Top Online MBA Programs in Washington DC 2022

Earn your master of business administration online. Learn about online MBA programs in Washington, D.C., top industries in the District of Columbia and career opportunities.

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The District of Columbia features the highest concentration of managerial professionals in the United States. With an annual mean wage of just under $150,000, managers in Washington, D.C., earn nearly $30,000 above the national mean wage.

Business professionals across industries enjoy diverse employment opportunities in Washington, D.C. The district's top employers include the U.S. government, healthcare facilities and hospitals, and international finance corporations.

Online MBA programs in Washington, D.C. allow individuals to earn degrees on a flexible, convenient schedule. Students can complete accelerated programs in as little as 12 months, or they may take classes part time across several years. An online MBA allows entry-level and junior finance, marketing, and sales professionals to advance into leadership positions. A specialized MBA in healthcare, public administration, or international business may create even more career opportunities.

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Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Washington, D.C.

The greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area enjoys a thriving, robust economy. Its encouraging unemployment rate is consistent with the national average and sometimes falls even lower. Similarly, statewide employment continues to grow at a steady pace, often outperforming the national economy. This bodes particularly well for working professionals who possess advanced postsecondary credentials, like MBA degrees.

The District of Columbia's top industries -- sectors like manufacturing, trade and transportation, finance, and government -- follow those same favorable trends. Each sector values professionals and executives who possess the skills and knowledge developed through online MBAs in Washington, D.C. These individuals often oversee the commerce, business development, and commercial enterprise aspects of each respective field.

The business and professional services industry employs the largest number of individuals in the field, and it posts significant net gains year after year. Both the Washington Business Journal and the BLS project that this industry will continue to grow at an impressive rate in coming years, creating an especially promising career outlook for working professionals with MBAs.

The table below covers the area's top employers, including those that rely on business and professional services at nearly every level of their operations.

CompanyLocationMain IndustryNumber of Employees
George Washington UniversityWashington, D.C.Education10,000+
U.S. Department of CommerceWashington, D.C.Government and Commerce10,000+
Naval Research LaboratoryWashington, D.C.Government and Scientific Research7,000

Source: Career One Stop

Many of the available jobs in these companies and industries require extensive, advanced knowledge and an expert set of business skills. Obtaining an online MBA in Washington, D.C., lends itself to this sort of professional advancement. No degree automatically guarantees work, but professionals with these credentials gain a leg up on their competition in the labor force.

Careers for MBA Grads in Washington, D.C.

Financial Manager

As the area with the nation's largest concentration of financial managers, Washington, D.C. offers its financial managers the fourth-highest salaries in the country. In the district, financial managers earn an annual mean wage exceeding $166,000 -- nearly $20,000 above the national figure.

In Washington, D.C., financial managers work in banking, insurance, and investments, with top employers such as the International Financial Corporation.

Financial managers oversee the financial activities and success of a business or organization. They forecast financial activities by assessing market trends and preparing financial statements and activity reports as needed. Financial managers work closely with executives to develop and implement strategies to achieve short- and long-term financial goals.

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Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers address the business, finance, and regulatory aspects of healthcare organizations. Also called healthcare administrators, these professionals maintain patient data and records, coordinate clinical schedules, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Medical and health services managers may specialize in health information, using specialized health information systems to analyze and collect data. Many healthcare administrators work in nursing homes, managing staff, facility care, and client health.

In the District of Columbia, healthcare administrators enjoy opportunities for employment with large entities like MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, or the CareFirst insurance company.

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Marketing Manager

Alongside advertising and promotions managers, marketing managers participate in activities to build interest in goods and services. These professionals assess consumer data to anticipate market trends while working with colleagues to promote and develop content. They anticipate the need for new products, as well.

Marketing managers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area earn a mean wage of nearly $170,000. High employment levels and a projected 10% increase in field occupations from 2016-2026 indicate continued growth for marketing management positions in the District of Columbia.

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Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents serve as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. They explain available services to clients, buy and sell stocks and bonds, monitor financial markets, and analyze finances to make decision recommendations.

According to projections, securities and commodities positions in the District of Columbia should grow on par with those across the country. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales professionals with MBAs can advance further in the field. As investment fund managers, for example, these professionals take on additional responsibilities, overseeing buying and selling operations and investment portfolios.

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Management Analyst

Management analyst is the fifth-largest occupation in Washington, D.C., as of 2016. Poised for a projected 9% increase from 2016-2026, management analysts earn an annual mean salary exceeding $103,000. These professionals may specialize in technology, healthcare, or government businesses, all of which make Washington, D.C., an ideal place to find work.

Management analysts research, analyze, and design strategies to improve organizational efficiency and efficacy. They work with executives, managers, and employees to reduce costs and increase productivity. Management analysts also implement new policies and procedures as permanent employees or independent consultants.

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MBA Concentrations for Washington, D.C. Students

Online MBA programs in Washington, D.C., build foundational skills for leadership roles in the healthcare, government, and financial industries. Students who wish to further enhance their knowledge may benefit from specialized MBA degrees.

A public administration specialization, for example, emphasizes public policy and public science, while a finance concentration focuses on budgeting, account management, and financial strategy. Both options serve aspiring government workers at top employers like the U.S. Department of Commerce.

To learn more about MBA concentrations and how they facilitate job growth and earning potential, visit the MBA specializations hub.

Washington, D.C.'s Online MBA Programs

Colleges and universities offering online MBA programs in the District of Columbia may hold national or regional accreditation. Specialized agencies and organizations may award program-specific accreditation for MBA courses, as well.

Three agencies provide accreditation to business programs, all of which hold unique standards and aims. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business emphasizes research, while the International Council for Business Education works with programs at smaller colleges and universities. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs assesses teaching excellence, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement.

To learn more about accreditation and its importance, refer to the MBA accreditation guide.

  • American University
    Location

    Washington, DC

    Tuition

    $78816

    Called MBA@American, American University offers a business master's that emphasizes the importance of private and public partnerships in the 21st century. One of the leading online MBA programs in Washington, D.C., MBA@American encourages collaborative learning through web-based and in-person learning activities while ensuring students can easily access one another, professors, and business leaders. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and consists of foundational classes in strategic thinking, accounting, marketing, and managerial statistics. Students may also opt to concentrate in one of nine areas, including international business, finance, or cybersecurity. Two in-person learning immersion experiences offer the opportunity for hands-on learning in a real-world setting. These three- to four-day experiences typically include spending time on the university's campus and at one other site, which could include Beijing, China or Madrid, Spain. In total, students must complete 48 credits to graduate and may do so in as few as 15 months. The school's Kogod School of Business delivers the program and offers four start dates throughout the year.

    Concentrations

  • George Washington University
    Location

    Washington, DC

    Tuition

    $97957

    Working professionals who want to enroll in one of the leading online MBA programs in Washington, D.C. need look no further than the School of Business at The George Washington University. Learners can pursue this online MBA studies on a part-time basis to earn the required 55.5 credits needed to graduate. With enrollment dates in the fall, spring, and summer, each semester consists of 14 weeks. Students generally complete two classes each term or four classes per semester. The fully online program emphasizes global competence through study abroad opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. In addition to learning business fundamentals, students develop abilities to work in teams, communicate effectively, and demonstrate ethical leadership. Admission requires either a GMAT or GRE score, but the university may waive this requirement for applicants with at least seven years of professional experience. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a statement that explains their academic interests and why they stand out among those applying for admission.

    Concentrations

  • Howard University
    Location

    Washington, DC

    Tuition

    $66475

    A leader among universities offering online MBA programs in Washington, D.C., Howard University offers an online executive MBA through its School of Business. The program attracts professionals who wish to advance their careers and leverage the impressive Howard alumni network. Learners can complete their degree in 18 months through fully online classes that examine financial accounting, marketing strategy, and strategic communications. In total, they must earn 42 credits. Students can immediately apply the lessons they learn in their studies to the workplace, which better enables their opportunities for advancement. Moreover, they can engage in blended learning if they wish by marrying their online studies with on-campus presentations and global study tours. Applicants do not need to submit a GMAT score since they must possess at least seven years' experience, with five in either a management or senior-level role. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

    Concentrations

    • Executive MBA
    • Executive MBA Executive Coaching Certificate
    • Executive MBA Executive Leadership Certificate

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