Online MBA Programs in Tennessee

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.

Why Consider an Online MBA in Tennessee?

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.

Percentage of Students Enrolled by Distance Education

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

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.

Tennessee Economy, Career, and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

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
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.

Earning Potential with an MBA in the State of Tennessee

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

Search Programs by Concentration

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.