edX Online

Explore full-time MBA programs

Full-time online MBA programs can provide students with an understanding of management, accounting, and finance principles. Graduates can use MBA skills in multiple industries to pursue a career that aligns with their interests. Discover top MBA programs, related benefits, and common MBA career paths.

See all full-time online MBA programs

Why earn a full-time online MBA degree?

Work and study

Online students can take asynchronous courses that offer increased flexibility. Professionals can simultaneously work while earning an online MBA full time.

Build a network

MBA enrollees can network with prospective employers and business partners via school social events, internships, and classmates.

Signal credibility

MBA degrees can potentially signal to prospective employers that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and professionalism to succeed in business.

See all full-time MBA programs

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What can you learn in a full-time online MBA program?

Full-time can be completed within 1-2 years. They typically consist of 30-60 credits of core, elective, and capstone courses.

Online MBA courses can prepare students for multiple roles, including manager, analyst, and entrepreneur. Attendees study marketing, leadership, and finance to develop the necessary skills for their careers.

Enrollees can also choose a specialized MBA track, such as business analytics, healthcare, or marketing. Professionals who have a specific career path in mind may benefit from learning additional specialized information about their industry. These students may choose a concentration rather than select electives.

Admission requirements for online MBA programs

Each full-time online MBA program may have unique application requirements. However, in addition to official transcripts and a , it's common for schools to ask full-time MBA applicants to provide:

Admission requirements for online MBA programs
RequirementDetails
Completed online application
  • Usually requires a non-refundable application fee
GMAT or GRE scores
  • See individual programs for minimum score requirement, if any
  • Some
Bachelor's degree
  • Not generally limited by major
  • Some schools may require a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • School must be accredited
One or more essays
  • Topics may include why you want an MBA or how you plan to contribute to a collaborative MBA program.
Letters of recommendation
  • Ask references to address standout characteristics, such as leadership traits or your ability to accept feedback, in their .
Detailed work experience
  • Not necessary for many online MBA programs, but may increase the chances of acceptance

Should you consider a part-time MBA program instead?

Part-time MBA programs can allow students to complete courses at their own pace. If you need flexibility in your academic schedule for work or family, a part-time MBA program may work best for you.

Yes, if you:

  • Need flexible scheduling.
  • Have additional full-time responsibilities.
  • Prefer asynchronous learning.
  • Don't have time for full-time classwork.

No, if you:

  • Want fast-paced instruction.
  • Prefer a more structured program.
  • Are looking to complete the program within 1-2 years.
  • Can commit to full-time study.

Full-time and part-time programs have similar admission requirements, curricula, and concentration choices, but part-time programs may offer weekend, weeknight, or online course options.

Additionally, flexible MBA programs often have maximum time limits for students. Enrollees generally must complete all courses within five years, but students can increase or decrease their course load to meet these requirements as necessary.

What careers can you get with a full-time online MBA degree?

can pursue various roles in business, finance, and leadership positions. Most industries hire MBA degree-holders, as companies want to hire employees with analytical, forecasting, and communication skills.

Students who have specialized skills from their undergraduate programs can pursue an MBA degree to become business leaders in their chosen fields. Additionally, some students choose a specialization like HR, finance, or marketing.

Professionals with an MBA degree usually work in office settings. On a daily basis, MBA graduates may:

  • Forecast costs.
  • Devise budgets.
  • Manage workers.
  • Identify investment or growth opportunities.
  • Communicate with stakeholders.
  • Track organizational performance indicators.

Employers may view MBA-holders favorably, providing them with additional career and advancement opportunities. Each promotion can increase the probability of a salary and benefit increase.

Salary expectations for graduates of full-time MBA programs

MBA-holders can pursue careers such as a tax examiner or project manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), tax examiners earned a median annual salary of $59,740 as of May 2024, while project managers earned $100,750 annually during that same period.

MBA graduate salaries, however, depend on job position, location, and experience. Even within the same role, salaries can vary by state. Project managers earned an average annual salary of $136,990 in New Jersey as of May 2024, while the same position in Montana paid an average annual salary of $92,780 during that same period, according to the BLS.

Career outlook for professionals with an MBA

The BLS projects business and managerial jobs to grow faster than average across all industries over the next decade. However, individual careers have different projected growth rates due to changes in demand and technology. According to the BLS, cost estimators represent one of the fastest-shrinking business careers, expected to decrease 4% from 2023-33 due to improvements in cost estimator software.

Financial examiners and personal financial advisors represent two of the fastest-growing business jobs in the U.S. The BLS projects positions for financial examiners to grow by 21% and personal financial advisor roles to grow by 17% from 2023-33. An for individuals who have a passion for business and are interested in pursuing a growing career.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a full-time online MBA degree?

Full-time online MBA degrees can be earned in about 1-2 years, depending on the program and credit requirements. Students can take core, elective, and capstone courses. Attendees may choose a degree concentration, including healthcare, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

How much does an online MBA program cost?

An online MBA program typically costs between $10,000 and $150,000. Program costs may depend on school prestige, required credits, and class sizes. Attendees can reduce their tuition costs by pursuing financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

What can you do with an online MBA degree?

MBA graduates can pursue roles in business, finance, and leadership positions. Most industries require professionals who can complete forecasting, analysis, or delegating, which makes an MBA a versatile degree. Specific roles include project manager, financial analyst, and budget analyst.

What is the difference between a full-time MBA vs. a part-time MBA?

Part-time MBAs offer additional flexibility compared to full-time MBAs. Part-time students can take courses on weekends, weekday nights, or asynchronously online. Attendees can complete courses at their own pace, but programs may have a maximum time limit of five years.

Browse MBA programs by format

Last updated August 12, 2025