MBA programs build the skills students need to move past entry-level roles, secure promotions, and advance into management positions. They also develop communications, business strategy, finance, and leadership abilities that can help graduates switch career paths or specialize their professions. This page explores the benefits of earning an online MBA in Alaska.
A 2018 study by The Chronicle of Higher Education found that only 7.6% of Alaska's residents hold a master's degree, less than in the U.S. as a whole. MBA-holders in the state may enjoy a significant competitive edge over individuals without advanced degrees. More students in Alaska are enrolling in online courses, as well. In 2015, nearly half of Alaska's undergraduate and graduate students took some distance courses, up from 34.5% in 2012.
See below a list of distance MBA programs in Alaska, along with important information on Alaska's largest employers and growing job fields.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Alaska
Since 2016, a statewide recession in Alaska has led to a decrease in jobs. Alaska's 2019 Labor Department report credits the downturn to a systematic shift away from the state's dependency on oil revenue. As a result, MBA-holders take the lead in restructuring local government and redirecting it toward new financial opportunities to build a cohesive administration. Beyond government concerns, MBA graduates also participate in major state industries, including healthcare, tourism, mining, and agriculture.
Healthcare represents Alaska's biggest industry. Ambulatory services, hospitals, elderly and disability assistance, rehabilitation, and mental healthcare all count among the top 25 job growth industries since 1990. Every healthcare service needs MBA-holders to manage administration and monitor fiscal growth while maintaining ethical and legal standards.
Tourism also counts among Alaska's major industries. Food vendors have grown by 77% since 1990, traveler accommodations by 53%, and amusement and recreation industries by 170%. All of these industries need managerial and consulting professionals – ideal roles for MBA graduates.
The Alaskan wilderness offers vast natural resources, representing another major industry. Specialty trade contractors are on the rise; metal ore mining alone has jumped 164%. This abundance of resources, from the oil industry to mining, lumber, and agriculture, supplies a variety of professional positions for MBA-holders.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
ALASKA'S TOP 3 LARGEST EMPLOYERS
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wainwright Military Base | Fort Wainwright | Military Base | 6,100 |
| UniSea Inc. | Dutch Harbor | Seafood, Wholesale | 5,000 |
| Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport | Anchorage | Airports | 4,000 |
Source:Career One Stop
The Fort Wainwright Army Base employs management and financial analysts and database administrators who use their knowledge of business frameworks and software systems to help employees organize and protect sensitive data. In the wholesale seafood business at UniSea, Inc, MBA graduates manage complex supply chains and climb to higher levels of management. Similarly, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport needs MBA-holders for operations management, control systems administration, and aviation management.
Careers for MBA Grads in Alaska
MBA Concentrations for Alaska Students
Some Alaska MBA programs feature rigid curricula, but others let students customize their coursework through concentration options. Concentrations allow learners to take core courses in finance, business, and strategy, while also delving into more specialized areas.
When choosing a specialization, students should consider their local job markets. Business students in Alaska might focus their studies on a subject that prepares them for work in one of the state's major industries, such as seafood wholesaling, tourism, or healthcare.
Take a look at this page to learn a bit more about potential MBA specializations.
Alaska's Online MBA Programs
Read on for a list of accredited Alaska online MBA programs. Prospective students should only apply to accredited universities, since accreditation verifies that a school consistently offers a top-notch education. To learn more about MBA program accreditation, check out this guide.
Each MBA program in the U.S. offers its own set of courses, resources, specializations, and class formats. Read through the list below to compare programs and find your perfect school.
