Date Updated: January 15, 2021
Students pursuing an online MBA in Texas can expect to graduate with a breadth of business knowledge applicable across many employment sectors. With an MBA, students build business foundations in various areas of management, including accounting, finance, and leadership.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Texas economy 15th in the country, with its business environment ranking 13th.
A plethora of household-name companies maintain headquarters in the state, making Texas a particularly good choice for studying business. Whether studying online or in person, students can benefit from institutional partnerships with local businesses spanning many industries.
Demand for many MBA-related jobs exceeds national projections in Texas. For example, Projections Central forecasts a healthy 16% increase in nationwide demand for financial managers between 2018 and 2028. In Texas, financial manager occupations should grow by nearly double that rate in the same time frame.
The ranking below offers details on the top 10 MBA programs in Texas. An excellent resource for prospective students, the list can help degree-seekers compare programs and find the best school to suit their needs. On this page, readers can also learn more about the benefits of pursuing an online MBA in Texas, details about the degree, and potential career opportunities.
Texas's 10 Best MBA Programs of 2021
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo, TX |
| 2 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX |
| 3 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX |
| 4 | University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, TX |
| 5 | Rice University | Houston, TX |
| 6 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX |
| 7 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX |
| 8 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX |
| 9 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX |
| 10 | Baylor University | Waco, TX |
Why Get an Online MBA in Texas?
Prospective students considering an online MBA in Texas may wonder how much the degree requires in terms of time and money. With an MBA, degree-holders demonstrate their business knowledge to potential employers, highlighting their resumes and potentially securing advancement opportunities. Other benefits of obtaining an MBA include those listed below.
- Specialty Options: Students pursuing an MBA can hone their expertise by selecting a concentration that aligns with their career goals. Popular concentrations include accounting, healthcare administration, marketing, finance, and information technology.
- Flexibility: With many online MBA programs structured for working professionals, students can find a school with a timeline that best fits their needs. Some programs offer accelerated coursework to those with business backgrounds, while others pitch their curricula to career-changers.
- Earning Potential: According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, employers plan to offer MBA graduates a median annual base starting salary of $115,000 — more than double the projected median starting salary for new bachelor's degree hires.
The second-largest state in both geography and population, Texas offers a range of possibilities for potential degree-seekers. Students in rural parts of Texas can take advantage of distance learning potential while paying in-state tuition at schools in urban areas. Some schools offer reduced tuition to out-of-state students, allowing nonresident distance learners to enjoy the benefits of a Texas education at lower costs.
Home to 95 Fortune 500 companies, Texas overflows with opportunities for MBA students.
In an area with so many top corporations spanning industries like energy, healthcare, technology, and retail, Texas MBA programs can offer premier networking connections. Students pursuing an online MBA in Texas can connect with these international organizations through internships, capstone projects, and alumni networking, even while studying from afar.
The Best Online MBA Programs in Texas, 2021
Keep reading to learn about the 15 best online MBA programs in Texas for 2021. The link below explains how we choose and rank schools.
What Texas's Best MBAs Have in Common
Program specifics vary by school, but many of the best online MBA programs in Texas share similar characteristics. Below, we explain what to look for when choosing where to earn your online MBA in the Lone Star State.
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They are accredited. The best online schools in Texas are regionally accredited. Accreditation measures the quality of a university's academic programs, faculty, and student services. Attending a regionally accredited school makes it easier to receive financial aid, transfer credit, and qualify for professional careers. Many of the best MBA programs also hold separate programmatic accreditation to ensure you get the best education possible. All the online MBA programs on this list are accredited by one or both of the following organizations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- They are affordable. Earn your online MBA in Texas affordably by attending a school like the University of North Texas, where about 75% of students receive financial aid and scholarships. We also measure affordability by factoring in net price, the average amount of awarded financial aid, and the default loan rate.
- They are reputable. Online schools in Texas that offer high-quality MBAs earn good reputations by enforcing rigorous admissions standards and reporting their graduates' earnings. For example, recent MBA graduates from the University of Texas at Dallas made an average annual salary of $102,000 and received an average guaranteed bonus of $12,640.
- They offer strong academic programs. The top online MBA programs in Texas demonstrate academic excellence. We measure program strength according to the graduation rate, student retention rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and number of full-time faculty. We also consider the percentage of students enrolled online and the emphasis the college places on master's-level education. For example, Sam Houston State University emphasizes graduate education, offering 60 master's degrees and 10 doctoral programs.
1. Texas A&M International University |
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| Public university in Laredo, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Located in Laredo, Texas A&M International University offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like business, education, nursing, and the arts and sciences. A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of BusinessThe AACSB-accredited A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at TAMIU offers a fully online MBA that takes 15 months to complete. The curriculum emphasizes business research methods, financial management, and strategic management. MBA candidates choose from specializations like international banking and finance, international trade and logistics, management, and international business. The program features six start dates each year and accelerated seven-week classes designed for working professionals. The 30-credit MBA includes 21 core and nine elective credits, including courses like financial statement analysis, managerial economics, and human resource development. TAMIU's MBA SpecializationsManagement | International Banking and Finance | International Business | International Trade and Logistics Applying to TAMIUApplicants need a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a resume that includes three professional references. The admissions committee may also require GRE/GMAT scores, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Program at a Glance
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2. Sam Houston State University |
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| Public university in Huntsville, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Located in Huntsville, Sam Houston State University serves more than 21,500 undergraduate and graduate students on campus and through distance education programs. The school boasts more than 40 fully online academic degrees. College of Business AdministrationAACSB-accredited since 1996, SHSU's master's-level business program ranks as a top online MBA in Texas. The 36-credit degree integrates and synthesizes concepts from a variety of disciplines and teaches learners to make effective administrative decisions. Graduates hold communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Required classes include accounting for management, managerial communication, marketing management, and a seminar in team leadership. Students must complete an MBA capstone with a grade of "B" or better to graduate. The program accepts new candidates each fall, spring, and summer. Prerequisite courses include quantitative tools for business, foundations of strategic management, and economic principles and policy. Applying to SHSUApplicants must submit official college transcripts documenting an earned bachelor's degree, official GMAT scores, and a current resume. Students with a minimum 2.75 GPA receive a GMAT waiver. Program at a Glance
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3. Texas Tech University |
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| Public university in Lubbock, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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A research university founded in Lubbock in 1923, Texas Tech University offers more than 150 academic programs and serves over 40,000 students. Jerry S. Rawls College of Business AdministrationThe accredited online MBA from Texas Tech's Rawls College of Business Administration takes as little as one year to complete. The 42-credit degree offers specializations in healthcare organization management, information technology, and marketing analytics. Distance learners benefit from 24/7 online support, resources at the school's career management center, and a free online platform for connecting with alumni. Texas Tech charges out-of-state online MBA candidates a competitive tuition rate. The school also offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. This program accepts applicants from all undergraduate backgrounds. New students can start the program in August, January, or June. Texas Tech's MBA SpecializationsHealthcare Organization Management | Information Technology | Marketing Analytics Applying to Texas TechApplicants must submit unofficial college transcripts, a resume, five short-answer questions, an essay, and letters of recommendation. The university also requires GMAT scores, with a waiver available for those with a minimum 3.75 GPA. Program at a Glance
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4. University of Houston-Clear Lake |
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| Public university in Houston, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Founded in 1971, the University of Houston at Clear Lake enrolls more than 9,000 students and offers over 90 academic programs. The campus sits on a nature preserve located near NASA. College of BusinessProspective students who want to earn an online MBA in Texas can get their degree from UHCL in 14 months. The AACSB-accredited program offers several specializations, including environmental management, finance, human resource management, and a customizable option. Students take accelerated eight-week courses taught by instructors with real-world experience in business. The 36-credit degree includes eight core and four elective courses that cover topics like managerial economics, strategic management, corporate finance, and accounting for administrators. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and prepares graduates for careers in high-demand areas, including marketing manager, financial advisor, and human resources specialist. UHCL's MBA SpecializationsBusiness Analytics | Environmental Management | Finance | Human Resource Management | International Business | Leadership | Management Information Systems | Management of Technology | Sustainability Applying to UHCLApplication requirements include a bachelor's degree, official college transcripts, and official GMAT scores no older than two years. Some applicants may qualify for a GMAT waiver. Program at a Glance
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5. Rice University |
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| Private university in Houston, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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A research university located in Houston, Rice University boasts an endowment of $6.48 billion. The school began collaborating on research with NASA in 1959, only months after the agency got its start. Jones Graduate School of BusinessDistance learners can enroll in one of the best online MBA programs in Texas through Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. The 54-credit program features synchronous online instruction and takes two years to complete. Full-time faculty members with extensive real-world business experience teach in the online MBA program. The curriculum emphasizes modern business challenges. Topics include managing financial and human capital, using new technologies for business, and solving problems using teamwork. In addition to core and elective courses, students must complete a 4.5-credit field experience, including one global field experience and one residential field experience on campus. Applying to RiceRice accepts applications on a rolling basis. MBA admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE scores, professional experience, and community involvement. Applicants must submit essays and complete a virtual interview. Program at a Glance
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6. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
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| Public university in Edinburg, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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One of the largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the U.S., the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg enrolled its first class in 2015. UTRGV Business SchoolUTRGV offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA in Texas. The degree cultivates leadership and project management skills. Students take classes like production and operations management, information systems for managers, accounting and financial analysis, and marketing strategy. Highly accomplished, diverse faculty members with a variety of experiences in the business world teach in the program. The 36-credit degree features seven-week courses and takes one year to complete. Students graduate prepared to apply to doctoral programs, launch their own businesses, and take high-level professional opportunities in business, government, and industry. Applying to UTRGVAdmission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and GMAT/GRE scores (waiver available). Applicants must submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges. Program at a Glance
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7. The University of Texas at Dallas |
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| Public university in Richardson, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson is the largest public postsecondary institution in the Dallas area. The school serves 28,000 students and offers more than 140 degrees. Naveen Jindal School of ManagementUT Dallas offers a part-time, fully online MBA in Texas. Students choose from 15 specializations in areas like international management, supply chain management, business analytics, and leadership in organizations. The university also offers 13 options for pursuing an MS/MBA double degree with six STEM-designated dual programs. The 53-credit curriculum emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Students can begin the degree in any semester, receive customized career support, and do not need to meet any campus residency requirements. The AACSB-accredited Naveen Jindal School of Management offers merit-based scholarships to new and continuing MBA candidates each semester. UT Dallas's MBA SpecializationsAccounting | Business Analytics | Energy Management | Finance | Healthcare Leadership and Management | Information Technology Management | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Internal Audit | International Management | Leadership in Organizations | Marketing | Real Estate | Strategic Management | Supply Chain Management | Systems Engineering & Management Applying to UT DallasMBA applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit college transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, one professional letter of recommendation, and a resume. The program also requires one essay. Some applicants may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Program at a Glance
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8. University of North Texas |
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| Public university in Denton, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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A research institution located in Denton, the University of North Texas offers 109 bachelor's, 36 doctoral, and 94 master's degrees from 14 colleges and schools. G. Brint Ryan College of BusinessUNT's accelerated online MBA takes 14 months to complete. One of the biggest business schools in the U.S., the G. Brint Ryan College of Business serves almost 5,800 students. More than 700 of the school's business graduates are presidents of CEOs of organizations. New MBA candidates choose from six start dates a year. Degree-seekers develop teamwork, quantitative analysis, and ethical decision-making skills. The 36-credit curriculum includes flexible eight-week classes like organizational behavior and analysis, model-based business intelligence, and marketing management. The program offers specializations in supply chain management, organizational behavior and human resource management, and marketing analytics. UNT's MBA SpecializationsMarketing | Marketing Analytics | Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management | Strategic Management | Supply Chain Analytics | Supply Chain Management Applying to UNTApplicants must submit college transcripts, an essay, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. The program also requires GMAT/GRE scores. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency. Program at a Glance
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9. Dallas Baptist University |
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| Private university in Dallas, TX, accredited by SACSCOC | ||||
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Founded in 1898, Dallas Baptist University offers a Christian education to more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The Graduate SchoolDBU boasts one of the best online MBA programs in Texas. The school offers 15 specializations in areas like conflict resolution management, entrepreneurship, and international business. Students take foundational courses such as research and statistics, foundations of finance, and accounting. The 36-credit degree does not require a thesis. DBU's MBA professors draw from their own professional experiences in business, and use connections with corporate leaders to create learning and networking opportunities. The curriculum includes experiential projects, competency-based development, and the chance to add a second master's degree or advanced certificate. DBU's MBA SpecializationsAccounting | Business Communication | Business Innovation Strategy | Business Intelligence and Analytics | Conflict Resolution Management | Cybersecurity | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Health Care Management | International Business | IT and Innovation | IT Security for Managers | Leading the Nonprofit Organization | Management | Marketing | Project Management | Technology Engineering Management Applying to DBUApplicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program requires proof of sound moral character, a minimum 425 GMAT score, five or more years of leadership experience, and at least 12 graduate credits. Program at a Glance
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10. Baylor University |
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| Private university in Waco, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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The last congress of the republic of Texas chartered Baylor University in 1845. A private Baptist school in Waco, Baylor provides an interdisciplinary education to more than 16,000 learners. Hankamer School of BusinessStudents looking for a fully online MBA in Texas can graduate with a Baylor business degree in one year by taking two classes each term. The AACSB-accredited Hankamer School of Business program highlights teamwork, frequent interactions with classmates and instructors, and business best practices. New students may choose from multiple start dates each year. The curriculum includes notable courses like ethical leadership, managing for higher performance, strategic management and business policy, and communicating with data. Students can choose from specializations in marketing, cybersecurity, and executive communication. Graduates pursue careers as operations directors, management consultants, and marketing directors. Baylor's MBA SpecializationsMarketing | Cyber Security | Executive Communication Applying to BaylorOne of the best online MBA programs in Texas, Baylor requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a resume documenting relevant professional experience, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants with fewer than four years of work experience must submit GMAT/GRE scores. Program at a Glance
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11. University of Dallas |
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| Private university in Irving, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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A Catholic university located in Irving, the University of Dallas serves more than 28,000 students. The school offers over 140 degrees in disciplines like business, science, engineering, arts, and technology. Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of BusinessUD's 30-credit online MBA includes classes like accounting for managers, data analysis for decision-making, and managing complex organizations. Designed for working professionals, the fully online degree takes 1-2 years to complete, with most learners taking two courses per semester. MBA candidates can take the program's flexible six- and 12-week classes year-round. The program offers nine specializations in areas like strategic leadership, healthcare analytics, and IT management. Scholar-practitioners with extensive experience teach the online MBA curriculum at UD. The program does not require the GMAT or GRE. UD's MBA SpecializationsAccounting | Business Analytics | Cybersecurity | Finance | Healthcare Analytics | Information and Technology Management | Marketing | Strategic Leadership | Supply Chain Management Applying to UDApplicants must submit an application fee, current resume, unofficial college transcripts, and GMAT/GRE scores (optional). Program at a Glance
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12. LeTourneau University |
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| Private university in Longview, TX, accredited by SACSCOC | ||||
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An interdenominational Christian university located in Longview, LeTourneau University provides hands-on learning to over 3,100 undergraduates and graduates. The school boasts more than 140 academic programs. LeTourneau School of BusinessCreated for working professionals, LETU's online MBA program prepares graduates for leadership positions with a Christian foundation. The 30-credit curriculum emphasizes integrity, ethics, and moral judgments. Required classes include cross-cultural management, quality and operations management, and organizational behavior and design. Distance learners complete each three- to seven-week course one at a time, allowing them to focus their full attention on each subject before moving on. The program includes opportunities for learners to work with real-world organizations. Online MBA candidates can apply for a variety of financial aid options, and more than 90% of LETU students receive some form of aid. Applying to LETULeTourneau judges applicants based on undergraduate academic performance and professional and volunteer experience. The school requires a minimum 2.25 GPA. Program at a Glance
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13. West Texas A&M University |
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| Public university in Canyon, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Located in Canyon, West Texas A&M University started as a teacher training school in 1910. The university awards $5 million in scholarships each year. Paul and Virginia Engler College of BusinessTailored toward working professionals, WTAMU's fully online MBA takes two years to complete. The AACSB-accredited program offers five specializations in areas such as computer information systems, marketing, and healthcare management. Qualified applicants can apply for a GMAT waiver. Most students earn the MBA in two years, but learners who need more time may take up to six years to complete the program. The curriculum includes five semesters a year. Core courses include accounting for decision-making, quantitative analysis for business, and information technology management. In their last semester, candidates complete a capstone that includes either a portfolio or research methods course. WTAMU's MBA SpecializationsComputer Information Systems | Marketing | Healthcare Management | Management | General MBA Applying to WTAMUApplicants must submit college transcripts, a statement of goals, and three letters of recommendation. Prospective students with a minimum 3.0 GPA or at least 10 years of professional experience can request a GMAT waiver. Program at a Glance
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14. Abilene Christian University |
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| Private university in Abilene, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University is affiliated with Churches of Christ and educates more than 5,200 students. College of Business AdministrationACU's AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration offers one of the best online MBA programs in Texas. The 36-credit globally minded degree takes two years to complete and includes a focus on Christian values and leadership. The program gives students a variety of opportunities for networking with classmates and instructors. Students take classes such as operations and information technology management, digital marketing and social media, and foundations of analytics.The program offers six tracks in areas like international business, operations and supply chain management, and healthcare administration. Prerequisite courses include basic economics, accounting, and statistics. ACU's MBA SpecializationsGeneral Business | Analytics | Healthcare Administration | Operations and Supply Chain Management | Marketing | International Business Applying to ACUACU's MBA program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants with at least two years of professional work experience and acceptable GMAT scores may receive conditional admission with a minimum 2.5-2.9 GPA. Additional requirements include a resume, letter of intent, and prerequisite courses. Program at a Glance
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15. Texas A&M University-Commerce |
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| Public university in Commerce, TX, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB | ||||
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A research university with an enrollment of more than 12,000 students, Texas A&M University in Commerce is the third largest institution in the Texas A&M University system. College of BusinessTAMUC boasts one of the largest and best online MBA programs in Texas. The AACSB-accredited, 30-credit degree takes two years or less to complete and does not require a thesis. The curriculum requires core courses like applied business research, advanced managerial accounting, statistical methods, and business analytics for managers. Students can choose from 13 minors, including economics of U.S. healthcare, agribusiness, corporate management, and real estate. MBA candidates get career development assistance through the College of Business's in-house career services center. The program also provides networking opportunities with guest speakers, internships, and company tours. TAMUC's MBA SpecializationsAccounting | Agribusiness | Business Analytics | Cyber Security | Digital Marketing | Economics | Finance | Financial Planning | Economics of U.S. Healthcare | Marketing | Marketing Analytics | Corporate Management | Real Estate Applying to TAMUCApplicants must submit official college transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, one letter of recommendation, and a resume or CV. Those with a minimum 3.0 GPA receive a GMAT/GRE waiver. Program at a Glance
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What To Expect From MBA Programs in Texas
Students working toward an online MBA in Texas can expect a course load of about 36-48 credits and timelines as short as one year. Some programs offer specialized tracks for working professionals, scheduling all classes during the evening or weekend hours. Others accelerate coursework for a shorter, more intense study experience.
Texas MBA programs come in online, in-person, and hybrid structures. Distance learners may attend real-time sessions, where they interact directly with professors and peers. Some programs present their curriculum asynchronously, posting materials and assignments for participants to study on their own timelines. Hybrid formats require students to appear on campus, whether for periodic classes, residencies, or immersion events.
Concentrations for students pursuing an online MBA in Texas include choices like marketing and healthcare. In addition to specialized coursework, MBA students complete foundational business classes in areas like accounting, negotiation, and business law.
Admission Requirements for MBAs
Admission requirements for online MBA programs in Texas vary depending on each program's scope and focus. For example, a program for business professionals may call for more work experience and prerequisites than one designed to accommodate career-changers. Still, prospective students can expect certain requirements across the board as they prepare to apply.
Most programs require students to enter with a bachelor's degree. Many mandate minimum GPAs; for those that don't, high-achieving applicants may not have to submit test scores. Otherwise, online MBA programs in Texas expect students to submit GMAT or GRE test results, often seeking minimum scores of 520-570 on the GMAT and 153 verbal and 154 quantitative on the GRE.
Some specializations impose additional requirements, including interviews and demonstrated understanding of a particular industry, such as music. Programs may also prefer applicants with academic prerequisites in statistics, economics, or accounting.
Specialized MBAs
MBA students can develop their knowledge of a particular interest area by selecting a concentration aligned with their career goals. Texas students can choose from many specialization options, including those listed below.
- Finance: In demand across industries, finance specialists may manage a single company's assets or deal with investments or consulting.
- Healthcare Management: Students concentrating in healthcare management learn the intricate details involved in managing medical facilities, understanding the specific needs of healthcare workers, and navigating regulations.
- Marketing: A versatile option pairing leadership skills with marketing foundations, this specialization leads to jobs in marketing management, business analytics, and public relations.
- Technology: Designed for those seeking careers in information technology management, this concentration focuses on strategic use of technological tools. As reliance on computer systems grows, technology specialists enjoy an increasing variety of job opportunities across industries.
Other potential specializations include human resources management, environmental management, accounting, and supply chain management.
Popular MBA Program Courses
Every program features its own course offerings, but certain courses are common to most MBA programs. Typically, MBA programs require a business core before branching into elective and specialized offerings. Some schools offer more rigid curricula, particularly for accelerated and cohort-based models, while others allow for more flexibility.
- Business Law: Sometimes waived for students with business backgrounds, this course touches on basic legal concepts as they apply to organizational environments. Topics may include business ethics, common legal issues, legal communication, and decision-making for managers as it applies to potential litigation.
- Managerial Economics: This course prepares students to apply micro-economic principles in real-life business situations. Subject areas include demand and cost analysis, market structure, product choice and pricing, and resource allocation, all equipping managers to make the best decisions on behalf of their organizations.
- International Business: With a focus on the increasingly globalized nature of business, this course focuses on theories and practical tools for international business. Topics include technology, political diversity, cultural issues, and trade policy. Students leave the course understanding how international business strategy relates to their future organizations.
- Corporate Finance: Emphasizing managerial decision-making from a financial standpoint, this course may cover basic or advanced principles depending on the experience level of the students in the program. Participants learn to deal with crucial management tasks such as asset valuation, investments, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions.
The MBA Capstone or Thesis
Many online MBA programs require students to complete a final project in the form of a thesis or capstone project. Often, these projects involve students partnering with local organizations to apply classroom knowledge to real-life business problems. Working in teams, participants form relationships with business owners and management personnel, which can later serve as valuable professional connections.
Alternatively, thesis projects and capstones can involve intensive in-class case studies and seminar courses. Projects may include individual work, peer collaboration, or a combination of the two.
Particularly in Texas, which boasts a strong business environment, capstone projects can help students access organizations of various sizes across an array of industries. Students can engage with influential companies, study both rural and urban business practices, and develop strong portfolios for future employers to consider.
What Jobs Can MBAs Get You?
With an MBA, graduates enter the job market with evidence of their business acumen. Whether seeking new jobs or career advancement, MBA-holders can leverage the degree's prestige. Employers often place high value on the MBA, making the degree an eye-catching addition to an applicant's resume.
When evaluating whether an MBA merits its required investment of time and money, prospective students should consider the potentially lucrative careers available to graduates. MBA-holders qualify for management positions in areas such as finance, human resources, general operations, marketing, and information technology.
Those seeking jobs in Texas enjoy ample opportunities, as the state numbers among the nation's top five for employment of financial managers, computer and information systems managers, and general and operations managers. Demand for these and other occupations in Texas often far exceeds national projections for the same positions.
Industrial Production Manager: Industrial production managers work for plants that manufacture goods, with top industries including machinery, motor vehicle parts, plastics, and chemical manufacturing. They handle budgets, oversee staff, and work to optimize production processes. Projections Central reports that demand for industrial production managers in Texas will grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or MBA, especially for larger companies
- Job Outlook (2019-29): +1%
- Average Annual Salary in Texas: $122,060
General and Operations Manager: General and operations managers handle a variety of tasks for their organizations, depending on their industry, position, and company. They may oversee day-to-day operations, manage staff, direct specific projects, and implement company plans. In Texas, Projections Central projects occupations for general and operations managers to grow by 17% between 2018 and 2028.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree, MBA preferred
- Job Outlook (2019-29): +4%
- Average Annual Salary in Texas: $121,270
Marketing Manager: Marketing managers study market trends, customer demand, and competition to increase their company's profitability. Collaborating with managers across other departments, including public relations and sales, they work to optimize the company's resources and create new desirable products. According to Projections Central, occupations for marketing managers in Texas should increase by 18.9% between 2018 and 2028.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2019-29): +6%
- Average Annual Salary in Texas: $149,420
Computer and Information Systems Manager: Computer and information systems managers, or IT managers, work with executives to determine how technology can help the company reach its goals. These professionals implement solutions, maintain updates, work with vendors, and oversee staff. Projections Central reports that occupations for IT managers in Texas will grow by 21.1% between 2018 and 2028.
- Required Education: MBA preferred
- Job Outlook (2019-29): +10%
- Average Annual Salary in Texas: $156,590
Financial Manager: Encompassing titles like treasurer, controller, and risk manager, financial managers assess their organization's financial situations on an ongoing basis. In collaboration with other managers, these professionals implement practices to help the organization reach its financial goals by overseeing investments, adhering to regulations, and supervising financial staff. In Texas, Projections Central projects that occupations for financial managers will grow by 30% between 2018 and 2028.
- Required Education: Master's preferred
- Job Outlook (2019-29): +15%
- Average Annual Salary in Texas: $145,700
Selecting Your Texas MBA Program
Rankings can offer an excellent starting point for students seeking an online MBA program in Texas. However, prospective students should also consider how their career goals and personal preferences match with potential schools.
Students should make sure their prospective program holds the proper accreditation. Regional and national accreditation apply to the institution as a whole, with regional accreditation typically accepted as the higher standard.
Business students may also seek programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Prospective students should select a program structure that aligns with their personal goals and preferences. Accelerated programs allow students to enter the job market more quickly, but they call for full-time study; part-time programs take longer to complete, but they allow learners to maintain their jobs while studying. Program length can also contribute to overall tuition costs.
Program culture also counts as an important factor for many students. Some may seek out programs with a competitive atmosphere, while others might prefer more collaborative environments. Degree-seekers may consider how faculty members' experience and expertise match with their own career plans.
Should You Consider Online MBA Programs in Texas?
Online education gains more popularity every year as students, employers, and institutions recognize the value of flexible options for earning equally prestigious degrees. In particular, MBA programs offer an attractive breadth of formats and specializations to meet any prospective student's goals.
Students no longer need to choose between uprooting their lives and settling for a local program that doesn't fit their needs. Now, learners can hone their business skills at the school of their choice while living at home and continuing to gain professional experience in the workplace.
Degree-seekers nationwide would do well to consider pursuing an MBA program in Texas. The state's robust economy promises experienced faculty and partnerships with prominent businesses.
Though online education presents many potential benefits, students should consider their personal strengths before deciding to pursue distance learning. Online learning demands the same rigor as in-person classes. Distance learners must demonstrate self motivation and strong time management skills to succeed in an online program.
With these factors in mind, prospective online students should also consider what type of distance program they might prefer. Some schools offer asynchronous classes, where students access materials at their convenience, while others require real-time attendance at scheduled meetings. Other schools even offer hybrid options, requiring occasional travel to campus for immersion experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online MBAs respected?
Yes. Accredited MBA programs enjoy the same excellent reputation as their in-person counterparts. Many online MBAs operate in conjunction with in-person programs, often using the same faculty and curriculum. Employers increasingly appreciate the flexibility and experience-building opportunities afforded by distance education.
How much does an MBA cost in Texas?
It depends. In Texas, MBA tuition differs greatly, depending on a variety of factors. Some schools offer lower rates to in-state students, while others allow distance learners to pay reduced tuition regardless of their residency status.
Is getting an MBA online worth it?
Yes. With an MBA, graduates qualify for high-earning jobs in Texas and across the country, with ample advancement opportunities. MBA-holders earn a median annual starting salary of $115,000, with many making even higher wages.
Does Texas have online degrees?
Yes. Texas institutions offer a wealth of online degree options, including distance MBA programs. Students hoping to complete an online MBA in Texas can find specialization options, program structures, and course delivery methods that best fit their individual goals.