Online Business Schools in Alabama (MBA)

Earn your master of business administration online. Learn about online MBA programs in Alabama, top industries in Alabama and career opportunities.

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Downtown Mobile, Alabama in daytime Credit: George Dodd / EyeEm / Getty Images

Home to nearly 70,000 management professionals, Alabama offers significant opportunities to MBA-holders. Online MBA programs in Alabama prepare learners to lead and thrive at some of the state’s largest employers, like Honda Manufacturing and Alabama Power.

Flexible and convenient, online MBA programs in finance, management, marketing or comparable business-related topics can help build knowledge and skills in these key areas. Students can earn a degree from an accelerated MBA program, which will take less than two years, while part-time learners can complete coursework at a pace that meets their personal and professional needs.

Entry-level employees with MBA degrees can boost career development and earning potential. Chief executives, financial managers, and marketing managers -- all positions commonly held by individuals with MBAs -- rank among the highest-paid occupations in Alabama. Less than 7% of Alabama's population holds master’s degrees, indicating the high value of graduate training among the workforce.

Alabama's Online MBA Programs

Colleges and universities hold regional or national accreditation. This extends to all programs, including online MBAs. The list of MBA programs in Alabama below includes degrees with additional programmatic accreditation, which indicates academic rigor, faculty excellence, and successful student outcomes.

Three industry-specific organizations award programmatic accreditation for business programs. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs focuses on teaching and learning outcomes, while the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business emphasizes research in its accreditation process. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education works closely with programs offered at smaller institutions.

To find out more about accreditation and its importance, check out the MBA accreditation guide.

  • Auburn University
    Location

    Auburn, AL

    Tuition

    $34125

    Originally founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, Auburn University now serves nearly 30,000 students pursuing degrees in 140 major areas. The school's home campus in Auburn spans more than 1,800 acres, but many students also take classes online through Auburn's distance-learning program. The online MBA program at Auburn consists of 13 required classes, with students often completing coursework in two years. The core curriculum includes courses in quantitative analysis, marketing and consumer theory, and organizational leadership.

    Students may livestream campus classes or watch recordings on their own time. Program participants can also pursue a dual degree, earning a master of science in finance, industrial and systems engineering, or information systems. A three-day, on-campus residency takes place for online students the week before graduation. UAB holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  • Faulkner University
    Location

    Montgomery, AL

    Tuition

    $17400

    Faulkner University, located in Montgomery, offers more than 70 different academic programs. With just over 3,000 enrolled students, the private, Christian liberal arts university maintains small class sizes, with an average of 10-15 students per class. In addition to courses and degrees offered at Faulkner's campuses, the university also offers 23 fully online degrees for distance learners. Students interested in Alabama online MBA programs can earn their degree at Faulkner within one year.

    Faulkner's online MBA consists of 30 required credit hours and a comprehensive examination. The ten required courses include managerial economics, organizational behavior, and marketing management. Applicants must submit GMAT scores for admission. Those without scores may still enroll but must take the GMAT during the first semester to remain in the program. Faulkner University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

    Concentrations

  • Jacksonville State University
    Location

    Jacksonville, AL

    Tuition

    $11460

    Students looking for Alabama online MBA programs can earn their degree at Jacksonville State University. Located in Jacksonville, JSU serves a student body of over 8,000 enrollees. Originally established in 1883, JSU now offers 45 different program options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The fully online MBA program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion. Those without a bachelor's degree in business or a related field may need to take up to 24 hours of foundational courses along with the master's curriculum. An adviser examines each student's transcripts to determine which classes the student needs to take to meet this requirement.

    Students can pursue a concentration in accounting or follow the general MBA path. Applicants must submit GMAT scores with a minimum acceptable score of 400 for admission. The online MBA program at JSU holds specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the main campus holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Concentrations

  • Samford University
    Location

    Birmingham, AL

    Tuition

    $29268

    Samford University's campus spans 247 acres in suburban Birmingham. With a long list of notable alumni -- including congressmen, governors, and Rhodes scholars -- Samford has provided students with a higher education since 1841. A Christian university, Samford enrolls over 5,000 students and boasts a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

    Learners looking for an accredited online MBA program in Alabama can earn their degree at Samford. The program requires 36-45 credit hours, depending on each student's previous academic experience and background. Pursuing a concentration adds an additional three credit hours. Coursework explores human resource management, finance, and accounting. Students can opt to pursue a joint degree, such as earning a master of accountancy alongside the MBA. Applicants must submit GMAT scores for admission, with 480 as the minimum acceptable score. GRE scores may also substitute for the GMAT. Samford University holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Concentrations

  • Troy University
    Location

    Troy, AL

    Tuition

    $15314

    Troy State Normal School began as a teacher preparation institution in 1887. Now Troy University, the school offers a variety of majors and degrees both at its campuses around Alabama and online. Students can complete many of Troy's available degrees in as little as one year entirely online; at the Troy, Montgomery, Dothan, or Phenix campuses; or through a hybrid option with both on-campus and online coursework.

    The Alabama online MBA program at Troy consists of 31 required credit hours. Some students may need to complete more credits, depending on their educational background and completed prerequisite requirements. The program emphasizes a general management concentration, with courses in international management, investments, and organizational development. The MBA program at Troy holds specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Concentrations

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Location

    Birmingham, AL

    Tuition

    $39168

    With more than 20,000 enrolled students, UAB serves as the only public university in the state's largest city. UAB offers 162 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs both online and on campus. Within two years, students in the MBA program at UAB can earn their degree entirely online through the eLearning department.

    MBA students can specialize their degree with a variety of concentrations, including finance and health services. Students complete a minimum of 35 credit hours, 39 if pursuing a specialization. Applicants with related work experience may qualify for a GMAT score waiver. The Alabama online MBA program at UAB holds specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Concentrations

  • University of Mobile
    Location

    Mobile, AL

    Tuition

    $14250

    Rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional colleges in the south, the University of Mobile offers students a variety of programs, all integrated with the Christian faith. Situated just outside downtown Mobile, the university serves more than 1,600 students. With a small student body, classes maintain a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for more individualized attention.

    Students can earn their MBA at the University of Mobile entirely online in one to two years. The program consists of 30 required credit hours, with coursework emphasizing Christian worldviews and ethics. Students complete a capstone project and courses in global business, data analysis, and social responsibility. Applicants with at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA may waive the GMAT score requirement for admission. Some students without a bachelor's in business may need to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses.The University of Mobile holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  • University of North Alabama
    Location

    Florence, AL

    Tuition

    $15450

    Located just south of the Tennessee border in Florence, the University of North Alabama remains the state's oldest public, four-year university. The university serves more than 7,000 students in over 140 different majors and fields, and it offers a variety of degrees, programs, and courses entirely online -- including an Alabama online MBA program.

    The University of North Alabama's online MBA program reviews the foundations of business and finance and explores advanced subject material through the executive MBA concentration. Students pursuing the executive track need at least five years of work experience. Those in the general MBA track can choose from nine concentration options, including healthcare management and global business. Students may also create their own degree path, selecting courses from multiple concentrations. Applicants to the general MBA must submit a minimum GMAT score of 450. The University of North Alabama holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    Concentrations

  • University of West Alabama
    Location

    Livingston, AL

    Tuition

    $14157

    Located in the city of Livingston, the University of West Alabama serves students both at their home campus and online. Founded in 1835 as an all-female, church-based school, UWA now offers more than 50 programs to more than 2,000 online students. Learners seeking an Alabama online MBA can earn their degree at UWA in about one year. The fully accredited program offers eight concentration options, including accounting, finance, and sports management. Students complete a minimum of 33 credits, including 24 in the core curriculum and nine within their chosen concentration.

    Courses take place in eight-week sessions and cover business law and ethics, marketing management, and economics. Students may transfer up to nine hours of graduate credit towards the degree. An admissions counselor guides applicants through each step of the application process. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs provides specialized accreditation for the MBA program at UWA, and the university itself holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Concentrations

Online MBA Programs for You

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Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Alabama

Graduates with online MBAs in Alabama enjoy strong career stability. Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Alabama suffered above-average unemployment rates compared to the rest of the nation during the Great Recession from 2009-2011. In more recent years, Alabama's unemployment rate has stayed close to the national average. The BLS also reports that graduates with master's degrees experience lower unemployment rates than those with less advanced degrees.

The skills MBA students build help them find employment as the state's economy changes.

The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama (CBER) projects the state's economy employment continues to grow will continue to grow in the coming years. A robust labor market, increasing final sales, and goodwill among consumers contribute to this growth. The center projects 70% more growth in the coming year than in the previous, and it expects these trends to continue. Organizations in all of the state's main industries need well-trained managers to oversee this expansion.

CBER also finds that executives in the state believe education and workforce training are the most important issues facing Alabama employers. Job candidates can impress these employers with high-quality online MBAs from Alabama schools.

ALABAMA'S TOP 3 LARGEST EMPLOYERS

CompanyLocationMain IndustryNumber of Employees
Redstone ArsenalHuntsvilleMilitary60,000
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamHigher Education50,000
Alabama Power Co.BirminghamElectric Power Distribution5,000

Source: Career One Stop

Online MBAs in Alabama can help candidates land jobs with the state's largest employers, which include an Army base, a university, and an HIV health clinic. Candidates looking for employment at Redstone Arsenal do well with military experience, but the base hires some civilians, as well. The University of Alabama at Birmingham and its 1917 Clinic need managers to oversee areas such as finance, marketing, and human resources. MBA programs include courses that help applicants qualify for such positions.

Careers for MBA Grads in Alabama

Engineering Manager

In 2018, engineering managers ranked among the 20 highest-paying occupations. They earned nearly $134,000 annually and are poised for an 11% increase in job growth from 2016-2026.

Engineering managers plan new projects and designs, determining staff and equipment needs. They oversee budgets, supervise employees, and cooperate with fellow managers to set schedules and meet deadlines. As project leaders, engineering managers may oversee production, operations, testing, and maintenance -- resolving problems as they arise.

These professionals need technical and business knowledge. MBA programs provide financial and strategic knowledge to supplement scientific, design, and mathematical expertise.

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Chief Executive

Chief executives, the seventh-highest-paying occupation in 2018, provide leadership and direction to an organization, business, or agency. In Alabama, chief executives in major metropolitan areas like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile earned annual salaries exceeding the national median of $189,600.

Chief executives plan and coordinate policies and strategies, working alongside managers and department heads to meet organizational goals. Chief executives also analyze reports, assess expenses, and identify ways to improve performance.

Chief executives may focus on finance, human resources, or information technology, all of which require highly specialized knowledge and skills. Online MBAs include coursework in these areas with opportunities to specialize in subsets of business, as well.

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Industrial Production Manager

In 2018 in Alabama, industrial production managers earned an annual mean salary exceeding $103,000. With high levels of employment in the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry, Alabama is ideal for industrial production managers. Top employers in Alabama include international motor manufacturers Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota.

Industrial production managers oversee the activities and resources required to produce manufactured goods. They coordinate costs, quality, and quantity requirements and needs while monitoring equipment usage and maintenance.

Industrial production managers excel at time management, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and leadership -- all essential components to an MBA program.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers coordinate technological systems within a business or organization. They plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software while finding ways to make networks and systems more effective and efficient.

Computer and information systems managers may supervise teams of computer systems analysts and other information technology professionals. They may also specialize in information technology, ensuring the safety of private data.

In Alabama, computer and information systems managers can expect 12% growth from 2016-2026. The Huntington, Alabama, metropolitan area offered the highest median wage to computer and information systems managers in 2018: just over $143,000.

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Agricultural Manager

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Alabama is home to more than 48,000 farms spanning 9 million acres. Agricultural activities in Alabama produces about 50 commercial crops and livestock annually, and farm and ranch manager positions should remain steady from 2016-2026.

Agricultural managers supervise, coordinate, and develop operational activities for farms, ranches, nurseries, and related agriculture facilities and establishments. Agricultural managers need knowledge of food production and processing techniques alongside strong managerial and economic skills. Agricultural managers mitigate problems as they arise. They must exercise time management skills and allocate resources and people to maximize profits and efficiency.

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MBA Concentrations for Alabama Students

Many online MBA programs in Georgia offer concentrations in subsets of business. Key industries in Alabama include distribution, automotive manufacturing, and plastic and rubber production, all of which suit individuals holding MBAs in supply chain management.

With MBAs in engineering, learners thrive at top aerospace companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Alternatively, an MBA concentration in healthcare management prepares students for careers with employers such as Turner Medical and BioHorizons. To learn more about how MBA concentrations can enhance your career, check out the MBA specializations hub here.

How to Choose a Quality MBA Program

Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States

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