with strong experience and academic backgrounds. All applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume, a one-page goal statement, and an application and fee. While students may begin the program in the summer, they are encouraged to start in either the fall or spring semesters. This is an affordable program; tuition is under $20,000. Graduate students can apply for financial aid, as well.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

#11 Maryville University John E. Simon School of Business – Saint Louis, Missouri

Maryville University has an online MBA program that has zero campus visits required, making it one of the most flexible degrees in the country. Students are able to pick from 12 concentrations. The accounting, human resource management, cybersecurity, project management concentrations prepare students for additional certifications. The remaining offered certifications are business data analytics, information technology, marketing, emerging and digital media, financial services, health administration, and software development. Students who do not choose to complete a concentration will complete the program in one year. This program requires at least 36 credits to complete. All students complete 27 credits of required courses. Topics within these courses include corporate financial policies, business ethics, global business, business policies, and organizational behavior and development. Students pursuing a concentration complete another 12 credits, while those on the general MBA track must complete only nine additional credits.

The designers and administrators of this MBA program have intentionally created this degree with accessibility in mind. This online MBA program, offered through the John E. Simon School of Business, has six start times throughout the year, so there is not better time to start applying for your future degree. No GMAT or GRE scores are needed for applicants to apply, so months and years of preparation do not hinder applicants. In addition, unlike many programs, there is no application fee. Students also do not need to have any kind of business background to apply. However, there are admission prerequisites in financial accounting and statistics. To apply, students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit official transcripts, an online application, and a personal letter of interest. This online MBA program at Maryville is ranked at #245 by U.S. News & World Report for best online MBA programs. At around $25,000 for tuition for this online MBA, this program is of average affordability. This online MBA program has ACBSP accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits Maryville University.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Average

#12 Webster University Walker School of Business and Technology – Saint Louis, Missouri

Webster University offers students the flexibility of an online MBA degree as well as the option to combine online with in-person learning experiences. For students who choose not to pursue an emphasis and instead go with a general MBA, this is a compact 36-credit program. However, this online MBA program, which is run by the Walker School of Business and Technology, has emphasis options including Corporate Finance, Digital Marketing Management, Environmental Management, Gerontology, Health Administration, International Relations, Media Communications, and Project Management. The addition of an emphasis bumps the required number of credits up to 39-57, depending on the emphasis chosen. Those students who have earned an ACBSP-accredited degree at Webster within the past five years have the option of waiving up to six credits of electives, which drops the number of required credits to 30 and allows students to earn their online MBA in just one year. A capstone project completes this online MBA program, giving students the opportunity to synthesize everything they learned. The Walker School understands that business must not just be taught but also be practiced, which is why this program is built the way it is. It is built with hands-on-projects built-in, like the capstone course, but also with the knowledge that most students are incorporating the skills and tools learned on a daily basis in their current jobs. This immediacy is capitalized as a strength of the program and used to enhance every student’s experience.

Tuition for the online MBA at Webster is under $30,000, which still makes it an average program in terms of affordability. It is also ranked at #245 by U.S. News & World Report in their ranking of best online MBA programs in the nation. Generally speaking, to apply for a graduate program at Webster University, applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. There are also three prerequisite classes, totaling nine credits that students should have completed before beginning the online MBA program at Webster.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Average

#13 University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Business Administration – Saint Louis, Missouri

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers its students the options of a FlexMBA program and a Professional MBA program with online components. The PMBA is what UMSL calls an “internet enhanced program.” It’s an accelerated program for professionals with some work experience under their belts. It does have in-person components with on-campus weekend classes once per month and a seven- to 10-day study abroad trip in the second year of the program. The rest of the time, students are doing their work online. This is a 21-month program that requires 42 credits. It is run as in a cohort structure. The FlexMBA gives students the option of enrolling online, in the evenings, or a hybrid of the two. This program is anywhere from 30 to 45 credits depending on a student’s previous coursework. Students have six years to finish this FlexMBA program. Emphasizes are available for this option in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, and Operations Management. While there are many things to set each program apart, the foundational business and management concepts that every business leader ties both of these curriculums. Shared core topics include production and operations management; law, ethics, and business; managing people in organizations, and financial and managerial accounting.

The tuition of the almost 600 online MBA programs across the country ranges from tuition free to almost $150,000. This program is of average affordability, with tuition around $20,000. UMSL strategically combines its accessible tuition price with the highest business accreditation, AACSB in both accounting and business. This combination makes the best business education possible for the average professional. To apply, students need to complete the graduate application and pay the $50 fee. Transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, letters of recommendation, and GMAT scores are all required to be considered for admittance. GMAT waivers are available for those with the necessary professional experience or educational background. Applicants may apply in the fall, spring, or summer.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Average

#14 Drury University Breech School of Business Administration – Springfield, Missouri

The Breech School of Business Administration recently launched the start of their unique online MBA. This program was developed with engagement in mind, with synchronous courses that meet in the evenings, which allow for real-time dialog with classmates and professors. Classes are mixed with online and in-person students and capped at 30 people, allowing for an intimate learning environment. Through their coursework, students complete case studies and “client-focused” projects in this 30-credit program. The leadership core covers topics like measuring and reporting financial and statistical information, strategic advantage through technology and information, and corporate investment and valuation. A Cybersecurity Leadership Certificate may also be paired with this online MBA program for an additional six credits. For those students who do not have the necessary prerequisite coursework, a five-week MBA Boot Camp is offered during the summer. The Global Business, New Ventures, and Innovations class requires students to attend a nine-day study abroad trip to Greece at the end of their program as the culminating experience. However, the cost of this trip is included in the tuition cost. All incoming students must also participate in an overnight orientation at the beginning of their program. This orientation covers information on advising and course preparation as well as team-building exercises.

Drury’s online MBA program is average in terms of its affordability; the cost of tuition is under $25,000. Interested applicants need to complete an online application and a $25 fee. Official transcripts and a 500-word personal statement are also part of the application process. Students must also request two professional or academic letters of reference. GMAT scores of at least 450 from no longer than three years from applying are required. However, those with significant professional experience and a grade point average of at least 3.5 may stand in place of GMAT scores. Interested students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute of higher learning.

Acred.: AACSB, HLC
A.S.: Average

#15 Southwest Baptist University Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Computer Science – Bolivar, Missouri

Southwest Baptist University rounds out this top Missouri Online MBA ranking with an MBA offered in two different formats, an online professional track and a hybrid residential track. This MBA program consists of 37-credit hours. Students take 34 hours of core coursework over 12 classes. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and analytical skills alongside interpersonal communication, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and leadership. Topics in this core block of classes include management information systems and e-commerce, ethics and critical thinking in business administration, entrepreneurship, organizational behavior and servant leadership, and the history of management thought. Students may also choose to add a Health Administration concentration which adds an extra 12 credits across four classes. This concentration is intended for anyone in a management position who wants to work in the healthcare industry. Courses within this concentration include quality and safety in health care, organizational analysis and innovation, and advanced health care leadership and administration. Those students who choose not to pursue the Health Administration concentration instead take one additional class, Global Business Practice, and Opportunity. This course gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on global business problems and opportunities, which ends in a culminating course project or one-week international trip. This online MBA program is aimed at working professionals and can be a completely online program, offering the highest amount of flexibility for its students. While it is possible to complete this program in just one year, most students, because they are working at the same time as attending school, complete it in two years instead.

This online MBA program, run through the Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Computer Science, is based on competency admissions, meaning that prerequisite courses may be waived based upon assessment tests. Neither the GRE nor GMAT is required for acceptance to the program, saving every applicant time and money. Mentioned extensively on their website, SBU is a Christian institution with programs that are designed around a “Christ-centered perspective.” SBU’s online MBA program is affordable with a base tuition less than $20,000.

Acred.: ACBSP, HLC
A.S.: Affordable

Living in Missouri

There is definitely something to be said about the cost of living in Missouri. CNBC ranked Missouri as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. in 2019. In fact, Joplin, Missouri, has the lowest real estate prices nationwide. The average home price is under $300,000, and a dozen eggs are less than $1.50. 

Things to Do in Missouri

Eat some barbeque

Folks in St. Louis eat more barbeque than in any other city. Though considering Kansas City, Missouri has been known for its barbeque since 1908 with Henry Perry, “Father of Kansas City BBQ,” made his out of the back of an old railroad car, it’s safe to say that the state, in general, is nuts over their smoked meats.

Museums and More in St. Louis

St. Louis has an amazing deal. You can see the Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Science Center. Of course, you can also visit the Gateway Arch while you’re there. This 630-foot arch in Gateway Arch National Park on the western bank of the Mississippi River is referred to by many “The Gateway to the West.” For better or worse, it is a monument to western expansion. 

Visit Branson

Branson, Missouri, is perhaps the entertainment capital of the Midwest. It’s home to a variety of theaters such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede and those along 76 Country Boulevard. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, it’s one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. 

Visit the Ozarks

While you’re down in southern Missouri visiting Branson, you may as well stop and enjoy the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Tour Missouri’s wineries, if that’s your thing. That’s right! Missouri has wineries, and prior to prohibition was one of the largest wine-producing states in the U.S. For those readers who loved Little House on the Prairie and the other books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you can tour her Ozark home in Mansfield, Missouri. 

Working in Missouri

In the heart of the Midwest, Missouri is home to a number of large employers who are headquartered in the Show-Me State. For online MBA graduates, Missouri offers a wide variety of business opportunities, from car rentals with Enterprise to dog food with Purina to baking with Sara Lee. For those looking to work at a Fortune 500 company, Express Scripts, Emerson Electric, and Centene are all Missouri-based. Venture capital also does well in the state. Here are four of the largest employers headquartered in Missouri. 

Edward Jones

Edward D. Jones & Co. has been around since 1922 and is headquartered in Des Peres, Missouri. The company, which provides financial services, has about 36,000 employees and a revenue of around $7 billion. Most employees only stay at Edward Jones for two and a half years and make around $60,000 on average.

Panera 

Panera Bread Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. This bakery restaurant company has over 2,000 in the United States and Canada. The average employee, of which there are over 27,000, makes nearly $60,000 a year, which is competitive. The company was founded in 1981. Currently has an annual revenue of nearly $3 billion. 

Anheuser-Busch

St. Louis, Missouri, is home to Anheuser-Busch Companies, one of the largest beer companies in the world, home to Budweiser, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Elysian Brewing, and Hi-Ball Energy, among other brands. Founded in 1852, this company has good employee retention, with its nearly 31,000 employees making, on average, over $80,000 per year and staying for over five and a half years. Its annual revenue is around $55 billion.  

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Founded in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts makes aftermarket automotive tools and supplies. The company loves to hire graduates from Missouri State University, which is one of the schools in this ranking of best Missouri online MBA programs. Apparently, over 16% of its employees are MSU alums. O’Reilly is based in Springfield, Missouri, and employs nearly $75,000 people. It has an annual revenue of almost $9 billion. 

Missouri can be one of those states that get overlooked like a middle child. They are not among the biggest states in the country nor one that makes headlines by wielding a big stick. Instead, it steadily sits in America’s heartland, tucked between the South and its more northern midwestern neighbors, and adds consistency and culture. There are a multitude of possibilities, from large companies with opportunities to the low cost of living, that aren’t insignificant. And most importantly, Missouri has high-quality online MBA programs, preparing business leaders to take the next steps in their careers.