Best Online Master’s in Management Programs
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A master’s in management degree can prepare students to step into key leadership roles.
This degree has emerged in recent years as an alternative to the master of business administration (MBA). A master’s in management is typically geared toward students with less work experience and covers broad leadership and management topics across the private and public sectors.
Read on to learn about the best online master’s in management programs, as well just some of the potential career paths the degree can unlock for you.
Featured Online Master’s in Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Management Programs
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate47%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,031
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$29,370
- Out-of-state$29,370
- In-State$12,834
- Out-of-state$12,834
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled2,817
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,350
- Out-of-state$43,350
- In-State$21,060
- Out-of-state$21,060
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled11,819
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$20,950
- Out-of-state$20,950
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$6,540
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled5,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$33,270
- Out-of-state$33,270
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled6,359
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,094
- Out-of-state$28,094
- In-State$10,620
- Out-of-state$10,620
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,687
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$52,608
- Out-of-state$52,608
- In-State$89,550
- Out-of-state$89,550
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate26%
- Students Enrolled3,325
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment1%
- AccreditationYes
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,120
- Out-of-state$13,120
- In-State$11,430
- Out-of-state$11,430
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,960
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,456
- Out-of-state$23,640
- In-State$11,268
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled11,695
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Management Program?
Earning an online master’s in management helps students develop essential skills and learn how to make business decisions that drive profitability.
Succeeding in management requires a strong grasp of leadership, strategy, and project management. These skills help managers enhance organizational and departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
The credit requirements for master’s in management programs vary by school, but it typically takes full-time students about one year to complete their degree if studying full time. Many online programs use an asynchronous format, which provides increased flexibility by allowing students to complete coursework and watch recorded lectures.
Other programs feature a synchronous online format, which requires mandatory virtual sessions and class meetings at set times. Additionally, hybrid options combine online instruction and in-person meetings.
Programs may offer concentration options in areas such as healthcare, project management, human resources, finance, and construction management. Choosing a concentration allows students to align their degree with their interests and career goals. Learners also receive industry-specific training.
Some online master’s in management programs include a capstone or thesis requirement. These usually require students to complete a business project, either individually or as part of a team. Projects generally require students to use course concepts to solve complex business and management issues. Some programs use simulations in the capstone, while others allow learners to work with real-world clients.
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s in Management Programs
Every online master’s in management program possesses its own admission requirements. However, it is common for schools to require students to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete prerequisite coursework in core subjects. Many schools also require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Because requirements vary, prospective students should reach out to a school’s admissions department directly to obtain exact information. For more general information, consult our Graduate Admissions Guide.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Management Program?
The curriculum for a master’s in management offers a comprehensive overview of several key subjects, including finance, economics, marketing, human resources, and management. Students pursuing a concentration complete additional coursework focusing on their subject area. While each program’s curriculum differs, the following list details five common courses.
Management Courses
Management of Resources
Students learn about the process of aligning resources with an organization’s goals. Coursework covers essential topics such as budgeting, resource allocation, and incentives and benefits. Students develop an understanding of how decisions impact an organization’s finances and personnel. The course may also include an overview of cost-benefit analysis.
Leading Change
This course focuses on concepts that drive organizational change. Covered topics may include leadership theories, organizational theories, levels of organizational change, and transformational leadership. Some classes challenge students to create a plan to lead organizational change for a fictitious company. This gives students the opportunity to see how theories can work in practical situations.
Management Communication
Management communication courses typically teach students how to analyze audiences effectively and develop messaging that targets those audiences. Coursework teaches students to speak, write, and work with individuals and communicate across cultures. Some classes may include an additional overview of sales or marketing techniques to teach students how to shape effective communication strategies.
Management Research Methodologies
This course provides students with the skills and tools they need to gather and analyze data. The class typically focuses on the traditional qualitative and quantitative research practices managers use to make strategic business decisions. Some courses may emphasize research tools, such as focus groups or surveys, and the role they play in an organization’s strategy.
Foundations of Management
Students explore management basics, such as topics related to marketing and finance, decision-making, and organizational behavior. The curriculum also provides an overview of effective management techniques across different industries and settings. The overall aim of the course is to build the skills, knowledge, and abilities students need to manage teams effectively.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Management Degree?
Businesses and organizations across industries need effective leaders to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and create profitable business plans. Earning a master’s in management teaches you the skills you need to qualify for a variety of rewarding career opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in management positions to grow rapidly between 2023 and 2033, with 1.2 million job openings per year across sectors. The median annual wage for management occupations was $116,880 in May 2023, more than double the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.
Explore what a management job can do for you. Read our guide on business management careers for more information.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead sales teams across a wide range of businesses. That can include everything from insurance companies to car dealerships and more. Sales managers are responsible for both hiring and managing members of their team and analyzing data to determine sales strategy.
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare organizations. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing and residential facilities, and government agencies. Job titles in this field include healthcare administrator, clinic director, and public health manager.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers focus on driving consumer interest in products and/or services. Primary tasks include developing marketing and sales campaigns, negotiating advertising contracts, initiating market research studies, and managing a marketing team. Professionals in this field typically hold titles such as advertising, marketing, or promotions manager.
Manufacturing or Transportation Manager
Logistics professionals determine how to deliver products or services to consumers. They coordinate sourcing, manufacturing, and transportation. Examples of common job titles include industrial production manager and transportation, storage, and distribution manager. Common tasks include implementing production standards, reviewing supply chains, and managing personnel.
Financial Managers
Financial managers evaluate the financial health of individuals or organizations. They complete tasks such as preparing financial statements, generating forecasts, and analyzing market trends. They may also supervise teams of accountants. Finance management positions include financial manager, credit manager, risk manager, and chief financial officer.
Information Technology Manager
Management occupations in information technology (IT) focus on ensuring that an organization’s technology functions properly. These managers analyze a firm’s needs, recommend upgrades to improve processes, assess the costs of new projects, and oversee the installation and troubleshooting of technological systems.
Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Management
Master’s in management programs are typically intensive, short-term programs geared toward young professionals with minimal work experience. The broad-based curriculum is meant to familiarize students with a host of management concepts.
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