Earning an MBA can fast-track your career growth. In fact, graduates often see a nearly 30% salary increase on average. Still, many prospective students wonder if an online MBA will deliver the same value and credibility as an on-campus program, or if they can balance studies with work and family. The truth is that Georgia’s online MBA programs offer flexible, accredited options designed for working professionals and are respected by employers. This OMD guide will break down Georgia’s online and hybrid MBA offerings, from program highlights and costs to top specializations. Read on to discover how you can earn a respected MBA on your own terms. An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities… The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats… A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
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.
University of Georgia (UGA)
The online MBA program at UGA’s Terry College of Business delivers a rigorous and dynamic business education with the flexibility to maintain your work and personal life. Courses are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to advance your career on your schedule.
UGA’s curriculum is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It matches the excellence of UGA’s on-campus MBA, ensuring you earn a world-respected degree in a convenient format. Furthermore, the MBA has a leadership focus and is designed to let you apply what you learn in your current career.
Duration: 17 to 23 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $55,043 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges
- Minimum two years of post-bachelor’s professional work experience
- Current résumé
- Two professional recommendation letters
- Personal statement essay
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern’s online MBA offers a fully online MBA through a consortium of seven Georgia universities. This AACSB-accredited program delivers a core MBA curriculum in a flexible online environment, making it ideal for professionals with busy schedules.
Students in this program gain diverse perspectives and networking opportunities with peers and faculty across the state. You get all the benefits of a traditional MBA, including rigorous courses in leadership, finance, marketing, and more. No campus attendance is required after the initial orientation. With tuition being well below the national average, this is an affordable option for distance learners.
Duration: 21 months
Mode: Online with a two-day orientation in Atlanta
Cost: $9,053 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges
- Minimum two years of post-bachelor’s professional work experience
- Current résumé
- Personal essay outlining your potential for success in the MBA
Mercer University
Mercer’s online MBA is a flexible, self-paced program designed to help working professionals advance their careers without disruption. Courses are taught by the same highly credentialed faculty as the on-campus MBA, so you will receive a rich academic experience and identical credentials in a convenient online format.
Students of this program can customize the degree to their unique goals. You have the choice to pursue an accelerated 30-hour MBA or opt for a 36-hour MBA with a specialized concentration or graduate certificate for deeper expertise. Mercer’s School of Business is AACSB-accredited and consistently ranked among the top 100 online MBA programs nationally.
Duration: One year
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $25,500 to $30,600 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges
- Current résumé
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:
School Name | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
---|---|---|---|
Georgia Southwestern State University | 36 | $263 | $9,500 |
Mercer University | 30 | $851 | $25,500 |
University of Georgia | 48 | flat rate | $55,043 |
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.
Brenau University offers a fully online Master of Business Administration that can be completed in as little as 18 months, making it an ideal choice for working professionals looking to build credentials that move their careers forward. Core coursework encompasses essential principles like marketing strategy, business law, and financial management. With 14 distinct concentrations, this MBA is also highly customizable to individual career goals. Potential areas of specialization include business analytics, digital marketing, nonprofit leadership, and general business. No GRE is required to apply, and small class sizes ensure higher levels of interaction between students and professors.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30-42
- Length: One and a half years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Mercer University's fully online MBA program is designed for flexibility, catering to the needs of working adults. Online students benefit from instruction by the same faculty that teach Mercer's on-campus MBA programs. While students can graduate with a 30-credit accelerated MBA in as little as one year, they can also opt to add a specialization with an additional six credit hours of work. Additionally, students can further enhance their credentials with graduate certificates in areas like women in leadership or entrepreneurship. To streamline the admission process, the submission of GMAT or GRE scores is entirely optional.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30 or 36
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Clayton State University's 100% online MBA program is well-suited to students who need maximum flexibility as they pursue their MBAs. The program provides the option to earn a master's in general business or to customize with one of five concentrations. Potential specializations include accounting, digital marketing, human resources leadership, international business, and supply chain management. Each course is taught in accelerated, eight-week sessions, so the program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Clayton State also allows online students to participate in virtual graduate assistantships in exchange for a reduction in tuition and fees.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 33
- Length: 12 to 18 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
Career Services | Yes |
Academic Counseling | Yes |
Accreditation | SACSCOC |