Our 2021 ranking of the Top Online MBA Program in Washington, DC. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington University | DC |
| 2 | Howard University | DC |
| 3 | American University | DC |
Founded in 1821 and serving more than 26,000 students, George Washington University (GW or GWU) is the largest higher education institution in DC. Located just four blocks from the White House, the school has a long list of prominent alumni including around 18 state governors, three current and 20 former US senators and six current and 86 former members of congress.
GWU offers hundreds of programs, including 100 online programs in 12 areas, in 14 schools and colleges. In addition to these programs. The School of Business (GWSB) offers an Online Traditional or Healthcare MBA that may be completed in just two years and up to five. Both programs require 55.5 total credit hours of study including 28.5 credit hours of core courses and 27 credit hours of elective courses for the Traditional MBA, and 31.5 credit hours of core courses, 12 healthcare electives, and 12 general electives for the Healthcare MBA.
The Healthcare MBA is delivered 100% online (or hybrid) and features specialized electives such as Service Line and Project Management, Managing the Skilled Nursing Facility, and Physician Practice Management. Designed for professionals on the path to becoming Health Care Managers, Administrators, and Executives, the program also offers the option to complete one of seven graduate certificates offered by the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences as part of the curriculum. Clinical Research Administration, Integrative Medicine, and Regulatory Affairs are just a few options.
The Traditional MBA option may be completed 100% online or in hybrid format. The program offers optional concentrations in Consulting, Finance, Global Management, Government Contracts, Information Systems & Technology Management, and Project Management. Students may choose up to two concentrations or they may customize their electives to create their own focus area. Electives may be chosen from the schools of Business, Health Sciences, Public Health, Law, and more. Elective courses may also serve to add a graduate certificate to this Traditional MBA.
The GWSB Online MBA curriculum also includes Business and Society (a required 1.5 credit on-site residency course in Washington, DC) and a 1.5 credit Information Systems and Technology Management selective course. Students are offered nine opportunities to complete the on-site course, which offers a firsthand look through visits to the Federal Reserve, the US Congress, and the World Bank.
Both AACSB-accredited programs offer three start times (August, January, and May), along with optional short-term study abroad opportunities in places such as Denmark, Israel, Mexico, and more.
Founded on March 2, 1867 by Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard, Howard University is a leader in STEM fields and a top provider of African-American undergraduates who go on to earn Doctoral degrees in Science and Engineering. The school, nearly 9,700 students enrolled in over 80 undergraduate degrees along with 30 disciplines and 100 specializations at the graduate level. Programs are offered in 13 colleges and schools.
The Howard University School of Business offers an online MBA designed for “early to mid-career professionals who want to grow as business leaders,” says the school. The program consists of 48 credit hours including 11 core courses and five electives. Course highlights include Data Analytics, E-Commerce in Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Modeling, Global Management Consulting, Principles of Information Systems, and Productions and Operations Research.
Other program highlights include international immersion opportunities, recruitment programs (connections with corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations) and access to an extensive alumni network.
Chartered by Congress in 1893, American University (AU) is a Methodist-affiliated, private, co-educational doctoral institution that serves around 14,300 students from all 50 states + D.C. and 124 countries. More than 170 programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels in eight schools and colleges.
Kogod School of Business at AU offers a 48 credit hour online MBA known as the MBA@American. The program “prepares students to apply leadership and financial analysis skills to help businesses operate more effectively across a wide range of industries,” says the school. The curriculum includes 12 courses, three electives, and two in-person immersions. During these mandatory immersions, “students learn from leading experts in business capitals around the world.” Immersions are also hosted in international cities such as Beijing, Brussels, and Madrid. This unique opportunity provides students with “new perspectives on how different cultures conduct business.”
The MBA@American offers six pre-designed focus areas including Business Analytics, Consulting, Cybersecurity, Finance, Legal Studies, and Marketing. An Analytics Certificate is also available as well as the opportunity to customize a focus area through dozens of electives.
Should students choose to visit the AU campus outside of the required times, they will have access to the Entrepreneurship Incubator. Highlights include pitch days and competitions, access to the incubator to network, participation in workshops, and guest speakers.
Most students complete the MBA@American on a 24-month course sequence, but the Kogod Online MBA can also be completed on a 12-month, 15-month, or 18-month track.
