With a population over 9.9 million as of 2016, Michigan ranks as the United States 10th most populous state. Widely considered one of the most beautiful states in the American Midwest, Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Giving it the world’s longest freshwater coastline. Along with all this water, about half of the state is forested. Large metro areas, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Lansing, thrive amid its natural beauty.
Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are the state’s two largest public universities, and both provide a wide selection of well-regarded online programs. The long-standing epicenter of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan’s economy is in a transitional state of diversification, making it an interesting prospect for students intent on earning an online MBA in Michigan.
Michigan hosts 93 accredited colleges and universities, with Michigan State University being its biggest public education system and Flint’s Baker College ranking as its largest private educational institution. 13 schools currently provide a hybrid or totally online MBA in Michigan, with competition time frames ranging from 1 to 3 years. Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Lawrence Technological University all have highly thought of online MBA programs in Michigan. Wayne State University is the leader in terms of online MBA specializations, with over 10 degree concentrations available.
For in-state residence, tuition fees for a Michigan online MBA program can be about half the cost paid by out-of-state students, giving Michigan citizens a solid incentive to study in-state. Studying online also creates other cost benefits by eliminating many of the non-tuition costs and fees associated with traditional programs, while delivering the flexibility to attend virtual classes at your convenience. Some Michigan businesses are also providing tuition reimbursement programs to workers who study for MBA degrees part-time while continuing to work.
While various concentrations are presented to students pursuing an online MBA, Michigan has particularly robust automotive and manufacturing industries, and is developing into a regional leader in information technology. Students are welcome to pursue any specialization they like, but MBA concentrations such as supply chain management and information systems/technology management are particularly valid. The state’s economy is diversifying away from its traditional reliance on automobile production, but Detroit’s Big Three automakers remain among the state’s stoutest and biggest companies.
After being leveled by the economic recession of 2008, Michigan’s economy has put on a serious turnaround in the past few years. Customarily led by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, Michigan’s economy now emphasis on technology as part of its recovery and is welcoming innovation as it continues to diversify. Other ingrained industries, including mining, aerospace, military equipment production, and furniture production, also continue to be the main drivers of the state’s economy.
Information put out in 2016 shows the state has a lower unemployment rate than the national average, with recent job growth and predicted job growth both outpacing the national averages. Michigan’s top employment areas include Detroit-Warren-Livonia, the Ann Arbor, the Lansing-East Lansing, Grand Rapids-Wyoming, and the Kalamazoo-Portage. As of 2017, unemployment rates were declining in all 17 of the state’s major job markets.
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Motors | Automotive | Detroit | 215,000 |
| Ford Motor Company | Automotive | Dearborn | 201,000 |
Our list of Michigan online MBA programs includes costs and the number of available specializations. Individuals interested in earning a specific MBA concentration should perform additional research to compare available options.
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Michigan – 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.