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Master of Business
Administration (MBA)

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Achieve Your Business Career Aspirations with an Online MBA Degree

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to successfully manage organizations in the ever-changing business environment. You’ll learn relevant management skills in both domestic and global business settings, effective team building, quantitative and qualitative decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills that you can immediately apply in your professional life.

Our MBA degree program also offers specializations that’ll help you stand out in the competitive business field and prepare you for its challenges. Specializations include Bank Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, and Supply Chain Management.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Program Versions

Everybody learns differently, so NU has created two unique pathways for earning your MBA. Select the path that works best for your own personal style of learning.

1-on-1 Personalized Education

Taking the 1-on-1 pathway allows for more personalized instruction. This modality offers weekly starts, flexible online learning options, and 8-week classes.

The one to one model is accredited by Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.

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Class-Based Education

The class-based option is a more social approach to learning, with the pathway including teamwork, group projects, and collaboration. This modality offers varying start dates, 4-week course options, and more structured timelines.

The class-based model is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. For more information about IACBE, please visit their website.

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Not sure which version is right for you? Click here to reach out to an Enrollment Advisor.

Specializations

The specializations below include 1-on-1 Personalized Education and Class-Based Education.

Modern business activities have an increasingly global reach. From supply chains to expanding consumer and B2B markets, successful companies and professionals must thoroughly understand international business environments to grow and thrive. With the International Business specialization, you’ll explore cultural, economic, and legal issues, as well as international exporting, licensing, franchising, foreign direct investment, outsourcing, risk analysis, and human capital development. You’ll also be able to travel to a foreign location for a full-immersion international experience.

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The Bank Management specialization provides a sound theoretical and practical framework for those seeking professional positions in the banking industry. Instruction and coursework focus on bank management and the international facets of banking operations, including analysis of foreign exchange rate movements, foreign exchange risk management, credit management, real estate finance, and case or research projects examining contemporary issues in banking and finance.

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The Financial Management specialization works best for those seeking leadership and analysis positions in the growing, global field of financial management. With coursework applicable to domestic and international businesses, nonprofits, and governmental organizations, your studies will focus on growth and diversification policies, portfolio management, investment banking, merger strategies, exchange rate movement and risk, and case or research projects that analyze contemporary financial issues.

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The Organizational Leadership specialization prepares professionals to become problem-solving, change-oriented leaders in diverse, dynamic organizations. The instruction, coursework, and experiential exercises are for those desiring to understand and apply the technical and reflective processes that accompany leadership opportunities in the modern workplace — whether business or nonprofit, domestic or international.

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While globalization and outsourcing impact nearly every market and industry, supply chain management skills have become essential for competitive businesses, professionals, and managers. The Supply Chain Management specialization examines the integration of logistical planning, inventory deployment, and transportation networks to achieve the most efficient physical connections between firms. Global corporations, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies demand the increased performance, timeliness, and cost savings that result from supply chain expertise.

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The Human Resource Management (HRM) specialization prepares you to manage people, their needs, and their performance. Instruction and coursework focus on recruiting, selecting, training, evaluating, and compensating employees. You’ll explore changes in the workplace such as governmental regulations, global competition, developing technologies, and organizational transformations — and their influence on worker performance. With technical knowledge and practical skills for supporting a multicultural workforce, you’ll be ready to bring new ideas, effective tools, and leadership skills and manage an organization’s most valuable resource: its people.

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In many respects, skilled marketers drive a business’ success. The Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Marketing transcends traditional marketing by focusing upon emerging trends in the 21st century in marketing management and research. You will focus on thought leadership-driven strategic marketing, encompassing contemporary and emergent marketing management methods, global product management, precision pricing, advanced promotional methods, and proven distribution techniques. At the conclusion, you will be well prepared for the marketing workforce of tomorrow.

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Keeping people safe is a noble calling and, with NU’s online Criminal Justice Master’s degree, you’ll be able to combine that passion with the skills to move you forward. The MBA Criminal Justice specialization is designed to help you develop advanced competencies and analytical capabilities needed for management and leadership positions in correctional institutions, law enforcement and the court system. In our 100% online program, you will gain a unique insight into the operational and organizational structure of police agencies and learn concepts applicable to a law enforcement setting. Graduates typically find professional employment opportunities in law enforcement agencies and private security firms.

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The ever-changing landscape for health care requires professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and specialized skills. In NU’s 100% online MBA Health Services specialization, you will explore financial management, legal and ethical issues of healthcare, and the process of examining and developing health care policies. The MBA Health Services program concludes with a final written research project in which you’ll demonstrate your ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem and recommend a plan of preventative action. Healthcare Administration graduates are prepared to secure positions in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, health insurance companies, government and public health agencies and social service agencies.

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NU’s Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches.

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As remote work has become immensely more common, so has the demand for skills in managing remote teams. The Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Management of Virtual Organizations focuses on acquiring knowledge and skills, and modifying existing skills, to effectively support and manage remote teams and organizations. You will focus on a wide range of topics relevant to a manager overseeing virtual organizations. From theory to tactics, experienced professionals and entry-level candidates will build expertise in such diverse areas as virtual leadership, building trust in virtual teams, and legal and other implications that may arise in virtual organizations.

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This specialization will equip you with the insights, knowledge, and skills to go beyond traditional leadership and will prepare you to be a leader who can empower, energize, and inspire individuals, and unify diverse employees. You’ll become an agent of change who has the enhanced skills to lead an organization while being a champion and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social and economic justice. After completing the program, you’ll be able to make decisions that help to advance a unified and collaborative global workforce that functions effectively and efficiently.

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According to the Kaufmann Foundation, 2015 had the greatest number of start-ups in the last 20 years. The Entrepreneurship MBA at NU takes you beyond the classroom as you build and test your entrepreneurial ideas in real-world scenarios. In our Online MBA Entrepreneurship specialization you will explore various business disciplines, including marketing, finance, operations and strategy, as you develop skills in building businesses, investing in businesses, raising capital and evaluating business opportunities. Entrepreneurship courses emphasize analysis, decision-making and business planning of a real new venture product or service. As a graduate, you can expect to have a solid business plan that is ready to be presented to investors, banks or private entities.

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Since 9/11, the U.S. has spent more than $635 billion on homeland security, making it an in-demand field. With NU’s MBA in Homeland Security specialization, you will enhance your skills in business analysis, fiscal management and organizational leadership with an emphasis on law enforcement, public safety, emergency medical care and disaster preparedness. The courses in this 100% online specialization span the spectrum of management, budgetary rules, personnel and critical issues relating to crisis management and the history of terrorism, prevention and response. Psychological, environmental and cultural factors that can drive individuals to commit such acts are also explored. As a Homeland Security MBA graduate, you will be prepared to pursue management positions in government from local to federal levels.

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In NU’s online MBA Project Management specialization, you will explore principles, concepts, tools and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Under the guidance of mentoring professors, our MBA in Project Management specialization will have you examine all aspects of company projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any organization.

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If you are a business professional seeking to benefit from a stronger understanding of the IT field, networks, and computing, NU’s Master of Business Administration specialization in Information Technology is an excellent option for you. This specialization provides the familiarity and knowledge business leaders need when working with or within IT departments.

Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas, or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies. With carefully selected courses directly from the School of Technology, this program will provide public administration leaders a strong understanding of the field through courses that are aligned to the current standards in the industry.

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Program Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate financial statements and quantitative information for decision-making using appropriate information systems and tools.
  • Analyze the competitive environment, employing both external and internal factor analysis, and apply appropriate strategies for an organization, emphasizing the practice of ethical decisions and actions.
  • Create and communicate business plans and reports in an efficient and compelling way, orally and in written form.
  • Design solutions to logistical and operational problems using critical thinking skills and innovative approaches to generating alternatives.
  • Assess the global business environment and generate alternatives for companies to succeed in different countries and cultures.
  • Assess the economic environment within an industry and choose appropriate financial decisions for the firm.

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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We’re proud to be a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 220,000 alumni worldwide.

“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

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We know your life may not happen on a 9-5 schedule, so we offer courses online or on-site at locations across California.

Master of Business Administration Degree FAQs

Yes. National University offers online programs that can be completed 100% online, one class at a time. By taking one class at a time, adult learners can earn their degree faster while balancing their busy lives.

Given the popularity, scope, and evolution of online degrees, recruiters say that most employers accept online MBAs from candidates. The reputation of where you get your degree remains the most important factor.

Yes. Not only does an MBA give you further experience and a better understanding of business, but it also opens the door for work in other industries. An MBA can help you hone your soft skills, be more marketable to employers, and advance your career. Plus, our MBA program allows you to earn it online.

When you enroll in NU’s MBA program, you can earn your degree in just a year (12 core classes), unless you need to take foundation courses.

Business and management are powerful industries, and projected salary reflects that. Employees with postgraduate business and management qualifications have reported significant salary growth.

Students should expect to spend roughly nine hours in class, divided into two sessions per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Additionally, students will need to attend two Saturday sessions (three if a weekday holiday makes it necessary) per month, with each being four and a half hours long. For a week with a Saturday session, MBA students can spend up to 13.5 hours working toward their degree. It is worth noting, however, that the MBA program is self-paced and can be adjusted to fit your schedule.

  • Ideal Online Experience Designed for Working Professionals. Access materials, faculty support, and online student communities at your convenience.
  • Accredited by the IACBE and Updated Every Year. The MBA program is consistently assessed each year to ensure it is up-to-date, relevant, and meets the needs of graduates.
  • Accelerated and Self-Paced Options. Through year-round enrollment and four-week class format, the program can accommodate anyone’s schedule.
  • Faculty Mentorship and Program Support. Each MBA student receives a mentor to help them understand and succeed in the program. They’ll help you find a solution if you need one.
  • Small Class Sizes for 1:1 Engagement. Get the face time you need with experienced faculty who can offer support in a smaller setting.
  • On-site and Hybrid Options. Choose online or on-site format to suit your needs and schedule.

Mastering soft skills is a must in the business world. Decision-making, digital literacy, and other core components of day-to-day operations are critical and must be addressed by an MBA program. With our online format, you can gain teamwork experience as you improve your digital literacy. Plus, you do it all at your pace, one class at a time.As you complete the program, you’ll be better able to think critically and communicate more effectively. All of these skills are crucial to career development and success in the business landscape.

The courses in the MBA program also have a workplace impact: you can take all of the aspects of business you learned and readily apply them to your workplace set-ting. With an MBA, you can hone the skills that are in demand and ensure success in the business sphere.

Advancing your career requires you to have the experience and education necessary to navigate your field with confidence. Our specializations help students stand out in the job pool and have degrees with modern career applications. NU offers seven specializations within our MBA program:

  • Specialization in Bank Management: Gain theoretical and conceptual insight into the banking industry. The program emphasizes bank management, international bank operations, real estate, credit management, and more.
  • Specialization in Financial Management: Enhance your finance background with this specialization, which studies growth and diversification policies, evaluation and management of securities portfolios, investment banking and merger strategies, and more!
  • Specialization in Human Resource Management: Go beyond traditional interpersonal skills and learn how to recruit, select, train, compensate, and evaluate employees.
  • Specialization in International Business: Discover which cultural, economic, and legal issues come with international business. Students also have the opportunity to visit, under the guidance of NU professors, foreign environments to gain an understanding of how different markets operate.
  • Specialization in Marketing: Learn about the power of marketing, its effect on how businesses are run, and how to add marketing to standard practices.
  • Specialization in Organizational Leadership: Get the tools that can give you the potential to seek promotion and move up in your company while gaining a deeper understanding of the technical and reflective processes that result in leadership opportunities.
  • Specialization in Supply Chain Management: This specialization allows students to learn about the operational aspects of business, making them more acutely aware of any distribution or operation challenges that may arise. The specialization covers a variety of topics, from inventory to transportation networks.

As you grow in your career, you can utilize one of the specializations in the MBA program to give yourself an advantage and additional expertise. Let us help you find the specialization that fits your career goals! For further MBA specialization details, visit our catalog.

The business landscape is highly competitive. If your resume stands out, you have better luck succeeding in the field as you gain more opportunities and expand your growth in a rapidly evolving market. The NU MBA program allows you to show employers — in various industries — that you have the in-demand skills they seek to meet the demand of an industry expected to grow by 19% within the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, the demand for business expertise has trickled into other industries. An MBA could give you the established skills you need to advance to a new field, such as the tech industry. Silicon Valley, Amazon, and other companies are interested in hiring MBA graduates.

MBA graduates can expect higher salary outcomes: the BLS also states that, in some business sectors, employees with a master’s degree can earn up to 89% more than their bachelor’s counterparts. The BLS’ data also points out that the median wage for management occupations was $109,760 in May 2020 — the highest wage of all major occupational groups.

Learn more about the benefits of an MBA degree and which industries are looking for MBA graduates in our article, “What Can You Do With an MBA?”.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.