According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 174,000 individuals in Virginia work in management occupations. With annual mean salaries exceeding $140,000, Virginia offers the nation's fifth-highest salary, providing lucrative opportunities for healthcare, government, and business managers in the state. Top employers in Virginia include healthcare businesses like LabCorp, government institutions such as the naval medical center at Portsmouth, and Nestle USA, Inc.
Online MBA programs in Virginia prepare entry-level workers to advance into leadership positions. An MBA builds skills in finance, accounting, and strategizing, plus competencies in marketing and management.
Unlike traditional MBA degrees, online programs allow students to complete classes on a flexible, convenient schedule. Accelerated MBA programs give students the option to earn their degrees in as little as 12 months, while part-time learners can complete classes in 3-4 years.
Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
The universities offering online MBAs may hold regional or national accreditation. Graduate degrees in business may also receive programmatic accreditation through a specialized organization or agency. Programmatic accreditation attests to academic rigor and excellence, confirming a degree's quality to students and employers.
Three specialized bodies accredit MBA programs: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council. You can find out more about these groups and the importance of accreditation here.
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 Virginia
Virginia's central location near the Appalachian Mountains and along the eastern coastline of the U.S. provides economic advantages and diverse income sources. Located in eastern Virginia, Chesapeake Bay is one of the largest ports in the country. Many top retailers — including Walmart and Target — base their East Coast supply chain operations in this geographical hub.
In rural parts of southwestern Virginia, major industries include coal mining and agriculture, producing crops like soy, tobacco, and peanuts. In urban northern Virginia near the District of Columbia, thriving government-related industries include communication, consulting, and software development. The Virginia Employment Commission projects employment in Virginia to grow by 10.1% from 2016-2026, far exceeding the national growth rate.
Healthcare is Virginia's fastest-growing industry. The Virginia Employment Commission projects employment in healthcare and social assistance to grow to more than 110,000 employees from 2016-2026. For this reason, students in Virginia may want to pursue an online MBA in healthcare management.
Overall, the state boasts a thriving economy with positive job outlooks in many industries. Professionals with online MBAs enjoy a variety of career opportunities in Virginia.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | Education | 52,000 |
| Heart & Vascular Institute | Winchester | Individual and Family Services | 20,540 |
| Huntington Ingalls Industries | Newport News | Ship Building and Repairing | 20,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Earning an online MBA increases a candidate's employability in any of Virginia's top three industries, listed above. Virginia MBA-holders may pursue positions as healthcare administrators for the Heart & Vascular Institute, business strategists for Huntington Ingalls Industries, and marketing directors at the University of Virginia.
Careers for MBA Grads in Virginia
MBA Concentrations for Virginia Students
Online MBA programs in Virginia offer foundational coursework, plus opportunities for specialized study. A specialized MBA builds skills applicable to a specific industry or field, boosting earning potential and career opportunities.
VCU Health Systems in Richmond and the Health and Vascular Institute in Winchester are two of Virginia's largest employers. To work for these companies, learners would benefit from a healthcare administration MBA. Additional concentrations, like an MBA in hospitality management, supply chain management, and public administration prepare professionals for managerial roles at companies and organizations like the Defense Logistics Agency and Sodexo.
To find out more about MBA specializations and all they have to offer, check out the MBA specialization hub.
How to Choose a Quality MBA Program
