The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

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Updated September 26, 2023

Why earn an advanced degree in cities like Boston? Explore top MBA programs in Massachusetts, key job opportunities, and potential earnings.

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Cambridge, Mass. skyline at night Credit: Shobeir Ansari / Moment / Getty Images

A master of business administration (MBA) can give professionals the boost to pursue new career opportunities. An MBA is an advanced degree that gives students more in-depth business and management knowledge, allowing them to specialize in fields like operational management or strategy.

Online MBA programs in Massachusetts can be a smart investment. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that the 12-month percentage change for business sector jobs in the state was 5.6% from March 2021 to March 2022.

Additionally, people with MBAs made nearly 30% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in business, according to a 2020 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey.

When looking for online MBA programs, Massachusetts residents have plenty of options. This page contains information for aspiring MBA students, including program benefits, degree costs, and a list of the best MBA programs in Massachusetts.

What To Expect From MBA Programs in Massachusetts

An MBA degree usually takes two full-time years to finish. Accelerated MBA programs may take one year. Students may complete between 36 and 60 credit hours to graduate. Additionally, MBA costs vary widely, but students can expect to pay between $34,225 and $60,935.

In general, MBA programs typically follow four formats: traditional, online, accelerated, and hybrid. Traditional programs require students to attend classes in person, while hybrid programs involve a mix of in-person and online courses.

Accelerated programs allow students to complete their degrees in 12 months with more intensive schedules. For those looking for more flexibility, online courses allow students to earn their degrees completely online and on their own schedule.

MBA programs often allow students to specialize in business subfields. Specializations and courses vary by program, but may include management, leadership, strategy, consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. Some common MBA class subjects include:

  • Finance: This course covers the foundations of business finance, including how to make investment decisions, assets and liabilities, and how to choose a capital structure.
  • Leadership: An introductory leadership class helps future managers and business owners develop a leadership style and develop team management skills.
  • Microeconomics: This class teaches the basics of economic analysis. Students develop skills in understanding cost curves, market structure, and pricing concepts.

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Why Get an Online MBA in Massachusetts?

An online MBA in Massachusetts programs can offer some benefits. While there are professional advantages to earning this degree, students may be surprised to find there are personal benefits as well. Here are three main benefits of an online MBA:

  • Better Job Opportunities: MBA degrees can set candidates apart in a highly competitive job market. Having an MBA can show employers that a candidate has the education, skill, and dedication to succeed.
  • Increased Earning Potential: Earning an advanced degree can pay off. In a recent NACE survey, people with graduate business degrees earned about 30% more than those with a bachelor’s in the field.
  • Larger Professional Network: Networking is an important part of building a career. MBAs give students invaluable networking opportunities that can translate into better job opportunities.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: MBA programs can be tough. Graduating with an MBA can give students a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence.

When it comes to earning an MBA online, Massachusetts offers students some unique opportunities. For instance, the BLS reports that the number of jobs in the business sector has increased over 5% year-over-year in March 2022. This may mean there is a higher likelihood that MBA holders will find jobs after graduation. Additionally, people interested in business healthcare and technology may have more opportunities in the state since biotechnology and healthcare are the state’s biggest industries.

Online MBA Programs in Boston

Boston is the largest metropolitan area in the state. It is also home to high-quality MBA programs that can help students pursue advanced roles in the field.

For instance, Boston University’s MBA program gives students the opportunity to earn joint degrees in fields like digital technology, economics, law, and medicine. This can give students an added advantage when it comes to finding good jobs in competitive industries.

Additionally, there are flexible Boston MBA online programs as well. For example, the University of Massachusetts Boston offers both an accelerated MBA and an online MBA so students can pick the program that best fits their needs. Suffolk University’s online MBA offers students unique opportunities, like participating in business simulations and interactive discussions with industry experts.

MBA Concentrations for Massachusetts Students

Students with an MBA specialization can align their studies with potential careers. Healthcare dominates the list of Massachusetts' largest employers, with 13 hospitals, emergency centers, and healthcare management companies ranking among the state's top 25. Other large employers include software programmers and electrical equipment manufacturers.

Graduates of MBA programs in Massachusetts may select specializations in the state's top industries like healthcare management, information technology or systems, or technology.

How Much Do MBAs Cost in Massachusetts?

MBA tuition can vary widely, but tuition can range between $34,225 and $60,935. But why is there such a difference in program cost? First, the type of program can affect how expensive it is. Online programs are usually cheaper than traditional ones, and accelerated programs can cost even less because students are enrolled for a shorter amount of time.

Additionally, NCES reports that public universities are less expensive than private ones in 2019-2020. This is especially true if students live in the same state as the college they are attending. Students should also consider their school's reputation. More prestigious programs sometimes come with a higher price tag.

Traditional students will need to think about how the cost of living impacts their degree cost. Massachusetts is the fifth most expensive state in the United States. Students attending traditional MBA programs should factor room, board, and transportation into their degree cost.

The good news is that there is financial assistance for MBA students. Scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid can help reduce the financial burden. Keep in mind that loans will have to be paid back after graduation.

Career Outlook in Massachusetts

It’s important to consider a state’s economy as you research MBA programs. Massachusetts’ economy grew in the last quarter of 2021 according to Northeastern University. Its GDP increased by 8.2% and is expected to grow by an average of 5.6% in the first half of 2022.

The BLS lists Massachusetts’ unemployment rate at 4.3%, making it 38th in the nation in unemployment. According to CareerOneStop, the five fastest-growing careers in Massachusetts are:

  • Solar photovoltaic installers
  • Statisticians
  • Information security analysts
  • Operations research analysts
  • Software developers (applications)

Many of the largest employers in Massachusetts are in the healthcare industry and located in or around Boston. Here are the three largest employers in the state:

Company Location Main Industry Number of Employees
Partners Healthcare Systems Inc Braintree Management Services 25,000
Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Hospitals 16,999
Brigham & Women's Hospital Boston Hospitals 13,303

Source: CareerOneStop

Careers for MBA Grads in Massachusetts

Management Analyst

Management analysts or consultants help organizations improve processes to increase efficiency and revenue. These professionals may review current procedures, interview employees, and analyze financial data to make recommendations. Management analysts may work for one organization or many companies.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): 14%
Median Annual Salary: $93,000

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Financial Manager

Finance managers help businesses and individuals make business-related decisions. They analyze the market to understand trends and create investment strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Some of their daily tasks include meeting with clients, managing portfolios, and deciding when to buy and sell investments.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): 17%
Median Annual Salary: $131,710

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Controller

Controllers oversee a company’s accounting division, including departments like payroll and accounts receivable services. Controllers often have the last say over financial decisions, including budgeting and reporting. Some of their daily responsibilities include overseeing daily accounting operations, maintaining financial records, creating company budgets, and ensuring operational compliance.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2019-29): 8%
Median Annual Salary: $98,980

Learn More

Financial Officer

Financial officers are usually executives within their companies and oversee the business’ entire financial operations, including financial planning, forecasting, analysis, and cash flow. Oftentimes, financial officers work closely with CEOs to plan for the company’s future. Some of their daily tasks include overseeing financial report development, managing cash flow, and measuring a company’s return on investment.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2019-29): 8%
Median Annual Salary: $98,980

Learn More

Medical and Health Services Manager

Also known as health information managers, these professionals are in charge of managing health-related data and making sure it stays private and secure. Some of health information managers’ daily tasks include training staff on data privacy and best practices, tracking information, identifying trends, and ensuring data management processes meet federal guidelines.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2019-29): 32%
Median Annual Salary: $101,340

Learn More

2022’s Top Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

The following list includes the top five universities offering master's in business administration programs. Prospective MBA students can find program details listed below.

All schools on the list are accredited. Accreditation ensures that schools maintain quality educational standards. Read more about MBA accreditation. The following universities hold accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).

#1 The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

Babson College

  • Wellesley, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Babson College is a global leader in entrepreneurship education. About one-third of Babson's 3,350 students are graduate learners, including those pursuing MBAs.

Graduate School

The Babson MBA gives students a strong business foundation while nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit. Students complete the part-time program at their own pace, taking classes either entirely online or in hybrid format.

The degree provides training in core cross-functional business areas such as marketing and finance. Enrollees use two-thirds of the MBA's credits to customize the degree with one of seven concentrations and other electives. Students can take classes in a variety of formats, including weekend intensives and study abroad experiences.

Faculty weave experiential learning into the program. A semester-long consulting project allows students to apply what they learned while working for a client.  

Babson's MBA Specializations

Business Analytics | Business Analytics and Machine Learning | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Global Management | Marketing | Quantitative Finance

Applying to Babson

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, all school transcripts, and short answer questions. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Institutional: New England Commission of Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $1,990/credit
  • Required Credits: 45 credits
  • Program Length: 18-36 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,608
Out-of-state
$52,608
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$89,550
Out-of-state
$89,550
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
26%
Students Enrolled
3,325
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
1% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Amherst, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst enrolls about 32,000 students. Degree-seekers study on a scenic 1,450-acre campus in Pioneer Valley. Distance learners can choose from a variety of programs including the online MBA.

Isenberg School of Management

The Isenberg online MBA enrolls professionals from a variety of academic backgrounds. Enrollees complete 39-45 credits depending on their educational background. Prior business education may exempt students from some foundational coursework. The required MBA core develops business skills applicable to organizations across industries.

Participants study areas such as business law, HR management, and financial and managerial accounting. Students can pursue specialized training in focus areas such as marketing and business analytics.

Student support services include success coaches and academic advisors. Isenberg's student clubs such as Net Impact and Graduate Women in Business provide extracurricular activities. Participants pay a flat tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. 

UMass Amherst's MBA Specializations

Business Analytics | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Healthcare Administration | Marketing

Applying to UMass Amherst

Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college, at least three years of professional experience, and GMAT or GRE scores. The school offers GMAT/GRE waivers for qualified applicants.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Institutional: New England Commission of Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $925/credit
  • Required Credits: 39-45 credits
  • Program Length: 24-48 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,014
Out-of-state
$29,529
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

Bentley University

  • Waltham, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bentley University is a private school that specializes in business education. Students can  pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus in Waltham and online. The school boasts 65,000 Falcon alumni located around the globe.

McCallum Graduate School of Business

McCallum business school designs the Bentley MBA with working professionals in mind. Students from a variety of backgrounds pursue this flexible part-time MBA. Learners have up to five years to complete this online degree. Participants attend live-streamed evening classes and customize the degree with one of seven concentrations.

Enrollees may also complete a general MBA by using electives to learn skills such as negotiating or managing with analytics. The general Bentley MBA offers an accelerated online option, which students can finish in 18-21 months. The program entails the same core curriculum and offers a leadership concentration.

Bentley's MBA Specializations

Accountancy | Business Analytics | Finance | Leadership | Law and Taxation | Marketing | Information Systems and Technology 

Applying to Bentley

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, two essays, and GMAT or GRE scores with waivers available for qualified applicants.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Institutional: New England Commission of Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $5,430/course
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 26-60 months (part time), 18-21 months (accelerated)
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous, asynchronous) or hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,060
Out-of-state
$50,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,400
Out-of-state
$38,400
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
5,314
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
2% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

  • Lowell, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, about 18,000 students pursue 170 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college emphasizes hands-on, personalized learning.

Manning School of Business

Students can earn an MBA online in just 12 months for less than $20,000. The MBA entails 30-42 credits, depending on degree-seekers' educational background. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment. All enrollees learn general managerial functions such as accounting and operations management. 

Participants can complete a general MBA or a more specialized degree with one of nine focus areas. The flexible degree allows students to take up to two semesters off if needed. UMass Lowell encourages entrepreneurship, offering coworking spaces for startups and programs that promote innovation. Massachusetts residents and nonresidents alike pay the same competitively priced tuition.

UMass Lowell's MBA Specializations

Accounting | Business Analytics | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Healthcare | Marketing | Information Technology | International Business | Managerial Leadership 

Applying to UMass Lowell

Admission requires a bachelor's degree in any major, school transcripts, and no GRE or GMAT scores.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public 
  • Accreditation: Institutional: New England Commission of Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $655/credit
  • Required Credits: 30-42 credits
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,078
Out-of-state
$33,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,590
Out-of-state
$26,370
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
18,352
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 The Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts of 2022

Bay Path University

  • Longmeadow, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Established in 1897, Bay Path University is primarily a women's college with four locations. The school offers an online women's college, traditional undergraduate degrees for women, and graduate programs for all genders. 

Graduate College

Working professionals can earn an MBA in entrepreneurial thinking and innovative practices in a fully online or hybrid format. Students from business and non-business backgrounds receive a well-rounded education in general management skills. The 36-credit curriculum blends theoretical and experiential learning opportunities. Students learn portable skills applicable to any industry.  

The 36-credit curriculum includes training in business analytics and accounting for business decision-makers. Five concentrations provide specialized training in a field such as healthcare management and cybersecurity. 

Small classes enhance personalized learning and collaboration among peers. The program charges one flat tuition rate for Massachusetts residents and out-of-state students. 

Bay Path's MBA Specializations

Cybersecurity | Data Analytics | Finance | Healthcare Management | Management 

Applying to Bay Path

Admission requires a bachelor's degree. Applicants should demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA. GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Applicants must submit an essay and two recommendations.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Institutional: New England Commission of Higher Education
  • Tuition: $855/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,081
Out-of-state
$35,081
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,670
Out-of-state
$14,670
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
3,324
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Sources

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