Virginians interested in advancing their careers and finding success in the business world should consider obtaining their Master of Business Administration (MBA). An MBA provides graduates with the knowledge and skills for success in any business career, including consulting, management, finance, technology, and more. When you enroll in an MBA program, you choose from in-person or online and full-time or part-time, depending on your individual goals and circumstances.
This article highlights the top online MBA programs in Virginia based on factors like affordability, flexibility, specializations, and more. It helps you find an MBA program in Virginia that not only offers a quality education but also gives the support you need for success in school and your career. Keep reading for details on these programs along with information on scholarships, popular specializations, and income and employment potential.
Top Online MBA Programs in Virginia in 2023
Some of the top online MBA programs in Virginia for 2023 are highlighted below. These quality programs offer learning flexibility, affordability, a variety of specialization options, accreditation, and student support. Choosing a highly ranked school is a great way to kick off your academic career and set yourself up for professional success.
For students who want to achieve their MBA, George Mason University offers an entirely online master’s degree. All courses are offered in an asynchronous format, which means there are no set class times, so students can take classes whenever it’s convenient for them. Even though studies are completed online, MBA students are invited to participate in GMU’s Global Residency program, where they can spend a week abroad completing a collaborative team project. If students want to expand their qualifications, they can pursue the optional Business Analytics Graduate Certificate, which focuses on collecting, studying, and delivering data to inform business decisions and predictions.
Program Highlights:
Business Administration (MBA)
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,066.70/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
William & Mary’s online MBA program provides students with a degree that can equip them to lead in today’s demanding business environment. The program threads a unique “wicked problem” project throughout each student’s educational experience. Students apply course knowledge to propose solutions for their “wicked problem” and present their suggestions in a TED-style talk at the end of their studies in the program. While most coursework for this MBA is completed online in 7.5-week courses, students must attend one weekend-long on-campus residency, which includes networking opportunities and discussions of special topics. This degree can be achieved in 2 years by students dedicated to full-time study.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 49
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,365
- Mode: Mostly online, with one weekend on-campus residency
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
At Longwood University, students can earn a Master of Business Administration with just ten months of study, thanks to accelerated seven-week-long courses. With multiple yearly start dates available and entirely online coursework, students can begin pursuing a degree whenever they’re ready and work toward career growth without interrupting their current employment. Longwood supplies all MBA students with a hands-on business simulator experience that replicates the realities of running a business and a capstone course where they can integrate their learnings to present a holistic management perspective to their peers. Upon graduation, students may find jobs as c-suite executives, directors, and financial analysts.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 31
- Length: 10 months
- Cost: $426-436/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Washington University of Science and Technology’s Master of Business Administration provides a 100% online path to an advanced degree. The program’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on and practical education, bringing learning from the classroom into the real world. Unlike general MBA degrees, WUST offers six distinct elective tracks, which allow students to customize their education according to their individualized interests and career goals. Available elective tracks include leadership and management, accounting and finance, information technology, health care management, human resources management, and project management. The online format means that students can choose the time and place they prefer for their studies, rather than being obligated to attend classes on campus at a university.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 54
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $420/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACCSC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACCSC |
For students who want to pursue leadership in the business field, the University of Lynchburg’s Master of Business Administration provides in-depth knowledge of business concepts such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management. In addition to the general MBA track, students have a choice of emphases in cybersecurity or sport management. The cybersecurity focus marries the business strategy of the MBA with technological expertise to understand and address security threats. The sport management track readies students for managing teams and clubs and marketing and promoting club, collegiate, and professional sports. All courses are eligible for fully online study and can be completed in two to three years.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: $595/semester hour
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: 2-3 years
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
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 | NA |
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 | ACICS |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in Virginia
With the variety of online programs available for students having different career goals, Virginia is a great place to get your MBA. Most programs offer specializations that allow you to focus on a specific area of business, so you can advance in your specific career focus after graduation. Six popular specializations are highlighted below to give you an idea of what’s available and where to find them.
MBA with an Emphasis in Human Resources Management
An MBA with an HR specialization prepares students to excel in a corporate environment by enhancing their knowledge of compensation management, workforce planning, training and development, labor relations, and more. Working professionals already in HR or those advancing in their careers are prepared for positions as senior HR consultants, executive-level human managers and directors, and HR analytic specialists.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
Regent University (Online; Campus)
Liberty University (Online)
Averett University (Online)
MBA with an Emphasis in Finance
An MBA emphasizing finance prepares students to build broad business skills for work in high-level finance and accounting roles. Students learn financial planning, investing, analysis, mergers and acquisitions, financial markets, analyzing financial statements, preparing fiscal reports, and more.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
University of Virginia (Online)
Regent University (Online; Campus)
Virginia Commonwealth University (Online; Campus)
MBA with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship
An MBA with an emphasis on entrepreneurship is a great option for students who want to carve their own path in business, learning how to implement new ideas and build and lead new business ventures. Students learn how to implement innovation and research and how they can help grow and expand businesses.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
Virginia Tech (Online)
University of Virginia (Online)
Regent University (Online; Campus)
MBA with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity
An MBA with an emphasis in cybersecurity provides students with foundational aspects of business and technological trends for work in cybersecurity and information technology. Graduates are prepared to implement cyber strategies and manage security plans and disaster recovery strategies.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
Regent University (Online; Campus)
University of Lynchburg (Online)
James Madison University (Hybrid)
MBA with an Emphasis in Healthcare Management
An MBA with an emphasis in healthcare management prepares students already working in the healthcare industry for advancement by combining general business theory and skills with healthcare management. Students learn about ethics, professional practices, and finance in the healthcare field. Graduates are prepared to better serve patients and communities as healthcare administrators and managers.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
Virginia Commonwealth University (Online; Campus)
Regent University (Online; Campus)
Liberty University (Online)
MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing
An MBA with an emphasis in marketing is designed for students who want to advance their careers in business marketing. They learn the communication and leadership skills that help them incorporate market research, advertising, and consumer behavior into their work. Students learn design, marketing theory, and the application of these business practices.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Virginia with this Specialization
Regent University (Online; Campus)
Liberty University (Online)
Longwood University (Online)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning your MBA Online in Virginia
What is the average cost of an MBA program in Virginia?
The cost of an MBA program in Virginia varies by school and ranges from about $18,000 to $40,000. The final cost of a program depends on factors like location, in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and whether the school is public or private. Cost for you as an individual also depends on whether you receive scholarships or financial aid, have any credits that transfer, and receive tuition reimbursement through your employer.
What does an MBA admissions process in Virginia look like?
While each school’s specific admissions requirements are different, you can expect some of the same general items to be needed in any application process. These requirements likely include transcripts, GMAT scores, an admissions essay, an application fee, and references. You’ll also need to make sure you know the application deadline for each program you’re interested in to give yourself plenty of time to complete the process. For examples of different approaches to the application process, review William & Mary’s program with its three enrollment dates and Longwood University with its online admissions link.
How quickly can I earn an online MBA in Virginia?
Programs differ in their time frames for completing an MBA program online with many taking one or two years. Most programs are around 30-45 credit hours, so how quickly you complete the program depends on whether or not it is accelerated and how many credit hours you’re able to take each semester. Some programs give you multiple years to complete your degree, while some program timelines are more structured.
Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in Virginia?
Some MBA programs require you to take the GMAT, while others don’t. Some offer waivers based on an applicant’s work and educational background or other criteria. Some schools simply consider other admissions requirements such as advanced degrees, professional licensure, or other relevant experience or education in place of GMAT scores.
In Virginia, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?
In general, professionals with an MBA earn more throughout their careers than those with only a bachelor’s degree in business. One analysis showed that MBAs often result in seven-figure incomes over a post-MBA lifetime. It also showed that MBA graduates from top schools can make $5.7 million after graduating and working for 35 years, a $2.3 million premium over those with just a bachelor’s. ZipRecruiter also indicates a significant difference in average earnings for those with an MBA in Virginia ($69,887) as compared to those with just a bachelor’s in business ($44,648).
What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in Virginia?
A program’s accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing an MBA program. Accreditation means the program and school have been evaluated by a third party to determine if they meet or exceed set standards. Accreditation considers faculty, class offerings, services, programs, and more. An online MBA program usually offers the same high-quality education as in-person programs, and accreditation ensures the program has been properly vetted. When looking at MBA accreditation, the main accrediting agency is the AACSB. The mail school accreditation for Virginia is the SACSCOC.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in Virginia
As a potential MBA student in Virginia, there are many options (e.g., grants, scholarships, and fellowships) available to help fund your program. These funding sources are awarded based on factors like financial need, academics, special interests, race, gender, ethnicity, and more. Also, note that many scholarships for MBA programs are provided through individual schools. You may also be able to obtain a loan to pay for your program.
Below are five scholarships or aid options to give you an idea of what’s available. You can find more out about funding through our financial aid guide,employer tuition assistance guide, and scholarships guide.
Old Dominion University Scholarships
National Black MBA Association Scholarship
The Kyle J. Milliken Memorial Scholarship at William & Mary
Salary Potential for MBA Grads in Virginia
In general, the job market for MBA graduates in Virginia is good with many jobs in high demand and with solid earning potential. With Washington D.C. nearby, there are a vast number of both government and private sector jobs available.
MBA graduates in Virginia make an average of about $78,000 with many opportunities to make much more than that. MBA Central ranks Virginia as the 10th best state for MBA graduates, citing a strong business and regulatory area with many large businesses. In addition, the cost of living is only slightly above the national average, and new and expanding businesses are being drawn to the area.
The chart below details five potential career paths for MBA graduates in Virginia to showcase the range of salaries and job growth potential for the state.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Human Resources Manager |
12.3% |
400 |
$148,990 |
|
Chief Executive |
-3.8% |
570 |
$243,750 |
|
Financial Analyst |
9.3% |
1,350 |
$101,110 |
|
Market Research Analyst |
22.9% |
2,920 |
$78,460 |
|
Logisticians |
29% |
1,020 |
$83,400 |