Online MBA Programs: Best of 2021

The business industry is a fertile ground for new ideas and leaders to start to take the business world into the digital sphere. And, considering the logistical restrictions mandated by COVID over the past few years, it makes sense that online MBA programs are starting to not only grow in quality, but also in popularity. So, let’s go ahead and take a look at the best online MBA programs of 2021!

Note: these rankings are based on the following criteria: program features, employment success after graduation, and graduates’ median salaries.

1. Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, US:

The Kelley School of Business was one of the first business schools in the world to offer an online MBA course through its Kelley Direct Online Learning program; for this reason, the program has had a considerable amount of time to improve itself through changes, big and small. It is no surprise then, that it is one of the top-ranking online MBA programs of the year. Students of the program are provided a high degree of flexibility with 50% elective coursework and the choice of 2, 3, or 4 years of time to complete their MBA.

The school also prides itself on its consumer-friendly, two-phase admission procedure and affordable fees for prospective students. The school is regarded by many as the highest-ranking college in terms of online MBA courses. Learn more about the program here!

2. University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flager Business School, US:

The UNC Kenan-Flager’s Online MBA program is on par Indiana’s program thanks to its robust coursework and an approach that has been developed and refined for over 10 years. Furthermore, this MBA program has been STEM-Designated, which means that it is equipped with the tools needed to prepare students in strategic decision-making within data-driven business sectors.

The 18-36 month course is also known for its challenging coursework, as well as a wide array of electives and concentrations. UNC’s business school is recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), one of the most reputed accrediting bodies for business schools worldwide. Check out the program here.

3. IE Business School, Spain:

The IE Business School is arguably the top-ranking MBA program of Europe. This is a 17 month MBA program and maintains an 86% international student body. The course is built around flexibility and customizability due to the advantages inherent to an online learning environment.

With over 40 years of experience IE has been praised by Forbes, The Economics, Financial Times, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Click here to learn more.

4, Imperial College Business School, UK:

The Imperial College Business School offers a comprehensive 21, 24 or 32-month, part-time program that focuses on innovative thinking and new technology. Its in-house learning platform, The Hub, was built by the schools own Edtech Lab, which promotes peer-learning aimed to to emulate the experience of an on-campus, in-person program.

The Imperial College Business School is the top-ranking MBA program of the UK. Learn more about the program here.

5. USC Marshall School of Business, US:

The USC Marshall School of Business provides a 2-year, full-time course and a 4-5 year, part-time course, along with a one-year, fast-track program launched back in 2015. Since then, it has been hailed by multiple outlets in the US and around the world as one of the top MBA programs. With its live sessions and finely crafted video content, the program is supplemented by a one-week campus residency as well as live workshops. The program is based around a lock-step curriculum that allows the students to learn and collaborate with their cohort and dive deep into the various aspects of business and management. Click here for more information.