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An MBA in operations management combines business fundamentals with operations. Learn about career paths, curricula, cost, and which schools to consider.
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OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Earning an MBA in operations management can take your career to the next level. Alongside other top executives, operations managers are in high demand. And those with MBAs earn higher average salaries than those with master’s degrees in management and other disciplines.
Every year, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) conducts a survey of corporate recruiters. According to the 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey, only 12% of U.S. employers say they don’t plan to hire MBAs in 2024, compared with 57% for a master’s in management. Further, MBA graduates can expect a median salary offer of $120,000, while those with a master’s in management receive $80,000.
This data suggests now is a good time to pursue an MBA with a concentration in operations management. Our ranking of the best online MBA in operations management programs can help you find a business school that matches your career goals and budget.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Operations Management MBA Programs
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Gainesville Florida in proximity to beaches and theme parks, the University of Florida enrolls over 53,000 students. UF offers over 300 degree tracks, including various graduate programs.
UF's online MBA program features the same renowned faculty and rigorous coursework as the on-campus program. Students may pursue a 16-month accelerated track or a more traditionally paced 24-month track. The accelerated program suits learners with an undergraduate degree in business who meet specific program-eligibility requirements.
Students complete all coursework online. But, an in-person orientation in Gainesville is required, and additional on-campus residencies are encouraged. These intensive programs max out at 65 students per cohort to foster stronger connections between faculty and students.
Applying to UF
Admission to both the one- and two-year program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of two years of professional experience, two letters of recommendation, and an entrance essay. Some applicants may be invited for an interview.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $49,205 total (one-year program); $59,807 total (two-year program)
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Rice University
Houston, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
Situated on an 300-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Rice University enrolls students in over 50 undergraduate programs and offers many graduate degrees.
Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University's 54-credit online MBA gives students the flexibility to tailor their learning toward their career goals. With 13.5 credits of electives built into the curriculum, students can take courses in marketing, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
The program culminates in a collaborative capstone course where students create a workable solution to a business-centered problem. They can receive help and input from real executives working at not-for-profit community organizations.
Students complete all coursework online through live, courses streamed weekly. They must also attend some on-campus "Rice Residential" events.
Candidates must submit official transcripts, an online application, letters of recommendation, a detailed professional history, admissions essays, and a $150 application fee. All candidates must also sit for an interview.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $2,100 per credit
Required Credits: 54 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: Hybrid (online with minimal on-campus residencies), synchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,310
Out-of-state
$50,310
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$47,306
Out-of-state
$47,306
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
7,643
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
4 years
Online
Western Governors University's student body of more than 138,000 resides across all 50 states. Excelling in distance education, WGU operates on a competency model that allows students to get credit for the skills they learn.
WGU Online Master of Business Administration
Western Governor University's fully online MBA program offers students the flexibility to complete coursework anywhere, anytime, and earn credit as they master skills. The school's competency-education model emphasizes earning credit for the experience and skills students already have, allowing learners to complete their degrees faster.
Students work with their instructors and a program mentor to develop and follow a specialized degree plan tailored to their experience, interests, and goals. Students demonstrate competency by completing course assessments and requirements.
The program culminates in a capstone course. Students demonstrate their skills by identifying and solving a real-world business problem.
Applicants to WGU must submit official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate program, submit an online application form, and speak with an enrollment counselor.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: NWCCU, ACBSP
Tuition: $4,530 per six-month term
Required Credits: 11 courses
Program Length: 1 year
Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
With an urban campus situated on the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities enrolls more than 50,000 students. UMTC offers over 200 graduate and professional programs, with online, on-campus, and hybrid options.
Carlson School of Management
UMTC’s Carlson School of Management offers a 52-credit fully online MBA for students seeking both flexibility and collaboration. In addition to completing online coursework on their own time, students can participate in live, virtual interactions with peers and faculty members.
Typically requiring about two years to complete, UMTC's online MBA allows learners to tailor their coursework to their interests. The program offers foundational courses in business and industry-specific courses to help students hone their skills in various fields.
Students can benefit from services like career counseling, mock interviews, networking events, job search tools, and career fairs.
UMTC's MBA Specializations
Financial Accounting | Data Analysis and Statistics | Managerial Economics | Marketing | Supply Chain and Operations | Financial Management | IT Management | Strategic Management | Business Ethics
Applying to UMTC
Applicants must submit a personal statement essay, GMAT, EA or GRE scores, evidence of two years of full-time work experience, two professional recommendations, a video essay, a current resume, and official undergraduate transcripts.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
Tuition: $1,605 per credit
Required Credits: 52 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,318
Out-of-state
$31,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,580
Out-of-state
$27,204
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
52,017
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
Part of the massive Texas A&M University system, Texas A&M International University enrolls over 8,400 students in online and on-campus programs at its home location in Laredo, Texas. Situated just near Mexico, the campus embraces a large, diverse multilingual community.
A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business
TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business offers an expansive list of fully online degree programs, including a 30-credit MBA designed with students' interests and goals in mind. Learners can choose from six specializations including management, international banking and finance, international business, and criminal justice.
Each program pathway features prep courses to prepare students without a background in business for graduate study. The two-credit prep-module courses cover foundational topics in business like finance, accounting, management, and marketing.
Online MBA students at TAMIU often complete their program within 21-24 months. Coursework is delivered fully online, asynchronously, with no on-campus requirements.
TAMIU's MBA Specializations
Management | International Banking and Finance | International Business | International Trade and Logistics | Criminal Justice | Healthcare Administration
Applying to TAMIU
For automatic admission, applicants must submit official transcripts from an undergraduate business degree with a GPA of at least 3.25 and a resume with three references. Applicants without a business degree can still gain admission after a special review of their transcripts.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $11,010 total (in-state); $30,900 total (out-of-state)
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 21-24 months
Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,818
Out-of-state
$13,634
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,350
Out-of-state
$10,712
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
8,525
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How We Choose Programs
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 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 Operations Management MBA Degree?
Career Advancement
An MBA can open new career doors by establishing your expertise. And demand for executive-level roles, including operations managers, continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of executive jobs will grow by 311,600 per year from 2022-2032. Graduates with an operations management MBA can pursue general manager, operations manager, or chief executive positions.
Demand for MBAs
Global demand for MBA-trained professionals continues to grow. As the 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey from GMAC found, more than 1 in 3 recruiters said they planned to hire more MBA grads in 2024 than the previous year. That’s higher than for other master’s degrees, such as a master’s in management.
Salary Boost
Finishing an MBA can increase your earning potential. MBA graduates earn a much higher median starting salary than bachelor’s degree holders', according to the 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey. According to recruiters surveyed by GMAC, MBA holders earned a median starting salary of $120,000 in 2024.
Jobs for Operations Management Graduates
What kinds of jobs can you pursue with an operations management MBA? The degree’s management focus prepares graduates for opportunities as general managers, operations managers, and other executive-level professionals. The degree can also lead to roles in supply chain management, operations strategy, and service management.
Many professionals with an MBA in operations management report six-figure median salaries and positive job growth. With experience, managers can move into other top executive roles, including chief executive officer.
Operations Manager
Operations managers, also called general managers, oversee organizations' daily operations and planning. They manage projects, schedule work, and work toward long-term goals. Operations managers work in diverse sectors, including professional services, manufacturing, and trade.
Management consultants evaluate an organization’s business processes and recommend areas for improvement. In particular, they focus on efficiency and costs to boost revenues. While professionals with a bachelor’s degree can work as management analysts or consultants, an MBA means more career opportunities and a higher potential salary. The top-paid management consultants earned more than $172,280 per year in 2023.
Sales managers oversee an organization’s sales efforts. They analyze data to understand customer demand and pricing strategy. Sales managers also set goals for their teams and train sales representatives. Strong operations management skills help sales managers reach their goals.
What to Expect From Operations Management MBA Degrees
The best MBA program in operations management prepares you for leadership roles in diverse industries. But what will you study during an operations management MBA?
First, you’ll build a foundation in your core MBA classes, which emphasize data analysis, business communications, and strategic decision-making. Then, you’ll apply these skills in operations management courses that focus on business processes, managerial decision modeling, and supply chain management.
You’ll typically spend around two years in business school, with the first year focused on core classes and the second year focused on your concentration. Many MBA programs conclude with a capstone project.
When choosing an operations management MBA program, check for business school accreditation. The best business schools are accredited.
Degree and Format Options
In addition to operations management, business schools offer several related MBA concentrations. You can specialize in operations or supply chain management, which emphasize many of the same skills. Or you can consider a related area such as management or project management.
When comparing MBA programs, you’ll need to consider which degree and format options best fit your schedule. Common options include:
Online vs. in-person vs. hybrid: You can earn your MBA in a fully online, hybrid, or in-person format. Consider which delivery method works best for your learning style and schedule. Busy students often prefer the flexibility of online classes.
Asynchronous vs. synchronous: Online courses may meet at scheduled times where classmates interact with professors, also known as a synchronous format. Other online classes use an asynchronous format, where you complete coursework on your schedule with no set meeting times.
Accelerated: Many business schools offer accelerated MBA programs, which can take as little as one year to complete. These accelerated programs help you enter the workforce faster, but they require more intensive learning.
Admissions Process
MBA admissions are often competitive. How can you stand out from other applicants? By showcasing your strengths, you can improve your chances of getting in. Consider focusing on the following areas:
Academic record: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to get into business school. A high GPA can also help you stand out.
Standardized tests: Many MBA programs require either GMAT or GRE scores. Make sure to check out our GMAT study advice or GRE study tips to maximize your score.
Experience: Some MBA programs recommend or require professional experience. Include internships and volunteer experience.
Carefully review the application process and requirements for different business schools to avoid missing deadlines.
During your MBA program, you’ll take core business classes in marketing, finance, accounting, and management. You’ll also complete organizational management courses to focus your course of study. Many programs conclude with a capstone project with real-world applications.
While each MBA in operations management program sets its own curriculum, common courses include:
Strategic Decision Making: Learn how to approach complex problems and evaluate your available options to make an informed decision. The course may cover analytical tools, decision models, and risk analysis to improve your leadership and decision-making skills.
Service Operations Management: Assess challenges in service delivery, focusing on designing and improving service-oriented organizations. In addition to operations management, you will draw on marketing strategy and consumer behavior to prepare for leading roles in service organizations.
Supply Chain Strategy: Examine the strategic design of supply chains, including methods to improve efficiency. Case studies will explore how information flow and design can influence the supply chain and shape businesses.
How Much Do the Best MBAs in Operations Management Cost?
The cost of an MBA varies widely, with the most expensive programs costing $100,000 or more in tuition. Even online MBA programs, which are often more flexible, can be very expensive. As Poets and Quants reports, the 10 most expensive MBA programs in 2024 all cost $100,000 or more.
However, you can find more affordable options, particularly by choosing an in-state public university or a business school that charges a flat tuition rate for distance learners. Choosing an online delivery format also makes it easier to compare costs to find the most affordable MBA program.
Should You Get an Operations Management MBA or a General MBA?
Should you earn your MBA in operations management or pursue a general MBA? Or is another MBA concentration a better fit?
There’s a lot of overlap between MBAs in operations management and general MBAs. With both options, you’ll take similar core courses and potentially graduate on the same timeline. An operations management MBA incorporates specialized coursework that prepares graduates for focused career paths. The table below breaks down the key similarities and differences between a general MBA and an operations management MBA.
MBAs in Operations Management vs. General MBAs
Key Factor
Operations Management MBA
General MBA
Focus
Designing and planning operational processes, including leading day-to-day operations
Developing core business skills in finance, marketing, business analytics, and leadership
Delivery Format
Online; hybrid; in-person
Online; hybrid; in-person
Program Length
1-2 years
1-2 years
Cost
Varies; may cost more than a general MBA if it requires additional credits
After you’ve weighed your options when it comes to concentrations, delivery formats, and cost, you might find that many MBA programs meet your requirements. That means it’s time to dig deeper to choose the right program for you. Below are some additional factors to keep in mind:
Customization: Some MBA programs offer a set curriculum with no opportunities to customize your degree. If you’re interested in a particular specialty within operations management, or you want to combine operations management with a field such as healthcare or marketing, look for programs that let you choose electives to customize your degree.
Internship opportunities: An internship provides valuable hands-on experience and helps you expand your professional network. Particularly when comparing online programs, investigate your internship options. Does the business school place you with partner organizations, or do you have to identify opportunities yourself?
Career services: Your business school’s career services office can help you hone your cover letters and master your interview skills. Look at each program’s career placement resources.
Alumni network: A strong alumni network can help you land your first job with an MBA or advance in your career years after graduation. Consider how many alumni live in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best MBAs in Operations Management
What can you do with an operations management MBA?
An operations management MBA can prepare you for a career as an operations manager, supply chain manager, management consultant, or general manager. You can also apply your planning, leadership, and management skills in diverse fields.
Which is better, an MBA in operations management or finance?
Both MBA concentrations provide focused coursework to prepare graduates for their chosen career path. An operations management MBA provides better preparation for careers in daily operations, while a finance MBA leads to opportunities as a financial manager.
How much will a top MBA in operations management cost?
The cost of top online MBA programs varies widely, meaning you might spend under $30,000 or more than $100,000 for your degree. If cost is an important factor, compare programs based on tuition and financial aid opportunities.
Are the best MBAs in operations management online?
Many top-ranked business schools offer MBAs in operations management online. For example, the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon both offer online operations management MBA programs.
Is an MBA in operations management worth it?
An MBA in operations management can pay off. Earning an MBA can open new career doors, increase your earning potential, and boost your job search. However, before applying to MBA programs, carefully consider which programs best fit your schedule, budget, and career goals.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by OnlineMBA.com. Page last reviewed July 3, 2024.
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