Employers rank strategy among the top three most important skills for business school graduates, according to the 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey. Plus, earning your MBA in strategic management online can help you take the next step in your career.
A strategy MBA emphasizes strategic planning and implementation. You'll strengthen analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills. With an MBA in strategic management, you can pursue opportunities as a management consultant, operations manager, or financial manager.
Ready to dive into competitive analysis, corporate strategy, and leadership development? Explore our ranking of the best online strategy MBA programs.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Strategy and Strategic Management MBAs
How We Choose Programs
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list was updated in 2022. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get a Strategy MBA Degree?
Career Advancement Earning an MBA can open new career doors. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree for management-level roles. And specializing in strategic management leads to diverse career paths in consulting, management, and leadership.
Earning Potential An MBA in strategy can increase your earning potential more than other master's degrees. In the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, employers reported that MBA grads earned an average starting of $125,000, compared with $85,000 for a master's in management or a master's in data analytics.
High Demand Across all industries, MBA graduates will likely see stronger demand than other professionals with a master's degree. As GMAC reports, 90% of employers plan to hire more MBAs, compared with 79% for a master's in management.
Jobs for MBAs in Strategy Graduates
With an MBA in strategic management, you'll qualify for many high-paying roles with advancement opportunities. Across sectors, employers look for strategic leaders who can innovate and implement effective plans. Here are some common career paths for professionals who earn their MBAs in strategy online.
Management Analyst
Management analysts and consultants evaluate organizations to identify areas for improvement. They recommend strategies to boost revenue and reduce expenses. Demand for consulting professionals continues to grow, particularly in tech.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +10%
Median Annual Salary (2023): $99,410
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee an organization's financial strategies and health. They implement investment strategies while managing financial analysts and other staff. Specialties such as risk management report particularly strong growth.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +16%
Median Annual Salary (2023): $156,100
Source: BLS
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee daily operations, create policies for growth, and manage projects. They play an important role in diverse sectors, where their responsibilities often overlap with chief executive officer duties. Operations managers are projected to see job growth over the next decade.
Job Outlook (2022-2032): +4%
Median Annual Salary (2023): $101,280
Source: BLS
Read MoreDiscover careers that fit your MBA
What to Expect From a Strategy MBA Program
How should organizations implement their strategic plans, evaluate their results, and seize a competitive advantage? During an MBA in strategy, you'll explore these exciting areas while strengthening analytical, leadership, and management skills.
Earning your MBA in strategy online typically takes 1-2 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. During that time, you'll take core business classes and advanced strategy courses. You'll also prepare for careers at the management and executive levels, including consulting roles.
The top accredited business schools offer several different strategy-focused MBA programs. They may offer concentrations in strategic management, corporate strategy, strategic leadership, or strategy and consulting. While these are all strategy concentrations, the specific focus of the program can vary depending on the business school.
Degree and Format Options
MBA programs offer several format options. By comparing programs, you can find one that best fits your schedule and needs.
Online vs. in-person vs. hybrid: In a fully online MBA, you'll take all of your classes online, while an in-person program requires on-campus courses. A hybrid model blends the two delivery options.
Asynchronous vs. synchronous: Do you want live class sessions where you debate strategy with classmates? Or recorded lectures you can absorb on your own time? This matters especially if you're working while in business school.
Accelerated vs. traditional: You can earn your MBA in strategy online in as little as 12-18 months. However, an accelerated format requires intensive coursework. Alternatively, you can consider a traditional two-year format or enroll part time.
Admissions Process
It's no secret that MBA admissions can be competitive. That's one reason it's a good idea to apply to multiple programs.
During the admissions process, you'll typically submit the following materials:
An online application plus an application fee
Official transcripts showing that you have a bachelor's and meet the minimum GPA requirements
Letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
A professional resume or CV
Programs may also require applicants to have prerequisite undergraduate business courses or professional experience. Review the admission requirements before starting your application.
Online MBA in Strategy Courses
You'll take core business classes and strategy concentration classes during your online MBA. Many programs incorporate a capstone or final project at the end of your degree. While each business school has a slightly different curriculum, here are five common courses you'll see in online strategy MBA programs.
Business Strategy Learn how to analyze corporate strategy, including strategy theories and the application of different strategies in practice. The course emphasizes leadership and behavioral concepts. Through case studies and analytical exercises, you'll strengthen strategic management skills.
Strategic Competitive Analysis In order to gain a competitive advantage, business leaders need to know how to conduct a strategic competitive analysis. In this course, MBA students learn how to assess a competitor's position and understand their strategies. Learners then link the analysis to their own strategic planning.
Financial Strategy By analyzing the financial strategies of corporations, MBA students learn how to make strategic decisions in the finance sector. The course covers topics such as capital structure and financial risk management. In addition to theoretical analysis, students will apply strategic approaches to real-world examples.
Organizational Management Explore organizational design and implementation to identify the components of successful organizations. The course incorporates change management, workforce planning, and organizational planning to strengthen the skills necessary for decision-making roles.
Technology Strategy In electives focused on tech strategy, MBA students learn how to foster innovation and gain a competitive advantage in the fast-paced tech sector. Topics such as research and development, technology investment, and innovation management prepare graduates for strategic roles in tech.
How Much Do Strategic Management MBAs Cost?
Attending a top-ranked MBA program can cost over $100,000 per year. Online MBA tuition rates vary widely, with some as cheap as a few hundred dollars per credit and others costing over $1,000 per credit.
Because costs vary, it's important to understand what factors influence cost. Public universities typically charge the lowest tuition rates, but attending business school online can help you compare costs without having to relocate for your degree. In addition to tuition, you'll need to factor in textbooks, fees, and living expenses.
Fortunately, you'll qualify for several forms of financial aid by attending an accredited university. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal student aid, including student loans. You may also qualify for MBA scholarships through your university or private organizations.
Should You Get an Online Strategy MBA or a General MBA?
Is it better to earn your MBA in strategy online or choose a general MBA degree? While both options have their pros and cons, you'll need to consider your interests and career goals to decide which path is right for you.
With both options, you'll likely take the same core business classes that typically make up the first year of a two-year MBA curriculum. A strategy MBA offers focused coursework beyond the core classes that emphasize strategic decision-making and analysis. With a general MBA, you'll take courses from many business fields, often with the option to choose electives to focus your degree.
If you're interested in strategic management and strategy-related consulting roles, a strategy MBA can highlight your strengths in those areas.
| Key Factor | Strategy MBA | General MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Strategic leadership and decision-making | Business core |
| Program Length | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| Credit Requirement | 36-60 credits | 30-54 credits |
| Admissions Requirements | 2.5-3.0 GPA; GMAT scores; resume; statement of purpose; recommendation letters | 2.5-3.0 GPA; GMAT scores; resume; statement of purpose; recommendation letters |
| Common Courses | Strategic management; workforce planning; change management; leadership development | Marketing management; organizational behavior; managerial finance; business analytics |
| Common Roles After Graduation | Management analyst; financial manager; management consultant; general or operations manager | Management consultant; marketing manager; operations manager; HR manager |
How to Select the Right Online MBA in Strategy Program
The right MBA program will fit your career goals, schedule, and budget. Several other factors can help you choose a quality program, including:
Competitiveness: How many applicants does the MBA program admit compared to the number of applications? If you're applying to competitive programs, consider also applying to some less selective schools to give yourself options.
Financial aid: MBA programs can be expensive. Comparing your financial aid offers from schools can help you narrow your options.
Reputation: Program reputation can matter when you're networking or on the job market. Research career services and placement rates for different programs to get an idea of their graduate outcomes.
Location: You can earn your MBA in strategy online from a university across the country, or you can choose a program closer to home. If you want to engage with the on-campus community, location can matter.
Internship opportunities: An internship can help you transition from your MBA program into the workforce. You'll also gain valuable professional experience. Research internship opportunities and partnerships with major employers when choosing a program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Strategy MBA Online
A strategy MBA emphasizes strategic management, preparing graduates for careers as analysts, managers, and consultants. Common courses include strategic competitive analysis, workforce planning, change management, and leadership development.
