OVERVIEW
An Online MBA Degree That Prepares You to be a Successful Business Leader
You're ready to become a leader and rise to the next level in business. A master's degree in business administration is the step you need to take you further in your professional career and potentially earn a higher salary. A reputable online MBA degree program can be the difference-maker for your future by helping you understand business practices and management skills. This master's in business administration is focused on equipping you with skills and credentials that helps distinguish your value in the business world.
Compare this degree: Also considering the MSML degree program? This article can help you understand the differences.
Graduates can finish within
12 months*
WGU lets you set a schedule so you can finish your MBA in just one year. You are in control of the schedule and timing for your online MBA program.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,755
See what your online MBA will cost at our university. Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$14,025*
Master of Business Administration graduates report an average salary increase of $14,025 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
MBA Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
This program is composed of the following business and management courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized degree plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and master the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
One year MBA students can complete all of their coursework in just two WGU terms. You will set a schedule with your Program Mentor to enable you to finish your program quickly. Learn more about the one year MBA program at WGU.
To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by today’s employers, our Master of Business Administration—like all of WGU's School of Business programs—was developed with significant input from experts and business leaders who serve on our Business Program Council.
11 Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you face in your place of business.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Management: Identified and determined the resources required to effectively support an organization or process, ensuring optimal functionality and efficiency.
- Operations: Developed comprehensive systems with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for distinct parts of a business, promoting consistency, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Communication: Leveraged appropriate communication techniques to effectively persuade and guide outcomes.
- Data Analysis: Applied analytical and logical reasoning skills to uncover valuable information crucial for decision-making processes.
- Written Communication: Addressed internal and external stakeholders using the most suitable written communication strategy for each audience, fostering effective communication and engagement.
- Business Development: Developed strategic plans for acquiring new business and expanding existing business in collaboration with the business development team.
“Because of WGU's competency-based program, I didn't have to get into things that I already knew. Instead I was able to use that for the things that were more challenging for me to learn.”
—Alvyn Joy Halili
MBA
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
After graduation, WGU MBA master's degree graduates report earning $16,200 more per year*. Are you ready to make more money?
*WGU Internal Data
Entirely Online
Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education.
Entirely Online
The Master of Business Administration degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
Affordable Online Degree Programs
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
You Control Where, When, and How Fast You Learn and Graduate
Schedules are tight and often unpredictable for busy professionals. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No interruptions to your work and family obligations. No rigid class schedules. No barriers to earning your degree on your own terms. Just a solid, career-focused online MBA program that meshes seamlessly with your current lifestyle.
"I was fortunate enough to finish my WGU degree program in six months because I was able to show what I knew and not have to sit in needless classes. I was able to showcase my strengths and still have plenty of time to work on my weaknesses, which really helped me finish my degree. I couldn't have done this anywhere else.”
—David Burks
MBA
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Respected MBA Degree That Can Prepare You for a Successful Management Career
Goldman Sachs. Google. MGM. Microsoft. Apple. These giant organizations are changing the world, and WGU MBA graduates are there in the thick of it—making decisions as key leaders in top organizations. An online MBA degree from WGU has prepared these graduates to stand out from the competition, to take charge, and to make change. And a master's in business administration degree could do the same thing for you. Get an MBA online that is focused on helping you excel as a business leader and reach all your career aspirations.
WGU’s online MBA degree is designed for business professionals who are ready to advance their career. It is a university program that focuses on management, strategy, and business skills that are vital to your success as a leader. Earn an online MBA that gives you the skills to become the impactful business leader your organization needs.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
6%
Employment of top executives is projected to grow 6% through 2033.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
MBAs from WGU Are Leading Teams and Businesses in Diverse Industries
Problem-solving leaders are required in every industry, and strategic thinking is necessary at every successful company. If you're ready to broaden your business knowledge and advance your career, WGU's MBA program online can prepare you to be an effective leader and produce successful results wherever you go. Your business management career starts here!
Our 5,300-plus MBA grads have great jobs and satisfying careers.
Top Jobs
- Owner
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Executive director
- Chief strategic officer
Top Industries
- Private companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government
- Colleges and universities
Top Employers
- American Airlines
- Yahoo!
- Edward Jones
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Mayo Clinic
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS
MBA Admission Requirements
To be considered for this program, you must:
- Submit a transcript verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
FINISH FASTER
The One-Year MBA
WGU's unique competency-based model allows you to move faster through your degree program. This online Master of Business Administration degree gives you the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your terms. You don't have to leave your job to pursue a master's in business administration—something you and your employer will both appreciate. No logging in, no set class times—you are in the driver's seat of your education.
WGU's one-year* MBA allows you to finish your Master in Business Administration program in only 12 months for just $9,510.
* Program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Pricing is based on 12-month completion of the program. Students that do not complete in 12 months and need longer to complete the program will need to pay for additional terms.
Frequently Asked Questions about MBA Programs
- General MBA FAQs
- Online MBA FAQs
MBA stands for Master’s of Business Administration. An MBA is a graduate-level business management degree that teaches you leadership skills for the modern business world. Those with an MBA often stand out among candidates for upper management positions.
Both terms are commonly used, but the technical correct usage is Master of Business Administration, or a Master's in Business Administration.
There are many job opportunities with an MBA degree. They include:
- Chief executive officer
- Executive director
- Chief financial officer
- Marketing manager
- International business development
- Chief marketing officer
- Sales manager
- Operations manager
- Human resources manager
An MBA gives you additional skills and training that can help you progress in your career. You'll learn about strategy, communication, management, and leadership that will help you move into larger roles in an organization. An MBA trains you to become a business leader in many different kinds of industries.
In an MBA program you'll have courses in accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, leadership, management, and more.
Yes! An MBA can help you boost your résumé and help you get higher pay, better job opportunities, and more. In fact, WGU MBA graduates earn an average of $16,200 more per year after graduation.
An MBA is a great option for those who want to progress into management or leadership roles in an organization. Whether you want to move to a new company or have upward mobility in your current organization, an MBA can help you be prepared to move up.
An MBA teaches you leadership skills that can help you excel as an executive in a business setting. Earning an MBA can set you apart when you’re looking to advance into a management role within a corporation. The skills you learn in an MBA program may also help you start and manage your own business.
In general, it takes around two years to earn an MBA degree. That said, through a competency-based online MBA program like the one offered at WGU, students may be able to earn their degree more quickly, sometimes in 18 months or less.
The number of years it takes to earn an MBA degree can vary depending on the university.
- Traditional university: 2 years
- Competency-based MBA program: 1 to 1.5 years
- Part-time MBA program: around 3 years
Yes. You can earn an MBA completely online. This unique model enables students to keep their current job while working toward their degree. Competency-based education models and on-demand classes, tests, and assignments make earning a degree online a valid option for busy working professionals or those with limited access to a brick and mortar university.
Yes. With the growing prevalence and availability of online MBA programs, curriculum and acceptance criteria have become more rigorous. As higher education has moved increasingly to online formats, more employers are respecting online MBAs and finding online MBA grads to possess the skills necessary to add value to their business.
Yes. If you earn an MBA from an accredited and reputable university, it will likely be respected by employers. Many online MBA programs have gained enough of a reputation that employers now seek out graduates specifically from certain online programs and universities.
The best online MBA programs in terms of ROI include:
- Excelsior College; 497% ROI
- Western Governors University; 267% ROI
- American Public University; 249% ROI
- Arizona State University—Skysong; 225% ROI
- Capella University; 171% ROI
No. An online MBA is not necessarily easy. While an online MBA may offer more flexibility and accessibility than a typical in-person program, online programs are still competitive and rigorous. Many students, however, find that an online MBA is easier in the sense that it fits more seamlessly into their busy lives, as they can access courses, take exams, and complete projects anywhere they have internet access.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
