Online MBA Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota is an economic beacon in the Midwest. The state is known for its strong and diverse economy, including 17 Fortune 500 companies. The state’s estimated population in 2017 was just over 5.3 million, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area alone home to roughly 3.5 million. Rochester to the south and Duluth in the northeast are other significant metropolitan areas in the state.

By completing an online MBA, Minnesota students can take advantage of all the state’s robust economy has to offer. There are seven MBA programs in Minnesota, and most allow students to take all or many of their classes online. These factors make the Gopher State an ideal place to earn an advanced degree in business.

Why Consider an Online MBA in Minnesota?

When researching online MBA programs in Minnesota, you may notice considerable differences in tuition rates. This depends on a variety of factors, including if you can pay in-state tuition. The average cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, for example, is $26,719 per year for a state resident, but more than $36,000 for an out-of-state resident. This can make a big difference in the ultimate cost of your graduate degree. Some online MBA programs, such as the one at Saint Mary’s University, charge the same tuition rate no matter where a student resides. The type of institution you attend will also affect the cost of your Minnesota online MBA program. Large public colleges and universities tend to charge lower rates than their smaller, private counterparts.

There are seven MBA programs in Minnesota, and most allow students to take all or many of their classes online.

Another factor to consider is how much time (if any) you’ll need to spend on campus. If you can complete your program entirely online, you may save significant costs on transportation, housing, and childcare. While most Minnesota online MBA programs require you to submit GMAT scores with your application, they may provide waivers if you have significant management experience or have received formal training beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Percentage of Students Enrolled by Distance Education

Percentage of students enrolled at Title IV institutions in Minnesota, by distance education enrollment status, Fall 2012

MBA Concentrations for Minnesota Students

Minnesota is known for its robust and diverse economy across many different industries. According to the state’s TDepartment of Employment and Economic Development, the healthcare, biosciences, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and renewable energy sectors are particularly strong. Students who opt to focus their studies in certain areas when completing their Minnesota online MBA program can capitalize on the industries with the greatest potential for growth.

Healthcare Administration: This concentration focuses on the business and operational side of healthcare. It prepares students to serve in high-level administrative roles within health systems, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and long-term care facilities.
Sustainability : By concentrating in sustainability, Minnesota online MBA students can help forward-looking companies become more energy efficient and environmentally responsible in their operations. Students learn about climate change, environmental regulations, and natural capital.

Accreditation in Minnesota

One key factor in your search for online MBA programs in Minnesota is each school’s accreditation status. Accreditation signifies whether a school offers quality educational programming to its students. The regional accreditation body for Minnesota institutions is the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Some online schools and programs may be nationally accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Regional accreditation is more prestigious than national accreditation.

Minnesota Economy, Career, and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Thanks to its business-friendly environment and well-educated workforce, Minnesota has one of the most productive economies in the nation. The state is home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, a leading force in Minnesota’s incredibly strong healthcare and education services sector. The state also a leader in the biosciences, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy industries. As of September 2017, the state’s unemployment rate was at 3.7%, a few points below the national rate of 4.4%. While the Twin Cities metropolitan area by far has the most number of jobs, there are also numerous employment opportunities in the smaller metro areas of Duluth and Rochester.

If you graduate from one of the widely respected online MBA programs in Minnesota, you will find a variety of options working for organizations that range in size from small startups to large Fortune 500 companies. An online MBA in Minnesota also gives you the opportunity to earn a higher salary and move into management positions within various businesses and organizations. Below are a few of the largest employers in the state of Minnesota.

Top Employers in Minnesota

Company	Industry	Headquarters City	Number of Employees
Mayo Clinic	Healthcare	Rochester	39,518
State of Minnesota	Government	St. Paul	37,180

Earning Potential with an MBA in the State of Minnesota

Graduates from an online MBA program in Minnesota may qualify for a range of positions that would be much less accessible with an associate or bachelor’s degree alone. Getting an MBA also puts you in a strong position to move up within an organization, enabling you to compete for management-level positions and the higher salaries that come with them. Business professionals with an MBA often make tens of thousands of dollars more per year than those without a master’s degree. They also tend to have greater responsibilities and potential for exceptional career growth.

Average Salary by Degree

Careers for MBAs in Minnesota

Top Executives: Executives oversee entire departments or businesses, often serving as the leader of teams of hundreds or thousands of people. They appoint department heads, negotiate contracts, make key financial decisions, and develop strategies and goals for an organization.
Health Services Manager: Also known as healthcare administrators or executives, these professionals oversee the delivery of medical services in many different settings. Health service managers may work at hospitals, insurance companies, large clinics, or the headquarters of healthcare systems.
Finance Director: These professionals oversee the financial health of a business or organization, analyzing data from forecasts, budgets, business reports, and financial statements. They may also look for ways to reduce costs and attain greater profit margins.
Administrative Services Manager: These senior-level managers oversee departments and facilities. They establish strategies and set goals for various teams within an organization. These managers tend to focus on processes, looking for ways to improve operational efficiencies and ensure the regulatory compliance of all facilities.
Marketing and Advertising Manager: Responsible for overseeing marketing, public relations, and advertising campaigns, these managers help ensure the growth of businesses and organizations. They also are involved in budgeting, negotiating contracts, hiring staff, and developing pricing strategies.