Operations managers enjoy one of the best-paying and fastest-growing occupations in the country, according to Business Insider magazine. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that, depending on industry, general and operations managers can make an average annual wage exceeding $160,000.
Online MBA in operations management programs prepare graduates to step into one of these lucrative jobs. Read on to learn more about top programs in the field, what to look for, where to find money for school, and where to find help upon graduation.
What Is an MBA in Operations Management?
An MBA in operations management combines the standard business administration degree with an intense focus in logistics and operations. MBA programs vary, but they all give students a well-rounded education in the fundamentals of business, including coursework in accounting, finance, economics, and leadership. This particular degree adds classes in supply chains, data analysis, project administration, business forecasting, quality control, and production planning.
These skills prove valuable in the current job market. According to the BLS, management jobs outpace other occupations when it comes to growth and demand. Graduates of online MBA in operations management programs can take their degrees in a variety of directions. They may work as executive directors, CEOs, supply chain managers, procurement specialists, or administration service professionals, among other professional positions.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
2022-2023's Top Online Operations Management MBA
This guide ranks 2022-2023's top five online MBA in operations management programs. Our ranking methodology highlighted below considers factors such as reputation and flexibility.
#1 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Gainesville Florida in proximity to beaches and theme parks, the University of Florida enrolls over 53,000 students. UF offers over 300 degree tracks, including various graduate programs.
Hough Graduate School of Business
UF's Hough Graduate School of Business offers 1-2 year MBA program tracks for on-campus and distance learners.
UF's online MBA program features the same renowned faculty and rigorous coursework as the on-campus program. Students may pursue a 16-month accelerated track or a more traditionally paced 24-month track. The accelerated program suits learners with an undergraduate degree in business who meet specific program-eligibility requirements.
Students complete all coursework online. But, an in-person orientation in Gainesville is required, and additional on-campus residencies are encouraged. These intensive programs max out at 65 students per cohort to foster stronger connections between faculty and students.
Applying to UF
Admission to both the one- and two-year program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of two years of professional experience, two letters of recommendation, and an entrance essay. Some applicants may be invited for an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $49,205 total (one-year program); $59,807 total (two-year program)
- Required Credits: 32 (one-year); 48 (two-year)
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% Online (coursework online, on-campus orientation required)
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Rice University
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated on an 300-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Rice University enrolls students in over 50 undergraduate programs and offers many graduate degrees.
Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University's 54-credit online MBA gives students the flexibility to tailor their learning toward their career goals. With 13.5 credits of electives built into the curriculum, students can take courses in marketing, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
The program culminates in a collaborative capstone course where students create a workable solution to a business-centered problem. They can receive help and input from real executives working at not-for-profit community organizations.
Students complete all coursework online through live, courses streamed weekly. They must also attend some on-campus "Rice Residential" events.
Rice's MBA Specializations
Corporate Strategy | Corporate Finance | Investment Management | Marketing | Entrepreneurship | Energy | Healthcare
Applying to Rice
Candidates must submit official transcripts, an online application, letters of recommendation, a detailed professional history, admissions essays, and a $150 application fee. All candidates must also sit for an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $2,100 per credit
- Required Credits: 54 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online with minimal on-campus residencies), synchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Western Governors University's student body of more than 138,000 resides across all 50 states. Excelling in distance education, WGU operates on a competency model that allows students to get credit for the skills they learn.
WGU Online Master of Business Administration
Western Governor University's fully online MBA program offers students the flexibility to complete coursework anywhere, anytime, and earn credit as they master skills. The school's competency-education model emphasizes earning credit for the experience and skills students already have, allowing learners to complete their degrees faster.
Students work with their instructors and a program mentor to develop and follow a specialized degree plan tailored to their experience, interests, and goals. Students demonstrate competency by completing course assessments and requirements.
The program culminates in a capstone course. Students demonstrate their skills by identifying and solving a real-world business problem.
WGU's MBA Specializations
Management | Economics | Marketing | Accounting | Leadership | Finance | Strategy
Applying to WGU
Applicants to WGU must submit official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate program, submit an online application form, and speak with an enrollment counselor.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: NWCCU, ACBSP
- Tuition: $4,530 per six-month term
- Required Credits: 11 courses
- Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With an urban campus situated on the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities enrolls more than 50,000 students. UMTC offers over 200 graduate and professional programs, with online, on-campus, and hybrid options.
Carlson School of Management
UMTC’s Carlson School of Management offers a 52-credit fully online MBA for students seeking both flexibility and collaboration. In addition to completing online coursework on their own time, students can participate in live, virtual interactions with peers and faculty members.
Typically requiring about two years to complete, UMTC's online MBA allows learners to tailor their coursework to their interests. The program offers foundational courses in business and industry-specific courses to help students hone their skills in various fields.
Students can benefit from services like career counseling, mock interviews, networking events, job search tools, and career fairs.
UMTC's MBA Specializations
Financial Accounting | Data Analysis and Statistics | Managerial Economics | Marketing | Supply Chain and Operations | Financial Management | IT Management | Strategic Management | Business Ethics
Applying to UMTC
Applicants must submit a personal statement essay, GMAT, EA or GRE scores, evidence of two years of full-time work experience, two professional recommendations, a video essay, a current resume, and official undergraduate transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,605 per credit
- Required Credits: 52 credits
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Top Online MBA’s in Operations Management
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Part of the massive Texas A&M University system, Texas A&M International University enrolls over 8,400 students in online and on-campus programs at its home location in Laredo, Texas. Situated just near Mexico, the campus embraces a large, diverse multilingual community.
A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business
TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business offers an expansive list of fully online degree programs, including a 30-credit MBA designed with students' interests and goals in mind. Learners can choose from six specializations including management, international banking and finance, international business, and criminal justice.
Each program pathway features prep courses to prepare students without a background in business for graduate study. The two-credit prep-module courses cover foundational topics in business like finance, accounting, management, and marketing.
Online MBA students at TAMIU often complete their program within 21-24 months. Coursework is delivered fully online, asynchronously, with no on-campus requirements.
TAMIU's MBA Specializations
Management | International Banking and Finance | International Business | International Trade and Logistics | Criminal Justice | Healthcare Administration
Applying to TAMIU
For automatic admission, applicants must submit official transcripts from an undergraduate business degree with a GPA of at least 3.25 and a resume with three references. Applicants without a business degree can still gain admission after a special review of their transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $11,010 total (in-state); $30,900 total (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 21-24 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Operations Management?
Executive positions in the business world, including operations management positions, generally require an MBA or comparable degree. Most employers in the field want their top staff to hold graduate degrees. Online MBAs in operations management give graduates a competitive edge in this fast-growing business market.
The online format is ideal for MBA education. It both provides networking opportunities and allows learners to continue working while earning their degree. Online options also offer cost savings over traditional brick-and-mortar programs, since distance learning rarely requires travel or accommodation expenses.
What Can You Do With an MBA in Operations Management?
Operations managers run their organization's day-to-day operations. These might include hiring and firing, overseeing new projects, executive-level strategizing, and implementing policy. Some work in the public sector and others in the private sector, but all bring similar skill sets to their jobs.
These professionals need good communication and people skills, as well as the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and make decisions. The mean income for a company or enterprise manager sits at $162,410.
Executive directors typically work in the public sector, running nonprofits or government agencies. Some serve as top executives, while others work under a CEO. They often report to a board of directors. Most set policies, direct staff, make daily decisions, and establish and manage the budget.
Skills required for these positions include excellent communication, critical thinking, personnel management, strategic vision, and troubleshooting. They earn an average salary of $79,000.
Procurement managers maintain their organization's supplies. They source the products their companies need, negotiate supplier prices, and ensure materials arrive in a timely manner and remain well-stocked. To do so, these professionals must work closely with other managers, track inventory, and prepare budgets.
Procurement managers need top organizational and logistical skills, plus the ability to communicate effectively, make decisions, and solve problems. Average income for these positions sits at $82,000.
Another logistics-based position, administrative service managers oversee the support services that keep an organization running. These services might include manufacturing, printing, recordkeeping, or facilities management. Administrative services managers work closely with staff and executives, coordinating operational flow. These professionals must understand logistics, statistics, and budgets, and they should know how to communicate well.
These managers typically need problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. These positions earn a median of $98,000 annually and enjoy average growth.
Sometimes called chief operations officers, directors of operations run their business' day-to-day workings. Ranking just below the CEO, these professionals manage staff, oversee projects, implement policy, and ensure their business meets budgets and standards.
Often executive-level positions, directors of operations need people skills, as well. They must know how to make decisions, solve problems, think strategically, analyze data, and lead staff. Directors of operations bring home an average annual salary of $92,000.
Online MBA in Operations Management Curriculum
Online MBA programs in operations management include coursework in traditional MBA fields such as accounting, economics, and finance, as well as operations and logistical studies. Every program differs, however, so check closely with your schools of interest. Most feature classes like those below.
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Supply Chain Management
This course explores the logistics of moving materials, data, and products. Students learn about sourcing, inventory, and the global infrastructure for moving goods. They also explore the risks involved in the process.
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Managerial Economics
Economic theory, as it applies to management, forms the basis of this course. Topics include pricing, sourcing, sales promotion, and capital budgeting. Regression analysis, calculus, and correlation also factor in.
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Organizational Management
Distance learners in this course learn to structure, plan, administer, and direct available resources. They delve into assets, obstacles, and the fundamentals of management theory.
See More Top MBA Programs
How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Operations Management Program
Due to the sheer number of MBA programs in operations management, choosing the right one can prove daunting. You must consider factors such as cost, accreditation, enrollment status, program rigor, and internships and practicums.
Some students get confused about the difference between graduate-level degrees in operations management, supply chain management, and other related areas. A Master of Science in operations research and industrial engineering, for example, prioritizes technical skills over business aspects. A Master of Supply Chain Management focuses on technical considerations, while an MBA in operations management offers a well-rounded business degree with an emphasis on operations.
Cost ranks as the most important factor to many program applicants. Think about whether you intend to continue working, which impacts whether you attend full time or part time. Part-time learners can continue working to earn money and defray costs, while full-time students, including those who choose accelerated MBA programs, finish their degree more quickly. Work status also affects students' ability to participate in practicums and internships, so they should consider each program's requirements.
Accreditation also plays a major role. The best online MBA programs hold regional accreditation. Some also boast accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Scholarships for Operations Management MBA's
Students in online MBA in operation management programs can apply for an array of scholarships. Many companies and foundations sponsor grants and awards specifically for students in business programs. Some even offer money for operations scholars. Hundreds of scholarships remain available for any and all graduate students; these funds can offset the rising costs of an MBA program.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship helps students interested in entering the world of supply chain leadership. Recipients must attend an accredited U.S. university and study logistics, business forecasting, or another supply chain-related field.
Amount: $10,000
Apply for Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Scholarship applicants must hold membership with AfterCollege, attend an accredited university, and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must study business or a related field, but can pursue any degree level.
Amount: $500
Apply for Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Despite its title, this scholarship also is open to students in the fields of business and economics. Applicants must write an essay and attend an accredited U.S. university.
Amount: $2,000
Apply for Scholarship
Professional Organizations for Operations Management
Professional organizations offer students and new graduates invaluable opportunities for networking, professional development, and job searching. They also fill in members on the latest field developments, advocate on their behalf, and provide mentoring opportunities. These associations of like-minded individuals can help launch students' careers.
The largest association of operations research, INFORMS offers members access to continuing education, professional development, and annual meetings and conferences. The institute also regularly publishes the latest research in its INFORMS journals.
The largest nonprofit supply chain association, ASCM brings together an international membership of operations management professionals. The association sponsors a conference, hosts events around the country, offers seminars, and maintains a job board on its site.
An international organization based in Pennsylvania, PMI provides professional development, advocacy, research, and networking for project managers around the globe. Members gain access to job boards, certification, and a wealth of online resources.
An international association, POMS hosts a conference, offers educational opportunities, and publishes a journal. Members can join chapters across the country and receive the society's job and research bulletins.
A membership organization dedicated to logistics, IBF sponsors events, webinars, and training programs, including S&OP boot camps. IBF also runs a nationally recognized certification program.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
