Today’s Top Online MBA Programs in Georgia

Inside Three Online and Hybrid MBAs in Georgia

Below, we profile three accredited Georgia schools that offer online or hybrid MBA programs. Included for each program is a summary from the school’s website and key details like duration, format, cost, and admission requirements.

Top Five MBA Specializations to Pursue in Georgia

Georgia’s diverse economy means MBA students can pursue a range of high-demand specializations. Below are five of the best MBA concentration fields in Georgia, chosen for their strong job prospects, return on investment (ROI), cost-of-living advantages, and relevance to major industries in the state.

Finance and FinTech

Georgia is a major financial technology hub. It is even dubbed “Transaction Alley” in the tech industry. This is because roughly 70% of all U.S. payment transactions are processed by firms in Georgia, and the state hosts numerous Fortune 500 financial companies. 

An MBA in Finance or financial technology (fintech) positions graduates for roles in corporate finance, investment, and financial product development. With Atlanta’s growing fintech startups and established payment giants, finance MBAs enjoy robust job demand and competitive salaries, while Georgia’s moderate cost of living boosts their ROI.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare is one of Georgia’s largest and fastest-growing industries. The state currently has nearly 40,000 healthcare job openings and is expected to exceed 60,000 in the next two years. This reflects a high demand for skilled administrators in the state’s healthcare systems. 

An MBA with a healthcare management focus opens doors to leadership roles in hospitals, biotechnology firms, insurance, and healthcare information technology (IT) companies. Georgia also leads in healthcare IT, with over 225 health technology companies employing around 30,000 people. Graduates can leverage Georgia’s lower cost of living to enjoy strong purchasing power even on non-profit healthcare salaries, making this field both impactful and financially rewarding.

Supply Chain & Logistics

Georgia is often called the logistics capital of the Southeast, as it is home to the nation’s fastest-growing port (Savannah) and the world’s busiest airport (Atlanta). A master’s in supply chain management is extremely valuable in Georgia, where 85% of the world’s top third-party logistics companies operate. Major employers like Delta Air Lines, UPS, The Home Depot, and Coca-Cola have headquarters or large hubs in Georgia, and they require experts to manage distribution and operations. 

MBA grads with supply chain skills find abundant opportunities in procurement, operations strategy, and logistics management. Thanks to world-class infrastructure, 80% of the U.S. market is reachable from Georgia within a two-hour flight or two-day truck haul. This statistic underscores the state’s centrality in supply chains.

Technology Management & Business Analytics

Atlanta’s tech scene is booming. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Visa are expanding operations here, and Atlanta has the highest growth rate in tech jobs among the top 50 U.S. tech hubs. An MBA with a specialization in information systems, technology management, or business analytics positions you to lead in this growth sector. 

Roles in data analytics, IT project management, and product management are in high demand across Georgia’s finance, healthcare, and logistics industries. With the state’s cost of living far below Silicon Valley’s, tech MBA grads in Georgia enjoy excellent ROI. Tech-focused MBA concentrations often lead to consulting and strategy roles with average starting salaries around $87,000 annually.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Atlanta was named the best city to start a business in 2024, thanks to strong business growth, a large talent pool, and low startup costs. An MBA in Entrepreneurship is ideal for those looking to launch startups or drive new ventures within companies. Georgia offers a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, from incubators to venture capital investment. 

MBA students learn to craft business plans, secure financing, and scale operations. This specialization’s ROI can be immense if your personal venture succeeds, but even those who join young companies will find Georgia’s booming startup scene full of opportunity.

Understanding Georgia’s Different MBA Programs

Georgia’s MBA programs come in a variety of formats to fit different lifestyles. In general, you’ll find fully online MBAs that maximize flexibility, hybrid (blended) programs that mix online learning with periodic in-person sessions, and executive MBA formats tailored for experienced professionals. Below is an overview of each type, with examples of Georgia-based programs:

Fully Online MBA Programs

Fully online MBAs deliver all coursework via the internet, so you can attend from anywhere in Georgia or beyond without ever coming to campus. These programs often use asynchronous classes as well. This means you can watch lectures and complete work on your own schedule. 

Fully online programs are ideal for working professionals who need maximum flexibility or those not located near a university. Despite being remote, quality remains high: Fully online MBAs in Georgia are usually taught by the same faculty and use the same curriculum as on-campus programs. 

• University of Georgia — Online MBA
• Mercer University — Online MBA

Hybrid (Blended) MBA Programs

Hybrid or blended MBAs combine online learning with periodic in-person classes, offering the best of both worlds. In a hybrid format, a portion of classes are taken face-to-face, often on evenings or weekends. The rest are completed online in either live or asynchronous sessions. 

A hybrid structure provides scheduling flexibility but also gives you regular in-person interaction with faculty and peers. Many students value this option for graduate school networking. Because of this, many of Georgia’s part-time MBA programs use a hybrid model. 

• University of Georgia — Professional MBA
• Georgia State University — Hybrid MBA

Executive MBA Programs (Weekend Hybrid)

Executive MBA (EMBA) programs in Georgia target seasoned professionals and offer an accelerated, cohort-based MBA experience. These programs are often delivered in a weekend hybrid format. Classes meet one extended weekend per month to accommodate busy executives’ schedules, and much of the coursework is done independently or online between class weekends. 

Executive MBAs usually include intensive leadership development, networking dinners, and often an international residency. They tend to be pricier but offer high-touch services, such as career coaching or executive coaching, and a strong peer support network. 

• Kennesaw State University — Executive MBA
• Georgia State University — Executive MBA

Calculating the Cost of Online MBA Programs in Georgia

Tuition for online MBA programs in Georgia varies widely based on the institution and format. In general, public universities offer lower tuition rates, especially for Georgia residents, while private schools charge higher per-credit rates but the same for all students. 

Many online MBAs charge by the credit hour. However, some have a flat package price for the entire program. Fully online programs often have no out-of-state surcharge, making them an appealing option for out-of-state students. Hybrid or on-campus programs may still differentiate in-state versus out-of-state tuition, so be sure to check these rates. 

In addition to tuition, expect standard university fees (such as technology fees or online course fees), which can add a few hundred dollars per semester. Some programs, especially executive formats, bundle additional costs like catered meals, residencies, or international trips into their price. Below is a comparison of three Georgia MBA programs and their associated costs:

Student Help Center: Online Georgia MBA FAQs

How important is accreditation for an online MBA program in Georgia?

Accreditation is extremely important, as it’s the quality stamp that ensures your MBA will be respected. Look for programs accredited by AACSB International, the gold standard for business schools. All reputable Georgia MBA programs (including those listed here) have AACSB accreditation. This means the curriculum, faculty, and outcomes are rigorously evaluated. 

Employers in Georgia and beyond will trust an MBA from an AACSB-accredited school. On the flip side, be cautious about any online MBA in Georgia that lacks regional or AACSB accreditation. Non-accredited programs may not carry the same value for jobs or further education.

Do I need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for Georgia’s online MBA programs?

You won’t necessarily need to take these tests. Many online MBA programs in Georgia are now test-optional or waive the GMAT/GRE for qualified applicants. For example, UGA’s Online MBA does not require GMAT/GRE scores at all, as they base admissions on your academic history and work experience. Mercer University likewise allows you to apply test-optional, looking for a strong statement of purpose instead of test scores. 

Some programs, especially highly ranked ones, may still recommend or consider GMAT/GRE if you have a lighter work background or lower GPA, but you can often get a waiver. It’s always best to check each school’s policy. If tests are optional, only submit scores if they will strengthen your application. 

Can I really work full-time while earning an online MBA in Georgia?

Yes, you can! Georgia’s online MBA programs are designed for working professionals, and the vast majority of students continue in their jobs while studying. In fact, the average age of Georgia online MBA students is around 30 to 32, meaning most have established careers and families. 

Online MBA programs accommodate this through flexible scheduling. Courses are often asynchronous or held in the evenings, and you can usually choose a part-time course load. 

Time management and scheduling are key, as you should expect around 15 to 20 hours of coursework per week for a part-time pace. Employers are often supportive, and some will even adjust your workload or provide tuition assistance.

Will I miss out on networking and career opportunities in an online MBA?

You might be surprised to learn that online MBA programs in Georgia offer a lot of networking, just in different ways. Schools know that connecting with peers, professors, and alumni is crucial for your career. As a result, even online students get plenty of interaction through means such as group projects via Zoom, discussion boards, virtual team presentations, and more. This means you build relationships with classmates across the state. 

Programs like the GSU’s online MBA start with a two-day in-person orientation in Atlanta to form teams and meet faculty, kick-starting your network. Many schools also host periodic networking events, virtual “coffee chats,” or optional residencies. You’ll typically also have access to the university’s career services and MBA recruiting events. 

What is the ROI of an online MBA in Georgia, and is it really worth it?

An MBA is a significant investment, but in Georgia the numbers suggest it’s well worth it for most graduates. For starters, UGA boasts the highest ROI for MBAs in Georgia, with graduates earning over $100,000. 

This high ROI comes from relatively low tuition costs, especially at public schools or online formats, combined with solid post-MBA salaries. Many online MBA graduates in Georgia see immediate career benefits, such as promotions into management, new job opportunities, or the ability to pivot industries. 

Ranking the Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia

Choosing the right MBA program is easier with solid data in hand. That’s why we’ve compiled a ranking of the top online MBA programs in Georgia, evaluated on factors that impact students the most. In creating this ranking, we considered academic quality, student success outcomes, ROI, affordability, and more. 

Whether you prioritize low cost or prestigious branding, accelerated pacing or robust networking opportunities, this OMD ranking will highlight the strengths of each program. Use it as a roadmap to compare your options side-by-side. We’re confident our Georgia online MBA rankings will guide you toward an educated decision on that next big step in your education and career.