Graduates of MBA programs in Oregon can take advantage of lucrative career options across a diverse variety of industries. With financial managers, sales managers, computer and information systems managers, and chief executives all numbering among the state's top-30 paying careers, Oregon offers ample opportunity for MBA graduates to greatly exceed the median household income of $56,100.
Across industries, too, opportunities abound for graduates of MBA programs in Oregon. The state's fastest growing occupations include market research analysts and financial managers, with both job titles projected to grow by at least 26% from 2016-2026.
On this page, prospective students can review information about accredited MBA programs in Oregon and find information on accreditation and MBA concentrations, including details on how specializing can connect graduates to certain industries in Oregon. Finally, this page includes descriptions of several growing occupations for MBA graduates in Oregon, including salary data.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Oregon
In terms of the economic landscape, Oregon's major centers are the large cities of Portland, Salem, Oregon City, Medford, and Bend, as well as the university communities of Corvallis, Eugene, La Grande, and Ashland. These centers host the top industries, including high tech production, apparel design and distribution, healthcare support, sustainable construction, and education. Additionally, rural production sites of natural resource acquisition, distribution, and agriculture dot the Oregon landscape.
An MBA prepares students to work across many professional spheres. The general degree maps onto various fields, whether you plan to work in natural resources or agricultural operations, at a university, or in the high tech industry. By earning a specialized MBA in healthcare management or public sector administration, you can contribute to hospitals, outpatient care centers, nonprofits, and local councils.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Oregon's largest employment fields are in office administration, food preparation, sales operations, transportation, and management. The MBA is tailor-made to support professionals rising in the ranks of these fields, as well as those listed above.
The following table lists just three of the largest employers in Oregon. For more on the top employers, check out the Oregon State profile.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|
| Oregon State University | Corvallis | Education | 8,000 |
| Intel Corp. | Hillsboro | Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing | 6,300 |
| Nike Inc. | Beaverton | Footwear Manufacturing | 6,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
With an MBA, you can work as an administrator in a nonprofit or educational center, where the organization of sensitive information is paramount. Orchestrate medical professionals in a hospital with your well-honed communication and delegation skills, or maximize a school's visibility as a university business consultant. The malleability of an MBA translates into a dynamic array of job opportunities. In Oregon, the MBA qualifies graduates for professions at higher levels of administration and leadership.
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Careers for MBA Grads in Oregon
Often employed by wholesale or retail companies, sales managers oversee staff hiring processes, training, and strategy. They handle customer feedback, examine budgets, plan discounting strategies, and coordinate with other departments to optimize marketing and distribution. While sales managers often hold a bachelor's degree, the wealth of knowledge gained in an MBA program can prepare them for work in larger corporations, or accelerate their career advancement opportunities.
According to the BLS, Oregon employed 5,840 sales managers as of May 2018, and they earned an annual mean wage of $126,340. Projections Central expects a spike in demand for sales managers in Oregon of 13.8% from 2016-2026.
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Financial analysts often work for banks and insurance companies where they analyze market data and pair their findings with data on their organization's financial situation. They recommend investment opportunities, assess the financial health of the company, and report their findings to company executives. They might focus on portfolios, hedge funds, or risk analysis. An MBA, particularly with a focus in finance, can prepare potential employees to optimize their knowledge of complex financial systems and market strategies.
Oregon employed 2,390 financial analysts as of May 2018, and they earned an annual mean wage of $92,640, according to the BLS. Projections Central expects an uptick in demand for the occupation of 17.6% from 2016-2026.
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Advertising managers work with teams to create advertising campaigns, either for a single organization or on behalf of clients. They oversee the creative direction of a project, supervise staff, collaborate with budget teams, and consult with clients. They may also specialize in an area of advertising such as media relations. With an MBA, advertising managers can learn solid marketing strategies and leadership techniques, developing skills for studying consumer behavior.
Oregon employed 330 advertising managers as of May 2018, and they earned an annual mean wage of $105,200, according to the BLS.
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Public relations specialists work with the managers of an organization to ensure that the company maintains a positive image. Involved across numerous departments, they may review advertising plans, oversee social media strategy, write press releases and speeches, and participate in branding discussions. While many public relations specialists hold a bachelor's degree, an MBA can prepare potential employees for wider career opportunities.
According to the BLS, 3,210 public relations specialists worked in Oregon as of May 2018, and they earned an annual mean wage of $66,800. Projections Central expects 13.8% growth in the occupation from 2016-2026.
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Wholesale manufacturing representatives sell goods directly to businesses or government agencies. They research customer leads, formulate sales pitches, and assist existing clients with purchases. Tasked with a thorough understanding of the products they sell, wholesale manufacturing representatives may need to negotiate pricing, handle contracts, and provide ongoing customer service. With an MBA, wholesale manufacturing representatives may qualify to work for larger corporations.
Oregon employed 16,660 wholesale manufacturing representatives selling anything other than technical and scientific products, and they earned an annual mean wage of $67,170. Those selling technical and scientific products earned $100,230, and Oregon employed 2,940 of these representatives as of May 2018.
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MBA Concentrations for Oregon Students
By choosing the right MBA concentration, students can optimize their resumes for a career in their preferred location.
Oregon's top employers include universities, electronic wholesalers, healthcare facilities, and major retailers. The savvy student seeking an MBA program in Oregon might consider a specialization that aligns with the state's key industries. For example, a concentration in technology might match a graduate with an electronic wholesaler, while a concentration in healthcare management could prepare future employees to work in a hospital or clinical setting.
For more information on MBA concentrations and their potential to enhance opportunities within specific industries, check out this specializations hub.
Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States
Top 6 Oregon's Online MBA Programs
With the help of this list of accredited MBA programs, prospective students can streamline their research by reviewing preliminary school details in a central location. As an important aspect of the search for a suitable academic program, accreditation ensures that both online and in-person MBA programs meet certain minimum standards.
To learn more about the meaning of local, national, and programmatic accreditation for MBA programs, visit this page.
#1 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Concordia University-Portland
- Portland, OR
- 4 years
- Campus
As a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts school associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia offers an MBA program that focuses on the decision-making, project management, and critical thinking skills graduates need to succeed in the field.
Structured on a cohort model, Concordia's online MBA requires 38 credits' worth of eight-week classes, including 29 core credits and a customizable capstone. Students may choose between six concentrations: general business, leadership and management, finance, healthcare administration, project management, or professional practice. Most students complete the program in 18-24 months. The professional practice concentration provides an accelerated, streamlined degree track for graduates of law and other professional programs, allowing these students to complete both degrees in four years.
In addition to the online MBA, Oregon offers many natural attractions for Concordia students combining online studies with on-campus course options. Requirements for admission include a 3.0 GPA, two years of professional work experience, and an interview. Alumni of Lutheran higher education institutions receive a 20% tuition discount.
Concentrations
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
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Students Enrolled
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Percent Online Enrollment
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#2 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Corban University
- Salem, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1935 in Salem as an independent private Christian school, Corban maintains a commitment to building character and competence in higher education. In addition to Corban's online MBA programs, the school also offers a variety of religious resources for Christian students.
Corban's Hoff MBA emphasizes leadership development and management skills. The 30-credit program offers an opportunity to complete the degree in one year of eight-week sessions, one class at a time. Employing a practical approach emphasizing learning through case studies, core courses include technology and operations management; finance, reporting, and control; and contemporary marketplace issues. At a full-time pace, students complete 10 credits (two classes) per semester. During office hours, online students may contact faculty members directly through video chat.
Admission requirements for transfer students include a minimum 2.0 GPA, a Christian character reference, and personal statement of faith. The school admits applicants on a rolling basis and offers start dates every eight weeks.
Concentrations
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in La Grande, EOU offers an MBA for working professionals. Featuring individualized attention and small class sizes, the Eastern Oregon University online MBA program requires 45 credits. Core course offerings include sustainable competitive advantage, creative innovation, and operational decision-making. Electives include emotional intelligence in management, disaster recovery, and strategic agribusiness management. Online students work one-on-one with academic advisers.
Students may elect to take 1-3 classes per term in 11-week terms, completing the program in as few as 15 months. Learners may take up to four years to complete their degree. The program admits applicants on a rolling basis, with four start date options. Applicants must hold a degree in a business discipline or demonstrate equivalent competency in management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Admission requirements include GRE or GMAT scores for students whose undergraduate GPAs fall below 3.0, and the program accepts up to 10 transfer credits. EOU's MBA program holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Bushnell University
- Eugene, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Eugene and focused on developing character, global engagement, and community servant leadership for over 120 years, NCU offers a host of opportunities to customize students' education.
Students pursuing the school's 36-credit online MBA can select a concentration in either management or nonprofit leadership. The management concentration offers coursework in human resources management, corporate sustainability, and marketing strategy, while the nonprofit concentration covers volunteer leadership, ethical and legal issues of nonprofits, and marketing for sustainability. Coursework for both concentrations includes organizational behavior, managerial statistics, and business ethics. Over the duration of the program, students develop a business portfolio suitable for presentation to employers upon graduation. The program offers asynchronous classes and six start times each year. Most distance learners complete the program in 1-2 years.
Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, with waivers granted to applicants on a case-by-case basis. NCU's online MBA program holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Concentrations
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1868 as a public research institution based in Corvallis, Oregon State boasts over 150 years serving learners and the community through excellence in higher education.
At Oregon State, online MBA coursework comprises 45-60 credits, with four start terms available per year. Students can select from three online-only tracks: business analytics, marketing, or organizational leadership. Additionally, the school offers two hybrid tracks with in-person components: innovation management and supply chain and logistics management. Benefits available for distance learners include tech support and around-the-clock library support and online tutoring.
The program accepts a maximum of transfer 45 credits. Regardless of residency status, all students pay the same tuition and fees, and Oregon State provides military service members with additional financial assistance and career guidance options. The school also offers online graduate certificates in business analytics, supply chain and logistics management, and business fundamentals. Oregon State holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Concentrations
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#6 Online MBA Programs in Oregon of 2022
Portland State University
- Portland, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1946 and recognized as one of the state's most diverse public schools, PSU boasts international recognition for its longstanding commitment to innovation, community service, and sustainability. A thriving urban university situated in the heart of downtown Portland, PSU offers affordable higher education.
Through a partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), PSU offers a hybrid part-time healthcare MBA for busy healthcare professionals. Delivered 80% online in a collaborative format, this program comprises 72 credits and offers online access to both schools' libraries. Coursework covers six themes: understanding the healthcare industry, financial management, leadership, operations, marketing, and application. The program begins in the fall, and holds in-person classes over two Fridays and Saturdays per term at OHSU. Most students complete the degree within 33 months.
The school also provides federal financial aid and additional benefits for veterans enrolled in the healthcare MBA program. PSU holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Concentrations
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
