South Carolina has many excellent online programs to offer aspiring MBA students. Babson Research Group's distance education survey of South Carolina found 5,031 students pursuing their graduate degrees online, an increasingly popular format for education in this state.
Chronicle of Education data suggests that only 7.1% of South Carolinians hold master's degrees, so South Carolina MBA-holders join an elite, competitive group of educated job candidates. Employers also require relevant work experience. However, earning an online MBA in South Carolina gives candidates the education credentials they need to qualify for leadership positions in major South Carolina industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and business services.
Designed to help identify the best MBA program for you, the following information provides an overview of available South Carolina online MBA programs, accounting for relevant factors such as institution and programmatic accreditation, MBA career paths, South Carolina job market and industry projections, and MBA concentration options.
South Carolina's Online MBA Programs
As you consider pursuing a South Carolina MBA, take time to research and compare the available programs. The list of schools below compares key features of South Carolina online MBA programs.
Note whether programs allow synchronous, asynchronous, part-time, full-time, and accelerated attendance, and consider residency requirements, costs, and concentration offerings. Those with a particular business role or industry in mind should enroll in an MBA program offering a relevant concentration.
Prioritize online MBA programs in South Carolina that boast programmatic accreditation from a top MBA accrediting agency. Look for schools with institution-wide, regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools — schools offering a higher-caliber education than nationally accredited schools.
How to Choose a Quality MBA Program
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 South Carolina
Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, South Carolina's top two industries are healthcare and automobiles. The state's healthcare industry primarily centers around major cities including Charleston and Columbia. Its automotive industry depends largely on BMW, which operates its only North American manufacturing facility in Greer. As such, students who do not wish to live in a major city may find employment opportunities in Greer.
Students can position themselves to benefit from South Carolina's two major industries by specializing their MBAs in healthcare administration or supply chain management/logistics. Enrollees who complete a human resources management concentration could likely find employment in either industry.
Students who earn business degrees in healthcare administration or supply chain management can set themselves up for employment for the foreseeable future. The following table provides additional information about South Carolina's top three employers.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Hospital | Charleston | Healthcare | 15,000 |
| Savannah River Archeological | Columbia | Archeological Research | 13,000 |
| Medical University of SC | Charleston | Healthcare | 12,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Students who choose healthcare administration, human resources, or supply chain management/logistics to specialize their online MBAs in South Carolina can increase their chances of employment with the state's top businesses. Moreover, these three companies pride themselves on hiring locally, and they occasionally recruit from the state's top business schools and programs.
Careers for MBA Grads in South Carolina
MBA Concentrations for South Carolina Students
Many online MBA programs in South Carolina offer both general MBA and MBA concentration options. If you already know which industry or business role you desire, earning an MBA with a concentration in that area often provides better preparation than a general MBA does.
For example, students interested in South Carolina's booming healthcare industry may opt for MBAs in healthcare administration or health services management. Students interested in common business roles can opt for an MBA in accounting, marketing, or information management. Such graduates might find work with any of South Carolina's top employers in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and other industries.
