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Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Take your career to new heights by earning your MBA degree online at Xavier University. With part-time and full-time options available, your professional goals don’t have to wait. 

Next Application Date:

08/21/22

Next Term Starts:

09/10/22

39-45

Credit Hours

1.5-3

Year Program

$919

Per Credit Hour

AACSB

Accreditation

Why Pursue Your Online MBA at Xavier?

Ranked #1 Online MBA Program in the state of Ohio for the 2nd year in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2022 & 2023)

Housed at the Williams College of Business, our AACSB-accredited MBA program offers a dynamic graduate education recognized for its academic rigor, quality and value. Gain a wealth of knowledge that spans many business disciplines, including accounting, information technology and marketing, to ensure you grow as a versatile business leader.

Whether you enroll full time or opt for a part-time course of study, your MBA from Xavier provides the flexibility you need without compromising quality. Invest in a master’s degree that gives you lifelong dividends and connects you to a professional network of 17,000+ alumni.

Learn at a Pace That Suits Your Schedule

As a 100% online degree with full-time and part-time enrollment options, our online MBA program provides a flexible learning experience to accommodate your busy schedule. We also offer multiple start dates throughout the year, so you don’t have to depend on the traditional admission cycle.

If you pursue your master’s in business administration full time, you will enroll in two classes in eight-week blocks. At this pace, you can earn your degree in about one and a half years. As a part-time student, you typically take one course in each eight-week block, resulting in a completion time of two to three years. Whichever format you choose, your MBA degree is not far from reach.

Create Long-Lasting Connections with Your Cohort

Xavier’s online MBA program emphasizes cohort building, allowing you to connect deeply with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. Through an immersive orientation experience, you’ll forge meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students. This focus on community not only enriches your educational experience but also prepares you for collaborative leadership in today’s dynamic business environment. Choose Xavier to transform your career while becoming part of a connected and engaged professional community.

Earn Your Degree From an AACSB-Accredited MBA Program

Our online MBA program is accredited by AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Data show fewer than 5% of the world’s 13,000 business school programs have earned AACSB accreditation.

Xavier proudly upholds the standards of excellence set forth by AACSB International and strives to provide you with the highest-quality education and instruction. With our rigorous curriculum and world-class faculty, we ensure you graduate career-ready so you can innovate the business landscape.

Xavier University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

Elevate Your Earning Potential

Investing in your online MBA from Xavier University yields a profitable outcome for you. When it comes to the highest starting salaries for MBA holders in Ohio, Columbus Business Courier’s 2019 report finds that Xavier University graduates make an average starting salary of more than $81,000, earning Xavier a position in the top five universities. With the advanced business education you obtain and the versatile skill set you build, you make yourself a competitive candidate ready to tackle the business market.

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Curriculum

Online MBA Curriculum

39-45 credits

Taught by leading-edge faculty, our MBA curriculum offers an immersive graduate business education and equips you with the skills to solve complex business problems, think strategically and communicate effectively. With these in-demand competencies, you establish yourself as a leader with an eye for the latest business trends and a commitment to innovation.

Like every Xavier degree program, our MBA curriculum utilizes a “cura personalis,” or “care of the whole person” approach. The faculty carefully design our graduate courses around activities that build community between you and your classmates. These collaborative learning experiences equip you with essential business knowledge and strengthen your ability to work well within a team.

From studying business statistics to crafting out-of-the-box marketing strategies, our MBA courses span a range of business disciplines.

  • You learn to analyze business operations and make strategic changes to improve efficiency, quality and profitability.
  • You become skilled in managing an organization’s assets, understanding consumers’ habits and the global economic landscapes, and making informed financial decisions.
  • You also study the intricacies of business law and ethics, helping you navigate the business world with integrity.

MBA Degree Requirements

The total number of credit hours required to complete the online MBA degree program varies from 39 hours (all foundation skills waived) to a maximum of 45 hours (all foundation skills needed). Your course load primarily consists of required foundational and core classes. Still, you have the option to choose your electives from a variety of offerings from different departments. We add new electives based on current topics and trends in business, ensuring our curriculum stays up-to-date and relevant.

ACCT 500: Foundations of Financial Accounting……………. 3 credits

In this introductory class, students build their foundational understanding of key financial accounting concepts and methods, which will set them up for success in subsequent accounting and financial management courses.

BAIS 500: Business Statistics……………. 3 credits

This course focuses on descriptive statistics, statistical inference, linear regression, autocorrelation analysis and forecasting models.

ACCT 550: Managerial Accounting……………. 3 credits

This course examines the use of accounting information to enhance value across a supply chain. In addition, the role of accounting information in support of the evaluation of business units and management is considered.

BAIS 550: Business Information Systems…………….3 credits

This course examines the study of issues, methods, information and technology involved in creating and using information systems in a corporate environment. The focus is on the manager’s influence on the design, operation, control and communication abilities. Current organizational systems and technology are evaluated. Case studies are used extensively as the content for individual and team activities. The course explores the implications technology creates as we move into an information-based economy.

BAIS 551: Operational Analysis……………. 3 credits

This introductory course aims to provide MBA students with a thorough introduction to the concepts and analytical skills of operations management needed to understand and improve the business of various organizations. The course aims to expand their managerial and hands-on analytical skills to deliver superior organizational performance in practical business settings. In particular, it focuses on developing student strategic thinking and critical thinking capabilities regarding implementing operations analysis tools and ensuring that enterprise resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Prerequisites: STAT500 or Statistics 500

BLAW 550: Business Law and Ethics……………. 3 credits

The course revolves around an organization’s core values (leadership, integrity, honesty, etc.). The course explores the relationship between ethics and law by discussing legal concepts (compliance, governance, discrimination, products and liability) and then analyzing the ethical implications of these same topics. The class format includes lectures, case analysis, Socratic discussions, and group and student team projects. Students take weekly quizzes and research and write a paper exploring an approved business legal and ethics topic they select.

BUAD 550: International Business or other approved International Course or approved Global Immersion Trip……………. 3 credits

This course examines issues in international business, including globalization, differences in political and economic systems and cultural differences across countries, comparative advantage and trade policy, exchange rates, international capital markets and global finance, strategy and regional economic integration agreements.

ECON 550: Managerial Economics……………. 3 credits

Managerial economics analyzes consumer and firm behavior to provide a robust and theoretical understanding of consumer and firm behavior and to offer a solid theoretical understanding of how consumers make decisions and firms maximize profit. With this foundation, the second part of the course examines how firms are organized and their behavior in various market situations. The course concludes with an analysis of how to make effective decisions regarding hiring, managing and motivating workers.

FINC 550: Fundamentals of Finance……………. 3 credits

Fundamentals of Finance helps students understand the basic principles and techniques used in the financial management of a business and places particular emphasis on financial decisions within the context of the corporation.

Prerequisites: (ACCT500 or Accounting 500) and (STAT500 or Statistics 500)

MGMT 550: Strategy and Organizations……………. 3 credits

This survey course introduces students to the principles of managerial behavior (managing people and leading organizations), strategic management (setting and implementing strategic direction for the company), and strategic human resource management (employee recruitment, selection and performance evaluation). Students learn about relevant management theories, concepts and frameworks and how to apply them to business situations.

MKTG 550: Marketing Strategy……………. 3 credits

This course’s objective centers on teaching you to develop, implement and critically evaluate the marketing strategy for a product or service. It provides conceptual frameworks and helps you strengthen the analytical, quantitative and creative skills necessary to define and establish superior value. You also learn to persuasively communicate that value, profitably deliver it to a carefully selected target market, and sustain both the value and the profitability in the face of ever-changing customer needs and competitive offerings.

Elective courses allow you to tailor your MBA to your professional goals and personal interests. Elective options vary by semester, and new electives are often added based on current topics in business.

Chose one of the following:

BUAD 691: Global Strategic Thinking……………. 3 credits

This course creates a common frame of reference for theories, skills, and processes to be used for analyzing case situations. Course emphasis will be on presentations of theories, discussions, presentations of current business issues, problem-solving activities and case analyses.

BUAD 690: Corporate Governance……………. 3 credits

This course provides and introduction to corporate governance that applies to publicly held corporations, privately owned corporations and nonprofit organizations. The course emphasizes the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of effective governance strategies.

BUAD 694: The Bond Fund (in-person only; fall and spring terms only) …………….3 credits

This course is a portfolio management experience for student members of the Xavier Students Bond Investment Fund (XSBIF). Prerequisite of FINC 550 or permission of the instructor.

Rankings

See How Xavier’s Nationally Ranked Online MBA Program Compares

#15

in 'Best Online Finance MBA Programs'
(U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24)

#24

in 'Best Online General Management MBA Programs in the Nation'
(U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24)

#31

in Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans
(U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24)

#51

in 'Best Online MBA Programs'
(U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24)

#1

in Ohio for 'Best Online MBA Programs'
(U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24)

Admission Process

Xavier makes the admissions process easy — apply on your computer or phone!

Our online MBA program accepts applications on a rolling basis, giving you the option to begin your graduate studies multiple times throughout the year.

Although we do not have a formal application deadline, we recommend applying by the following dates to ensure timely processing of your application materials and course registration:

  • Fall – Aug. 1
  • Spring – Dec. 1
  • Summer – April 1

To apply for official acceptance as a degree-seeking student in the MBA program, please submit the following:

Get Started on Xavier University’s free online application. You can begin the process in just a few clicks.

APPLY NOW →

One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate coursework. You must have a degree from a regionally accredited university.

Xavier University
ATTN: Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131

Please send electronic transcripts to
xugrad@xavier.edu

Letters of recommendation from professional and academic references who can assess your potential for success in this program (optional).

Current résumé of work and volunteer experiences. You may also submit an optional personal essay outlining your educational and professional aspirations and how Xavier’s MBA degree program can help you achieve your goals.

The MBA programs at Xavier University do not require the GMAT or GRE test scores. If you have taken either exam in the past, you are welcome to submit your scores by self-reporting them in the drop-down menu within your application. No official test scores are required to be submitted.

*Please note that the MBA Admissions Committee reserves the right to ask applicants to submit test scores to the other required application materials if necessary. Notification of such a request will be emailed to the applicant.

State Authorization

Xavier University is authorized to offer this fully online degree program in all states.

To learn more, review the complete list of approved states.

International Admission

Regulations related to international students enrolling in U.S. online education programs are complex. It is the student’s responsibility to understand these regulations before enrolling at Xavier University. Please consult the Information for International Applicants to Online Programs for more information before submitting your application.

In addition, Xavier is not accepting applications from students in countries and regions currently under economic and trade sanctions from the United States, as identified by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Tuition

Invest in your education by earning your Master of Business Administration from Xavier.

We understand that no two degree programs and no two students are alike. Therefore, we have structured every online degree program to address the unique needs of individual students and created unique fee structures for each degree program.

$919

Per Credit Hour

$35,481

Total Estimated Tuition

The amounts listed are for the 2024-2025 academic year, and include classes from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated. Learn more about Xavier’s cost of attendance.

Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.

Careers for MBA Graduates

Although earning your online master’s in business administration from Xavier University requires time, hard work and dedication, a graduate business degree positively impacts your professional trajectory. With the advanced business skills and applied knowledge you gain during your degree program, you can land high-level jobs in fields like:

  • Business Consulting
  • Business Operations
  • Management
  • Database Administration
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Medical and Health Services
  • Management

In its analysis of business and financial occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a high rate of employment growth for this occupational field, resulting in more than 911,000 new job openings each year. Additionally, on average, those working in this career field earn a median annual wage of $76,850, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations of $46,310.

While your earning potential and professional opportunities depend on the specific business sector you work in, pursuing advanced education and obtaining a master’s in business administration opens new avenues for your career.

Faculty

No matter where you’re learning, when you enroll in Xavier’s online MBA program, you take classes with the same world-class faculty as our in-person students.

Our faculty members bring years of experience and a breadth of discipline-specific knowledge to each class, ensuring you receive a well-rounded education from industry experts.

Meet some of our dedicated faculty:

Dr. Elaine A. Crable is a Professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics as well as the co-director for the Center for International Business. She teaches MIS Strategy in the MBA program and has taught undergraduate MIS courses such as Database Management, Data Mining, Networking and Programming. She also has taught international business at the undergraduate level. She held the position of Assistant Graduate Dean for 5 years, was founder and Chair of the Dept. of Information Systems for 12 years, and International Director.  She has been consulting in the area of pedagogical design for online learning for the past 25 years.  Elaine was part of the start of online teaching at Xavier at the Graduate and Undergraduate level and focused on integrating Jesuit Pedagogical Values into online teaching.

Her research focuses on behavioral and pedagogical issues as well as organizational enterprise systems, business intelligence and entrepreneurship efforts of women in developing countries. 

Dr. Timothy Jones received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University, his MBA in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis, and his Ph.D. from Florida State University. His teaching and research interests include corporate finance, corporate governance, residential and commercial real estate, and real estate investment trusts. His research has been published in the Journal of Business Ethics and the Journal of Real Estate Literature.

Dawn M. Tolonen is a 35-year veteran of the pet industry with management and marketing experience in retail, distribution, mail order catalog, online sales, and consumer goods manufacturing. If you own a pet, you may be familiar with some of the brands she has recently directed such as Tetra, Instant Ocean, Nature’s Miracle, and Pro-Sense.

Dawn’s career has allowed her to experience all facets of business from the ground up in both start-up companies and public corporations, and given her the opportunity to collaborate with fascinating people around the world.

Dawn’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (management and marketing majors) from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Business Administration (international concentration) from Xavier University, and she is completing a Doctorate of Business Administration at Creighton University. In 2015 Dawn join the Xavier family as a full time teaching professor. The energy and enthusiasm of the students keeps her coming back for more!

Why Xavier Online?

You’ll get more from your online education, from the personal attention of faculty to rigorous courses taught in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.

Personalized Experience

You’ll get the personal attention and flexibility needed to reach your goals at your pace. Our invested professors and small class sizes will set you up for success.

Jesuit Values

Our Jesuit Catholic values are based on a vision of a world changed for the better, emphasizing service and community engagement in addition to academics.

Affordability

We offer exceptional online programs at an affordable cost. Numerous financial aid resources are available for our online students, making education more affordable.

Ready to get started?

Xavier University’s online Master of Business Administration targets your holistic development as a business professional. From strengthening your interpersonal communication to ensuring you have a rich understanding of business strategy and financial management, our degree program challenges your current skill set, spurs new professional growth and connects you to a vast network of ambitious business leaders.

Transform your career by earning your MBA degree at Xavier. Begin your online application today! Have questions about the application process or if the program is right for you? Request information to get the answers you need.

Online MBA Program FAQs

No, Xavier awards the MBA based on your ability to meet coursework standards regardless of course delivery mode. Whether your program is in person or online, you earn a Master of Business Administration degree.

Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process that includes a high-end review of a school’s ability to provide the highest-quality programs. During the review, the accreditation process looks at various areas, including the school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curriculum, peer reviews and committee evaluations. Accreditation ensures that students are learning the most relevant material to their field of study while preparing them to be leaders in the business world.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is the largest and most widely recognized business accreditation worldwide. To earn the AACSB stamp of approval, schools must undergo a rigorous process that can take three to five years. Once a school has earned the AACSB accreditation, it is reviewed every five years by a team of peer schools that are also AASCB accredited. The five-year process ensures that business schools continue to provide relevant courses and challenge students to develop the skills required to be successful in business.

Participation expectations vary by professor and by course. Many online MBA courses are asynchronous with no set meeting times, allowing maximum flexibility. However, professors can include mandatory or optional synchronous online sessions in their courses.

To ensure you have a well-rounded educational experience, we design our online courses to include a variety of readings, activities, video lectures, discussion boards, tests, quizzes and group projects.

While many online graduate-level courses do not include mandatory synchronous meeting times, they are synchronously paced. You and your classmates progress according to the scheduled course content and activities.

general business and management functions. The MBA is the next level from a bachelor’s degree in business. The time it takes to complete an MBA online varies based on whether the student attends full time or part time. Many full-time online MBA programs can be completed in just over one and a half years, whereas a part-time MBA may take between two and three years.

In this day and age, more business schools recognize the importance of offering flexible, online programs, including online MBA degrees. However, not all online master programs are created equal. Before committing to a specific online MBA program, you should look at key indicators to ensure they meet your desired criteria.

AACSB Accreditation

When deciding which MBA program is right for you, begin by looking for an AACSB-accredited MBA degree program. When a business school’s MBA program receives AACSB accreditation, it highlights the quality and value of the curriculum it offers and ensures that the program is reputable and trustworthy.

Faculty and Teaching Methods

When considering an online MBA program, it’s also essential to take the faculty into consideration. Since you will be working closely with and learning from your professors, they can have a major impact on your experience in the program. Knowing their area of expertise, teaching styles, and availability and responsiveness to students can help you decide if this program is right for you.

Student Support Services

Seek out an online business program that provides student services such as generous financial aid resources, mentorship opportunities, extracurricular leadership experiences, alumni networks and more. You can also ask each business school about its relationship with companies in your target industry, as well as job fairs and career counseling. All of these resources can support your professional development and transform your career trajectory.

Class Experience

Class size, class structure and interaction dynamics are all factors that set an excellent online MBA program above the rest. Ensure that the school you choose fits your needs and works for your learning style and personal preferences so you can focus on your studies and make meaningful connections with classmates.