According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 87,500 managerial professionals worked in Kentucky as of May 2018. With the healthcare industry dominating the list of large employers in Kentucky, medical and health services professionals may find widespread opportunities for employment in the state. Similarly, strong manufacturing, extraction, and industrial sectors bode well for individuals with an MBA in Kentucky.
Online MBA programs in Kentucky provide opportunities to pursue career advancement and salary growth. Students complete foundational coursework in finance, business communications, and management while learning critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to leadership roles in business settings.
Flexible and convenient online classes allow learners to complete their MBA on a schedule that best meets their needs. Students can earn an accelerated online MBA in Kentucky in as few as 12-18 months, while part-time learners may complete their degree in 3-5 years.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Kentucky's Best Online MBA Programs
The colleges and universities listed below hold national or regional accreditation. When choosing an online MBA program in Kentucky, learners should take accreditation status into consideration. Accreditation can influence admission criteria, financial aid, and transfer options.
Alongside institutional accreditation, online MBA programs may maintain programmatic accreditation through a specialized, business-focused agency. This indicates that a department or degree meets the standards set by experts in business fields.
To find out more about programmatic accreditation for online MBA programs in Kentucky and the overall importance of accreditation, refer to the MBA Accreditation guide.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Kentucky
Kentucky recently experienced a boom in job growth thanks to changes in federal laws. According to the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Kentucky, the state's economy is projected to grow by roughly 2-2.5% annually. Currently, Kentucky's growth relates directly to the health of the federal government.
The Kentucky Center for Statistics projects that office and administrative positions will be the biggest contributors to job growth in Kentucky through 2026. MBA graduates can explore many career roles, whether they aspire to work in human resources, finance, or another business field. Interestingly, no specific office or administrative jobs are projected to see massive growth. Instead, healthcare jobs continue to experience the fastest growth. The boom in the healthcare industry continues to drive Kentucky's employment growth. A specialization in health systems management can help MBA grads tap into this industry.
Online MBA graduates seeking a job in Kentucky may need to prepare to move to an urban area. Healthcare ranks among the biggest industries in Kentucky, and employment opportunities reside largely in urban areas such as Louisville and Lexington. Other top employers, such as the auto industry, maintain plants outside of the largest cities.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry | Lexington | Dental Schools | 14,000 |
| Humana Inc. | Louisville | Medical Insurance Carriers | 10,000 |
| Norton Hospital Behavioral | Louisville | Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 10,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Earning an online MBA with a health systems concentration provides a clear path to these businesses. Individuals can also consider other business roles within the healthcare industry. For example, large businesses need human resource managers and financial managers. To find a job at a large business, students should consider their desired position and pick the online program that best fits their goals. While not every MBA graduate finds their desired role in healthcare, job opportunities abound.
Careers for MBA Grads in Kentucky
MBA Concentrations for Kentucky Students
An online MBA program in Kentucky prepares students for leadership roles through coursework in business fundamentals. Classes in finance, marketing, and organizational behavior build skills applicable to careers in fields such as accounting, human resources, and consulting.
Many MBA programs offer opportunities to further enhance professional knowledge and skills through specialized coursework. With healthcare entities such as Humana, Norton Hospital, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare among the top five largest employers in the state, an MBA concentration in healthcare management may provide an ideal course of study for Kentucky residents.
Additional MBA concentrations that meet the needs of business professionals in Kentucky include information technology, supply chain management, and criminal justice. To find out more about how an MBA specialization can enhance your degree, refer to the MBA Specializationshub.
