20 Best Online MBA in Strategy - Master's Programs Guide

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Contents

Common Application and Admission Questions

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Strategy?

What Are the Best MBA in Strategy Degrees?

OTHER NOTABLE MBA IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

The MBA. The Master of Business Administration. It is one of the most popular and in-demand graduate degrees in the country.

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Why? The world of business is always evolving. It is also competitive. To develop the skills you need to succeed in such an environment, you need the right training. Sure, lots of what you need to know will come from real-world work experience. That is why most graduate degrees in business require at least a couple of years of work experience for admission.

However, there’s nothing quite like the rigorous curriculum of an online MBA in Strategic Management to show you the ropes. Nor will you be able to access a professional network of alumni, peers, and industry professionals quite like you will while you are pursuing an online MBA in Strategic Management

Many people think that all business degrees are alike, with core classes centered around finance, marketing, economics, and other business fundamentals. In reality, there are many different directions you can take.

Perhaps you want to focus your studies on accounting. You can do that by earning an MBA with a concentration in accounting. Maybe you’d rather emphasize the applications of business in a healthcare setting.

Yet for many students, earning an online MBA in strategy is the best choice for their careers.

What is a strategic management MBA at an online business school? This degree will allow you to approach the complex world report of business like a game of chess. You’ll work to arrange all the moving pieces in an enterprise. You will anticipate and pursue opportunities for advancement, craft smart business tactics, and use your insights to help your company succeed in the massive world report of business.

Do you want to build solid decision-making skills? Do you want to learn more about the market factors that help a corporation succeed? Earning one of the top online MBAs in strategy is the right choice for you.

And if the thought of earning an online MBA in Strategic Management appeals to you, you might want to consider earning that degree online. There are countless benefits to pursuing an online education. You will be able to arrange your course schedule so that it accommodates your other commitments (such as caring for children or attending a full-time job). Plus, online degrees often tend to be more affordable.

The costs of college continue to rise. There are lots of reasons to consider online schooling. You won’t have to worry about paying for things like room and board or transportation. Even the per credit hour tuition for online programs tends to be a lot cheaper than what students pay on campus.

If you think that online degrees are lower in quality or prestige than their on-campus counterparts, think again. Online programs hold the same recognition from employers and universities as do their on-campus counterparts. Most of the time, you won’t even know the difference by looking at your diploma or transcript!

Ready to take your career in business to the next level? Consider pursuing one of these 20 best strategic management online MBA degrees. You won’t regret it.

Common Application and Admission Questions

So how do you apply to the best online MBA strategy programs?

Strategic management is a discipline that requires you to conduct systematic research, engage in careful planning. You will analyze every aspect of business. You’ll apply your skills in strategic management to just about any kind of business in any industry. Your degree plan and admissions requirements may vary. It depends on the exact route you want to pursue with your career.

The skills that you will acquire in most strategic management MBAs are about the same. You’ll learn how to conduct thorough business research . You will learn how to analyze the results of that research as they apply to a real-world setting. You’ll become skilled in data analysis and also learn soft skills that are necessary for the world report of business. For example, you’ll need to become skilled in analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and decision-making.

Most strategic management degrees take about 12 to 24 months to complete. You can take less or more time to finish your studies if needed. You may also be able to pursue an additional concentration, minor, or dual degree if you choose, too. In a strategy concentration, you’ll complete core courses like:

Corporate Strategy
Global Strategy
Strategic Management of Technology
Strategic Leadership
Global Business Strategy
International Business Management
Global Supply Chain Management
Smart Strategic Management
Human Resources
Executive Leadership
Organizational Leadership and Business Strategy
Corporate Strategy
Operations Management

Make sure the programs to which you apply have all of these features (and others you might care about) before you apply. Don’t waste your time applying to dozens of schools. Instead, narrow your list to just three or four schools you think might be a good fit. That way, you won’t be faced with overwhelming decision fatigue!

When you’re ready to sit down and start filling out those applications, you’ll need to have a few things on hand. First and foremost is your credit card. Some schools now waive fees for online applications. However, most online MBA in Strategic Management programs still require hefty application fees.

You will need a bachelor’s degree with coursework that shows you are well prepared for graduate work in business. A major in business or a related field (like economics, marketing, or accounting) isn’t often necessary. It may make you a more competitive candidate. It will reduce the number of undergraduate business prerequisites you have to take, too.

You will need to furnish transcripts showing that you completed this bachelor’s degree. Most business schools have minimum GPA requirements. This is often a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The GMAT or GRE is also often required. You might need to submit things like a personal essay, one professional letter of recommendation or more, and a current resume, too. In some cases, a full interview with the admissions team at your school might be required.

Before you fill out a single application, make sure you take the time to do your research and to ensure that each of the schools to which you are applying will be a good fit for you. Talk with the admission team about requirements. Whenever possible, students pay a visit to campus! Yes, even if you are studying online!. This will give you a good idea of whether you are making the right decision.

What About Financial Aid & Scholarships?

If you’ve decided to earn an MBA in strategy online, you’ve made a smart choice in regards to your financial future. The potential return on investment for one of these degrees is high. In other words, you may earn a high salary when you graduate with a strategic management online MBA.

Finding the money upfront to pay for such a degree, though, is a challenge. The top 100 schools in the country cost, on average, more than $75,000 for the program’s lifespan! Online degrees tend to be less expensive at face value than their on-campus counterparts.

You will also be well served by finding funding to offset the cost of graduate school. This is funding that you won’t have to pay back.

Begin by completing the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application will analyze your financial need by taking a look at key financial documents like your W2s and tax returns.

This will determine your eligibility for state and federal aid such as grants and subsidized loans. There tend to be fewer need-based grants available to graduate students than there are to undergraduates. Your options might be limited.

The good news is that most universities work hard to pick up the slack. They offer a variety of need-based grants and scholarships. Most universities also offer merit-based awards.

Another source of funding you may pursue is school-based employment. Many business schools offer fellowships and assistantships. These will allow you to gain work experience in your field. You will also have a bulk of your graduate school costs paid for in full. They tend to be competitive. Apply early and put your best foot forward for consideration.

Once you’ve exhausted those options, you may want to look at other kinds of scholarships and funding sources. There are plenty of scholarships for prospective students interested in an online MBA program out there. That’s even more true if you are interested in applying for a targeted award. These are often aimed at increasing the number of minorities or other underrepresented groups in the world report of business.

Check with local philanthropic organizations, corporate sponsors, or even your own employer. Your own company might be a goldmine when it comes to finding funding to pay for school. Many businesses offer tuition remission plans that pay for part or all of your graduate school costs. This is often in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a set number of years.

The key to landing funding for your master’s degree is to apply early. Make yourself the best candidate possible. Try to boost your GMAT scores and GPA before you apply. Apply early to your MBA programs. Once accepted, most online MBA programs will consider all candidates when awarding scholarships. Apply too late, though, and you’ll be out of the running. Aspiring business professionals should always apply early to their MBA programs!

Research, research, research. Leave no stone unturned when you’re looking for ways to pay for your credit hours for the graduate degree. It might seem like a frustrating, time-consuming process now. You’re sure to thank yourself later.

How Much Can I Make With an MBA in Strategy?

As the person responsible for building a company’s market strategy, you’re going to hold a lot of responsibility. As a result, you’ll need to have a high level of expertise. With that expertise often comes a high salary.

Payscale reports that MBAs of all kinds are often associated with average salaries of $85,000 or more. Earn a specialization. You’ll earn even more. An article by Poets and Quants notes that students who choose a specialization in strategy make almost $14,000 more than those who specialize in any other field!

You’ll be able to find employment across a variety of sectors. Some of the leading employers for individuals with MBAs in strategy include:

Amazon
Microsoft
AT&T
Deloitte Consulting LLP

Businesses of all types and sizes want to hire MBA grads. It makes sense that your average salary might vary, too.

Where you live will play a role in your earnings. The best places to look for high-paying work in business strategy are places where large corporations often tend to be headquartered. Examples include New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta.

There are several careers that you might want to consider if a high salary is at the top of your priority list. One of these is as a management consultant. Management consultants are sometimes referred to management analysts. This is a person who will reach and recommend ways to improve a client or organization’s efficiency. You may earn an average salary of more than $85,260, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

You might also consider working as a senior product manager. You could earn an average salary of $105,480, with your potential salary increasing with the more education you pursue. There are some entry-level jobs in this field for candidates who possess bachelor’s degrees. Yet you’re more apt to land a job with an MBA.

Another potential option is a job as a finance manager. A finance manager is a professional who creates financial reports, develops plans, and directs investment activities. This is all to help organizations meet their long-term financial goals. Again, a bachelor’s degree is all you need for entry into this career, but you’ll earn a higher salary (in most cases, in excess of $129,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics!) with an online master of business administration in strategic management.

The beauty of these jobs is that they are high-paying and in high demand. That’s great news. A high paying job isn’t worth much if you aren’t able to find one to begin with! The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job for management consultants is expected to grow by 11% by 2029. Jobs for finance managers are expected to increase by a whopping 15%. Finance managers, like general and operations managers, are in high demand. In addition to working as a financial manager, there are also jobs for operations managers, sales managers, and other business professionals in just about every industry. MBA students have no shortage of jobs to choose from! Doctoral programs are also popular pathways for graduates.

Why are these general and operations managers jobs so in demand? There are lots of reasons,. One of the biggest is because they are specialized and require a unique level of training that not everybody will have. These aren’t jobs that are outsourced to computers! You need to have some serious business chops and the drive to be successful. And, of course, to earn one of the 20 best strategic management MBA degrees.

What Are the Best MBA in Strategy Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

#1. The University of Texas at Dallas

Online MBA with a focus in Strategic Management

The University of Texas at Dallas opened with one singular goal. That was to serve as a private research arm of Texas Instruments.

Today, the university has expanded to offer more than 140 academic programs. These are across eight schools. There are more than 50 research institutes and centers. It is renowned for its rapid growth in research. It also has competitive admissions policies. This school offers one of the very top online MBAs in strategy. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management offers the strategic management MBA. The curriculum is online. Exams are administered as components of:

courses
uploaded via email
proctored at approved testing centers

The degree is ranked as the sixth-best online MBA program in the country. It features 15 different concentrations. There are 13 dual-degree options and almost 60 electives for you to choose from. Prospective students in these MBA programs will begin their studies by taking two undergraduate business prerequisites. There is one in Communications for Management and the other in Quantitative Foundation of Business.

Prospective students will complete 32 semester hours of core courses such as:

Financial Management
Strategic Management
Strategic Leadership
Supply Chain Management
Managing IT in the Analytics Edge
Relationship Selling Strategies
Business Intelligence
Managerial Accounting
Managerial Economics
Corporate Governance
Labor Relations and Workforce Management
Organizational Communication
Managing Innovation
Global Enterprise Strategy and Strategic Management
International Markets

Then you can pursue electives and strategic leadership concentration courses to prepare you to become a management analyst. In addition to the focus in strategic management, this MBA also comes with concentrations for prospective students in:

Accounting
Energy management
Analytics
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Healthcare leadership and management

The strategic management concentration focuses on corporate-level strategic management. You’ll learn how to implement strategic designs from start to finish. You will also learn how to lead in any setting. Your core courses will also integrate:

finance
organizational theory
economics
accounting

You’ll be able to help your organization create and leverage a sustainable, competitive advantage. Online students will be prepared to become business professionals in any field. They could work as a management analyst or go on to further study, using their MBA programs to pursue doctoral programs.

You can even choose to tack on an additional academic certificate. There are several options available. These include:

Executive and professional coaching
Organizational consulting
Transformational leadership and strategic leadership
Project management.

The professional management MBA is available 100% online. There’s also a full-time on campus version. There’s even an evening and flex setting. You can pursue an MBA regardless of your work schedule or other commitments.

The beauty of this MBA program is that you can apply and begin your coursework in any semester. There’s no prescribed sequence you must follow. It is convenient and flexible. Courses are taught on your schedule. You’ll be granted access to committed academic and career support every step of the way.

Ready to apply and begin the next step in your career journey? You’ll need to submit an online application and a $50 application fee. Upload digital copies of your unofficial transcripts and test scores. Mail official documents after you’re admitted. You must supply GMAT or GRE scores that are no more than five years old. You’ll also need a professional letter of recommendation, an essay, and a detailed resume. Interviews are not required for online learners.

#2. University of North Texas

Online MBA with a focus in Strategic Management

The University of North Texas offers a superb online master of business administration with a strategic management and business strategy concentration. This is the flagship institution of the UNT System. The University of North Texas in Denton, TX first opened its doors as a nonsectarian, coeducational teachers college. It is viewed as one of the top schools to attend if you wanted to become a teacher. yet this former normal school now offers degrees in more than a dozen colleges and schools.

You won’t just learn inside the classroom here, either. You will be able to practice what you preach! The school is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity.” It spends more than $78.4 million on research in 2019 alone. As an MBA candidate here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your training into practice.

The University of North Texas has more than 80 online program options. It enrolls almost 80,000 students each year. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Master of Business Administration comes with multiple specialization options. These include:

Sport entertainment management
Organizational behavior
Human resource management
Supply chain analytics.

For aspiring strategic managers, the focus in strategic management is the way to go. It consists of 12 total classes and 36 credit hours. You’ll learn the skills you need to manage an organization. You will also learn how to help an organization develop broad policies to meet its goals.

This is an accelerated program. It features classes that are taught 100% online. They are broken down into convenient eight-week chunks. You can also sign up for classes in this strategic management degree that are five weeks long each in the summer. There are start dates six times each year. Because of this flexible scheduling, you can earn your degree in as little as 14 months.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll learn marketable skills in this master of business administration with a specialization in strategic management. These include:

teamwork
ethical conduct
quantitative analysis

You’ll take a series of core classes that are required for students in all concentrations. Examples include:

Organizational Behavior and Analysis
Leveraging IT for Business
Marketing Management
Successful Strategy and Strategic Management
Workforce Management and Labor Relations
Managerial Accounting
Business Intelligence

Then, you’ll take strategic management courses such as Operations Management and Strategic Supply Chain Management.

This MBA program is perfect for students who are interested in leading in managerial positions. It is taught by faculty who were recruited from internationally recognized universities. They represent a wide variety of teaching experiences and research expertise. You’ll gain key business insights from these business professionals. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning. Your concentration courses will allow you to solve a real world business problem and add to your current resume for leadership roles. You could use your MBA programs credentials to apply for doctoral programs later on, too.

It’s also affordable. The average student who is a resident of Texas will pay just $23,900 for tuition and fees. That’s for the entire program! There are multiple start dates each year. This makes attending classes easier and more convenient than ever.

To apply for the MBA at the University of North Texas, you will need to meet admissions requirements both of the graduate school and of the College of Business. You must supply official transcripts along with GMAT or GRE scores. You should also submit a 600- to 700-word essay. You’ll also need a resume with work experience and two letters of recommendation.

#3. University of Delaware

Online MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Management

You’ll find a top MBA in business strategy at the University of Delaware. The University of Delaware is a groundbreaking institution located in Newark, DE. It is truly a school of “firsts.” This is one of just four schools on the continent to offer a major in art conservation. It was also the first university in the country to offer a study abroad program.

There are more than 300 degrees for students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level to choose from. The University of Delaware is a smart choice for students interested in pursuing an online MBA. You’ll love visiting the university’s modern campus in Newark. But you’ll also love the multitude of resources that will be available to you as an online learner in the master of business administration with a strategic management concentration. The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

This online MBA program offers many benefits. Each class follows an intensive seven-week format. You can learn when and where it is most convenient for you. You don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree in business in order to attend these online MBA programs. You’ll be able to collaborate with other learners from a wide variety of backgrounds. This is one of the best online MBAs if you want to develop a successful strategy and strategic management skillset that will help you make sound business decisions.

Classes in this MBA program are taught by Ph.D.-qualified faculty. They have extensive industry experience and education. You’ll have access to a personal career coach. You’ll also get scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help you succeed without spending a fortune.

The strategy emphasis is not the only concentration for you to choose from in the MBA program. You can choose one or more concentrations to meet your career goals. Some options include:

Healthcare management
International business
Finance
Analytics

You can also choose to pursue multiple concentrations for a more competitive strategy. You can combine two or more emphasis areas to give you greater flexibility in the job market. The degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. You will work closely with business partners to form strategic alliances and gain insight on upcoming management positions.

It is an affordable program. It features tuition that starts at just $950 per credit hour. Most students take just 16 months to complete the program. Since courses are offered online, you’ll move as fast or slow as you’d like through the curriculum.

You will have access to the Lerner’s Career Services. This is a department that focuses on students in the Lerner School of Business. You’ll be able to work with career advisors to attend networking events, virtual workshops, career fairs, speaker series, and more. Plus, you will complete seminars, case studies, and other online learning experiences.

You will need to have a bachelor’s degree (any academic background is acceptable) from a regionally accredited university. Your bachelor’s degree GPA should be at least 2.8 to qualify for the strategic management MBA program. You must have two years of work experience. GRE and GMAT scores are required. Waivers are often granted based on your work history and your background in mathematics. These strategic management programs are easy and affordable to apply to!

#4. Brenau University

Online MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Thinking and Innovation

Brenau University has the best MBA for strategy for hardworking graduate students. It opened in 1878. It is a private school located in Gainesville, GA. This school has more than 3500 students from 48 states and 17 foreign countries. It’s not the largest school. However, it is one of the most diverse.

The university offers degrees at the associate through the doctoral level. You can also take classes in Augusta, Atlanta, Jacksonville, FL, and of course, online. The online MBA is perfect for graduate students who wish to hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills. It is ideal for those who have some level of work experience.

Ready to land that promotion? The online MBA at Brenau has just what you need. Eighty-six percent of the graduates of this MBA program say that the degree helped to prepare them for leadership roles in the business world. Most of those surveyed also reporting that it increased their earnings.

You’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their fields. They have real-world expertise in budgeting, business operations, marketing management, and more. You’ll be able to upgrade your resume by taking classes that are convenient. They are offered 100% online to help you land that new job.

You’ll be able to shorten the amount of time it takes you to earn your degree by pursuing the available accelerated track. You’ll only need 12 months to complete your studies! The college of business here is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

There are 13 unique concentrations for you to choose from in this strategic management MBA. All it takes is the addition of four to six courses to help you build a customized degree. It will work well with your unique experience and career goals. Some of the most popular concentrations, in addition to strategic thinking and innovation, in the college of business here include:

Health care management
Human resource management
Financial management
Project management.

The strategic thinking and innovation concentration is unique. It is available both as part of the MBA as well as part of the master’s in organizational leadership at Brenau. You’ll learn how to solve complex problems in an organization. You’ll also learn the steps necessary to become more proactive in critical thinking and creative decision making.

In this online MBA in strategic management, you’ll take comprehensive courses that will acquaint you with essential business management techniques. Core classes include:

Strategic Management and Policy
Foundations of Business Analytics
Intro to Business Communications
Budgeting for Managers.

You’ll have access to a dedicated team of coaches and support staff. They will offer expert guidance starting at day one of your program.

The degree is transfer-designated. This makes it a great option for students who have completed some of their courses at another institution. Brenau will accept up to 65 of your credits!

This 36-credit hour program requires a 3.0 GPA. You don’t have to have a business background. You should have taken courses such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Managerial Finance, and Business Essentials For Managers.

#5. Hofstra University

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategic Business Management

Hofstra University has another top MBA in strategy. This college of business opened its doors in 1935 as an extension of New York University. It was named Nassau College—Hofstra Memorial of New York University at Hempstead, Long Island. It became independent in 1939.

It makes sense, therefore, that the school would maintain some prestige. It was an extension of NYU’s well-regarded campus. Today, Hofstra consists of ten schools. It is noted for its connection to presidential conferences, debates, and campaigns.

This prestige is just part of what makes Hofstra such a great place to pursue an online MBA with a concentration in strategic business management. The other parts? Its academics, student services, and flexibility and convenience for distance learners. You’ll love everything that the online MBA in strategic management has to offer.

The degree is in the Zarb School of Business. The the top-ranked online MBA program at Hofstra is ranked ninth in the country by Poets and Quants. It’s also top ranked by The Princeton Review, and QS World University Rankings.

This program was the very first distance learning program in Strategic Business Management in New York. Hofstra also offered the first strategic healthcare management program in the state, too. The business school has been AACSB-accredited for more than four decades. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members. They are true experts and leading practitioners in the field.

The school’s unique proximity to the New York metropolitan area will give you some of the best access to the business community. You’ll be able to interact with other professionals through events, career services, and industry liaisons.

It is a 38-credit hour program. It is perfect for working professionals. You will learn the skills you need to succeed in any area of business. You will get the MBA you always wanted. It has a clear focus that is relevant to all areas of business. There are additional concentrations available in:

Strategic business management
Finance
Strategic health care management.

You will learn in small class sizes. They are structured in a cohort-based format. Your classroom environment will be customized. You will interact with other students and faculty members. The school’s global and industry focus has residency requirements. These allow you to learn from global corporations and business leaders in New York City. Take two years to complete your degree or take a little bit longer. This degree is customizable.

To apply, you will need to submit an online application form. This can be done more or less at your own convenience. The Zarb School of Business has a rolling admissions policy. You’ll also need to supply GMAT or GRE scores. You’ll need official transcripts from all universities you attended and a resume. You’ll also need to supply a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.

There are no minimum cut-offs for any of the required years of work experience, a high undergraduate GPA, and strong scores on the GMAT or GRE. These testing requirements can be waived if you have progressive work experience.

#6. Villanova University

Online Strategic Management MBA

You’ll find another one of the top MBA in strategic management online MBA degrees at Villanova University. Villanova University is a private Catholic university located in Villanova, PA. Villanova University is named after Saint Thomas of Villanova. It is the oldest Catholic university in the state. It’s also the only Augustinian university in the country.

Despite these historic roots, the Villanova University School of Business remains focused on expanding future opportunities for its students. It is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities-High Research Activity” According to the National Science Foundation, it spent almost $21 million on research in 2018 alone.

You’ll be able to benefit from these research opportunities as a student in the online strategic management MBA here. The online MBA in strategic management is one of the best.

Earning an online MBA from the Villanova School of Business will help you learn more about the fundamentals of business. It will also help you learn about how technology has revolutionized the way our world conducts business. It’s a top-ranked degree. Classes are taught by the same expert faculty who teach on campus. However, they’re delivered in a more flexible, convenient format.

The strategic management emphasis area is not the only specialization pathway you can pursue. You can also expand your leadership opportunities by choosing from specializations in:

Analytics
Marketing
Finance
International Business

You will take core classes such as:

Analyzing and Leveraging Data
Strategic Marketing Management
Team Leadership and Group Dynamics.

Forty-eight credit hours are required. Most students finish their classes in just two years. You can choose from multiple capstone options. These include a global experience or a social enterprise consulting practicum.

This degree (including all of its available specializations) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is also ranked as one of the best schools in the country for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The programs at Villanova are designed for professionals, by professionals. You’ll enjoy a personalized education in an interactive online format. Faculty have extensive industry knowledge and will help you build essential leadership skills. You can engage in live networking with faculty and peers in an online setting. You can attend campus for weekend residency experiences.

The school has a vast alumni network that spans the globe. You’ll participate in optional international immersion experiences in emerging economies. You will cultivate relationships with your peers. You’ll be able to experience the same faculty and curriculum that you would have access to on-campus. Class sizes are small in both settings. The average online section contains just 20 students.

To apply for admission to the online strategic management MBA at Villanova, you will need to complete an online application. Provide official transcripts with your academic credentials from a bachelor’s degree. Two letters of recommendation, a resume, and two separate personal statement essays are also required. You may be asked to participate in an interview. You will also need to submit test scores.

#7. University of Pittsburgh

Blended MBA with a focus area in Strategy

Next up are the strategy MBA programs in business administration at the University of Pittsburgh. This school opened as the Pittsburgh Academy by Hugh Henry Brackenridge in 1787. The University of Pittsburgh is a state-related public research college. It opened in response to a need for a proper university in the city as the country forged westward. Today, the school contains 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges. It is home to about 29,000 students.

There is a main campus in urban Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh also has undergraduate branch campuses in Bradford, Johnstown, Titusville, and Greensburg, PA. Of course, you can always take classes online, too! The online MBA in strategic management is perfect for distance learners.

The part-time MBA is 100% online with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. It is designed for working professionals. It can be completed online or with the addition of on-campus courses. You’ll be able to take classes at the pace that’s right for you. You can take up to nine credits at a time. You will graduate in just one or two years.

The curriculum of this program offers the opportunity for individualized and accelerated learning. You’ll learn more about the links between business disciplines as well as with other fields and industries. You’ll gain the perspective you need to be a successful leader. You’ll take integrative coursework in data programming fundamentals, research, business communications, and more.

Your opportunities to learn will extend far outside of the classroom. This will make you a more versatile and well-rounded leader. You’ll participate in co-curricular opportunities like community-based projects, case competitions, and professional development programming. These will reinforce the core concepts you’ve already learned.

There are even global learning opportunities! You can study abroad and learn from some of the best minds in business. You will solve real-world challenges and expand your cultural awareness. The University of Pittsburgh offers a global research practicum, global issues workshops, and consulting field projects.

The strategy concentration is just one potential pathway in the MBA at the University of Pittsburgh. You can also pursue a Katz Credential. This will highlight your expertise and give you experiential learning in a certain business area. Online students will be able to work with business partners in these MBA programs. This is done through specialized coursework and projects. Some popular credentials include:

Technology management
Strategic leadership
Global business
Corporate strategy
Marketing management
Operations
Managerial economics
Financial management
International business culture

You’ll have some of the best access to career and networking services in the business. You can participate in networking events both on-campus, in the famed Mervis Hall, or online. You can also engage in the Executives in Residence program. This will allow you to work with a dedicated group of former executives. They want nothing more than to help you grow as a professional.

To apply for admission to the MBA at the Katz Graduate School of Business, you will need to submit an online application and provide two recommendations. You will also need essay responses, and a current resume. You will also need to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and provide official college transcripts from your bachelor’s degree. A degree in business is not required. You should also plan on submitting official test scores. You’ll also need an application fee.

#8. Ottawa University

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategic Innovation

The MBA strategic management online degree at Ottawa University is one of the best business administration degrees in the nation. Ottawa University is a private Baptist university located in Ottawa, KS. Ottawa University has additional campuses in places like Surprise, AZ. There are other numerous locations around the country. The Ottawa campus is small. It is home to 750 students. Yet you’ll find thousands of students who choose to take advantage of Ottawa University’s extensive online offerings.

The MBA is offered by the Angell Snyder School of Business. It is one of the country’s best master in business administration with a strategic management concentration. The online Master of Business Administration at Ottawa University will provide you with high-quality preparation in business. Courses integrate professional ethics, core business fundamentals, and your personal values. It offers maximum flexibility. Courses are offered both online as well as in the evening during a classroom setting.

The Master of Business Administration with a strategic management concentration will qualify you for jobs in the public sector, the private sector, and in academics. In the online MBA in strategic management, you’ll learn the problem-solving skills you need to impact your organization’s outlook . You will also enjoy the maximum flexibility you need to help you juggle school along with your already-busy life. You will take classes in eight-week terms. There are six available terms per year. You study at your leisure. Take just one class per term or attempt a full course load. The choice is yours!

You’ll learn how to focus on strategic tasks and engage in comprehensive strategic analysis and planning. It consists of 36 credit hours of study. There are eight required core courses. There are four courses designed just for learners in the Strategic Innovation MBA track.

These courses include:

Managing in a Global Environment
Social, Cultural, Legal, and Political Influences in Business
Corporate Strategies
The Creative Organization.

In this strategic management MBA program, you’ll also take classes in things like business strategy and managing in the global environment. You’ll gain executive leadership skills in this strategic management program, too. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This is the highest designation for business programs in the world.

The MBA in strategic innovation is not the only business program offered by Ottawa University. Far from it, in fact. The master’s degree has additional concentrations in:

Accounting
Finance
Business data analytics
Population health/health care

There are also bachelor’s degrees in these fields. There is a Master of Arts in leadership, a Master of Arts in human resources, and much, much more.

The courses in the MBA in strategic innovation will prepare you to become a leader within your current company. It will also prepare you to embark on new leadership opportunities. The average starting salary for MBA graduates was $115,000 in 2019. It’s tough to find a degree with a better return on investment than this one!

Ready to apply? You will need to supply a completed application for admission. You’ll also need an application fee. You also need to provide official transcripts. Not to worry if you’ve attended another graduate school in the past. You can transfer in up to 80 hours toward a 124-hour degree.

#9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Online MBA with a concentration in Strategy and Consulting

The online MBA in strategic management at UNC is another one of the best business administration degrees. This school is the flagship university of the University of North Carolina system. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is considered a Public Ivy. This means that the school offers the sweet duality of low tuition along with a reputation for an academic experience that is equivalent to that which you would receive at an Ivy League University!

The school opened its doors in 1785. It’s the oldest university in the state of North Carolina. Yet it is not stuck in the past but rather anchored in the future. Faculty and staff seek out ways to provide new opportunities for students. There are more than 70 courses of study among 13 separate professional schools and colleges.

The online MBA at UNC is known as the “no-compromise MBA.” You won’t have to give up anything, not your personal and professional obligations or the quality of your degree, in order to learn in this program.

It’s ranked as the number one best online MBA by U.S. News & World Report. The UNC Kenan-Flager School of Business is ranked in the top 20 of all business schools in the country, too. Even The Princeton Review agrees. This program is ranked the second-best in the country!

You’ll develop a profound approach to leadership that will amplify your strengths, reflect your values, and position you for success. It’s a recognized and well-established program. It includes challenging coursework. You’ll have access to a large global network of more than 42,000 alumni.

The program has multiple start dates each year. These are in January, April, July, and October. You’ll join a small cohort of fellow students when you begin your classes. This will allow you to learn from a diverse group of peers as you complete group projects and other assignments.

The curriculum is designed and facilitated by the school’s world-class teaching and research faculty. Core classes cover everything you need to know about strategic management and other business administration fields. For example, you’ll take classes in executive leadership, business strategy, and human resources in this strategic management degree. You can pursue other concentrations besides strategy and consulting.

Business school concentration options include:

Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Data analytics and decision making.

Most of your classes will be completed online. But you’ll be able to participate in a number of action-based programs so that you can expand your cross-cultural awareness. Class sizes are small and close-knit. You’ll be able to travel to major cities all over the world for weekend-long learning intensives, too. You can meet peers and professors face-to-face and take part in local activities.

Ready to apply? At the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business, the process is seamless. You’ll need to submit test scores along with your official transcripts. The average student here has about four and a half years of work experience. They have an average GPA of 3.4. But you don’t need to meet a cookie-cutter mold in order to apply. In fact, more than half of all students in this program don’t have a background in business! Financial aid is available to most MBA in strategic management students at this business school.

#10. Northcentral University

Online Strategic Management MBA

Next, consider the online MBA strategic management degree at Northcentral. This school is a private university headquartered in San Diego, CA. Northcentral University is all about the online learner. You’ll find all kinds of programs in fields like:

education
marriage and family therapy
psychology
business

There are plenty of online MBA programs for aspiring business administration professionals here.

It was established in 1996. It is one of the newest business school colleges out there. Yet you’ll find a top strategic management program here! It is one of the best for online learners. It consists of six schools:

the School of Law
the School of Technology
the School of Education
the School of Health Sciences
the School of Social and Behavioral Science
the School of Business.

This school offers degrees at the baccalaureate, graduate, and post-master’s levels.

There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. It is one of the best for working professionals. You’ll learn how to evaluate the health of an organization. You’ll also learn how to provide effective business solutions that both address and anticipate global trends. You’ll gain the skills you need to drive innovation. You’ll gain the leadership chops you need to be successful.

The program can be completed on an accelerated timeline. This will allow you to graduate in several months instead of several years. It’s affordable. There are multiple scholarships available for new students. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This is an association that accredits business programs across the globe on more than 1000 campuses. Most online MBA programs accredited by this body also offer financial aid.

You will take a total of ten courses or 30 credit hours. Most students complete their classes in less than a year and a half. Classes start every week. You don’t have to wait around in order to begin your degree. You can take up to five years to complete your master’s degree. Most students will take much less time than that.

Everything at Northcentral can be done at your own pace. You don’t have to attend scheduled lecture hours or complete group assignments. You can schedule everything around your professional and personal obligations. You’ll be mentored by experts in the field during all of your classes. Since everything is done on your own in this smart strategic management MBA program, you’ll benefit from one-on-one engagement without having to fight for attention in a classroom.

The strategic management pathway is not your only specialization option at this business school, either. You can also choose from business administration options in:

General business administration
Homeland security
Information technology
Criminal justice

In most cases, you’ll take core classes such as:

Managing People and Teams
Operations Management
Innovation and Marketing
Strategic Management.

Unique specialization courses include:

Global Product Management
Advanced Digital Marketing
Strategic Marketing Management.

Northcentral has a very liberal admissions process for the business administration strategic management programs. It allows for direct entry if you have a bachelor’s degree in business. This must be from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business or executive leadership, you can complete the online application. You will receive an academic evaluation with your official college transcripts. You must also take one introductory course before taking the rest of your professional MBA courses.