Enrollment in distance learning programs in Mississippi has grown steadily in recent years, making the state a great place to earn an online MBA. In 2015, close to 6,000 of Mississippi's graduate students took classes exclusively online, up from just under 3,500 in 2012. Overall, more than a third of Mississippi's undergraduate and graduate learners take some distance courses.
According to a 2018 study from The Chronicle of Higher Education, only 5.8% of Mississippians hold a master's degree — fewer than in most other states. The lack of highly educated workers in Mississippi may give MBA holders a competitive edge over other job seekers.
This page offers an overview of Mississippi's economy and lists the state's top employers, growing jobs, and key industries. Below, you can also learn about some managerial positions available to students who earn an online MBA in Mississippi.
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Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Mississippi
Mississippi maintains a strong reputation for competitiveness in industries such as distribution and warehousing, forestry and energy, and shipbuilding. For example, Huntington Ingalls has built seven in 10 of the Navy's fleet of warships in Pascagoula, Jackson County. Furthermore, the state ranks fifth in the world for its investment potential for future oil and gas. While many of the companies that offer top jobs operate in major cities like Hattiesburg, Jackson, and nearby Memphis, career opportunities abound statewide.
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) reports management occupations as the fastest growing profession in the state as of 2018, with an annual demand for more than 5,500 experts in the field. Other professions experiencing this kind of surge include healthcare practitioners and food preparation-related occupations. Online MBA graduates can take advantage of these statewide trends by leveraging their background and knowledge to enter jobs that make them indispensable to employers.
According to MDES, the state projects 5% employment growth by 2026, with employment in management occupations increasing nearly 8%. This anticipated upswing increases the likelihood that MBA holders may find employers actively recruiting professionals who possess expertise relevant to building Mississippi's economy.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffet at Beau Rivage | Biloxi | Resorts | 30,000 |
| Nissan North American Inc. | Canton | Automobile Manufacturing | 6,300 |
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi State University | Higher Education | 4,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
An MBA weds textbook learning and real-world studies to prepare you for a profession that puts your degree to good use. You might seek employment at large Mississippi companies or other organizations that leverage your talents to drive business success. Alternatively, you might enter a role within a nonprofit organization to help it operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you follow the for-profit or nonprofit path, both can allow a rewarding career.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers for MBA Grads in Mississippi
MBA Concentrations for Mississippi Students
Many Mississippi online MBA programs provide options for students to focus their studies through a concentration area such as an MBA in finance, management, logistics, or information technology. While business students should choose a concentration that fits their personal interests and career goals, they should also consider the specialized skills and knowledge they may need to find a job in Mississippi. Students may decide to focus in an area related to Mississippi's major industries, which include manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, agribusiness, and energy. With an accelerated MBA program, students in Mississippi can earn a degree in these fields in as little as one year.
For more information on MBA concentrations, head to to our specializations hub.
Mississippi's Online MBA Programs
Sifting through dozens of business schools can prove time-consuming, so consider starting your search with this list of online MBA programs in Mississippi. The list below can help you compare schools and ultimately find the perfect Mississippi MBA. As you read through the list, identify the program characteristics that interest you most.
All of the schools below have been reviewed and accredited by independent accrediting organizations. Check out this page to learn more about MBA program accreditation.
How to Choose a Quality MBA Program
