Georgia offers a diverse economy, respected higher education institutions, and career opportunities. The state continues to welcome new residents — this growth may be partially attributed to the number of new businesses within the state, which grew 3.9% from 2019-2024, according to IBIS World.
MBA graduates have the skills to pursue careers related to business, finance, and management. Georgia's economy includes airlines, retail stores, and banks, which all employ people with MBAs. Projections Central estimates certain Georgia-based financial and managerial roles, including accountants, managers, and financial analysts, to grow by more than 10% from 2022-2032.
Individuals interested in attending MBA programs in Georgia can review the following list of top-ranked degrees in the state. This guide also introduces program benefits, costs, and common career paths.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Georgia's Best MBA Programs
#1 Best MBA Programs in Georgia
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
KSU's 11 colleges serve more than 41,000 students annually. Two bustling campuses feature numerous student organizations, athletic opportunities, and cultural centers designed to foster the whole student's growth.
Housed in the Coles College of Business, KSU's WebMBA offers flexible learning opportunities for full-time professionals. The program's virtual cohort structure encourages collaboration and interaction with peers.
The WebMBA program begins with a mandatory online orientation. While taking two courses at a time, students complete a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum targeting general business strategies. Topics include human behavior in organizations, global and international business, operations and supply chain management, and entrepreneurship.
Applying to KSU
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least two years of professional experience. Prospective learners should submit two letters of recommendation and official transcripts with their application.
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $24,470/program
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 20 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best MBA Programs in Georgia
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1906 as an agricultural school, Georgia Southern now hosts more than 140 degree programs. The university's multicultural student body and campus life demonstrates its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Online MBA candidates at Georgia Southern benefit from an AACSB-certified curriculum and amenities such as library resources and career services. The program's asynchronous learning format helps enrollees work around their professional and personal commitments.
Incoming students attend a mandatory two-day orientation in Atlanta before beginning classes. The orientation allows learners to meet faculty and peers and form collaborative student teams. Administered through the University System of Georgia consortium, the Georgia WebMBA program includes 10 courses spanning five consecutive terms.
Applying to Georgia Southern
Prospective learners must complete four business-related prerequisite courses before entering the program. Applicants also need two years of postbaccalaureate professional experience. Georgia Southern requires a resume, an essay, and official transcripts, along with an application.
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $739/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 21 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best MBA Programs in Georgia
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UWG offers 87 academic programs to more than 13,400 students. The university provides enrichment opportunities through numerous student organizations, such as its management club and equestrian club.
A Georgia WebMBA partner, UWG provides the WebMBA curriculum through its Richards College of Business. Students can complete the 30-credit program in 18 months on an asynchronous learning schedule. Enrollees may also apply up to six previously earned credits towards their degree.
The curriculum's 10 courses target key business topics such as entrepreneurship, strategic marketing, and human behavior in organizations. Students take all courses online after attending a two-day in-person orientation where they meet faculty and peers and learn about the program's requirements.
Applying to UWG
Prospective students need at least two years of professional experience and a minimum 2.8 GPA. Applicants should submit official transcripts, a $40 application fee, a resume, and optional GMAT or GRE scores with their online application.
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $739/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 18 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best MBA Programs in Georgia
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
VSU's small class sizes provide individualized academic instruction across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's mission emphasizes social justice, inclusion, and service.
VSU's MBA program uses the Georgia WebMBA curriculum. Designed for working professionals, this curriculum develops business skills on a flexible schedule. Students learn from VSU instructors and other University System of Georgia professors.
After completing a mandatory two-day orientation in Atlanta, learners begin online coursework in domestic and global business practices, strategies, and theory. Courses in operations and supply chain management, strategic marketing, and managerial accounting teach students to make sound business decisions. MBA candidates must earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to graduate.
Applying to VSU
VSU MBA applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and full-time professional experience. Prospective learners must submit an application fee, a resume, and GMAT or GRE scores with their online application.
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $739/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 5 semesters
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best MBA Programs in Georgia
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A member of the University System of Georgia, CSU offers more than 100 online and on-campus degree programs. CSU designs its curricula to promote collaborative real-world problem-solving.
Students may complete the Georgia WebMBA program through CSU's D. Abbott Turner College of Business. The cohort-based program allows for online interaction and collaboration. Students meet cohort peers and faculty members during a mandatory two-day orientation in Atlanta before beginning online work.
The MBA program includes 10, three-credit courses. Coursework explores key business concepts such as managerial decision analysis, management information systems, and managerial finance. A business strategy capstone course encourages students to implement learned strategies in simulated business situations.
Applying to CSU
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and fulfill prerequisite requirements. Learners with a minimum 3.25 GPA, a graduate degree, or at least five years of professional experience may request a GMAT or GRE waiver. Applicants should submit official transcripts, a resume, and three recommendation letters with their application.
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $739/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 5 semesters
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list has not been updated for 2024. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get an Online MBA in Georgia?
Georgia offers over 20 MBA programs, including accelerated, part-time, and full-time choices. Graduates of MBA programs in Georgia can pursue multiple potential career paths and enjoy the state's relatively low cost of living. Reasons for pursuing an MBA in the Peach State include:
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Program Choices
Students can enroll in online, in-person, and hybrid MBA programs in Georgia. Asynchronous courses allow working professionals to study while maintaining full-time employment. Attendees can choose from multiple MBA concentrations, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, and finance.
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Networking
In the business world, the connections people make can be just as important as their education. MBA enrollees can pursue internships, communicate with classmates, and attend school networking events to grow their networks.
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Diversified Economy
Georgia's economy includes tech, real estate, and wholesale companies. Each field has various employment requirements, but they may utilize MBA graduates for analytical, financial, and leadership roles.
Accreditation for Georgia Schools
Third-party agencies provide accreditation to schools and programs that meet certain standards of learning. These organizations can provide two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation applies to entire schools for elements like student outcomes and curricular offerings. Georgia schools can receive institutional accreditation from national agencies but most commonly fall under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Individual programs and departments can also receive accreditation from programmatic accreditation agencies. These accreditation agencies may focus on specific fields, including engineering, healthcare, and childcare. An individually accredited program does not automatically accredit other programs within the school.
How Much Do MBAs Cost in Georgia?
Tuition for MBA programs in Georgia can range from around $15,000-$155,000. Georgia tuition rates may be similar to rates throughout the U.S. The cheapest MBAs in the U.S. range from $10,000-$15,000. Online MBA costs can vary based on the school's reputation, number of required courses, class sizes, and other factors.
Students must also budget funds for the cost of living, including transportation, food, and housing. According to the World Population Review, Georgia has a cost-of-living score of 91. This score means that living in Georgia costs 9% less than in the rest of the United States, on average.
Attendees can reduce their tuition and cost-of-living burden by pursuing financial aid. The list below highlights common financial aid opportunities.
- Scholarships: Some scholarships may have requirements relating to GPA, major, identity, and location. Awardees do not need to repay funds.
- Grants: Grants typically have need-based requirements but do not require repayment.
- Loans: Private and public institutions may offer loans, which require repayment with interest over time.
Individuals interested in financial aid can follow the link below to learn more.
What Georgia Jobs Can MBAs Get You?
Corporations may view MBA graduates as proficient in management, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis. Master's-level professionals often work in leadership positions, which can deliver higher compensation and other benefits.
MBA programs teach versatile skills that graduates can apply in their professional work. The fastest-growing sectors in Georgia include professional services, logistics, and entertainment. Graduates from MBA programs can pursue work as financial managers, project managers, and management analysts within these growing sectors.
Financial managers monitor organizations' short-term and long-term financial health by reviewing financial statements, forecasts, and investment opportunities. These managers can oversee financial departments and monitor work for any discrepancies. They are commonly proficient at analyzing data, which can help predict market trends and ongoing costs.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +24.7%
Corporations hire accountants to create, monitor, and update financial statements. Accountants can work on multiple tasks, including calculating tax liabilities, reviewing statements for fraud, and discussing findings with management. Accountants can choose to specialize in fields like taxation, auditing, and forensic accounting.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +12.6%
Project Manager
Project managers work with managers, technical team members, and clients to create or update a project. Managers should understand a client's needs, develop a plan, and delegate tasks to the correct team members. Project managers must monitor a project's progress, budget, and deadlines.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +16.1%
General Manager
General managers oversee multiple departments and/or locations to supervise daily operations, production, and pricing. Managers may directly work with employees to determine appropriate headcount, work schedules, and employee duties. These managers also review financial statements and sales to identify cost-saving and investment opportunities.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +13.4%
Management Analyst
Management analysts review companies' internal practices and finances to recommend changes. Analysts can find prospective issues by interviewing employees, analyzing data, and talking to management. Professional analysts can create reports that detail their findings, allowing them to follow up with management regarding implemented changes.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2022-32): +16.8%
Georgia's Top MBA Employers
According to IBIS World, Georgia has a gross domestic product of $682 billion, which grew by 1.9% from 2019-2024. The Peach State also has the eighth-largest population in the United States, with over 10 million people and five million in the workforce, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Georgia has a diverse economy, which can create job opportunities for graduates with general and specialized MBAs. The largest industries in Georgia are life insurance, commercial banking, real estate, and automotive wholesaling. MBA graduates who specialize in healthcare, finance, and real estate may have additional opportunities due to the state's leading industries.
According to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in Georgia was $61,250. Management and business occupations had higher average wages of $134,550 and $86,060, respectively. Certain career paths within the finance field had an average salary of above $100,000, including financial advisors, project managers, and financial risk specialists.
Job-seekers in Georgia should choose locations with sufficient opportunities and economic growth. The Atlanta area had more than half of the state's available jobs in 2023.
Top MBA Employers in Georgia
- Walmart: Walmart, the largest private employer in Georgia, hires MBA graduates as managers, budget analysts, and accountants. The company actively recruits professionals with MBAs and recent graduates. The majority of Walmart MBA interns received full-time offers from the company.
- Delta Air Lines: Airlines work in a complicated and competitive industry that requires workers to predict costs, bookings, and maintenance. Graduates of MBA programs in Georgia can work within this industry to identify revenue maximization opportunities and optimize headcount. These employees may need to work with large datasets and understand the overall field.
- Amazon.com: Amazon.com maintains multiple logistics, retail, and web services operations. MBA graduates can utilize their skills within the finance, project management, and marketing departments. The company offers a multi-year leadership development program for qualified professionals.
Questions About MBA Programs in Georgia
Yes — Georgia can provide a good environment for MBAs due to the state's multiple schools and diverse economy. Students can use their time while enrolled to learn skills, attend networking events, and pursue local internships.
An MBA program's admission criteria and each individual's background determine which program is easiest to get into. Programs may consider a student's previous GPA, GMAT scores, work history, and letters of recommendation.
The average wage for an MBA graduate in Georgia can range from $60,000-134,000, depending on the job position. According to the BLS, the mean salary for all employees in the state was $61,250, while management positions earned $134,550 on average, and business positions earned $86,060.
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