Massachusetts has the fifteenth-largest population in the nation with over 6.5 million residents. Oddly, given the population size, Massachusetts is the 7th smallest state in the United States. More than 80% of its citizens live in the metro area around Boston, the state’s capital. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Massachusetts as the best state in the country, pointing to the quality of its healthcare, economy, and education opportunities.
With 5 campuses, the University of Massachusetts is the state’s most robust university system. Several top-rated private colleges are in Massachusetts, including world-class schools Harvard University and MIT. The state’s high count of esteemed universities means many options for students pursuing an online MBA programs in Massachusetts.
Consider an Online MBA in Massachusetts
Ideal for students pursuing an online MBA, Massachusetts’ variety of programs vary meaningfully in size and tuition rates. Many options are located in Boston, which has a high cost of living compared to other areas of Massachusetts. If you don’t want to be in the Boston areas several schools are in other cities such as Springfield, Amherst, and Dartmouth. Although degree costs for online MBA programs is often the same as for on-campus programs, distance students can save on housing, transportation, and childcare, while using flexible scheduling to still work full-time jobs. Lower tuition costs for Massachusetts residents often are available to out-of-state students attending online and hybrid programs.
Massachusetts online MBA programs usually necessitate 30 to 50 credit hours completed over 16 months to 2 years. Some colleges provide various MBA specializations, and many degrees can be completed totally online. However, some degree programs involve a small amount of on-campus attendance. Check the residency needs of any school you are interested in and decide if the schedule fits your needs. A handful of online MBA programs in Massachusetts demand applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores, but a lot of colleges will agree to other proof of academic preparedness.
The Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Location:Williamsburg, VA
Length:24 – 36 Mos
Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Location:Santa Clara, CA
Length:24 Mos
California State University, Monterey Bay
Location:Seaside, CA
Length:18 – 24 Mos
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics
Location:Seattle, WA
Length:30 Mos
University of Kansas School of Business
Location:Lawrence, KS
Length:27-36 Mos
How to Select an Online MBA Program in Massachusetts
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Massachusetts – these include factors explained above like cost, specialization, and concentrations. The following list is made up of some necessary steps to follow during the MBA program research process (in any state).
COMPARE STUDENT OUTCOME DETAILS
Student outcomes incorporate graduation rate, retention rate, the average debt student will take on, and overall student achievement with their degree program. Student outcomes do not ensure you will be pleased with a particular program but can help pinpoint a school’s pros and cons.
CONSIDER EXPECTED COSTS OF YOUR PROGRAMS
Practically every college or university posts tuition costs online. Additionally, you should research other college-related expenses like housing accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to study on-campus), official fees, and IT fees (for online students). You should also look into grants, scholarships, and financial aid that can offset some of the expenses.
CHECK THAT CLASSES WILL FIT INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
Scheduling is crucial for students with other significant commitments, such as childcare or full-time jobs. Many online programs are self-paced; students in these classes are free to complete coursework on their own schedule. Synchronous programs (on the other hand) demand weekly online meetings with teachers and other students.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
A large number of online MBA programs will include internships and capstone requirements ― and in many cases, students can obtain on-the-job training with real-world office experience. Look into the school’s industry partnerships, particularly regarding the field you plan to enter after receiving your MBA.
TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT ALUMNI
You should reach out to the alumni office at each school you are weighing and ask to be connected with previous students. These individuals can be great sources of information about education costs, life on (or off) campus, local tips, and other fundamental details for aspiring MBA students.