2024’s Best in Texas: Online MBA Programs

Inside 3 Reputable Online MBA Programs

We profile three accredited Texas universities offering online or hybrid MBA programs. Each summary is drawn from the schools’ official websites, giving you factual details on curriculum, format, and unique features to help inform your decision. Following each overview, you’ll find specifics on one MBA option from that school, including how long it takes, the delivery mode, tuition, and admissions criteria.

A Look at the Top Fields of Online MBA Study

Texas’s booming economy is diverse, but certain fields stand out for MBA students due to strong job growth, high salaries, and ample opportunities in the Lone Star State. Below, we highlight five of the top fields you might pursue based on Texas’s job market trends, industry growth, return on investment for MBA graduates, the state’s economic strengths, and program availability.

Energy (Oil & Gas Management)

This career track is no surprise, as Texas is an energy powerhouse. In 2023, Texas produced about 43% of U.S. crude oil and 27% of its natural gas, underpinning a massive industry. Major oil and gas corporations (and an increasing number of renewable energy companies) are headquartered in Texas. 

This type of MBA can prepare you for leadership roles in this sector, from overseeing upstream operations to strategizing in energy finance. Texas Tech and other schools even offer specialized MBA tracks in the energy business.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in Texas, making it a top MBA specialization in the state. An MBA in healthcare management or healthcare administration equips you to manage hospitals, clinics, or healthcare services companies in this dynamic environment. These programs teach management skills such as hospital operations, healthcare law, and informatics. 

In Texas, this demand is fueled by a growing and aging population and a push to improve healthcare access in both urban and rural areas. ROI is attractive – healthcare executives command six-figure salaries.

Technology and IT Management

With the rise of Austin as “Silicon Hills” and an influx of tech companies relocating to Texas, technology and IT have become two of the hottest MBA fields in the state. Texas’s high-tech sector is booming: over the past decade, tech companies in Texas added jobs at an average 4.7% annual rate, more than double the state’s overall job growth. 

An MBA focused on areas like information systems, data analytics, or cybersecurity positions you to lead technology projects, lead product development teams, or drive digital strategy in organizations. 

Finance and Banking

Finance is a perennial top field for MBA students, and it’s especially promising in Texas thanks to its strong economy and status as a business hub. Texas is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other state, 54 companies as of 2024, including giants in energy, technology, retail, and telecom. 

An MBA in Finance can open doors to careers like financial analyst, corporate finance manager, investment banker, or CFO. Opportunities range from high-level corporate finance roles to wealth management for the state’s growing affluent population. 

Business Analytics and Data Science

These two business elements focus on leveraging data to drive decisions, a skillset in high demand across Texas industries, from tech to healthcare to energy. Job titles like data analyst, business intelligence manager, and analytics consultant are popping up everywhere. 

Data scientist roles are projected to grow about 36% nationally from 2023 to 2033. For MBA grads with analytics expertise, this means a wealth of opportunities to step into roles that improve supply chain efficiency using data insights or analyze consumer trends to guide marketing strategy.

Spotlight on Online MBA Program Types in Texas

Online MBA programs feature formats and structures designed to meet different student needs. Some programs emphasize flexibility and don’t require national tests, while others are lock-step cohorts for a faster pace. 

Below, we’ll summarize three common types of online MBA programs available in Texas. Understanding these types can help you decide which format aligns best with your lifestyle and goals.

Accelerated (Full-Time) Online MBA Programs

Accelerated online MBA programs allow you to earn your degree in about 12–18 months by taking a full-time course load in a condensed format. In Texas, accelerated online MBAs typically appeal to students who want to fast-track their careers or pivot quickly and who can dedicate significant time to their studies in the short term. 

Pros of accelerated programs include quicker return on investment and immersive learning, but the cons are balancing a full-time online MBA and a job, so many students either pause work or reduce hours.

Part-Time or Flexible Online MBA Programs

Part-time online MBA programs allow students to continue working full-time and manage other life responsibilities while earning their degree. In Texas, this is a popular format given the large number of working professionals seeking MBAs.

The key feature is that you can spread out your courses, typically taking maybe one or two classes at a time and extending the program duration. A part-time online MBA might take anywhere from 2.5 years to as many as 5-6 years.

Online MBA Programs with No GMAT/GRE Requirement

Studying for a rigorous test while working can be daunting, so several Texas online MBA programs have nixed the GMAT/GRE requirement or offer waivers for qualified applicants. These “no-test” programs focus on your academic record and professional experience instead of standardized scores.

Admission might hinge heavily on your work experience, so be prepared to submit a solid resume and possibly interview to demonstrate your competencies. Also, “no GMAT” doesn’t mean an easier program; you’ll still tackle the full MBA coursework once admitted.

How Much Do Online MBA Programs in Texas Cost?

Texas offers online MBAs at nearly every price point: you can find a program to fit most budgets. When considering cost, keep in mind both fixed costs (like tuition, which may be charged per credit or as a flat program rate) and variable costs (such as fees, books, or campus residency expenses if any).

One advantage of online programs is that you often save on relocation or commuting expenses, and many online MBAs use digital resources that can reduce textbook costs. Here’s a look at a few programs in the state:

Costs above are estimates for illustrative purposes. Always check the latest tuition from the school, as rates can change year to year.

FAQs from Prospective Texas MBA Students

How can I be sure an online MBA program in Texas is properly accredited, and why does accreditation matter?

You’ll want to choose an MBA that’s accredited by recognized agencies – in Texas, reputable programs will have regional accreditation by SACSCOC, or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and often AACSB, or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, for business schools. 

Accreditation means the school has been reviewed and meets specific quality standards in curriculum, faculty, and student support. All the programs we’ve discussed (UT, A&M, Baylor, etc.) are fully accredited – but if you explore others, do a quick check on their website for accreditation info. 

Are potential employers going to ask if my MBA degree was earned online?

Probably not. Employers are more interested in the skills and knowledge you bring. You can highlight during interviews how you managed work and online study, which shows initiative, time management, and tech-savvy. 

That said, be prepared to discuss why you chose an online format if asked; you might mention the need to continue working, or the specific program advantages, like a certain concentration or a Texas network, that made online the best choice. As long as your degree is from a respected school, employers in Texas (and beyond) will value it.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online MBA in Texas?

Absolutely. Part-time online MBAs allow you to take a lighter course load so you can continue your 9-to-5 job. Many students successfully balance a full-time job and 1-2 courses per term. 

You’ll likely spend evenings or weekends on classwork, so time management and a supportive personal/work environment are key. Employers in Texas often support employees earning MBAs, sometimes even offering tuition assistance or flexible hours, because they benefit from your new skills. One tip: communicate with your boss if appropriate, and carve out a steady weekly schedule for study. 

How long will a university allow me to earn an online MBA on a part-time basis?

Many programs allow extended flexibility to part-time students with a career in full swing. For instance, some UT schools give you up to five or six years to finish if needed. But, on average, part-time online MBAs take around two to three years if you take a couple of courses each semester.

It’s not uncommon for online MBA students to take about two years if they start moderately and ramp up toward the end. Also, realize it will take more time if you have prerequisites to complete, such as accounting or statistics for a non-business undergraduate.

How do online MBA programs support career placement and networking for students?

Texas Online MBA students can receive many of the same career services and networking opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. Typically, you’ll have access to the business school’s career center, which may include resume reviews, one-on-one career coaching, interview preparation, and virtual career fairs. 

Schools often host online employer info sessions, virtual networking events, and webinars with alumni to connect you with opportunities. It’s also a good idea to find time for some extra-curricular networking, like club activities or on-campus recruitment.

Top Online MBA Programs: Best Schools for Students

Choosing the right MBA program is a big decision, which is why we’ve compiled a ranking of the best online MBA programs in Texas to help guide you. Our methodology looked at the factors that matter most, including tuition affordability and availability of financial aid, the number of online programs/flexibility, accreditation status, and student support services like academic advising and career counseling.