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 2022
Some of the top online MBA programs in Virginia for 2022 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.
The MBA program at George Mason University offers the opportunity to build a diverse skill set and global expertise applicable to various industries and positions. George Mason also offers an optional Certificate in Business Analytics built into the curriculum. The MBA program is online, has proven career placement and competitive tuition, and is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA with Business Analytics as one of the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. The program offers a variety of electives, and students learn communication and leadership, functional business disciplines, analytical decision making, and contemporary business issues.
Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree with verified official transcripts, a minimum of two years of full-time professional employment, a goals statement, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume. The GMAT is an optional requirement.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 48 credit hours
Length: 3 years
Cost: $1,074/credit
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); AACSB (business school)
Specialization Options:
- Global Residency Option
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Longwood University offers a 100% online MBA program that prepares graduates for careers in the fast-paced and ever-changing business world. Students can continue working while deepening their understanding of various business topics, including accounting and economics, data, technology, entrepreneurship, team building, negotiation and conflict resolution, marketing, and more. Courses include strategic management and business strategy, leadership, and economics. Graduates are prepared for careers as chief executive officers, chief operations officers, marketing directors, directors of operations, financial analysts, project managers, human resources directors, and more. Longwood offers five specializations for online MBA students.
Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree with various requirements regarding GPA and/or work experiences, official transcripts, and a resume. The GMAT is not required.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 31
Length: 10+ months
Cost: $426/credit (resident); $436/credit (non-resident)
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); AACSB (business school)
Specialization Options:
- General Business
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Marketing
- Real Estate
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Liberty University is an accredited Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. The online MBA program offers students affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Courses are flexible and students have access to various student resources, including an online library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help. Graduates are prepared for careers in consulting, management, analytics, customer care, and more. Liberty University offers financial aid options and tuition discounts for military service members, veterans, and their spouses.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 45
Length: 2 years
Cost: $565/credit
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); ACBSP (program)
Specialization Options:
- Accounting
- American Legal Studies
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Economics
- Executive Coaching
- Finance
- General
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- International Legal Studies
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Non-Profit Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Real Estate Development
- Six Sigma
- Strategic Management
- Strategic Media and Digital Content
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Tourism Management
- Nonprofit Management
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Old Dominion University offers a flexible program with a contemporary curriculum and global perspective taught by industry-experienced, PhD-prepared faculty. The program has two objectives: relevance and flexibility and helping students achieve their goals on their terms. Graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions for careers in finance, logistics, computer and information systems, human resources, and more.
Admissions requirements include GMAT or GRE scores, undergraduate GPAs, a letter of reference from a professor or supervisor, and a goal statement. Old Dominion offers several scholarships and opportunities for graduate assistantships.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 43
Length: 21 months
Cost: $31,272/program (resident); $32,304/program (non-resident)
Format: Fully-online; Partially-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); AACSB (program)
Specialization Options:
- Business Analytics
- Economic Analytics
- Maritime and Ports Management
- Project Management
- Public Procurement and Contract Management
- Supply Chain Management
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
William & Mary offers full-time, part-time, executive, and online MBAs. The online MBA program challenges students to be leaders in today’s changing business world. The program is based on “design thinking,” which teaches tackling problems without presuming a solution. It promotes an iterative approach aimed at constant refinement and unexpected discoveries. MBA students also identify a “wicked problem,” which they explore in each course.
Students can also give their program an analytics focus by enrolling in additional programming and analytics courses and an online Foundation in Business Analytics Certificate. All students are required to take a refresher course covering accounting, economics, finance, statistics, and spreadsheets before beginning their studies to make sure they’re ready for the online MBA coursework.
Admissions requirements include two years of professional work experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The GMAT is not required. William & Mary also helps with federal financial aid and offers a scholarship for online MBA students.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 49
Length: 2 years
Cost: $1,365/credit
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: SACSCOC (school); AACSB (business school)
Specialization Options:
- Generalized MBA
- Analytics
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Implied no |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
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 |