5 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana 2022
Updated October 5, 2023
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In Indiana, institutions offering online programs continue to grow in popularity, with public institutions such as Ball State University and Indiana University topping the list. Online MBA programs in Indiana offer convenient, flexible opportunities for working professionals to earn advanced degrees. Unlike traditional MBAs, learners pursuing online MBAs participate in coursework and complete assignments on a schedule that meets their needs.
There are many specialization options, including online MBAs in project management, healthcare, technology, and finance. With just under 7% of Indiana’s workforce holding master’s degrees, professionals who obtain MBAs increase both their career prospects and earning potential alike.
Located in the heart of the country, Indiana provides online MBA programs to individuals in bordering states. Proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati makes earning an online degree in Indiana an affordable, accessible option.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Indiana
The healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, and supply chain management industries drive Indiana’s economy and offer unique job opportunities for MBA-holders. Most of the state’s top hiring organizations are located in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. These population hubs provide access to common amenities such as airports, schools, housing, and major employers.
Certain professionals enjoy high demand across the state. These include statisticians, web developers, biomedical engineers, operations research analysts, and physical therapist assistants. Organizations hiring for these positions must deliver products and services efficiently and make strategic moves to remain competitive. Online MBA programs develop versatile critical thinking and decision-making skills, making graduates valuable employees in almost every industry, including those mentioned above.
Economic projections show a 2-3% increase in Indiana’s GDP over the next few years, as industries like agriculture and manufacturing continue to drive the state's economy. Some experts expect significant growth for the pharmaceutical industry. Indiana’s reliance on low-wage manufacturing jobs may limit residents’ career growth, but growing companies and new industries offer more opportunities with higher earning potential.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University West Lafayette | West Lafayette | Colleges and Universities | 15,304 |
| IU Health University Hospital | Indianapolis | Healthcare | 13,479 |
| Parkview Birthing Center | Fort Wayne | Healthcare | 10,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Indiana’s top three employers are healthcare and education organizations. These businesses comprise many departments, including administration, information technology, and marketing. Most MBA graduates do not pursue nursing careers, but the degree may help them secure roles such as hospital administrators or technology directors. In general, MBA-holders enjoy a competitive advantage in the job market and qualify for high-level positions with increased earning potential.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers for MBA Grads in Indiana
Financial Manager
Financial managers in Indiana earn an annual mean wage of just under $119,000. Financial managers ensure the financial success of an organization, planning and directing investments to meet short- and long-term goals.
These professionals may work in government, healthcare, and business settings. They prepare reports and supervise financial analysts while working closely with fellow managers and administrators. Financial managers review budgets, financial statements, and related materials as they forecast an organization’s financial future. Financial managers may specialize in credit or cash, focus on risk and probability, or oversee accounting and audit procedures.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers, also called logisticians, coordinate the movement of a company’s products. They analyze the processes by which materials move from supplier to consumer, overseeing acquisition, allocation, and delivery. Supply chain managers direct people and materials alike, ensuring efficient and cost-effective movement.
In 2018, major supply chain management employers Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana and Conexus Indiana supported efforts to increase degree offerings in the state. Logisticians in Indiana earn an annual mean wage of nearly $71,000. Chicago, which neighbors Indiana, offers higher salaries for supply chain managers, paying 8% above the national mean.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators, also called medical and health services managers, oversee the business activities of a healthcare entity. Healthcare administrators ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. They also supervise and train staff, manage budgets, and improve efficiency and efficacy.
Positions within the healthcare industry in Indiana sit atop the list of growing occupations in the state. Healthcare administrators in Indiana earn an annual mean wage exceeding $101,000, well above the national mean. Healthcare administrators may work in nursing homes, hospitals, or private clinical settings, with the top-paying industries for medical and health service managers found in medical manufacturing and scientific research.
Postsecondary Teacher
Online MBA graduates can teach at community or technical colleges in subjects such as finance, accounting, and business strategy. Postsecondary teachers interact with students and colleagues alike, developing curricula and assignments to improve overall knowledge and skills. Postsecondary teachers give lectures and lessons, grade assignments and exams, and advise learners about courses and career goals.
Indiana employs 2,700 postsecondary business teachers, who experience the highest levels of employment at colleges, universities, and professional schools. Postsecondary teachers also enjoy opportunities to teach at junior colleges, business schools, or technical and vocational programs.
Director of Technology
Technology directors may be called computer and information systems managers, network and computer systems administrators, or even chief technology officers, depending on the business or organization. As senior technology professionals, these directors establish and implement plans for the use of technology while maintaining security and safety.
Technology directors oversee other information technology professionals and work with fellow managers and administrators to determine business, communication, and data requirements for information technology systems. Technology directors handle financial aspects related to information technology, upgrades and maintenance, and the implementation of policies and regulations as appropriate.
MBA Concentrations for Indiana Students
A general MBA curriculum provides core leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, but MBA programs often offer concentrations in specific fields. With healthcare topping the list of employers in Indiana, students benefit greatly from earning an online MBA in healthcare management, accounting, and information systems.
Additional concentrations include marketing, information technology, and international business. Self-starters benefit from MBA programs in entrepreneurship and consulting, while professionals in specialized industries can choose other concentrations like an MBA in hospitality or sports management. To learn more about MBA options, check out the MBA specializations hub.
Indiana's Best Online MBA Programs
Prospective students may compare each online MBA program's offerings with their personal goals. Degrees may hold similar names but present key differences when it comes to program specifics.
To make this process easier, we have compiled a ranking of Indiana's top online MBA degrees. We describe each program's offerings, showing how they compare in key areas.
Every university listed is accredited. This means an independent body has evaluated the school in key areas of competency and verified that the school can offer high-quality degrees. Accrediting bodies for the schools below include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
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Grace College and Theological SeminaryLocation
Winona Lake, IN
Graduation Rate57%
Founded in 1948, Grace College boasts a 180-acre campus and an evangelical community. The Grace College School of Business offers an online MBA with a biblical perspective on business. Although completely virtual, every student begins the degree with a cohort. This cohort interacts through chats, forums, and discussion boards.
The program stands out for offering 12-week, integrative application courses. These courses allow students to apply their studies to their current jobs, learning hands-on concepts. General classes offered include business ethics, human resource management, and legal environment of business.
Applying to Grace
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The school also recommends prospective students apply at least a month prior to the entry term.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $555/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online -
Indiana Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Marion, IN
Graduation Rate71%
Founded in 1920 under the name Marion College, IWU is the largest private college in Indiana. With almost 3,000 enrolled and a campus of 350 acres, the university offers a spiritually rooted liberal arts education.
IWU's DeVoe School of Business offers an online MBA with a customizable curriculum. Options include swapping the standard 72-week track for the 48-week, fast-track program, which students can complete in under a year. Students can also align their coursework with their personal interests. Options include healthcare administration, school administration, and information technology management.
The coursework provides hands-on learning opportunities and prepares students to continue into IWU's doctoral program if desired. Classes include leadership and organizational change, economic analysis for managers, and statistics for business decision-making. If prospective students take the free online MBA test drive course, they also receive a 10% tuition discount on completion.
Applying to IWU
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA for good standing. Official transcripts are required as part of the application process.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $559/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 1-2 years
Delivery Format: Online or on campus -
Purdue UniversityLocation
West Lafayette, IN
Tuition$11898
Graduation Rate81%
Founded in 1869, Purdue University has grown to over 10,000 graduate students and nearly 35,000 undergraduate students. The university boasts online and physical campuses for both bachelor's and graduate degree programs.
Purdue Global's online MBA offers six concentrations: finance, healthcare management, human resources, information technology, marketing, and project management. Courses run six weeks, covering topics such as managing the value chain, economics for global decision-makers, and leadership strategies for a changing world.
The program also allows graduates to apply courses toward a law degree with Concord Law School, meaning students can complete both degrees in as few as four years total.
Applying to Purdue
Applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and accomplished a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $485/credit
Required Credits: 60-76 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Delivery Format: 100% online -
Oakland City UniversityLocation
Oakland City, IN
Graduation Rate57%
Founded in 1891, OCU became fully accredited in 1977, and by 1995 it was a full-fledged university. The General Baptist-affiliated school sits on 34 acres.
The OCU School of Business features an MBA program that supports different learning styles and interests within a Christian context. The program uses self-motivated learning to form students into effective leaders. Classes include business research methods, international business management, leadership and organizational behavior, and managerial economics.
Applying to OCU
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. They should also provide a resume that demonstrates at least two years of experience in management.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC, IACBE
Tuition: $450/credit
Delivery Format: Online -
University of Southern IndianaLocation
Evansville, IN
Tuition$12587
Graduation Rate47%
Founded in 1965, USI now offers over 130 areas of study and enrolls almost 10,750 students. The school also offers an array of study abroad programs spanning over 60 countries.
The Romain College of Business' online MBA offers several concentrations: accounting, data analytics, engineering management, healthcare administration, human resources, and project management. General courses include a seminar in auditing, lean six sigma, information visualization and dashboarding, and risk management.
Specialized courses include principles and practices of supply chain management (engineering management concentration) and legal and social environment of business (human resources concentration).
Applying to USI
Applicants need to demonstrate an undergraduate degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The university does provide waivers for the GMAT or GRE exams.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, AACSB International
Tuition: $430/credit
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 11 months
Delivery Format: 100% online
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