Located in the southeastern United States, Tennessee is the country’s 34th largest and 16th most populous state, and its economy is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. The state’s capital and largest city is Nashville, with Memphis coming in at a close second. Tennessee’s diverse geography includes the Blue Mountains, the Gulf Coastal Plain, and the Appalachian Ridge and Valley.
Higher education opportunities in Tennessee are diverse, with more than 100 colleges and universities. The biggest schools include the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, the University of Memphis, and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. Vanderbilt University, a private research university in Nashville, is one of the nation’s top schools. Tennessee is leading job growth nationwide in several industries, including vehicle manufacturing, consulting services, and computer systems design. The largest industry in Tennessee is healthcare services. The rapid rise in industry has led to an increased demand for managers with an MBA. Earning an online MBA in Tennessee presents many advantages, including flexible education, job opportunities, and higher salaries.
For students considering an online MBA, Tennessee is alluring. For one thing, tuition is generally less in Tennessee than it is on average in the United States. Tennessee students also save because of the state’s low cost of living compared to the national average. Because of these factors, online MBA programs in Tennessee are more affordable than those in many other states.
Tennessee offers 11 AACSB-accredited MBA programs, including Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, Union University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee at Martin. If you decide to enroll in one of the online MBA programs in Tennessee, it generally does not matter where you live. Earning your MBA online gives you the freedom to live anywhere and log on to class any time that is most convenient for you. Program requirements vary. Most schools require the GMAT, but some, such as at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Chattanooga, waive GMAT scores for eligible candidates.
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MBA Concentrations for Tennessee Students
Online MBA programs usually offer concentration options that students can choose from in order to offer a more specialized skillset to potential employers. Selecting a concentration can improve your chances of getting a job upon graduation. Although students in Tennessee MBA programs can choose any concentration available, the concentrations below are particularly applicable to the largest industry in the state of Tennessee, healthcare and social assistance.
- Healthcare Administration: A healthcare administration concentration teaches students critical thinking skills that will help them understand how to influence healthcare policy. MBA graduates with this concentration are prepared to work in healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and hospitals.
- Leadership: A leadership concentration is useful in practically any industry, and can make candidates stand out for their superior understanding of management. The skill of leadership benefits every type and size of business.
Accreditation in Tennessee
It is important that you choose an accredited school when you select your online MBA program. Accreditation is the process that schools undergo to demonstrate that they meet certain minimum educational standards. There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is more recognized and prestigious than national accreditation, which tends to be used by for-profit schools and is often not accepted as transfer credit at other institutions. Colleges and universities in Tennessee are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. You’ll also want to see if your online MBA program is separately accredited by the AACSB, an accreditation agency for business schools.
Like many other states in the U.S., Tennessee saw a major decline in manufacturing jobs over the last two decades. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. You’ll also want to see if your online MBA program is separately accredited by the BLS reports the major industry with the highest employment in Tennessee is now healthcare and social assistance. Tennessee is also known globally for its outstanding music scene, particularly in Nashville, nicknamed “Music City,” making tourism and entertainment another major industry. Other important industries include energy, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Tennessee has a lower than average unemployment rate, reported at just 3% in September 2017. Additionally, reports indicate the state’s economy is projected to grow faster than the nation’s as a whole in the near future. The top area in the state to find a job after graduation is the Nashville metropolitan area, including towns like Cleveland, Murfreesboro, and Franklin.
Top Employers in Tennessee
Company | Industry | Headquarters City | Number of Employees |
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HCA Healthcare, Inc | Healthcare | Nashville | 35,000 |
Fedex | Shipping | Memphis | 30,000 |
Your income and salary earning potential with an MBA is Tennessee willy vary based on your experience level and the type of industry you go into, but holding an MBA will yield higher earnings than an associate or bachelor’s in business.
Higher academic credentials lead to higher salaries and improved opportunities for career growth. If you get your MBA you’ll earn a higher salary than you would if you have just an associate or bachelor’s in business. The following chart shows the average salary in Tennessee for holders of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in business. MBA holders earn about $10,000 more than individuals with only a bachelor’s of business and over $20,000 more per year than those who have only an associate degree. Investing in your education by earning your MBA pays off not only in increased wages, but also by increasing your likelihood of advancing to management positions.
Average Salary by Degree |
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Careers for MBAs in Tennessee
- Medical and Health Services Manager
Managers in medical and health services plan, direct, and coordinate operations in medical facilities, clinics, insurance companies, and hospitals. Because healthcare is the top industry in Tennessee, those with an MBA can find ample employment opportunities in this role. Average salary is $96,540.
- Financial Managers
Financial managers take responsibility for managing the financial health of organizations across all industries. MBA holders with a background in finance or accounting will be well prepared to take on this type of management role. Average salary is $121,750 per year.
- Top Executives
Top executives are critical in every industry, including all of the top industries in Tennessee. They are responsible for creating and enacting strategies to ensure that organizations meet their goals. On average, top executives earn $103,950 per year, but this number can be much higher.
- Administrative Services Managers
Administrative services managers coordinate the overall administrative operations of organizations. Duties include overseeing facilities, bookkeeping, supervising maintenance, and ensuring compliance to government regulations. Average salary is $90,050.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
An MBA graduate with an IT background could easily fill the role of computer and information systems manager. These individuals are responsible for improving company hardware and software, maintaining cybersecurity, and overseeing other IT professionals. Average annual salary is $135,800.
If you want to earn an online MBA, Tennessee offers numerous opportunities. If you are interested in learning about the best online MBA programs in Tennessee, please take time to explore the information gathered here. The following list includes all of the accredited online MBA programs in Tennessee.
Rank | School | Location | Cost | Toggle | Logo | Tuition | % Receiving Financial Aid | Student Population | School Type | Description |
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Bryan College |
Location Dayton, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $19,620 | % Receiving Financial Aid 52% | Student Population 1,489 | School Type Private |
Concentrations
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Carson-Newman University |
Location Jefferson City, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $14,100 | % Receiving Financial Aid 65% | Student Population 2,528 | School Type Private | View School Profile | ||
Cumberland University |
Location Lebanon, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $17,100 | % Receiving Financial Aid 64% | Student Population 1,550 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Freed-Hardeman University |
Location Henderson, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $17,700 | % Receiving Financial Aid 57% | Student Population 1,828 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Johnson University |
Location Knoxville, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $19,800 | % Receiving Financial Aid 59% | Student Population 1,171 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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King University |
Location Bristol, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $21,780 | % Receiving Financial Aid 69% | Student Population 2,920 | School Type Private |
Concentrations |
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Lincoln Memorial University |
Location Harrogate, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $17,460 | % Receiving Financial Aid 56% | Student Population 3,983 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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University of Memphis |
Location Memphis, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $18,900 | % Receiving Financial Aid 62% | Student Population 20,585 | School Type Public |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Southern Adventist University |
Location Collegedale, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $22,500 | % Receiving Financial Aid 58% | Student Population 3,125 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Tennessee Wesleyan College |
Location Athens, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $15,000 | % Receiving Financial Aid 67% | Student Population 1,027 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga |
Location Chattanooga, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $28,944 | % Receiving Financial Aid 61% | Student Population 11,387 | School Type Public |
Concentrations
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The University of Tennessee - Martin |
Location Martin, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $21,736 | % Receiving Financial Aid 56% | Student Population 6,827 | School Type Public |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Tennessee Technological University |
Location Cookeville, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $10,640 | % Receiving Financial Aid 45% | Student Population 10,900 | School Type Public |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Trevecca Nazarene University |
Location Nashville, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $18,720 | % Receiving Financial Aid 68% | Student Population 2,640 | School Type Private |
Concentrations |
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Union University |
Location Jackson, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $20,700 | % Receiving Financial Aid 52% | Student Population 3,583 | School Type Private |
ConcentrationsView School Profile |
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Lee University |
Location Cleveland, TN | Tuition |
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Tuition $20,224 | % Receiving Financial Aid 53% | Student Population 5,302 | School Type Private | View School Profile | ||
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There are many important considerations to make before settling on an online MBA program in Tennessee. These include factors discussed above like cost, accreditation, and available specializations. The following list includes some key steps to follow during the program research process for MBA options in any state.
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Compare student outcomes data
Student outcomes include graduation rate, year-to-year retention rate, the average debt for a graduate from that school, and overall student satisfaction with their degree program. Student outcomes do not guarantee you will be satisfied with a particular program, but can be useful for pinpointing a school’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Estimate the expected costs of your programs
Virtually every accredited college or university posts tuition rates online. Additionally, you should research other college-related costs like living accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to live on-campus), administrative fees, and technology fees (for online students). You should also look into scholarships, grants, and other forms of institutional financial aid that can offset some of the costs.
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Check that classes will fit in with your schedule
Scheduling is critical for students with other important commitments, such as childcare or full-time employment. Many online programs are asynchronous, or self-paced; students in these tracks are free to complete course requirements on their own schedule. Synchronous programs, on the other hand, require weekly online meetings with teachers and fellow students.
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Look for partnerships with local businesses
A large number of online MBA programs include internship and/or capstone practicum requirements ― and in many cases, students are able to gain on-the-job training and real-world office experience. You should look into the school’s business partnerships, particularly in regard to the industry you plan to enter after earning your MBA.
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Make sure the program is accredited
Accreditation status should always be available and easily accessible on a school’s website. In addition to regional or national accreditation, some MBA pathways receive programmatic accreditation. Recognized programmatic accreditors for MBA programs include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Counsel for Business Education (IACBE).
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Talk to current students and/or recent alumni
You should contact the alumni office at each school you are considering and ask to be connected with former students. These individuals can be good sources of information about education costs, life on- and off-campus, local business tips, and other important details for aspiring MBA students.