Best Online MBA Programs for 2024 – Marketing

International students applying for the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program at Indiana University–Bloomington need to score at least 100 on the TOEFL test. Standardized test scores are not mandatory, but applicants must submit a recommendation letter. The program is primarily online but offers some in-person experiences and is taught by a team of over 360 full-time faculty members. Graduates of the program report a median base salary of $119,400. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 enrollment is July 1.

The Tepper Online Hybrid MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University accepts the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA), but test scores can be waived upon request. If an applicant has two or more years of professional work experience, the two required letters of recommendation can also be waived. The program allows students to take fully remote courses from anywhere in the nation. The business school has 125 faculty members and an average of 34 students per course. The median base salary for fall 2023 entrants increased from $111,000 before enrolling to approximately $150,750 within a year post-graduation. The program has five application deadlines throughout the year for interested candidates.

The MBA@UNC requires appilicants to report GMAT or GRE scores if they have less than five years of professional experience, but other waivers may apply. International students can submit proof English proficiency via a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or PTE Academic Exam. Two letters of recommendation are also required. The average class size for core courses is about 16 students. Five months after graduation, students report median base salaries of about $130,000. The program has four start dates per year (January, April, July and October).

University of Washington’s hybrid MBA does not require submission of admission exam scores, but applicants are welcome to submit a test score to demonstrate quantitative ability and program readiness. Two guided assessments/recommendations are required to apply. In core classes, the average number of students is 72. International students cannot generally apply for the program unless they have a U.S. employment visa. The final round deadline to apply for fall admission is June 15. Four months post-graduation, alumni earn about $155,000 in median annual salary. Total program cost is $93,000 and 62 credits are needed to graduate.

USC’s Marshall School of Business does not require test scores to apply, but they are accepted. One letter of recommendation is needed, and international students must turn in a TOEFL score. The average number of students in core classes is about 55, and the school has 352 business school faculty. The deadline to apply for fall admission is May 28.

International students applying for the online MBA program at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business must demonstrate English proficiency by taking TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exams. Standardized tests are optional. The program requires two letters of recommendation, and the average class size is 44 students. The school has 366 faculty members. Students typically have around seven years of work experience and a pre-enrollment salary of $81,000. The application deadline is July 1.

Rice University’s online MBA program will waive standardized test scores if applicants have more than three years of professional full-time work experience, a terminal degree of M.D. or PhD, a master’s degree in a STEM field, a professional certification of CFA or CPA, or are submitting an Executive Assessment Score at the time of application. Letters of recommendation are required. Applicants can submit just one if they use their direct supervisor or two non-direct supervisor letters. The fall 2024 deadline to apply for the MBA@Rice program is May 24.

The Iowa MBA program is test optional and also does not require letters of recommendation. However, international students must proof English proficiency via or TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. On average, there are 36 students in each core course. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1.

The online Global Leadership MBA at the University of Texas––Dallas requires international students to submit a minimum TOEFL score of 80. GRE and GMAT scores are not required but are accepted. However, the school requires three letters of recommendation. The program offers two academic certificates, including those in the Business Analytics and AI and Emerging Technologies concentrations. One year post-graduation, alumni report a median base salary of $105,304. The deadline to apply for fall enrollment is August 1.

While a strong GMAT/GRE score enhances any application, University of Massachusetts–Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management’s online MBA program candidates can make a case for admission without submitting scores. Applicants can submit professional experience and academic accomplishments. Candidates may also complete a test score waiver application form before applying to the program. The school does require two letters of recommendation. Four months post-graduation, students report median base salaries of $183,920. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is July 15.

Southern Methodist University’s 52-credit Cox School of Business online MBA program does not require English proficiency exams for international students. Standardized test scores are optional, and the school also does not require letters of recommendation. On average, there are 16 students per core online course. Students report a median base salary of $75,000 before entering the program and a median base salary of $127,500 post-graduation. The deadline to apply is July 1.

Florida State University offers an online MBA program that takes seven semesters to complete, and the GMAT submission is optional. International applicants must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, PTS, Duolingo, Cambridge C1, or Michigan Language Assessment. The program has an average of 31 students per course, and the application deadline for fall 2024 is June 1.

The Katz PMBA experience at the University of Pittsburgh utilizes a “test-optional” admissions process for all of its programs––so applicants are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The online program does require two letters of recommendation. Students report a median base salary of $69,700 before enrollment and $93,000 post-graduation. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for international students. The deadline to apply is July 1.

The University of Cincinnati’s online MBA program does not require GMAT and GRE scores. Applicants can submit them to build a better picture of their academic ability and aptitude for the admissions committee. The school also requires two letters of recommendation. Alumnis report a median base salary of $93,000 three months post-graduation. The deadline to apply is July 31.

Santa Clara University’s online MBA program waives standardized test scores for students who “can demonstrate quantitative aptitude.” The program requires two letters of recommendation for all entrants and TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for international applicants. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 30.

The online MBA program at the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University does not require GMAT or GRE test scores but does require English proficiency exam scores. The school is looking for applicants to submit one letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 program is June 25.

To apply for UMass–Lowell’s online MBA, no standardized testing is required except for international students, who must prove English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEIC. Two letters of recommendation are also needed. The program has a rolling application process.

The University of Southern Indiana does not require standardized testing or letters of recommendation but contact information of three professional contacts is needed. Core classes have an average of 173 students. Shortly after graduating, students earn median annual salaries of $95,000. The program can be completed in less than one year. The program has rolling admission, but applicants must apply at least 10 days before one of the six start dates.

The Boler Online MBA Program at John Carroll University is 30 credits long and does not require GMAT/GRE scores, although applicants may still submit them. The school does require one letter of recommendation for all entrants and a minimum TOEFL score of 79 for international applicants. With an average of 22 students per course and a faculty of 70 members, the program blends “Jesuit principles with experiential learning to help students excel in work and in life.” The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 24.

At Villanova, standardized test scores are required to apply, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. Three letters of recommendation are also needed, and international students must take the TOEFL exam. In total, Villanova’s business school has 224 faculty members. The deadline to apply for fall admission is July 15

UMD Smith’s online MBA is test optional, but scores may be submitted to enhance an application submission. International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS. One letter of recommendation is required. The average class size for core courses is 26 students. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 15.

The online MBA program at NC State is test optional, but requires two letters of recommendation. International students must submit proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. The average class size for core courses is 67 students. Four months post-graduation, students earn median annual salaries of $125,000. The deadline to apply for fall admission is May 1 for domestic students.

At the University of Texas—Tyler, standardized testing is required but waivers exist based upon qualifications. No letters of recommendation are needed, and international students must turn in a TOEFL score. Alumni generally earn $105,471 shortly after graduating. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 19.

Lindenwood University’s online MBA program accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores for international applicants. The program accepts GMAT or GRE scores, but they are not required for admission. Three letters of recommendation are required if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. Thirty-three credit hours are needed to graduate. Entrants also tend to have an average of eight years of work experience before enrollment.

Syracuse University’s 54-credit online MBA program takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering professional and academic experience. Therefore, it does not require GMAT or GRE scores, but they can still be submitted. New students report a median base salary of $100,000 before entering the program, which increases to $125,000 after graduation. The university offers four application deadlines throughout the school year.

The University of Connecticut’s 42-credit, online MBA program is standardized test-optional. However, international applicants must submit English proficiency exams. The school also requires prospective entrants to submit two letters of recommendation. Each core course has an average of 48 students. Applicants should submit by July 24 for fall 2024 consideration.

Baylor University’s online MBA program accepts TOEFL scores of at least 100, as well as IELTS and Duolingo English test scores. The program accepts GRE and GMAT scores, but they are not mandatory. Two letters of recommendation are required for admission, and graduates earn a median base salary of $115,000 within 12 months. The program has an average of 41 students per course and employs 219 faculty members. According to the university, students can complete the program in under 14 months. The application deadline is October 1.

Stanislaus State’s 30-credit online MBA program requires international students to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for proof of English proficiency. The program does not require the GMAT or GRE scores as part of the application requirements but does require two letters of recommendation. On average, each course has 23 students. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is June 20.

The Bowling Green State University online MBA program is a good fit for “non-traditional students.” TOEFL score of 80 is required for non-English native speakers, but standardized tests are optional, and letters of recommendation are not required. Each course has an average of 37 students enrolled, with an average of eight years of work experience. The business school has 73 faculty members, and the average age of a student is 33. The program is flexible, accommodating students who travel or are in the military stationed overseas.

The 36-credit online MBA program at Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business has rolling admission deadlines. Non-native English speakers need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores. Standardized test scores are required for those with a 2.99 GPA or lower, no terminal degree, or no work experience. The program requires one recommendation letter for admissions but requests two. Students take 12 courses, including six core courses that make up the business administration certificate and six free elective courses.

Colorado State University’s online MBA program requires English proficiency exams for international students. The school accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo scores. It also accepts both GRE and GMAT scores but will convert GRE scores to GMAT. The program requires three letters of recommendation. There are 46 students per core course, with an average of 10.6 years of work experience. Median base salaries rose from $78,600 to $100,000 within a year of graduation. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is July 1.

Clarkson University’s online MBA program requires GMAT scores unless applicants have at least three years of full-time work experience, a Master’s degree, or a GPA of 3.3 or higher. English proficiency can be demonstrated with TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test scores. The program averages 13 students per core online course and requires two letters of recommendation. The business school has 52 faculty members, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The online MBA program at Florida Atlantic University requires GMAT/GRE scores if the undergraduate GPA is below the minimum requirement. All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants must pass an English proficiency exam. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and requires a minimum of 40 credits to graduate.

The Rawls College of Business Online MBA program at Texas Tech University is 42 credit hours long. If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need to show proof of English proficiency before your application can be considered for admission. The following exams are accepted: Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge CPE, and Cambridge CAE. GMAT or GRE scores are mandatory, but if you have a GPA of 3.75 or above, you may receive a waiver. One letter of recommendation is required. On average, each course has around 45 students. Applicants should have at least three years of prior work experience. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is July 1.

Lehigh University’s FLEX MBA program does not require GMAT or GRE scores but does accept them. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English proficiency exam scores. The minimum TOEFL score is 94. The school requires two letters of recommendation. Alumnis report base annual salaries of $125,000 four months after graduation. The business school employs 111 faculty members. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is July 15.

The online MBA program of Fayetteville State University’s Broadwell College of Business and Economics mandates GMAT or GRE scores, but waivers are available if other qualifications are met. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Graduates report a median salary of $82,329 just four months after graduation. The deadline for applications is September 8.

The University of Denver (Daniels) online MBA is test optional, and international students must show English proficiency via a TOEFL or IELTS exam score. Two letters of recommendation is also needed. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 15. Four months post-graduation, alumni reported median base salaries of $120,000.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute has rolling admission for its online MBA. The program has a test-optional admission policy, but three letters of recommendation are required. International students must submit proof of English proficiency. On average, there are about 35 students in each core course.

The University of Dayton’s online MBA program does not require standardized testing, and international students can show proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, PTE, or Duolingo. Two letters of recommendation are required. The average number of students in core classes is 13. Admission is on a rolling cycle.

University of Central Missouri’s online MBA program offers a 96% job placement rate for graduates and the option to complete the program in 12 months. The program does not require standardized test scores or letters of recommendation, but it does require English proficiency exam scores for international applicants. The program has rolling admission.

At UNC-Charlotte, a satisfactory score on the GMAT or GRE test comprising acceptable levels on both the verbal and quantitative scores is required for admission into its online MBA program. The average number of students in core courses is 28. As a whole, the school has about 154 business school faculty members. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1.

Proof of proficiency in English is required for all Missouri State University online MBA applicants with a non-immigrant status. The school accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo scores. Applicants should submit GMAT/GRE records whether waiver requirements are met. GMAT waivers are granted on an individualized basis per the Director’s discretion. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 15.

Louisiana Tech University’s Professional Online MBA program requires GRE scores, but with a 3.2 undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores will be waived. Applicants do not need to submit letters of recommendation. On average, there are 27 students per core course. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 1.

At the University of New Hampshire, test scores are optional but may be submitted to supplement applications or to be considered for department scholarships. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Students can select one of six optional specializations. Four months post-graduation, students earn median annual salaries of $105,000. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1.

Abilene Christian University offers an online MBA program that accepts both GRE and GMAT scores. Students who score at the 50th percentile or higher can waive two years of professional work experience. However, the program requires two letters of recommendation and has an average class size of around 15 students per course. ACU Online emphasizes a faith-rooted ethical approach to drive success. The application deadline for fall admission is August 5.

The online MBA program at East Carolina University requires TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores from international students, and GMAT or GRE scores from all applicants. The school pioneered the first fully online MBA program in North Carolina and has an average of 33 students per course. Letters of recommendation are not considered in the application process, and the deadline for fall 2024 applications is August 1.

University of the Incarnate Word’s online MBA program requires international students to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for the application but are accepted. The school does not require letters of recommendation, and each course has an average of 21 students. The deadline to apply is August 12.

American University’s Kogod School of Business offers an online MBA program for international students. To be considered, students must have a TOEFL score of at least 100 and provide two letters of recommendation. Optional GMAT or GRE scores can also be submitted. The program has an average class size of 10 students, each with 4.6 years of professional experience. The median base salary for fall 2023 entrants is $65,000. The school boasts 212 faculty members and applications are due by August 15.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin masters of business administration has waivers available for standardized testing based on GPA. Two letters of recommendation are needed to apply, and international students must turn in a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. The average number of students in core courses is 53. The program has rolling admission.

The University of Michigan–Dearborn’s online MBA does not generally require standardized testing, but GRE scores may be asked for if more information is needed from an applicant. International students must submit proof of English proficiency via the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. One letter of recommendation is needed. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1.

Valparaiso University does not require standardized testing to apply for its online MBA but scores may be considered. Two letters of recommendation are also needed, and international students must submit proof of English proficiency. The average class size for core courses is about 16 students, and the school has 16 business school faculty. The program has rolling admission.

Wright State University’s online MBA program does not require standardized testing for most applicants; students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher do not need to submit test scores. Applicants must list three reference to apply. International students must complete a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test and submit their score. For core classes, the average class size is 14 students. The deadline to apply for fall admission is July 1.