Through an online MBA in strategic management, students build leadership skills in negotiation, financial decision-making, and human resources. Aspiring business professionals who hope to advance to high-level executive positions or guide corporations as management consultants can pursue online strategic management MBAs.
According to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management analyst employment will increase by 11% from 2019-2029, outpacing the national average for all occupations. Graduates can qualify for jobs with lucrative salaries, executive titles, and organization-wide influence.
On this page, readers can explore the top five online MBA programs in strategic management, offering a strong starting point for prospective students to guide their research. This guide also includes typical education requirements, common tuition costs, and available career paths.
Why Get a Strategic Management MBA?
Graduates with MBAs in strategic management qualify for leadership roles across industries. By focusing on strategy, business professionals can boost their advancement opportunities to roles in executive leadership and consulting. Effective leadership helps companies maintain financial health, make changes when markets shift, and ensure positive work environments for employees.
The top employers for general and operations managers include retail, wholesale trade, and construction. Chief executives enjoy similarly diverse work environments, such as professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Other potential benefits of pursuing an online MBA in strategy include:
- A Diverse Knowledge Base
- A typical MBA prepares students for success by providing a core business curriculum in finance, accounting, and organizational structures. Enrollees delve deep into focus areas, like strategic management, to cement their niche expertise.
- Earning Potential
- According to BLS data, management jobs make up the highest earning occupational category at a median annual wage of $105,660 as of 2019. With a strategic management MBA, graduates can pursue lucrative positions as chief executives.
- Flexibility
- With an MBA in strategic management, graduates can forge new paths by running their own businesses. Whether self-employed or working for a large firm, they may also pursue careers in management consulting.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What Is an Online MBA in Strategy?
Top Online MBA in Strategic Management Program Rankings
-
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Founded in 1795 as the nation's first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill currently serves over 30,000 students annually. Institutional offerings include 74 bachelor's degree programs, 104 master's degree programs, and 65 doctoral degree programs.
Carolina's online master of business administration degree specializing in strategy and consulting requires 62 credits for completion and includes two in-person, one-credit summits located either internationally or on campus in Chapel Hill. Students can choose one of three completion timeframes: an accelerated 21-month program, a standard 24-month program, or an extended 27-month program.
Curriculum consists of nine core courses spanning 34 credits, 26 concentration credits, and two one-credit summits. Key learning objectives of the strategy and consulting specialization include strategic management and leadership, fact-based analysis, team collaboration and problem-solving, and action-oriented communication.
Applying to UNC-Chapel Hill
The admissions process includes an online application, a resume, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, two essays, GRE or GMAT scores, and a personal interview. Students can qualify for GRE/GMAT waivers decided through a holistic examination of the applicant.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $125,589 total
Required Credits: 62 credits
Program Length: 21-27 months
Delivery Format: Hybrid or on campus
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Founded in 1867 as the Illinois Industrial University, the University of Illinois currently hosts more than 50,000 students annually across 15 schools and colleges. The institution offers more than 5,000 courses and 150 programs of study.
The University of Illinois' Gies College of Business offers an online master of business administration degree with a specialization in strategic leadership and management degree that incorporates leadership ideologies with core MBA learning outcomes.
Concentration curriculum prepares students to effectively work with and manage people individually and in teams, understand how organizations are designed and managed, and analyze business situations and formulate and implement strategies to gain and sustain competitive advantage. Learning culminates in a real-world capstone consisting of a strategic leadership and management plan for an actual situation faced by a company.
Applying to Illinois
Admission requirements include a minimum of three years of professional managerial experience, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA for the previous two years of undergraduate study, official transcripts, an essay, and three letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public or Private
Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
Tuition: $302/credit
Required Credits: 72 credits
Delivery Format: 100% online
-
The Catholic university first opened its doors in 1956 to a small group of 96 students. Today, almost 2,500 students enjoy small class sizes across 13 offered degree programs of study.
The University of Dallas' Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business provides a master of business administration degree with a concentration in strategic leadership that requires 39 credits over 13 classes for completion. In addition to MBA core curriculum, strategic leadership concentration courses include the craft of leadership, critical and strategic thinking or strategic management, and a choice of one of five concentration electives.
Students taking a standard course load of two classes per semester can typically complete the program in two to three years. Flexible course scheduling provides an ideal learning environment for working professionals.
Applying to the University of Dallas
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.0 GPA, good academic standing with all colleges previously attended, minimum 3.0 GPA for all graduate-level coursework completed, and specific MBA program prerequisites.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $1,250/credit
Required Credits: 39 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid
-
University of North Texas
Established in 1890, UNT currently hosts more than 40,000 students annually across 109 bachelor's programs, 94 master's programs, and 36 doctoral programs.
The master of business administration in strategic management degree offered through the G. Brint Ryan College of Business requires 36 credits for completion, split into 18 credits of core MBA coursework and 18 credits of concentration coursework. Graduation eligibility includes a minimum 3.0 GPA, no more than two grades of "C" in core and/or concentration courses, and no grades of "D" or "F."
Coursework highlights include a seminar in ethics and social responsibility, strategic management, entrepreneurship and venture management, and managing organizational design and change. Flexible class scheduling allows students to complete required coursework in as little as 18 months or as long as five years.
Applying to UNT
Students must apply to both the University of North Texas Toulouse Graduate School and the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Requirements include official transcripts, an essay, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $353/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 1.5-5 years
Delivery Format: 100% online
-
Founded in 1871 as a seminary school, Bethel currently serves almost 4,500 students. The private, Christian university offers more than 100 academic programs across two colleges, a graduate school, and a seminary.
Bethel's master of business administration degree with a concentration in strategy and execution requires 42 credits for completion. Students can typically complete the required coursework in 18 to 24 months, depending on course load. Coursework highlights include organizational diagnostics and health, leadership theory and personal agency, data analytics for leaders, and strategic communication for leaders.
Bethel also offers students a combined master of business administration and master of arts in strategic leadership program, giving students the ability to earn two master's degrees with similar coursework to save time and money. Students enjoy studies designed to provide expertise in ongoing innovation, advanced business strategies, and execution of those strategies.
Applying to Bethel
Admission requirements include an online application, official collegiate transcripts, an interview, two professional references, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Prerequisites include two years work experience and a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $650/credit
Required Credits: 42 credits
Program Length: 18-24 months
Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid
What to Expect From an Online MBA in Strategy
A strategic management MBA typically focuses on overarching methods for promoting organizational growth. The degree presents strategy within the context of U.S. and global economies, addressing policy development, negotiation, and change management.
Degree-seekers typically complete 35-60 credits, depending on their academic history. Some programs offer a more intensive business core, while others dive deeper into the specialization. Students generally complete online strategy MBAs in 16-36 months. Certain schools expect learners to proceed through the curriculum as a cohort, while others offer part-time and other flexible options.
Prospective distance learners can also expect to encounter different program structures. Many online MBA programs require in-person experiences, such as on-campus residencies or international experiences. Some schools make these events optional or online.
The MBA Admission Process
A prospective student applying to an MBA in strategic management should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some programs require prior coursework in business, while others accept all majors. Where specified, minimum GPA requirements fall in the 2.8-3.0 range. Depending on the program, students may also need two or more years of professional work experience, though many schools accept learners from all career stages.
Most schools require students to submit GMAT or GRE scores when applying for MBAs in strategy. Programs may recommend or require minimum scores in the neighborhood of 520-570 GMAT, or 153 verbal/154 quantitative on the GRE.
Degree-seekers should plan to prepare materials to accompany their online applications. Most schools require a resume, 2-3 letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining the candidate’s career plans. Programs may also request professional portfolios or an interview. Application fees for online strategy MBAs typically cost $75-$100.
Online MBA Admissions
Strategic Management Degree Options
Strategic management degree-seekers can pursue several options. Often aimed at those with five or more years of work experience, the MS in strategy generally requires about 30 credits. As with the MBA, students can find MS programs with flexible programs that run for 15-36 months.
However, an MS in strategy curriculum typically focuses on topics like business sustainability and negotiation. Students looking for a wider breadth of business knowledge might choose to pursue MBAs to underpin their strategy studies with skills in accounting, finance, and human resources.
Students may find the strategy concentration listed under different titles. Some schools use “strategy” and “strategic management” interchangeably, while others carry slightly different focuses. For example:
Strategic Leadership or Strategic Management
These specializations emphasize executive roles, focusing on best practices in management, global business, and leadership theory.
Strategy and Consulting
Still focused on corporate strategy, this option emphasizes analysis and problem-solving, preparing students to understand management structures.
Comparing an MBA to a Master's
Comparing Strategic Management and General MBAs
Prospective students may waver between choosing general MBA programs and MBAs in strategic management. Though the two options share many characteristics, including potential career paths, each MBA candidate should know the differences to make an informed decision.
Aspiring or experienced business professionals with a clear career direction in mind benefit from pursuing specializations. Individuals who aim to advance to high-ranking leadership positions or pursue consulting roles can develop their expertise through MBAs in strategic management.
For learners who may not know their ideal job yet, the general MBA can help provide a solid business background without limiting future career options.
|
MBA in Strategic Management |
General MBA |
| Credit Requirements |
35-60 credits |
55-60 credits |
| Timeline |
15-36 months |
Two years |
| Courses |
Financial reporting, marketing management, managerial accounting, negotiation and conflict resolution, managing the global enterprise, strategy implementation |
Financial reporting, marketing management, managerial accounting, designing and executing strategies, business ethics, electives |
| Focus |
Strong business core with leadership-centric track or group of electives |
Strong business core that may include more foundational courses or allow for flexible elective choices |
| Admission Requirements |
Bachelor’s degree, resume, essay, interview, GMAT or GRE scores |
Bachelor’s degree, resume, essay, interview; scores from GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or executive assessment (EA) |
Guide to the General MBA
Popular Strategic Management Courses
While curriculum varies depending on the school, prospective students can expect to encounter similarities among management MBA programs. The typical MBA requires a set of core business foundations, followed by electives or track-specific courses. Many MBA programs culminate with practical capstone projects, where learners demonstrate their skills by solving real-life business problems.
Common strategy MBA program courses include:
-
Financial Reporting and Analysis
This staple MBA core class prepares managers to understand accounting presentations and make decisions based on their findings. The course provides a vocabulary for investments and other tools for discussing financial issues.
-
Business Economics
Coursework covers microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, supply and demand, cost analysis, and competition, preparing students to analyze situations in which an economic shift can affect managerial decision-making.
-
Negotiation and Conflict Raesolution
This strategy-specific course prepares organizational leaders to negotiate contracts and navigate disputes through a lens of psychological and emotional understanding. The course may involve practical applications through role play. Topics include negotiation strategy, communication, and methods for mediating conflicts that may arise during the course of business.
-
Management and Organizational Caonsulting
This course may appear as a part of a leadership or a consulting-specific strategy concentration to bridge the gap between organizational theory and practical application. Students delve into various organizational structures, management techniques, and methods for guiding large-scale organizational change. Subjects also cover client relationships and specific case studies.
-
Field Project
Many MBA programs require students to complete final capstone projects involving hands-on work with business partners. For a strategic management MBA, the capstone often involves analyzing a real-world business problem and presenting a strategy to help solve it. Students may work individually or in teams.
How Much Will an MBA in Strategic Management Cost?
Prospective students seeking online MBAs in strategy encounter a spectrum of tuition rates. Generally speaking, tuition ranges from about $35,000-$67,000, with some programs topping $100,000 or more. The total cost differs based on the number of credits in a program, the timeline, and other included fees relating to immersion events.
Online students can often take advantage of a wealth of cost-saving measures. Many schools offer flat-rate tuition for distance programs, where everyone pays the same rate, regardless of location. Other schools may still differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students, so degree-seekers should make sure to read the details carefully.
To help fund an MBA, prospective students can seek out scholarships from professional organizations and local associations. Degree-seekers can also qualify for government grants and low-interest loans. Follow the links below to find more information about financial aid.
Jobs for MBAs in Strategic Management
With an MBA in strategic management, business professionals can qualify for advanced positions with strong salaries. Because a strategy MBA emphasizes big-picture thinking, graduates can advance to management jobs within many different industries. As of 2019, top executives earned a median annual salary of $104,690, while architectural and engineering managers took home a $144,830 median salary.
Top employers include retail and wholesale trade, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. According to BLS data, management analysts often work in professional, technical, and scientific services, government, and finance.
Other potential career paths for strategic management MBA holders include:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What can I do with an MBA in strategy?
An MBA in strategy focuses on high-level decisions and policy design. Graduates work as management consultants, chief executive officers, sales managers, and operations managers.
-
Is it cheaper to earn an MBA with a strategy concentration online?
Online programs often feature lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. Schools commonly offer in-state rates to out-of-state students or charge a flat rate. Degree-seekers should check for in-person requirements and any associated travel fees.
-
Is an MBA in strategic management worth it?
According to BLS data, professionals across management occupations earned a median annual wage of $105,660 in 2019. With an MBA in strategic management, graduates can qualify for even more lucrative positions, making the degree a solid option for those seeking advancement.
-
What kinds of strategic management degrees are there?
An MBA in strategic management provides a business foundation and may emphasize organizational leadership or consulting, though most programs cover both areas. A degree-seeker with professional experience might also consider an MS in strategic management.
