Online MBA programs
Are you ready to discover new, higher-paying opportunities in business? Earning an online master's in business administration (MBA) can position you to land leadership roles like executive, director, and manager. Explore employment outlooks for online MBA grads and learn about earning your degree with edX in this guide.
Explore MBA degrees
Why earn an online MBA?
Flexible schedules
Programs feature accelerated or fully remote classes with evening or asynchronous options.
Executive career path
Schools tailor programs to prepare graduates for management and executive roles.
Better job security
MBA grads enjoy the highest hiring rate in the field.
Browse accredited online MBA programs
What jobs can you get with an online MBA?
Typical industries associated with MBA-level roles include , , , healthcare, and . These jobs can include:
Human resources manager
Human resource managers work across industries to coordinate workforce hiring, benefits, and duties. These employees are often responsible for negotiating and mediating workplace conflict. They may also consult with managers to ensure compliance with employment regulations.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023) : $136,350
Health services manager
Health services managers oversee a medical department, facility, or practice. Their day-to-day responsibilities involve coordinating with physicians to ensure swift and effective patient care. This may include implementing organizational systems, payment portals, and regulation compliance.
BLS median annual salary (2023): $110,680
Marketing manager
Marketing managers are responsible for discovering and creating new markets for their business's offerings. They often consult with product, sales, and advertising teams to promote their business, reach new customers, and support customer satisfaction.
BLS median annual salary (2023): $157,620
Chief executive officer (CEO)
CEOs are the heads of companies. They set organizational goals and appoint managers and directors who can lead their teams to achieve them. They're also in charge of creating company policies and communicating performance indicators to shareholders and board members.
BLS median annual salary (2023): $206,680
Salaries of MBA graduates
According to the 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates earn a median salary of $125,000. However, this varies based on a worker's industry, location, and role.
For instance, according to 2023 data from the BLS, health services managers make a median salary of $110,680 a year, while chief executives earn a median salary of $206,680 annually.
Career outlook for MBA graduates
With a 91% hire rate, according to the 2023 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA grads represent the most hired group among job seekers in the business field. Additionally, graduates can apply the skills they've developed across industries.
Is an online MBA worth it?
If you're following an executive career path and aiming for high-salary roles, an may be .
MBA degree-holders commonly qualify for high-paying positions, with graduates earning a median salary of $125,000 a year, according to the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey. This is greater than the median salary of professionals who only hold a bachelor's degree: $74,636, according to 2023 BLS data. However, a large payday after graduation isn't necessarily guaranteed. You still need to factor in your industry, job function, and location.
edX offers online business administration degree programs in partnership with leading universities. In all the online MBA programs, university faculty teach live online classes that are kept small to encourage discussion and debate. These programs are designed for working professionals and can accommodate a variety of schedules.
What can you learn in an online MBA program?
An typically covers the major tenets of business, including , , and . Most schools design with management roles in mind. You'll often find the following topics and in a :
- Leadership
- Organizational behavior
Admissions requirements for an online MBA
Every MBA program operates differently, but most include such as:
- A bachelor's degree
- Statement of purpose
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Work experience
While work experience and or scores aren't required for every MBA program, it's worth noting that work history and scores are commonly required for applicants.
According to the 2022 GMAC Application Trends Survey, 36% of applicants to full-time MBA programs had at least 3-6 years of work experience, while 72% of applicants to executive MBA programs had over 10 years of work experience.
Frequently asked questions
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
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