You could split the state of Oregon into two categories: Portland and everywhere else. The two areas diverge in terms of culture, politics, and climate. That said, such a basic distinction does a disservice to the overall diversity of the state. Portland is home to many of the state’s colleges, including colleges such as Portland State, the University of Portland, Oregon Health and Sciences University, and Lewis and Clark College. The University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the state’s two major universities are located outside of Portland in Eugene and Corvallis, respectfully.
The main business schools in Oregon, including Oregon State and Portland State, offer online MBA degree programs. Online MBAs offer many advantages to standard programs including being more flexible, convenient, and affordable than on-campus MBAs. Students will also save money on housing, commuting, and on-campus fees. Since online MBAs are flexible with your time, students can continue to work a full-time job while they work on their degree.
Oregon State University has the largest MBA program in the state. While Corvallis is a more remote location, the school makes coursework accessible by providing courses in Portland and Bend. Students in the Oregon State program get access to the resources of a large university, including access to a large alumni network post graduation.
There are various other program options for those interested in earning an online MBA in Oregon. Portland State’s program permits students interested in healthcare administration to earn a hybrid MBA degree, with some on-campus requirements with Oregon Health and Sciences University. Other schools include Northwest Christian University, Marylhurst University, and Eastern Oregon University. These universities offer completely online degrees that have few, if any residency requirements. A totally online program decreases cost of living and commuting expenses, making these schools an inexpensive option. Requirements for the GMAT vary by program.
Healthcare and social assistance are the top industries in Oregon. Given the state’s outdoors reputation , nature, forestry and outdoor gear are popular industries as well. Manufacturing is still a noteworthy portion of the Oregon economy.
Much of the state’s business development is focused around Portland and it is undoubtedly the best area for employment opportunities in Oregon. Other metros that provide many employment opportunities include Bend, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, and Medford. Oregon’s recent unemployment rate was 4.0%.
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | Sporting Goods | Beaverton | 12,000 |
| Oregon State University | Education | Corvallis | 11,000 |
The list below provides the best online MBA programs in the state of Oregon. Researchers have reviewed each school on the list and related each program to its counterparts. Potential students should use this list to select an online MBA program that best suits their interests.
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Oregon – 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.