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Graduates of online MBA programs in Minnesota qualify for a wealth of opportunities. According to U.S. News & World Report, Minnesota's economic situation, equality, and affordability rank the state third in the nation for opportunity. Minnesota also ranks third in the country for employment.
An MBA prepares students for careers in business and financial management. Many who pursue an MBA degree in Minnesota opt for an online MBA in healthcare management, marketing, or leadership.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an average annual wage of $121,540 for management occupations in Minnesota. Graduates from MBA programs in Minnesota can use their expertise to advance to higher titles and earning potential.
Prospective MBA students can use our ranking below to learn about the best online programs in Minnesota and find schools that align with their goals and preferences. This page also explores career resources in Minnesota.
Why Get an Online MBA in Minnesota?
Prospective students should consider potential return on investment before enrolling in any degree program. The BLS projects employment for business and financial occupations to grow by 5% from 2019-2029, outpacing the projected national average growth rate for all occupations. Additional benefits for MBA graduates include:
- Flexibility: MBA degree-holders work for nonprofit and for-profit organizations in many industries. Businesses across the country need managers and financial professionals, making the MBA a marketable degree in several locations.
- Expertise: Graduates who completed a robust business core and relevant elective courses might get a leg up on their resumes. Employers who value concentration-specific expertise know these candidates can apply strong accounting and leadership skills.
- Earning Potential: Nationwide, the median annual wage for management occupations reached $105,660 as of 2019. MBA degree-holders hold the knowledge, leadership, and experience to advance into marketing, human resources, and IT management positions.
MBA programs in Minnesota may connect learners with some of the state's 24 Fortune 500 companies through capstone projects, internships, and networking events. With so many notable corporations in healthcare, retail, and food products, students can network to pursue job searches throughout the country.
Aspiring professionals pursuing online MBAs in Minnesota can choose schools in cities like St. Paul or Minneapolis, or they may study in smaller towns like Moorhead. With online schools in Minnesota offering diverse concentration options, distance learners can engage in coursework aligning with their career goals from anywhere.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What To Expect From MBA Programs in Minnesota
Students can complete online MBAs in Minnesota in as little as 12 months, with many options available to those who wish to study part time. Programs typically require 30-42 credits.
Online MBA programs in Minnesota vary in structure. Accelerated MBA programs run on a faster timeline, often on a 12-month schedule. Others cater to full-time professionals with slower-paced options. In hybrid programs, enrollees may need to visit campus for orientation events or residency requirements. Many programs run fully online.
Course delivery varies among programs. Some online MBAs present course materials asynchronously, allowing enrollees to access readings and assignments at their convenience. Others require face-to-face meetings using web cameras.
Concentrations for online MBA programs in Minnesota include finance, healthcare administration, principles of manufacturing, and nonprofit management.
Core courses cover business foundations like marketing and business strategy. In Minnesota, students can expect tuition to cost $11,000-$20,000, though some tuition expenses fall outside of this range.
Admission Requirements for MBAs
To gain admission to an online MBA in Minnesota, each applicant should hold an accredited bachelor's degree. GPA requirements vary. Some schools set no standards, while others look for candidates with minimums ranging from 2.3-3.0. Students may complete business prerequisites in economics, accounting, and statistics, though some programs admit learners from any academic background.
MBA programs in Minnesota may require applicants to take the GMAT, sometimes with a minimum score of 450. Some MBA programs in Minnesota may have no GMAT requirements and may allow applicants to substitute two-plus years of work experience in place of standardized tests.
Other common admission materials include a personal essay, recommendation letters, and a resume. Some programs require work experience. Application fees typically range from $25-50 and accompany the online application.
Specialized MBAs
MBA concentrations allow students to develop expert knowledge in specific areas of business. Students aiming to work in particular industries or gain specific titles may pursue a concentration.
Online MBA programs in Minnesota offer a wealth of specialty options. For example, a concentration in the principles of manufacturing focuses on process, production, and finance. Students can pursue a specialization in supply chain management to develop a strong understanding of the technology, analytical methods, and systems used in the field.
MBAs in finance, health administration, and human resources are also popular MBA concentrations. Many specialization tracks comprise 12-15 credits within an overall MBA degree.
Rankings for Best Online MBAs by Concentration
Accounting
Acquisitions
Business Analytics
Business Intelligence
Consulting
Criminal Justice
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Management
Executive MBA
Finance
Financial Planning
Global Management
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Management
Hospitality Management
Human Resources
Information Security
Information Systems
Information Technology
International Business
Internet Marketing
Leadership
Management
Marketing
Nonprofit Management
Operations Management
Organizational Leadership
Project Management
Public Administration
Public Relations
Real Estate
Risk Management
Sports Management
Strategy and Strategic Management
Supply Chain Management
Technology
Learn More About Specializations
Popular MBA Program Courses
Course requirements differ by school, but degree-seekers may encounter similar core curricula as they research online MBA programs in Minnesota. A typical MBA program requires a set of foundational business courses. Students then follow their interests by choosing individual electives or a set comprising a concentration. Frequent MBA course requirements include:
The MBA Capstone or Thesis
Many MBA programs require enrollees to complete capstone projects. A capstone may take the form of a strategic management course or seminar, where participants combine the knowledge they have gained to solve real-life business problems. Learners may work in groups to partner with local businesses or develop answers to case study problems.
Capstone projects present a strong opportunity for students to build their resumes and professional portfolios through practical experience. Location affects the long-term benefits of a capstone project, as this requirement allows enrollees to forge relationships with potential future employers.
Online MBA programs in Minnesota can offer direct connections to well-known companies that operate throughout the country. Large corporations with headquarters in the state include Target, General Mills, and UnitedHealth Group.
How Much Do MBAs Cost in Minnesota?
Multiple factors influence the cost of online MBA programs in Minnesota. Prospective students can expect to encounter differences based on whether they live in the state, pursue public or private institutions, or aim for prestigious schools. In-state residents often pay lower tuition at public institutions, though some allow online learners to pay reduced or flat-rate fees. Prestigious institutions often carry higher price tags.
As a very general guideline, total tuition costs in Minnesota can run around $11,000-$20,000. Cost of living in the state sits at 101.6, close to the national index of 100. Housing falls well below the national index, at 88.6, which may help students who live in the state.
Each degree-seeker should make sure to fill out a FAFSA, which opens the door to federal grants and loans. Many professionals associations, nonprofit organizations, and local agencies grant scholarships on the basis of merit or need. Students should research options that apply to their interests or demographics.
What Jobs Can MBAs Get You?
By obtaining an online MBA in Minnesota, degree-holders can enter the job market with confidence. The business foundations and experience from an MBA program in Minnesota qualify graduates to pursue gainful employment and advance to lucrative positions. In Minnesota, a robust retail industry makes ample room for marketing and sales managers.
Graduates with strong backgrounds in supply chain management can also find success in the state's healthy manufacturing environment. General and operations managers made an average annual salary of $123,460 as of 2019; in Minnesota, they made $109,490. Projections indicate that jobs for these professionals will grow by 7.2% in Minnesota from 2018-2028.
In-demand business management occupations in Minnesota include:
Financial Manager
Financial Manager: Encompassing titles like controller and treasurer, financial managers take responsibility for big-picture financial decisions. They help their organizations by handling investments, preparing reports, supervising budget-related employees, and making recommendations. In Minnesota, Projections Central reports a projected occupational growth of 16.3% from 2018-2028.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager: Marketing managers find new ways for customers to discover their company's products. They work to optimize website design, plan advertisements, and create overall marketing strategies. They also study market trends and work with product developers to create new goods and services. Long-term data demonstrates a 6.9% projected growth rate from 2018-2028 for marketing managers in Minnesota.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager: Largely employed in wholesale and retail trade industries, sales managers oversee personnel in their department, including hiring and training. They handle budgets, supervise distribution in their designated area, and ensure their branches meet company goals. Data from Projections Central indicates a 5.4% projected employment growth rate for sales managers in Minnesota from 2018-2028.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and Health Services Manager: Often working for hospitals, physician's offices, and residential communities like nursing homes, medical and health services managers ensure that their facilities operate effectively. They oversee financial operations and adhere to regulations in their facilities. In Minnesota, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 16.9% from 2018-2028.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and Information Systems Manager: Also known as IT managers, computer and information systems managers deal with technology-related issues for their organizations. They determine what kinds of software, hardware, and network systems best fit their company's goals, make recommendations to executives, implement systems, and monitor changes. Employment for IT managers in Minnesota will grow by a projected rate of 8.3% from 2018-2028.
Minnesota's Top MBA Employers
MBA graduates looking for jobs in Minnesota can find lucrative positions in many different industries. Individuals with MBAs can find top-paying jobs as sales managers, financial managers, marketing managers, and IT managers. Sales managers in Minnesota, for example, earned an average annual salary of $136,470 as of May 2019.
Projections data indicates that many of these positions should grow on pace with national figures, with some roles outpacing national forecasts. For example, employment for financial managers in Minnesota will increase by a projected 16.3% from 2018-2028, while the BLS projects nationwide growth of 15% from 2019-2029.
With 24 Fortune 500 companies calling Minnesota home, MBA graduates can pursue diverse employment opportunities. Booming industries include retail, with companies like Target and Best Buy using the state as a hub; healthcare, with top employers like the Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group; and food consumer products from General Mills, Hormel, and Land O'Lakes.
Considering these factors, students pursuing online MBAs in Minnesota may want to direct their studies toward concentrations in sales, supply chain, healthcare management, financial management, or information systems.
Top MBA Employers in Minnesota
Target
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Target maintains a nationwide chain of stores to sell a diverse variety of goods. The company features a robust internship program, with opportunities in business analysis, marketing, data science, and leadership. As one of Minnesota's top employers, Target hired 31,000 workers in the state in 2019.
Deloitte
Famous for its status as one of the "big five" accounting firms in the country, Deloitte runs a consulting immersion program for MBA students. With an office in Minneapolis, the company hires a wealth of MBA-qualifying positions, including jobs related to accounting, consulting, marketing, and information systems.
General Mills, Inc.
General Mills comprises food brands such as Cheerios, Pillsbury, Yoplait, and Häagen-Dazs. With its home base in Minneapolis, General Mills helps to drive Minnesota's thriving food production industry. The company connects with MBA degree-seekers through its nationwide internship program, hiring MBA graduates for supply chain, technology, research, and sales.
Selecting Your Minnesota MBA Program
Degree-seekers can consider our list of the best online MBA programs in Minnesota as a springboard for their research to identify their ideal program. Prospective students should always consider which factors matter most regarding their individual career goals and preferences.
Accreditation should always count among the top considerations for choosing any degree program. Regional and national accreditation assess schools as a whole. Employers and educational institutions often do not recognize degrees that lack regional accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation to schools in Minnesota.
Business students should also consider program-specific accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Prospective students might want to ask about the resources available to them as program participants, especially when studying online. Career services, alumni networking opportunities, technology support, and library services count among important resources. Degree-seekers may also want to ask whether distance learners can participate in extracurricular activities or clubs.
As a career-focused degree, online MBA programs commonly advertise the success of their graduates. Prospective students might want to seek out information on earning potential and consider whether previous graduates secured job titles that appeal to them.
Why You Should You Consider Online Schools in Minnesota
Online education continues to increase in popularity. With added flexibility and convenience, distance learning offers students a wider selection of programs. They can find the degree that best matches their interests and goals, rather than settling for something local. For students with families, jobs, or caretaking responsibilities, online degrees can provide opportunities they would not otherwise encounter.
Online MBA programs allow students to absorb the same information as they would on campus.
Distance learning provides ample opportunities for students to work in groups, form connections with peers, and even network with local business owners. In Minnesota, businesses with nationwide influence partner with the state's MBA programs.
Students from around the country might consider online schools in Minnesota for their wide selection of concentration options, like principles of manufacturing.
When weighing distance learning as an option, degree-seekers need to take an honest look at their study habits. An online MBA requires the same attention as an in-person degree, and participants need to engage in good time management.
Students with busy schedules might prefer asynchronously presented courses, where they log in to access materials on their own time. Learners who crave direct conversation can choose programs with real-time online video meetings.
Online MBA Programs In Nearby States
Explore Other MBA School Rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online MBA respected?
Yes. Employers respect online degrees as much as those earned in person. Distance learners often continue working while earning their degrees to accrue valuable professional experience and expert business knowledge.
How much does an MBA cost in Minnesota?
Tuition costs range from about $11,000-$20,000 for an online MBA in Minnesota. Factors that can influence cost include state residency, public versus private institutions, and the prestige of the institution.
Does an online MBA have any value?
Yes. Graduates of online MBA programs leave with the same in-depth business knowledge as those who studied on campus. Most schools feature online programs with curricula that maintain parity with their in-person equivalents.
Does Minnesota have online degrees?
Yes. Degree-seekers can find many online MBA programs in Minnesota, with many available specialization options, including healthcare management, marketing management, and finance.
The 6 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota students pursuing an MBA online can choose from many local options. Ideal for working professionals, online MBA programs offer flexible schedules and the convenience of completing coursework at home.
Our ranking profiles the top six online MBA programs in Minnesota. Each school on our list holds regional accreditation. Accreditation recognizes colleges, universities, and higher learning programs that meet rigorous academic quality standards. Additionally, many MBA programs hold industry-specific accreditation. The following accrediting bodies have endorsed the programs in our ranking:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- AACSB International (AACSB)
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Crown CollegeLocation
Saint Bonifacius, MN
Graduation Rate52%
Established in 1916 as a private Christian institution, Crown embraces a mission to foster faith and love for learning. The university emphasizes flexible learning options, including online and hybrid programs.
Graduate School
Enrollees can complete Crown's 100% online MBA program in as little as 12 months. Featuring eight-week courses and six annual start dates, the program offers significant scheduling flexibility. Grounded in Christian theological principles, Crown's MBA curriculum emphasizes strong leadership practices.
MBA candidates can elect a nonprofit management concentration or pursue a conventional MBA format. The nonprofit management focus includes courses in nonprofit law, leadership and management for nonprofits, and fundraising and philanthropy. Both tracks entail 15 credits, totaling 36 credits when combined with core classes.
Crown's MBA Specializations
Conventional MBA | Nonprofit Management
Applying to Crown
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or school accredited by The Association for Biblical Higher Education. Crown does not require GRE scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $575/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 12 months
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) -
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaLocation
Winona, MN
Graduation Rate61%
A Lasallian Catholic institution, Saint Mary's has welcomed students of all faiths for over 100 years. Today, the school provides a well-rounded, ethics-oriented education to more than 5,500 students.
School of Business and Technology
MBA students can complete Saint Mary's accelerated online program in as little as 12 months. Enrollees can pursue one of eight certificates alongside their master's degree. Each certificate adds six credits to the 30-credit MBA curriculum. The program's 20-lecture series options allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and goals.
Coursework includes 21 credits of core classes in subjects such as corporate finance and operations management. General MBA candidates also take courses exploring ethical leadership and organizations and human behavior. A strategic management capstone project featuring study abroad options rounds out the program.
Saint Mary's MBA Specializations
Business Analytics | Finance | Healthcare Analytics | Healthcare Administration | Human Resource Management | International Development | Nonprofit Management | Project Management
Applying to Saint Mary's
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 2.75 GPA. Candidates must submit official transcripts, personal statements, resumes, and two recommendation letters along with their applications.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $690/credit
Required Credits: 30-36 credits
Program Length: 12 months
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) -
Bethel UniversityLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Graduation Rate77%
A private, Baptist-affiliated university founded in 1871, Bethel synthesizes high-quality academics and Christian faith. Bethel's 247-acre Arden Hills campus incorporates eco-friendly features, aligning with the town's commitment to sustainability.
Graduate School
Bethel's MBA program offers eight 12-credit concentrations in addition to its 30-credit core curriculum. Depending on the concentration option, learners may take classes in subjects like business strategy, managerial finance, managerial accounting, leadership theory, and data analytics.
Bethel provides flexible learning options for MBA students with its online, on-campus, and hybrid options. The curriculum remains the same across all formats.
Each concentration incorporates an integrative team capstone project. Capstone participants explore holistic business approaches as they apply leadership skills to real-life situations. Some concentrations include courses at a partner institution that may charge different tuition rates.
Bethel's MBA Specializations
Data, Economics, and Development Policy | Finance | Healthcare Administration | Management | Principles of Manufacturing | Statistics and Data Science | Strategy and Execution | Supply Chain Management
Applying to Bethel
Applicants need two years of work experience, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students must also submit an online application, transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two professional references.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $650/credit (Bethel courses)
Required Credits: 42 credits
Program Length: 18-30 months
Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid -
University of Northwestern St. PaulLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Graduation Rate63%
UNW's Christian focus informs its faith-based curriculum and admissions process. The private university's undergraduate, dual enrollment, adult learner, and graduate programs serve over 3,500 students each year.
College of Graduate, Online, and Adult Learning
UNW's College of Graduate, Online, and Adult Learning offers a master of business administration degree in online and hybrid formats. Enrollees can declare one of four available concentrations or pursue a customizable general MBA. All tracks share a 28-credit core curriculum. Students pursuing concentrations take 14 credits in their focus areas, while general MBA candidates choose from an array of electives.
Coursework examines key business issues through a values-driven Christian perspective. Built-in networking opportunities help students build professional connections. Subjects covered include managerial leadership, applied economics, financial accounting, managerial finance, and marketing for managers.
UNW's MBA Specializations
Data Analytics | Finance | Management | Healthcare Management
Applying to UNW
Along with their application, students must submit a business-related essay, official transcripts, a current resume, and two academic or professional recommendations. An additional personal essay should address applicants' Christian faith.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition: $540/credit
Required Credits: 42 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online or hybrid -
Metropolitan State UniversityLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Tuition$14900
Graduation Rate39%
Since its founding in 1971, Metropolitan State has catered to working professionals. Committed to accessible education, the university offers flexible online, on-campus, and hybrid programs.
College of Management
Accredited by ACBSP, Metropolitan State's MBA features an organized, three-phase curriculum. Students can complete a 40-credit general MBA or declare a concentration. The four 44-credit concentration tracks include project management and management information systems.
During Phase I, students explore key business concepts such as financial management, marketing, and management accounting. Phase II delves into elective topics. Enrollees pursuing a concentration take 12 elective credits in their focus area. General MBA candidates select eight elective credits of their choice. In Phase III, learners complete a capstone course integrating business strategy, analysis, and improvement.
Metropolitan State's MBA Specializations
Project Management | Management Information Systems | Finance | Global Supply Chain Management
Applying to Metropolitan State
Prospective MBA students must submit an online application, official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, and official GMAT or MBA Math scores. Applicants must also upload a resume, admissions essay, and two professional reference letters.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $420/credit (in state); $548/credit (out of state)
Required Credits: 40-44 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), hybrid, or on campus -
St. Cloud State UniversityLocation
Saint Cloud, MN
Tuition$13816
Graduation Rate44%
Situated along the Mississippi River, SCSU ranks among the top universities in the Midwest. The public university enrolls more than 14,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Herberger Business School
Accredited by AACSB International, the Herberger Business School's online MBA program targets students with 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Experienced instructors guide learners through a core course series covering subjects such as organizational behavior, accounting, and business ethics. Students also select three professional development elective credits and three specialty elective credits.
The program's part-time, cohort-based structure allows students to advance together, maximizing academic and professional growth and networking. Learners conclude their studies with a capstone project uniting management theory, ethical leadership, and communication skills.
Applying to SCSU
SCSU requires MBA applicants to submit official transcripts, a statement of intent, a resume, and three references along with their application. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA. Some may also need to submit GMAT scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, ACSB
Tuition: $909/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 28 months
Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
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