Pennsylvania was one of the 13 original British colonies in the Americas and became a state on December 12, 1787. With a population of 12,780,000 million residents, Pennsylvania holds the title as the sixth-most populated state in the U.S. While 38% of the state’s population is college-educated, Pennsylvania provides many of the nation’s best online MBA programs.
The State
Only Delaware is older than this state, which is made up of 1,200 sq. miles of water and over 40,000 sq. miles of land. Translated as “Penn’s Woodlands,” Pennsylvania was named after William Penn whose family was reimbursed with the land from a debt owed by King Charles II in the 1680s.
With the state’s central location within the original thirteen colonies, Pennsylvania took on the nickname of the Keystone State. Hearkening to the construction term, Pennsylvania is seen as giving stability to the region. Philadelphia is the state’s largest city and features Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Harrisburg is the state’s capital. Basketball player Kobe Bryant, comedian Tina Fey, and singer Taylor Swift were all born in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Online MBA
Graduate students seeking the most valued degree in business that will sharpen their leadership skills, have identified the MBA as the best degree to pursue. The curriculum designed within a typical MBA is a combination of foundational business ideology and relevant business application.
The added benefits of an online MBA are huge. Instead of having to move into a new community to seek a full-time program from a prestigious business school, today’s MBA student can often complete all requirements for a degree without ever having to visit the university’s campus. This ranking of the best Pennsylvania online MBA degrees will guide you to find the best online MBAs the state has to offer.
Methodology
As more and more students are searching for greater accessibility and flexibility in an MBA, the demand for high-quality and prestigious distance degrees continues to increase. In order to find the best Pennsylvania Online MBA programs with the most value, MBA Central analyzed each degree and ranked them based upon their Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%).
Each MBA program is given an Affordability Score, ranging from Very Expensive to Very Affordable, based upon their total base tuition of the programs. Ranges are:
Very Expensive: $100,000+
Expensive: $50,000 – $100,000
Above Average: $30,000 – $50,000
Average: $20,000 – $30,000
Affordable: $15,000 – $20,000
Very Affordable: below $15,000
#1 Lehigh University College of Business and Economics – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Lehigh University provides an online MBA through their College of Business and Economics. This degree provides an excellent balance between prestige and quality. |
Lehigh’s College of Business and Economics provides the best Pennsylvania Online MBA with Corporate Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Finance, Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Marketing emphases. The business school’s Flex MBA has been designed to offer business professionals the very best in convenience and flexibility. Students who require a full online experience are not required to visit the school’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania while local students may want to take advantage of the face-to-face interaction that the traditional classroom setting provides. A hybrid experience is also included in the Flex MBA by combining in-class work with online assignment completion. This is considered by some as the best of both worlds, and the business school has made excellent accommodations in this area. Candidates for the online MBA who have already attained a doctorate will not be responsible for submitting GMAT/GRE test scores during the acceptance process.
Quacquarelli Symonds ranks this thirty-six-credit online MBA as the eighth-best online degree in the world while U.S. News & World Report gives the College of Business and Economics the nod as having the 13th best overall distance MBA in the nation and the eighth-best online MBA in the country for support services offered to nontraditional students. The AACSB-International backs the Martin J. Whitman School of Management for its excellence in academic integrity and administration. This best of the best online MBA in Pennsylvania is just one of the stellar degrees provided at Lehigh University. Other degrees offered at Lehigh include undergraduate programs, master’s degrees, and doctorates. Just over 7,000 students are enrolled at Lehigh and attend classes online or at the campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#2 West Chester University of Pennsylvania College of Business and Public Management – West Chester, Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s College of Business and Public Management provides an online MBA. This highest-ranking affordable program can be pursued for less than $16,000 in tuition. The value of this program goes far beyond the affordable tuition rate as the College of Business and Public Management is backed by the AACSB-International which gives distance learners confidence they are receiving the best in higher education academia. Strategic Cost Management, Economic Analysis for Business, Financial Analysis and Valuation, Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business, Society & Environment, and Components of Effective Leadership are some of the core courses included in this thirty-credit hour program. The ranking organization U.S. News & World Report gives the College a glowing report for offering excellent support services to distance learners and reveals this online MBA as one of the nation’s best for U.S. veterans.
Students looking for a degree that can be completed in less than two years need to look no further than at the College of Business and Public Management. By taking one course at a time through a part-time schedule, distance learners will never have to visit the school’s campus in West Chester, Pennsylvania. While the online program does include exam windows and some weekly deadlines, students can set their own schedules for when to log in and complete assignments for this asynchronous degree. West Chester University of Pennsylvania began offering higher education in 1871 as West Chester Normal School and became a state university in the mid-1980s. Today the university oversees 17,306 students seeking bachelor’s through doctoral degrees.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable
#3 Robert Morris University School of Business – Moon Township, Pennsylvania
An online MBA is provided at the School of Business at Robert Morris University. This top-three degree provides excellent support services at an average tuition rate. |
Robert Morris University’s School of Business provides an online MBA. The staff at the university’s business school consists of industry insiders who will teach students practical, applicable skills that will enhance the distance learner’s abilities to identify and implement tactical and strategic business solutions. The online MBA will reinforce a professional’s tacit knowledge while filling the gaps in areas outside one’s current expertise. Online MBA students will graduate with a refined repertoire of analytical thinking and management tools and will be capable of leading effectively in the global marketplace. The thirty credit hours presented in this program are organized between nine credit hours of concentrations and twenty-one core credits of solid business theory and application. Leading the Business Enterprise, Customer Value/Digital World, Strategic Knowledge Integration, Analytical Methods for Decision Making, and Today’s Business Environment are some of the core courses delivered to online students.
For less than $29,000 in tuition students can pursue this averagely-priced online MBA that offers excellent value for the cost. Students can also expect to graduate in less than two years by taking advantage of the eight-week terms presented by the School of Business. This course schedule means an online MBA student needs only to take one course each eight-week term to graduate in that time frame. Robert Morris University was founded in 1921 as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy by Andrew Blass. The school is still based in Town Moonship, Pennsylvania. Today, over 5,000 students are seeking degrees at Robert Morris. The MSCHE accredits this private nonprofit university.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average
#4 Clarion University College of Business Administration and Information Sciences – Clarion, Pennsylvania
The College of Business Administration and Information Sciences at Clarion University provides an online MBA. This top-five degree delivers exceptional value at an affordable tuition rate. |
Clarion University features an online MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is featured in the University’s College of Business Administration and Information Sciences. Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Finance, Nonprofit Business, and Healthcare are the specializations provided alongside this online MBA. Candidates of this online MBA who have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 with corresponding work experience of at least five years may apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver from the admissions office at the business school. Students lacking the work experience but who have maintained a GPA of 3.25 may also be eligible for the GMAT waiver. This online MBA is not only available to undergraduate business students but also to candidates who lack a background in business academia. Students needing to build a foundation of business education may need to take courses like Economics Business Statistics I, Financial Accounting, Financial Management, and Principles of Micro and Macro Economics before moving on to core courses.
The twenty-four core credits included in this online MBA feature classes like Strategic Management/Business Policy, Leadership and Organization, Quantitative Analysis for Business, Management Accounting, Operations Management and Information Systems, Managerial Finance, Legal & Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Decision Making, and Advanced Managerial Economics. This 30-credit hour degree is considered affordable with a tuition rate of just over $15,000. Online MBA students will never have to visit the school’s campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania and will enjoy the business school’s smaller class size of just 25 students on average. Students also have the option of taking courses as a full or part-time student within seven and sixteen-week terms.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable
#5 University of Scranton Arthur J. Kania School of Management – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton’s prestigious Kania School of Management delivers a highly-regarded online MBA. The AACSB backs this business school known for its exemplary online degree in business. |
An online MBA with Accounting, Enterprise Resource Planning, Healthcare Management, Human Resources, International Business, Operations Management specializations is offered at the University of Scranton’s nationally acclaimed Arthur J. Kania School of Management. U.S. News & World Report champions the business school with a #14 ranking as one of the best in the United States for online students seeking incredible support services. This recognition by the trusted ranking organization takes factors like accessibility, flexibility, and overall support services provided into account. Distance learners can see the benefits of this ranking from the start. The AACSB-International accredits the Kania School of Management and backs the business school’s claims of academic excellence. Students can expect an above average tuition rate of less than $36,000 to accompany this stellar online MBA. There is no GMAT or GRE requirement listed during the application process for this distance degree. Students can save time by not having to study or find a test center for the placement test.
Besides the core courses including Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Management Information Systems, and Organizational Behavior, students within this degree are required to complete Responsibility, Sustainability, and Justice as a Cornerstone course. This online MBA is just one of the exemplary degrees offered at the University of Scranton. The school also serves up two-year associate programs, bachelor’s degrees, other master’s programs, and doctorates as well. The school started out in 1888 as St. Thomas College and was named after the disciple of Jesus known for his doubt. The MSCHE regionally accredits the University of Scranton, and the student body is running 5,373 strong.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#6 DeSales University Division of Business – Center Valley, Pennsylvania
An online MBA is offered at DeSales University’s Division of Business. This 12-course distance degree is noted as offering exceptional support services for online students. |
DeSales University’s Division of Business offers an online MBA with concentrations in Accounting, Data Analytics, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, Self-Design, Healthcare Management, Project Management, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing. An optimal scenario for a candidate of this program would be for the student to possess an undergraduate degree in business and to have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0. Business school students with a business degree may be able to save time and tuition fees by waiving certain foundational courses. The 3.0 GPA will serve to allow the student to waive the GMAT/GRE requirements when applying to the Division of Business. Incoming students lacking a business background are encouraged to apply as the business school understands some students begin on a different academic track and later become interested in the gratifying realm of business leadership. These students may be required to take some foundational business courses to become competent in areas like economics, finance, accounting, and management. The ACBSP accredits this twelve-course online MBA.
Students in this program at DeSales can expect excellent courses like Financial and Managerial Accounting, Business Computing, Business and Society, Marketing Management, Executive Skills Development, Organizational Management, and Financial Management to be a part of the degree’s curriculum. All courses within this program are delivered 100% online and can be taken at the student’s discretion. The open enrollment feature of this program allows students to begin their online MBA at any time during the calendar year. An accelerated pace for program completion can be realized for distance learners who sign up for courses within twelve-week terms during the fall through spring and one six-week session over the summer.
Accreditation: ACBSP, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#7 Shippensburg University John L. Grove College of Business – Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University features an online MBA through the Grove College of Business. This top-ten degree spares nothing at offering the distance learner an exceptional education. |
Shippensburg’s Grove College of Business offers an online MBA with specializations in Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Health Care Management. Students less interested in a specialization can complete this program as a general MBA. Shippensburg is a great option for distance learners looking for an affordable online MBA. The tuition rate of just over $15,000 means that students can receive a degree backed by a business school accredited by the AACSB-International at an incredible value. Current members of Beta Gamma Sigma and working professionals with at least five years of on-the-job experience may be qualified to waive the GRE/GMAT requirements during the acceptance process. This thirty-credit program is the sum of parts including elective credits, core credits, foundational credits if needed, and a capstone experience. Managerial Accounting, Supply Chain Management, IT Management and Innovation, Corporate Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organizational Leadership, and International Business are included in the core courses within this online MBA. U.S. News & World Report has deemed this program as one of the best in the nation for overall quality and exemplary support services for online learners.
Shippensburg University is named after the city it resides in – Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The school dates all the way back to 1871 when it was first established as Cumberland Valley State Normal School. At that specific time in history, there was a great need for educators in the region, so the school was begun with the intent to train students as public school teachers. Shippensburg’s school colors are red and blue, and today, 6,570 students seek undergraduate through doctoral degrees there. The student body consists of on-campus students and those pursuing online degrees like the excellent online MBA at the John L. Grove College of Business.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable
#8 California University of Pennsylvania School of Graduate Studies and Research – California, Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania delivers an online MBA with a general focus and specializations in Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management, and Business Analytics at the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Human Resource Management, Business Law, Investment Management, Production Management, International Business Management, Business Ethics, and Quantitative Methods are some of the excellent courses online students have access to at the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Students within this online program can receive the perfect business leadership education which will prepare them for roles in government, business, and industry. The degree consists of thirty-six credit hours of content offered at an affordable tuition rate of under $19,000. The instructors charged with delivering this elite degree to distance learners lean on the core disciplines of proven business including analytical and problem-solving strategies, quantitative knowledge and skills, and IT comprehension utilized in today’s modern global economy. The ACBSP accredits this online MBA and gives it yet another layer of credibility for distance learners.
U.S. News & World Report upholds the school as one of the very best in the nation with a ranking as #168 in the nation and #179 in support services for students seeking an online education. California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and got its start in 1852. The school began offering education at the kindergarten through collegiate levels and in a matter of just a few years was transformed into a normal school charged with the responsibility of training school teachers for careers in public education. California University of Pennsylvania was awarded its university status in 1983 and today provides degrees for 7,788 students enrolled there.
Accreditation: MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable
#9 La Salle University School of Business – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
La Salle University delivers an online MBA at the School of Business. Distance learners who want to become strategic thinkers will want to give this program a second look. |
The School of Business at La Salle University offers an online MBA with specializations in Accounting, Business Systems & Analytics, Marketing, Finance, and Management. This top-notch program can also be pursued as a general MBA. This online MBA can be used to prepare a business professional for a wide range of leadership roles in modern business. Competence and skills in the areas of strategic thinking with a focus on discipline-specific leadership knowledge is a top priority for the business school’s leadership. There is an excellent focus on teamwork and leadership development throughout the program’s curriculum – evident in group projects and discussions. The online student can expect to sharpen her written and oral communication skills throughout the 33-credit hour coursework. Six hours of foundational business coursework may be waived by candidates who bring qualifying academic experience into this program. Excellent support services for online learners are also included in this degree and have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report which has awarded the business school with the 207th spot as one of the best in the nation.
The School of Business at LaSalle features top-notch accreditation while the university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. LaSalle’s business school offers online learners the chance to complete all requirements for their online MBAs in just 14 months. The tuition amount of less than $25,000 reveals an excellent value for such a prestigious degree. Other excellent programs offered at LaSalle include associate degrees through doctoral programs. LaSalle University features gold and blue as the official colors and is home to the Explorers.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average
#10 Saint Joseph’s University Erivan K. Haub School of Business – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph’s University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business delivers an online MBA. Specializations associated with this program include General Business, Accounting, Marketing, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Finance, Leading, Health and Medical Services Administration, International Business, and International Marketing. The business school’s intent behind this 53-credit hour online MBA is to strengthen the distance learner’s managerial effectiveness and to sharpen the leadership potential of both future and current business professionals. A competent graduate of this program will possess the tools to foster a genuine sensitivity to the moral, ethical, and cultural components of today’s global marketplace. The accomplished staff at the business school will use elite teaching practices, meaningful data, high-quality advising, and an unwavering commitment to research and service to give an online MBA student the best experience possible. This degree consists of six gateway Course credits, twenty Foundation Course credits, fifteen Core Course credits, three Concentration credits and a Capstone course to finalize the degree. Candidates with the proper academic experience can expect to waive some of the foundational credits needed for this degree.
The AACSB-International accredits the Erivan K. Haub School of Business and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants Saint Joseph’s University its regional accreditation. Online and traditional students can find a multitude of degree types at Saint Joseph’s including two-year associate degrees, four-year undergraduate programs, other master’s degrees besides the online MBA, and doctorates. Nearly 8,090 currently take coursework through Saint Joseph’s University. The private, not-for-profit university was established in 1851 and is situated on a lovely campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive
#11 Penn State World Campus Smeal College of Business – University Park, Pennsylvania
The Smeal College of Business at Penn State World Campus offers an online MBA. Impeccable support services for online students await students who enroll in this excellent program. |
An online MBA can be sought out at Penn State World Campus’ Smeal College of Business. Smeal provides excellent concentrations within this degree like Accounting Foundations, Marketing Analytics, Advanced Accounting, Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Finance, General Management, and Project Management. The curriculum of this online MBA will prepare students to become more effective business professionals by exposing them to the practices and principles crucial to modern business management. Graduates will develop tools that are integrated throughout this program’s coursework, including problem-solving, business analytics, how to influence others, applying critical thinking, and cross-functional business competency. The 48-hour program provides opportunities for distance learners to apply knowledge to dealing with real-world business problems in a team-building environment. Every course taken includes an important element of teamwork. Graduates will be led to possess a solid foundation of business operation knowledge and how to integrate data across functional areas of business.
The Smeal College of Business is AACSB–accredited and enjoys a reputation as one of the very best business schools in the country. It has recently been named within the top ten of business schools in America by U.S. News & World Report. The business school carries partnerships with such entities as Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration, The School of Graduate Professional Studies at Great Valley, and Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend which enhances course offerings and provides expertise in various areas of business emphasis. The MSCHE regionally accredits the Penn State World Campus. Over 14,000 students currently pursue degrees at this virtual campus.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive
#12 Drexel University Bennett S. LeBow College of Business – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
An online MBA is featured at the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business at Drexel University. Quacquarelli Symonds calls this online degree the 31st best in the world. |
Drexel University offers an online MBA with concentrations in Accounting, Business Analytics, Supply Chain and Logistics, Entrepreneurship/Innovation Management, Finance, Healthcare Management, and Marketing at the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business. This online MBA is garnering much attention from some of the most-respected ranking entities in the nation. Quacquarelli Symonds which ranks programs around the world calls the business school the 13th best location on the planet to pursue an online MBA. U.S. News & World Report not only ranks the degree as the 45th best online MBA in the country, but it also cites the program for delivering excellent support services for online students. Course completion for this degree is divided into 10-week quarters sectioned off into four which allow students to go through the program at an accelerated pace. The online MBA at the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business is expensive, costing just under $64,000 in tuition. Managing & Leading the Total Enterprise, Essentials of Financial Reporting, Legal Options in Decision Making, Leading in Dynamic Environments, Corporate Financial Management, Business Problem Solving, and Managerial Economics are some of the core courses found in this online MBA.
Candidates of the online MBA program uninterested in taking the GMAT or desiring not to report GMAT or GRE scores may apply for a GMAT waiver during the application process. Students with a higher degree like a PhD, JD, DDS, or MD will not have to produce GMAT test scores to the admissions office when seeking acceptance. Drexel University dates back to 1891 when Anthony Drexel established the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry. Today Drexel University provides a gamut of degree options to the 24,190 students enrolled there.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive
#13 Villanova University School of Business – Villanova, Pennsylvania
The School of Business at Villanova University offers an online MBA. Every class offered within this 48-credit hour degree can be completed 100% online with no campus visits required. |
An online MBA in Finance, Marketing, Strategic Management, Analytics, and International Business is provided by the School of Business at Villanova University. The university is no stranger to accolades as Forbes and U.S. News & World Report have recently named the university one of the nation’s best for delivering high-quality degrees and one of the best colleges in the United States for online MBAs for veterans. The 48-credit hour online MBA is considered expensive with tuition over $60,000. Highlights of this degree include the robust curriculum designed for preparing students for success in the many areas of business leadership. The school’s elite faculty will work hard to guide online students through this highly ranked online MBA program. Distance learners are given an individualized experience. Graduates of the online MBA enjoy esteemed credentials with a competitive edge and a spot in the “Nova Nation.” U.S. News & World Report calls this the 13th best online MBA program in the country.
The School of Business at Villanova is accredited by the AACSB-International and prides itself on this exclusive accreditation which is enjoyed by only five percent of the nation’s business schools. Performance Measurement and Reporting Fundamentals: A Global Accounting Perspective, Strategic Marketing Management, Business Operations in the 21st Century, Corporate Finance, Analyzing and Leveraging Data, and Team Leadership and Group Dynamics are some of the core courses included in this stellar online program. The structure of this degree has been laid out in VSB Pillars, Functional Core Courses, and a Capstone experience. Villanova’s heritage is as impressive as its current reputation among institutions of higher education. It was originally founded by two Augustinian friars in 1842. At first, the school would only admit male students, but it became coeducational in 1968.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive
#14 University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business offers an online MBA. This wonderful 51-credit hour degree is backed by the school’s AACSB accreditation. |
An online MBA with a Finance, Marketing, Operations, Information Systems and Technology Management Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management, and Strategy concentration is offered at the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University. This professional online MBA is typically completed in three years with a set schedule for course completion. Core courses listed as part of the curriculum in this hybrid online MBA include Economic Analysis for Managerial Decision: Firms and Markets, Business Process Redesign, Information Systems, Marketing Management, Business Ethics and Social Performance, Marketing Management, and Decision Technologies in Manufacturing and Operations Management. The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is well-known for offering an excellent curriculum to its graduate students and goes so far as also to provide career management after graduation.
The reputable Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business offers this 51-credit hour degree as an expensive degree with a tuition amount of over $65,000. The excellent support services for distance learners is evident in this program by U.S. News & World Report listing the degree as the 123rd best program in the country for these services. The business school also breaks the top 90 for the best online MBA in the United States according to U.S. News. The University of Pittsburgh’s business school is backed by the AACSB-International while the university receives its regional accreditation through the MSCHE. The University of Pittsburgh got its start in 1787 as Pittsburgh Academy and over the years grew to consist of nearly twenty undergraduate and graduate schools. Pitt currently serves a student body of 28,942. The University of Pittsburgh is a four-year public university.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive
#15 Widener University School of Business Administration – Chester, Pennsylvania
Widener University delivers an online MBA with a general focus or concentrations in Health Care Management and Business Process Management at the School of Business Administration. For less than $35,000 in tuition, an online student can pursue this noteworthy 33-credit hour program. The School of Business Administration shows a strong commitment to organizational transparency and a high standard of academic integrity by being accredited by the esteemed AACSB-International. The average completion time for this 100% online MBA is between 18 and 24 months depending on a student’s previous academic and professional experience combined with the pace he or she works at for course completion. Leading Organizations and People, Information Systems and Data Analytics, Managing for Results, Managerial Economics in an Innovative Environment, Managing Business Processes, Marketing, Accounting and Managerial Decision Making, and Strategic Financial Management are courses included in the coursework of this excellent degree.
The School of Business Administration at Widener University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in a number of ways in recent years. The respected ranking entity deems the business school as the #202 location in the United States for an online MBA and recognizes the incredible support services provided to distance learners with a ranking of #276 among the nation’s best for accessibility, flexibility, and care given to online students. The school’s online MBA curriculum stresses the development of skills, knowledge, and competencies crucial to success in modern business. Graduates of this online MBA will be competent in the areas of addressing situations with a cross-functional perspective crucial to business and developing responsible, ethical, and creative business strategies with the ability to evaluate their impact on performance.
Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#16 Waynesburg University Department of Business Administration – Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Waynesburg University’s Department of Business Administration offers an online MBA. Graduate students with a drive to succeed will enjoy this program’s excellent curriculum. |
An online MBA with concentrations in Applied Business, Project Management, Energy Management, Finance, Human Resources/Leadership, Market Development, and Health Systems Administrator is provided at Waynesburg University’s Department of Business Administration. Accounting Concepts & Applications, Management Policy, Seminar in Applied Economics, International Business, Statistical Methods, Financial Management OR Financial Management in Healthcare, Marketing Management, Organizational Behavior, and Management Information Systems are the core courses included in this thirty-six-credit hour online MBA. The cost of this program is considered average as a distance learner will pay just under $24,000 in tuition. The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education grants the Department of Business Administration its business accreditation.
This online MBA weaves business acumen with ethical and moral leadership that equips professionals to steer organizations through a multitude of business disciplines. The hallmark of this degree is not only the rigorous coursework, but it is also the chance a distance learner gets to work alongside professionals in the Pittsburgh region and partake in a robust network of successful business school graduates. This degree is known for producing results. Most program graduates report finding employment after completing the degree. Eight out of ten attribute recent promotions to the completion of their online MBA while over 50% report earning more than $75,000 annually. This online MBA has a reputation for flexibility and has been thoughtfully created for working professionals. Students have the option of studying through distance learning or in-person at one of our three centers for learning in the Pittsburgh regions of Cranberry, Southpointe, and Penn Center East. The online student controls the pace at which coursework is completed. Students may take one course at a time or satisfy all program requirements in as quickly as one year.
Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average
#17 Seton Hill University School of Business – Greensburg, Pennsylvania
The School of Business at Seton Hall University delivers an online MBA. The university prides itself on offering an online graduate program perfect for tomorrow’s business leader. |
An online MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, Management, and Healthcare Administration can be found at Seton Hall University’s School of Business. The stress of this program from the beginning is a commitment to personal attention in spite of the miles between the school’s campus and online students all over the world. Innovative leaders and nonprofit managers alike will appreciate this online MBA for its convenience and a veritable buffet of choices for an area of business focus. Besides the concentrations delivered by the business school, students can also choose between three certificates in the areas of Project Management, Entrepreneurship, and Forensic & Fraud Examination. Students accepted into this averagely-priced online MBA will have access to the business school’s Program Director who will coordinate a learning plan custom fit to each student’s needs. Job placement support is also provided to each graduate of the Seton Hall online MBA. It is the goal of the business school to provide its students with data and strategies that will serve them in their current professional environments. This will be of immediate value to business school students and employers alike.
The faculty at the School of Business at Seton Hall are well-credentialed. They are committed to explaining various analytical frameworks and processes, discussing how these methods apply in the real world and reveal how risks may be mitigated. Convenience is the name of the game with this online MBA as students are given access to six start times each year, the option to take all courses online, in the classroom on campus in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, or as a combination of the two with a hybrid experience. Students wanting to move quickly through the program listed as less than $30,000 in tuition may complete all program requirements in as few as one year.
Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average
#18 Saint Francis University Shields School of Business – Loretto, Pennsylvania
Saint Francis University features an online MBA at the Shields School of Business. Graduate students wanting a leg up on business leadership will want to pursue this program. |
The Shields School of Business at Saint Francis University offers an online MBA with focuses in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Health Care Administration, Management Information Systems, Labor Relations, and Human Resource Management. This stellar online MBA can be completed anywhere a student can find an internet signal. This commitment to a student’s flexibility is seen throughout this high-quality degree. The curriculum offered to distance learners is the exact program delivered to the business school’s in-class students, and online graduates receive an identical diploma that traditional students are awarded. Awards and recognitions follow the business school including a #215 ranking by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best places in the United States to pursue an online MBA. The degree is known for offering a quality leadership education that gives students a personal touch through small class sizes, impeccable customer service, and a seasoned group of educators who genuinely care about learning outcomes and the future of business. This distance program is convenient, flexible, and provides many choices in focus areas of expertise.
The Shields School of Business is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education regionally accredits Saint Francis University. The university’s main campus is in Loretto, Pennsylvania and the school dates back all the way to 1847. Saint Francis is commonly known as one of the oldest Catholic universities in the state and holds the title as the oldest Franciscan college in the country. With degree plans spanning associate to doctoral, the university maintains an enrollment of 2,680 students.
Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#19 Chatham University School of Arts, Science & Business – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chatham’s School of Arts, Science & Business delivers an online MBA. The business school offering this 36-hour distance degree has a well-respected reputation in education. |
An online MBA with Information Management, Healthcare Management, Food and Agriculture, Self-Designed, Sustainability, Entrepreneurial Leadership and Strategy, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management emphases is offered through Chatham University’s School of Arts, Science & Business. This excellent distance degree equips tomorrow’s business professionals with the tools they need for substantial careers in business through a balance of personalized attention, advanced curriculum, and an extensive network of business associates. The cost for this degree is listed as above average as the tuition is less than $35,000. The core courses within this program may be completed in the classroom or through distance learning online. This kind of flexibility allows the student to determine course delivery and frees himself up to stay committed to a professional position of employment. Students also have the option to take a course per semester from such reputable institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Qualified candidates may be able to transfer business course credits into this degree and waive some college-level courses through the College-Level Examination Program.
The thirty-six credits contained within Chatham’s online MBA are broken down between eight core courses, three specialization classes, and one Business Consulting Capstone which culminates at the end of the student’s program completion. Sustainable Human Capital, Global Business, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Managerial Accounting, Information Systems and Analytics, Corporate Finance, Economics for Managers, Cost Analysis, and Marketing Management make up the stellar core courses delivered at the School of Arts, Science & Business. The business school is endorsed by the IACBE while Chatham University is regionally accredited by the MSCHE.
Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average
#20 Alvernia University Business Department – Reading, Pennsylvania
An online MBA is offered at Alvernia University’s Business Department. Backed by the ACBSP, this excellent degree features an affordable tuition rate. |
Alvernia University’s Business Department offers an online MBA. This thirty-credit program is specifically designed for students needing to develop crucial management skills that can be used within many areas of industry. Professional desiring to be equipped with credentials that will advance their careers will also have much to gain by this online MBA accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Accounting for the Workplace, Legal Environment, Management and Marketing, Economics and Finance, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Corporate Communication, and Marketing Services are all courses included within this degree’s curriculum. Graduates of this affordable online MBA will explore the essential financial accounting principles, foundations of marketing, management theory, and the basic concepts involved in fiscal decision-making and financial theory. There are thirteen courses included in this degree.
Students can expect to complete between thirty and thirty-nine credits to satisfy all degree requirements. Qualified students with business course experience may be able to waive some credit hours of the required business courses. This program begins with required interdisciplinary courses, goes into the business courses, one elective, and then finishes with three credits of a capstone course. This online MBA is just one of the excellent degrees offered at Alvernia University. Alvernia’s main campus is in Reading, Pennsylvania. The university dates back to 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis founded a seminary school. The MSCHE regionally accredits Alvernia University. The student body at Alvernia is comprised of 2,838 students seeking programs from associate to doctorate. “To Learn, To Love, To Serve” is this private school’s official motto.
Accreditation: ACBSP, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable
What is Pennsylvania Known For?
Pennsylvania has a rich history as the second-oldest state in the Union behind Delaware. Whether you are interested in the Keystone State’s industry, education, history, or leisure, here is a short list of the most interesting places to stop by in the state of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia
While Philadelphia is not the capital of Pennsylvania (that’s Harrisburg), it remains to be the state’s largest and most interesting city. The historical and cultural significance of the “City of Brotherly Love” cannot be overstated. Tourists will find excellent museums, universities, historical landmarks, and a wealth of 18th century monuments to take in while visiting. Be sure to stop off for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich before visiting the location where America’s forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and run up those granite steps made famous by Rocky Balboa after visiting the Franklin Institute Science Museum.
Gettysburg
American history buffs will remember the battle at Gettysburg taking pace on July 1-3, 1863. Today, Gettysburg continues to be one of the most popular sites for tourists in the United States. Over 15,000 soldiers were killed, captured, wounded, or went missing over the battle and the first day at Gettysburg saw more American lives lost than the battle at Franklin and Bull Run combined.
Pittsburgh
While there are lots of things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and there are many reasons why you may find yourself in the heart of the city. Whether it is a business trip to meet with clients or a stop off to watch a Pirates or Steelers games, there are some attractions in the city you will not want to miss. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium has had a long history of displaying hundreds of animal species for well over 100 years. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History also offers hours of enjoyment for tourists seeking well-curated displays of science and history.
Hershey
Widely known as “Chocolatetown, USA,” the city of Hershey, Pennsylvania will offer tourists lots of sweet experiences. The community of Hershey is located less than 15 miles from the capital city of Harrisburg and was founded by famous chocolatier, Milton S. Hershey. Visitors to the city will want to tour the Hershey Company and learn about the history of this famous candy-making company.
What jobs are in high demand in Pennsylvania?
With a state economy of $793 billion, Pennsylvania retains the sixth largest economy in the United States. Nearly 50 of the countries 1,000 largest private and public organizations are located in the state, and Pennsylvania has a reputation for excellent higher-education at its historic ivy league, public, and private campuses. Managers and business leaders will continue to find ample opportunity to lead in business positions in Pennsylvania. The best way to prepare for a career in business leadership is to pursue a management degree like the excellent online MBA. Here are some of the most popular positions for MBA holders to seek out in Pennsylvania.
Chief Technology Officer
A CTO is a very lucrative position. PayScale.com reports an average salary of nearly $155,000 for CTOs. A Chief Technology Officer is responsible for leading the technology development within an organization. A CTO should have excellent leadership skills and be able to remain aware of advancements in technology. A Chief Technology Officer will create technology strategies for her organization and work within state and federal regulations.
Financial Manager
The Financial Manager is responsible for an organization’s overall financial health. He will create financial reports, develop plans and carry out strategies for a company’s long-range goals, and influence an organization’s investment activities. The Bureau of Labor Services reports a nearly 20% increase in this sector which is growing much faster than the national average for jobs.
Health Services Manager
Health Services Managers can also expect a promising rise in job opportunities over the next decade or more. The world of healthcare continues to be expanding, and competent leaders will stay in high demand. The 2018 median pay for a health services manager is nearly $100,000.
What is the Main Industry in Pennsylvania?
Many parts of our nation have had to adjust to the changing business climate. The state of Pennsylvania is no different than other states which once has a rich and thriving manufacturing economy. While the state has been hit by cheaper alternatives in manufacturing in foreign countries, Pennsylvania remains viable in the several areas of business and industry.
Industrial Equipment
Over 10% of the state’s economy is fed by the production of industrial machinery and implements. Pennsylvania has a long history of steel mills and energy processing. There are over 40,000 manufacturers in Pennsylvania which contribute to the state’s economy.
Food Products
There is much farmland in Pennsylvania, and food processors like Hershey’s and Heinz are based in the state. Companies like these and many others contribute to the state’s economy and offer its residents needed jobs in food production and farming.
Chemical Products
The state of Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of petroleum refining for years. Refineries offer skilled laborers many job opportunities and require staffs of managers to oversee production and staffing. With so many state and federal regulations, the chemical processing industry also employs regulators and safety managers.
No matter your industry, the best Pennsylvania Online MBA programs can be a great choice on your path to business management.