According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 140,000 business and financial workers and over 167,000 management professionals work in Arizona. These professionals earn high incomes compared to those in many other states, taking home annual mean salaries of $68,190 and $100,680, respectively. Earning an online MBA in Arizona is a great way to launch a business administration career.
Online education is on the rise in Arizona, as well. In 2015, over 80,000 graduate students in the state enrolled in distance classes, compared with just under 40,000 in 2012.
Read on for a list of online MBA programs in Arizona, plus additional information to help you decide if earning an Arizona MBA is right for you. The following sections examine Arizona's economic growth, its major industries and employers, and potential job opportunities for business school grads.
Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
The list below provides a sampling of distance MBA programs in Arizona. Browse it to learn key details about schools and decide which programs offer the best academic opportunities and resources to suit your interests.
Keep in mind that you should only apply to schools and programs that hold proper accreditation. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards set by independent accrediting bodies. The list below only details properly accredited MBA programs in Arizona.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Arizona
Arizona boasts the third-fastest growing economy in the United States. In 2018, the state's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.3%, while the national GDP grew by 3.9%. Much of Arizona's economic growth comes from companies in the finance, business services, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. These sectors tend to resist economic downturns, making Arizona an excellent place for professional advancement.
Experts expect economic growth to continue at this rate through at least 2022. Employment rates should rise at equal rates. Arizona residents can expect jobs statewide to grow by 41.8% over the next 10 years.
Candidates earning online MBAs in Arizona position themselves to expand with the state's economy. Companies that start in or move to Arizona need local, well-trained managers to oversee their teams. These professionals can also expect to make above-average wages. The mean income in Arizona sits at $49,290, but the BLS reports that managers in the state earn a mean annual salary of $104,940. The chart below highlights some of the largest Arizona-based employers.
ARIZONA'S TOP 3 LARGEST EMPLOYERS
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Tucson | Higher Education | 14,466 |
| Raytheon Missile Systems | Tucson | Missile and Rocket Manufactures | 13,000 |
| Arizona State University | Tempe | Higher Education | 12,218 |
Source:Career One Stop
An online MBA in Arizona can help candidates find managerial positions in these organizations. Higher education organizations and casinos need qualified professionals to manage their large workforces. Graduates can also find work at some of Arizona's other top employers, which include Raytheon Missile Systems, Mayo Clinic, Southwest Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace, TMC Healthcare, and American Express. These national companies hire MBAs to oversee several areas of business, including marketing, finance, and supply chains.
Careers for MBA Grads in Arizona
MBA Concentrations for Arizona Students
Prospective students should strongly consider selecting an Arizona online MBA that allows them to pursue a concentration. Specializations allow learners to tailor their degrees to their personal interests, building specific skills and knowledge relevant to the most important industries. When choosing a concentration, degree candidates should consider which industries and jobs are growing rapidly in their state.
According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, some of the most important industries to Arizona's economy include manufacturing, bioscience and healthcare, aerospace and defense, digital media, and financial services. Consult this specializations hub for more advice on finding the perfect MBA fit for you.
How to Choose a Quality MBA Program
