Online MBA Programs in North Dakota

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Updated February 3, 2023

Earning an MBA is a big step toward enhancing your career. This guide explores North Dakota online MBA programs.

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North Dakota hosts expanding industries like technology, advanced manufacturing, and energy. State tax and financing incentives encourage business diversity and growth.

According to the Opportunity Index's latest data, North Dakota ranks 6th in the nation based on factors such as opportunity and economy.

Earning a North Dakota MBA can open doors to career opportunities within the state. Many MBA graduates also see increased salary potential. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, master's degree-holders earned an average of $10,100 more per year than bachelor's graduates as of 2022.

Comparing top MBA programs can help you decide which program suits you best. Keep reading to discover what a North Dakota online MBA program can do for your career.

Why Get an Online MBA in North Dakota?

MBA programs help build learners' finance, business operations, and strategy skills. Many also connect degree-seekers to career-enhancing resources and networking opportunities.

Along with higher salaries and more advanced roles, an MBA may offer the following benefits:

  • Market Competitiveness: An MBA sets professionals apart from other job candidates. MBA graduates learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills that employers may look for in applicants.
  • Enhanced Communication: Written and oral communication are crucial in business. MBA students learn valuable communication skills. These skills can help them work well with others, strategize in groups, and lead teams.
  • Global Perspective: Many MBA programs include international business concepts to align with the modern global business climate. Learners explore macroeconomics and globalization to gain a deeper understanding of business-related impacts.

Pursuing a North Dakota online MBA introduces students to the state's favorable business climate. The state's innovation in technology, especially aerospace technology, has attracted a new wave of businesses. North Dakota's advanced manufacturing sector has expanded rapidly, with a 112% increase in exports from 2011-2020.

North Dakota's economy shows attractive growth, creating a business-friendly environment. A 2022 North Dakota State University report describes strong economic movement, including increases in employment, state-produced products, and wages.

What To Expect From MBA Programs in North Dakota

A North Dakota MBA program typically comprises 30-45 credits and takes about two years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated programs with reduced credit loads or the option to complete more courses each term. These programs may take as little as one year.

Students can choose an online, hybrid, or in-person format. Schools typically deliver online courses through a digital learning platform with access to videos, course materials, and instructor-student communication.

Hybrid programs allow learners to attend some classes in person while completing the rest online. This option can be a good fit for degree-seekers who need scheduling flexibility but want some face-to-face instruction.

MBAs in North Dakota may offer concentration options like international business and project management. Concentrations allow learners to pursue specific interests and career goals. Standard MBA courses include financial management, supply chain management, and econometrics. Learners also study ethics, law, and marketing.

Admission Requirements for MBAs

Admission requirements for a North Dakota MBA vary, but many schools set similar basic requirements. Candidates usually need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some schools specify a minimum 2.75 GPA. However, a 3.0 GPA or higher can help applicants stand out.

Schools may also request GMAT or GRE scores. Learners with qualifying professional experience can sometimes skip this step. Along with their application, prospective students should also submit official transcripts, professional letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Many North Dakota business schools also ask for a resume noting relevant work experience. Application fees generally fall between $30-$50. The application process usually does not change for students applying to MBA concentrations. Still, schools may require specific prerequisite courses.

MBA Concentrations for North Dakota Students

North Dakota's online MBA programs offer varied concentrations for degree-seekers. For instance, the University of Mary includes healthcare and public administration in its list of offerings. Meanwhile, the University of North Dakota lets learners specialize in areas like aviation management and business analytics.

According to CareerOneStop, the largest employers in North Dakota include the healthcare, government, and manufacturing industries. Students looking to transition seamlessly into the North Dakota workforce upon graduation might choose a healthcare, public administration, or project management concentration.

MBA candidates must complete a core curriculum regardless of their chosen concentration. This curriculum covers theory and practice in finance, project management, marketing, and economics. Through this core, learners gain a well-rounded understanding of business operations.

For more details on MBA concentrations and the opportunities they offer, check out the MBA specializations hub.

North Dakota’s Economy

North Dakota, unlike most states, went through the 2008 recession relatively untouched, according to this 2009 Forbes article. Most of North Dakota's successful industries do not rely heavily on market trends. Industries such as agriculture, energy, and medicine enjoy consistent demand. As a result, North Dakota's economy has remained steady, even growing in some areas.

Since most of North Dakota is rural, career opportunities in the state concentrate in the larger cities. The state's urban centers include Fargo, Grand Forks, and the capital city of Bismarck. Agriculture industry employees tend to work throughout the state, though most other professionals cluster in more populated areas.

University of North Dakota (UND) May 2022 data shows labor force growth of almost 1% in the state during 2022's first quarter, with about 3% unemployment. UND researchers project these rates to hold steady in 2023.

The table below provides some information on North Dakota's largest employers. These top employers are not necessarily the state's largest industries, but they hire the most workers.

COMPANY LOCATION MAIN INDUSTRY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

North Dakota State University

Fargo

Education

4,500

Sanford Broadway Medical Center

Fargo

Healthcare

3,653

Altru Health System - Audiology

Grand Forks

Healthcare

3,500

Source: Career One Stop

Earning an online MBA in North Dakota can help prepare students for careers at any of the above companies. MBA programs teach advanced business skills applicable to many sectors. Most industries require business professionals to keep track of finances, manage employees, and create corporate strategies.

Careers for MBA Grads in North Dakota

Financial Manager


Financial managers oversee the health of an organization or business. They assess market trends, track business activities, and forecast economic growth. They also supervise personnel who prepare financial statements and reports.

CareerOneStop projects a 21% increase in employment for North Dakota financial managers from 2018-2028. Exceeding the national projection by 4%, this indicates strong opportunities for financial management positions in the state. Financial managers in North Dakota earned an annual median wage below national figures in 2018, offset by the state's lower cost of living.

Learn More

Business Operations Manager


Business operations managers supervise the daily activities of a business or organization. They troubleshoot problems, set and enforce rules, and strategize to improve employee performance.

Business operations managers need technical and communication skills. They should also have strong time-management and decision-making abilities. According to CareerOneStop, general and operations managers are poised for 7% job growth in North Dakota from 2018-2028. This rate falls 2% below national projections.

Learn More

Operations Research Analyst


CareerOneStop projects North Dakota operations research analysts will see tremendous job growth of 27% from 2018-2028. These professionals can work in many industries, including healthcare, business, and manufacturing settings. Large employers in North Dakota like Trinity Health, Doosan Bobcat, and Halliburton may hire operations research analysts.

Operations research analysts use statistics and data to identify and solve organizational problems. They advise managers and executives about their findings. Their job involves creating detailed memos, reports, and presentations.

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Project Manager


Project managers oversee the development and implementation of business opportunities. They prepare budgets, set timelines, find resources, and supervise workers. These professionals also troubleshoot problems and find solutions. They work closely with clients and colleagues alike.

Project managers also work in healthcare, business, and manufacturing, all major industries in North Dakota.

Learn More

Purchasing Manager


Purchasing managers supervise buyers and purchasing agents. They establish policies and procedures for tracking and recording costs, inventories, deliveries, and product performance. An online MBA prepares future purchasing managers through coursework in business communications, quantitative analysis, management, and accounting practices and principles.

CareerOneStop projects purchasing manager positions in North Dakota to grow by 18% from 2018-2028, three times the national growth rate for this occupation.

Learn More

North Dakota's Online MBA Programs Accreditation

Colleges and universities like those listed below hold national or regional accreditation. Accreditation can affect financial aid and transfer options, so students should check the status of their potential schools.

Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific degrees, programs, or departments. Specialized bodies like AACSB International, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education provide accreditation to business programs. These organizations follow standards set by business professionals.

To find out more about accreditation and its importance, please refer to the MBA accreditation guide.

The Top Online MBA Program in North Dakota of 2022

Explore the following North Dakota online MBA ranking featuring two of the best options in 2022. Follow the link below to learn more about our ranking process.

#1 Online MBA Programs in North Dakota

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UND's founding predates North Dakota's statehood. Today, the university operates the state's largest higher learning campus. UND involves the community in its planning to ensure innovative, high-quality education. 

Nistler College of Business and Public Administration

UND's online MBA features synchronous classes and live interaction with instructors and peers. Students receive academic coaching, online tutoring, and access to UND's resource library and career services. 

Enrollees may choose one of five concentrations, including general business. All students take at least 34 credits or 43 credits with a concentration. Required courses include managerial finance, advanced managerial theory, and strategic supply chain management. 

International business majors study abroad with a partnered school for part of their degree. They must also complete a language studies workshop or course through that school.

UND's MBA Specializations

Business Analytics | Government and Business | International Business | Aviation Management | General Business

Applying to UND

Applicants must create a UND account, pay a $35 application fee, and send official college transcripts. UND also requires a statement of goals and three academic or professional references. The school may waive its GMAT requirement for some students. 

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $511/credit
  • Required Credits: 34-43 credits
  • Program Length: 1.5 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,534
Out-of-state
$18,434
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Online MBA Programs in North Dakota

University of Mary

  • Bismarck, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Rooted in Benedictine values, Mary prioritizes ethical leadership and community through its academics. Since its founding in 1959, Mary has grown to host more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs.

Gary Tharaldson School of Business

Mary's online MBA offers seven concentrations geared toward specific career paths. Each concentration adds nine courses to the 27-credit core curriculum. Core courses cover topics like business research and writing, marketing, and leadership and management theory. 

All Mary MBA learners complete a graduate business capstone project. Students apply their knowledge from the program to create a research-based proposal to improve an organization's operations. 

Enrollees can register for Handshake, a career preparation and job search portal. The platform allows students to build a professional profile and search for jobs and internships.

Mary's MBA Specializations

Business Operations | Catholic Philanthropy | Healthcare | Human Resource Management | Project Management | Public Administration | Virtuous Leadership

Applying to Mary

Applicants must send official bachelor's transcripts and pay a $30 application fee. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: HLC, IACBE
  • Tuition: $570/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 16 months-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) and on campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,350
Out-of-state
$17,350
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,740
Out-of-state
$16,740
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
3,779
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States


Featured Image: John Elk III / The Image Bank / Getty Images

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