Find an online MBA in strategy
Earning your MBA in strategy online can help you hone advanced business skills, become a better leader, and qualify for higher-paying roles. Discover the benefits of this degree in our guide.
See all strategy MBA programs
Why earn an MBA in strategy online?
Build valuable insights
Managers with strategic expertise are in demand, can help businesses grow, and often have a competitive advantage.
Open career doors
Earning an online MBA in strategy and leadership can help you succeed in managerial roles across various industries.
Balance school and life
Online learning formats are flexible, convenient, and easier to integrate into your schedule. This can lead to a better school-life balance.
Building, growing, and maintaining a successful business involves complex strategic decision-making. An online master of business administration (MBA) in strategy can help you develop valuable strategic management skills in a flexible format. Explore and compare online MBA options now to get started.
See all MBA programs with a focus on strategy
What to expect from an MBA degree in strategy
Online MBAs in strategy focus on the techniques that business leaders use to develop and implement strategies that generate competitive advantages. These programs also cover general management topics such as accounting, finance, operations management, and marketing.
Some schools offer additional specialization options in areas like:
- Competitive
- Technology strategy
- Strategic leadership
MBA in strategy programs generally aim to develop business managers with strong leadership skills backed by long-term strategic vision. They can also equip students with insights for navigating economic, social, and technological change.
Like other , MBAs in strategy usually require about two years of full-time study. Online learning formats can offer scheduling flexibility, and many schools can accommodate students who want or need to study part-time.
Admissions for online MBA in strategy and leadership programs
Basic requirements
Admissions requirements vary among schools. In general, you will need:
- A bachelor's degree with a strong academic record
- Letters of recommendation
- Relevant professional experience
While many business schools have eliminated mandatory testing, you may need to submit GMAT or GRE scores or complete an executive assessment.
Additional materials
Admissions officials also look for compelling evidence of your ability to succeed both academically and professionally and may request one or more of the following:
- Your résumé or CV
- A personal essay or statement of purpose
- A video essay
- An admissions interview
Admissions processes for MBA programs are generally competitive, especially at top schools.
Curriculum for online MBA in strategy degrees
In addition to general business courses, online MBA programs in strategy examine strategic management topics in detail. Depending on your program's structure, your electives might be limited, as your concentration coursework may occupy most or all of your schedule.
Some of the concentration-specific courses you might take include:
Strategic growth and management
Explore theoretical and practical concepts in corporate strategy such as organizational vision, resource allocation, and business portfolio development.
Global management
Grow your understanding of the transnational business landscape by engaging with global perspectives.
Data analytics and decision making
Learn techniques for extracting actionable strategic insights from big data sources.
Strategic marketing
Develop foundational knowledge about branding, product positioning, and messaging to generate strategic advantages for business.
Mergers and acquisitions
Understand the strategic, legal, and technical aspects of mergers and acquisitions, which are often significant parts of strategic planning.
Possible careers for graduates with online strategy and leadership MBAs
Modern business moves quickly. The big-picture thinking encouraged by can help managers respond to challenges with long-term solutions.
These programs pair especially well with undergraduate degrees and/or professional backgrounds in niche operational areas. For instance, businesses must constantly readjust to ongoing technological change, and combining with an MBA in strategy may lead to opportunities in information systems management. Common operational focus areas include finance, marketing, operations, and technology.
Salary expectations for strategy MBAs
An online MBA program in strategy can help you increase your earning potential. Pay rates depend on factors including your location, industry, and experience.
The following chart profiles roles you could pursue, with data supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Job title | Median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Computer and information systems manager | $171,200 |
| Financial manager | $161,700 |
| Management analyst | $101,190 |
| Marketing manager | $159,660 |
| Operations manager | $105,350 |
Career outlook for strategy MBAs
Many of the careers you can pursue after earning an MBA in strategy have above-average projected growth rates that exceed the 4% projected growth for all occupations. Explore further by reviewing this data from the BLS and O*NET Online: