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Affordable online MBAs remain the top choice for many learners searching for the best MBA for consulting online. Graduate students want to ensure they get a good return on their investment by selecting a program that fits their budget and provides adequate training for a higher-paying job in the future.
When researching programs, look at whether you can pay as you go by continuing to work or pay off your debts once you enter your new career. Sticker price does not always reflect program quality. Look at other measures of quality, such as teaching staff, student testimonials, and rankings like those listed below.
Various factors such as financial aid, military discounts, accelerated MBA formats, and generous credit transfer policies can lower costs as can taking classes online rather than on campus.
How to Choose an Online MBA in Consulting Program
If you know a management consulting MBA program is the right choice for you, start narrowing down the list of schools that interest you most. Below you can find a few tips and tricks to help you through this process.
Search for Schools in Your Area
- Even when choosing an online program, it can be helpful to find a school close to your home. Online students often like to visit campus. In addition, schools often partner with local businesses, meaning an institution in your area might help you find a job close to home.
Compare Student Outcomes Data
- Many schools readily provide this information on their website, but you may call and ask for it if necessary. This data should include information like employment rates and graduation rates and can give you a good idea of program quality.
Estimate the Expected Costs of Your Program
- Prospective students often underestimate the total cost of their program. Make sure you calculate the total number of credits you need to graduate, and multiply that by the cost per credit. Remember to include the cost of supplies, internet, and time spent not earning an income. Additionally, compare financial aid options. Different schools may offer various financial aid packages and/or scholarships that can offset the cost of education.
Find Classes That Fit Your Schedule
- One of the central benefits of online education is flexibility. However, some programs require set meeting times, synchronous workshops, and mandatory campus visits. Make sure to explore all time commitments and how they fit into your current schedule.
Look for Partnerships With Local Businesses
- Finding a secure job with a healthy salary in a field you enjoy is the main objective in earning your MBA in consulting. To that end, attending a school well-connected with local hospitals and businesses can give you an advantage upon graduation. Many of these partners offer internships to students that can lead to full-time employment or provide the network and experience you need to get a job elsewhere.
Make Sure the Program is Accredited
- Accreditation comprises the formal review process that ensures a school adheres to minimum academic standards. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the national agency that accredits undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in business and accounting. By checking a program's status with the AACSB, you can confirm it offers a recognized, quality degree. Employers generally do not hire job candidates who possess a degree from a school without proper accreditation, and schools do not accept academic credentials from an unaccredited program.
Talk to Current Students and/or Recent Alumni
- Former program participants and alumni make the best resources when it comes to making a final decision about an online MBA in consulting. Graduates can give you an unbiased take on how the program served them, what they liked most about it, and what they disliked. Ask an admissions counselor to put you in touch with a current student or recent alumni. Alternatively, use LinkedIn or Facebook to find and reach out to student resources.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Schools Offering an Online MBA in Consulting
Top 5 Best Online MBA in Consulting Programs
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American UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$78816
American University offers a rigorous MBA that features a consulting concentration with a global perspective. Tailored toward midcareer professionals seeking advancement in leadership roles, the curriculum combines courses in management, analytics, research, and problem solving. Consulting degree students complete nine core courses and three elective courses as part of 48 total credits. Foundation coursework includes integrated marketing communication, managerial statistics, business intelligence, and methodologies in management consulting.
The program requires two in-person intensives to engage student teams in addressing business problems. One intensive takes place at the Washington D.C. campus and the other at an international location. Prospective students do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
Concentrations
- Marketing
- Finance
- Cybersecurity
- International Business
- Business Analytics
- Consulting
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George Washington UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$97957
The part-time online MBA in consulting at George Washington University features ample room to customize a consulting degree. Core coursework comprises half of the program and includes strategic management, global microeconomics, and managerial accounting. Electives make up the other half of the required credits. Students complete 56 credits for the MBA, with coursework delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Most distance learners complete six credits per semester and graduate in three years.
Application requirements include GRE or GMAT scores. Qualified applicants with seven years of professional experience may receive a GMAT waiver. As a military-friendly school, GW participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Concentrations
- Consulting
- Finance
- Global Management
- Government Contracts
- Information Systems And Technology Management
- Project Management
- Healthcare
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Spring Arbor UniversityLocation
Spring Arbor, MI
Tuition$24840
The accelerated MBA in consulting available through Spring Arbor University in Michigan provides an organizational consulting concentration within a supportive online community of distance learners. Tailored toward aspiring business leaders with a Christian worldview, this one-year consulting degree focuses on the application of organizational leadership and behavioral science principles to influence and motivate others.
Core coursework includes strategic leadership, workplace learning and professional development, and organizational consulting. Distance learners studying part-time at a pace of one course per term can complete the program in approximately 18 months. The MBA program requires no GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
Concentrations
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Development
- Management
- Organizational Consulting
- Strategic Leadership
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University of North Carolina at Chapel HillLocation
Chapel Hill, NC
Tuition$114078
Busy professionals investigating the best consulting MBA programs may find the online MBA at the University of North Carolina suits their needs for maximum flexibility. Designed for aspiring business leaders with 6-10 years of work experience, the MBA in consulting offers a concentration in strategy and consulting. Students can complete the 62 credits for the degree in 18-36 months according to their existing commitments.
The MBA curriculum prepares students for career advancement in corporate strategic consulting roles. Core coursework includes analytical, leadership, and client management skills. Students also attend in-person summits at international business centers featuring learning opportunities with global leaders. Applicants with six years of work experience may receive a GMAT waiver.
Concentrations
- Corporate Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
- Investment Management
- Sustainable Enterprise
- Management Consulting
- Data Analytics And Decision Making
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Virginia International UniversityLocation
Fairfax, VA
Tuition$18288
The esteemed school of business at Virginia International University in Fairfax offers an MBA in consulting with an optional concentration in management consulting. Tailored toward professionals seeking career advancement opportunities into leadership positions, the program builds skills in professional communication and strategic thinking.
Distance learners complete 36 credits for the master's in consulting, including coursework in mergers and acquisitions, change management, and international venues. The consulting concentration features three courses comprising nine credits, and the program concludes with an integration course as a transition from academia to business. Students may also receive curricular practical training credit for internships or cooperative education.
Concentrations
- Accounting
- Executive MBA
- International Finance
- Marketing Management
- Contract Management
- Global Logistics
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership Management
- Mass Media & Public Relations
- Entrepreneurship
- Health Care Management
- International Business Management
- Management Consulting
- Project Management
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