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Master of Business Administration

SIU MBA Students on iPad

Our highly flexible online MBA program in Business Administration is designed to boost your career to help you succeed in today’s fast-paced business world. Under the instruction of some of the top business faculty in the nation, our online program provides a general MBA program or a specialized MBA with Analytics for Managers, Finance or Marketing concentrations designed to help you gain leadership skills in any of these perspective.

The program offers the flexibility to learn on your terms. You can earn your degree on your schedule in order to make an impact on the business world. Though 100% online, the faculty members and supporting staff stay engaged and connected with our students through frequent online, email, and phone communications and a rigorous structure of weekly modules. In addition, students can enroll at five different times throughout a year and can graduate within as soon as a year of study or longer span of time, offering further flexibility.

Program Requirements

The program consists of 33 credit hours of coursework including 21 credits of core business classes, and 12 hours of electives under one of our concentrations. Our online FastTrack MBA condenses courses down to 8-week sessions that can be arranged to meet the needs of working professionals. The program can be condensed to as little as 12 months in some cases, as well as expanded to a more relaxed pace of 2 years (or more).

Admissions

Admissions applications undergo holistic review, considering academic performance and professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:

  • Professional Experience: Minimum of three years of post-baccalaureate full-time professional work.
  • Academic Experience: AACSB accredited business degree.
  • Personal Statement: Demonstrating fit with the program.

If the committee recommends admission despite academic deficiencies, the Graduate School decides on direct admission. Otherwise, applicants may seek non-declared graduate admissions until achieving a 3.0 Graduate GPA across 9 credit hours before reapplying. Non-declared students are not considered "Business" students for certain policies.

SIU MBA Student working on Computer in Library

Concentrations

This MBA program offers four concentrations that synergize well together. In some cases, two concentrations can be obtained with as few as 1 extra class beyond the 11 required for the degree.

The General concentration attracts students from throughout the world who aspire to become tomorrow's business leaders. Taught by highly respected faculty with national and international reputations, the online degree offers a rigorous graduate program delivered in an engaging, technologically advanced format.

The Analytics for Managers concentration will prepare students to take advantage of big data and data analytics in order to make effective strategic business decisions. Managers who know analytics are needed in virtually every business sector, including healthcare, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, retail, hospitality, and financial services. This concentration focuses on skills managers need to lead organizations using the most recent developments in analytics, artificial intelligence, and data visualization.

The Finance concentration will allow you to dive deep into investment analysis, financial markets, and risk management. Gain practical skills through real-world projects, led by experienced faculty. Prepare to lead in today's dynamic financial landscape.

The Marketing concentration delves into consumer behavior, market research, branding, and digital marketing strategies. You'll gain practical skills through hands-on projects and case studies. Prepare to drive business growth and lead innovative marketing initiatives in today's competitive landscape.

Careers

MBA graduates report high demand for their services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates financial managers to see 17% job growth from 2020-2030 and healthcare managers to see 32% projected job growth. Overall, management careers are projected to benefit from a 9% job growth from 2020-2030. That translates to over 900,000 new management jobs.

The BLS estimates that this growth will come from the founding of new companies and the expansion of current organizations. Professionals with an MBA will be prepared to take on management-level responsibilities in industries like tech, healthcare, marketing, and financial services.

Concurrent Degrees

SIU’s MBA program also offers several concurrent degrees, including:

  • In conjunction with the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, we offer a five-year integrated M.B.A./B.A. (Computer Science) Program.
  • Together with the School of Law, together, we offer the M.B.A./J.D. concurrent degree program.
  • In conjunction with the College of Arts and Media we offer a concurrent degree program leading to a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Professional Media and Media Management.
  • Together with the School of Agricultural Sciences, we offer a concurrent degree program leading to both the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Agribusiness Economics (ABE).

Accredited Program

AACSB Accreditation Logo

SIU College of Business is among the top five percent of business schools in the world, holding accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

It’s recognition of our diverse faculty with industry-oriented research interests, our innovative curriculum, and our student career opportunities.

Contact Information

For more information or for advisement questions, contact:

Xiaoxin Beardsley,
Program Director

Rehn Hall 128 A
1025 Lincoln Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-3030
xwang@siu.edu

College of Business and Analytics | 618-453-7901 |