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Online MBA in management programs

Management MBAs prepare executives for top leadership roles in almost every sector and industry. Take your career to the next level with an online MBA in management.

See all management MBA programs

Why earn an MBA in management online?

Develop a set of versatile, practical skills

Acquire critical skills in communication, team-building, and management.

Improve your earning potential

With more education and experience, you can increase your earning potential and boost your chances of being promoted.

Complete your coursework on your own schedule

Taking classes online allows you the flexibility to continue working and developing additional professional experience.


A master of business administration (MBA) in management program can help aspiring business managers and entrepreneurs strengthen their leadership and team-building skills. MBAs remain the gold standard for top executives and business leaders in global commerce, finance, and sales.

Explore admission requirements, common courses, and potential careers for online MBA in management graduates.

See all MBA programs with a management focus

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 do with a management MBA?

An MBA is a graduate degree focused on helping students develop business, management, and finance skills, with wide-ranging professional applications across nearly every industry. MBAs in management offer specialized curricula focusing on various types of management, such as people, project, and product management.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects at average to faster-than-average employment growth for management occupations between 2024 and 2034. Per the BLS, the median annual salary for this group of occupations was $122,090 as of May 2024.

Here are some potential career paths to pursue, with salary and job outlook data from the BLS:

Top executives

Top executives often hold an MBA in management, along with specialized knowledge of the field or industry in which they are employed. This category includes positions such as CEO, COO, and executive director of a nonprofit organization.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $105,350
  • Projected employment growth (2024-34): +4%

Human resources managers

Human resources managers direct a corporation or business's recruiting and staffing needs at the executive level and coordinate communication between the employer and employees. Some online MBAs in management feature an optional track in human resources.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $140,030
  • Projected employment growth (2024-34): +5%

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan and implement campaigns to generate consumer interest in a particular product or service. While MBAs are not always required, they are often preferred for jobs in this category.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $159,660
  • Projected employment growth (2024-34): +6%

Find out why leaders say upskilling is important for job security in our 2025 edX survey report.


What should you expect from an online MBA in management program?

An online MBA program generally starts with a strong foundation in core business, finance, and leadership coursework, though they are also known to offer various specialized tracks. , with some programs offering optional subspecialties such as IT or HR management.

Most online MBA in management programs require 36-44 credits and may take between 12 and 36 months to complete, depending on whether you enroll in an accelerated, full-time, or part-time program.

Online MBA in management curriculum

Online MBA in management programs typically require you to meet core course requirements in general business and leadership concepts before exploring management on a deeper level through elective coursework.

The following are just some examples of courses you might take as part of an online MBA in management:

  • Project management for success
  • Advanced communication and conflict resolution
  • Ethical management and employment law
  • Team leadership
  • Personal leadership and new ventures management

Admission requirements for an online MBA in management

Many online MBA programs have similar admission requirements, though standards can vary by school and program. The following are commonly required when you apply to an MBA in management program:

  • Official transcripts, including proof of a bachelor's degree
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5
  • A résumé or (CV)
  • GMAT or GRE scores (This requirement may be waived under an individual school's policy or if you possess a higher-than-average GPA or hold extensive professional experience.)
  • An application fee, commonly between $50 and $300

Frequently asked questions

Can an MBA degree get you a management position?

Yes. While MBAs are not always required for top management positions, employers may prefer to hire candidates with MBAs as high-level managers within their organization. Management-specific MBAs are especially desirable for niche jobs, such as IT or HR manager.

How does an MBA program help managers?

Management MBA programs build on the core principles of business and finance, imparting high-level teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills.

A management-focused MBA program can also help managers optimize their strategic communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills for improved employee relations in the workplace.

Is a management MBA better than a master's degree?

Whether or not an MBA in management is better for you than a master's degree depends on your career aspirations and experience. For example, people with an established career may benefit more from an MBA in management because the program can help them build the skills needed to pursue senior leadership roles.

What is the difference between an MBA and an MBA in management?

A general MBA program includes core courses in business, finance, and management, whereas a management MBA program includes an additional specialized track to elevate your leadership skills. Management MBA programs focus on this aspect of business administration, while a different specialization, like accounting or HR, might stress finance or employee relations skills.

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Last updated July 31, 2025