Our 2023 rankings of the Top Online MBA Programs in Virginia. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Mason University | Fairfax |
| 2 | The College of William & Mary | Williamsburg |
| 3 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk |
The Online MBA at George Mason University (GMU) provides the opportunity to participate in the Global Residency program, which consists of a week abroad in places such as Spain, London, Australia, Korea, Germany, and Sweden. Housed in the GMU School of Business, the program also allows students complete a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics (BA).
Consisting of 48 credit hours, the GMU Online MBA covers four areas of study: Analytical Decision Making, Collaborative Communication and Leadership, Contemporary Issues in Business, and Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines. Course and elective examples include Data Mining for Business Analytics, Global Business Perspectives, Management of Information Technology, Financial Reporting and Decision Making, Negotiations, Managerial Economics and Decisions of the Firm, International Business Strategy, Corporate Financial Policy, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management.
Courses for the GMU Online MBA are offered in a flexible, part-time asynchronous format. The program can be completed in 33 months or two years with an accelerated option.
George Mason University graduates enjoy an 80% employment rate within six months of graduation. Mason Online MBA graduates go on to secure leadership roles such as Business Operations Analyst, Program Manager, Senior Associate for Strategy and M&A, Project Manager, Market Research Specialist, Finance Manager, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Supply Chain Analyst, and Senior Manager for Government Compliance.
Some of employers of GMU graduates include NASA, Deloitte, IBM, World Bank, General Motors, KPMG, Capital One, Marriott, Accenture, Disney, the Special Olympics, and Peraton.
Founded in 1949 as a branch of the University of Virginia, George Mason University serves approximately 39,050 students from all 50 states and 130 countries, making it the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. GMU offers more than 200 degree programs across 10 colleges and schools. George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
William & Mary (W&M) is home to Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Within the school is an AACSB-accredited Online MBA that requires just one on-campus residency. The program also hosts several additional in-person residencies that students may waive or attend. Held Friday-Sunday, residencies provide the opportunity to explore topics such as Leadership, Finance, and Marketing, while interacting with speakers, peers, and faculty. During these residencies, students also engage in team-building activities, networking sessions, and meetings with W&M Executive partners (EPs) who volunteer their time as mentors to all Mason students.
Other W&M Online MBA features include participation in real-world experiences; small class sizes; the W&M Connect mobile app to access coursework and more on the go; no GMA requirement and access to three centers. These include the Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center, Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance, and the Center for Online Learning. Collectively, the Centers provide work and networking spaces, internship programs, workshops, and career support.
Students in the program may also complement their studies with an Online Foundations in Business Analytics Certificate. Consisting of 12 credit hours, the Certificate features hands-on technical experiences that students may add to their leadership skillset.
The Online MBA at William & Mary requires 49 credit hours to graduate. Each course is 7.5 weeks, and the program may be completed in as few as 24 months. Graduates of the program are recruited by Fortune Global 100 Companies, 94% of U.S. companies, 92% of start-ups, and more than 90% of the companies in the Technology, Consulting, Products & Services, Healthcare, and Pharmaceutical sectors.
Most W&M Online MBA alumni enjoy salary increases and promotions within three years of graduation. Leadership roles include Business Owner, CEO, President, Senior Director, Program Manager, Vice President, Senior Director, Technical Consultant, and Financial Analyst.
Notable employers include Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Pepsi Co, Deloitte, Apple, Ernst & Young, U.S. House of Representatives, Johnson & Johnson, Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, Charles Schwab, BMO Harris, and Discover.
Chartered in 1693, William & Mary is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. The school serves approximately 9,655 students from all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and more than 65 foreign countries. The school provides 160+ majors, minors, certificate, and graduate programs across three campuses and five schools. William & Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Old Dominion University (ODU) is home to Strome College of Business (SCB). Serving close to 3,500 students enrolled in 11 undergraduate degree programs and five graduate degrees across seven centers and institutes, SCB is the fourth largest college on the ODU campus.
The school launched its MBA program in 1964, and earned AACSB accreditation in 1974. Today, the AACSB accredited MBA program at ODU has on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery options that can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time students can finish the program in as few as four semesters.
In addition to being flexible, the ODU Strome Online MBA is highly customizable. Students can choose from more than 50 graduate certificate specializations and concentrations such as Finance; Information Technology/Supply Chain Management; Marketing; and Strategic Management.
Graduate certificates require a minimum of nine credits. Students can enroll in several certificates up to 24 credits. Graduate certificate examples include Modeling and Simulation - Business and Public Administration; Public Procurement and Contract Management; Business Analytics & Big Data; Maritime, Ports and Logistics Management; Public Administration and Policy; and Supply Chain Management.
The 43 credit hour curriculum for the ODU Strome Online MBA is broken down into five areas including MBA Core Knowledge, Skills Development, Business Foundations, Depth Classes, and Electives. Courses follow an accelerated eight-week format and there are no scheduled meeting times.
The Online MBA Program at Old Dominion University culminates with the Capstone Experience. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as Contract Management, Banking and Finance, Port and Maritime Management, Logistics Management, Nonprofit Management, IT Management, and Human Resources.
ODU MBA alumni have been hired at places such as Accenture, Ford Motor Company, Siemens, Wells Fargo, and The Virginian-Pilot.
Old Dominion University began in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of The College of William & Mary (known as William & Mary today). The school became an independent institution in 1962 and gained university status in 1969. Today, this public doctoral research institution serves approximately 23,495 students enrolled in more than 175 on-campus programs and 100+ online options. Programs at ODU are housed across seven academic colleges and three schools. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
