15 Best Online MBA Programs with No GMAT
In recent years, many business schools have retooled the process of enrolling into an MBA by getting rid of GRE and GMAT testing requirements. While these tests can measure your business-related skills and knowledge, they are no longer viewed as the main indicator for future success in the industry. The following guide offers a comprehensive overview of 15 of the best online MBA no GMAT programs at your disposal.
What Are the Qualities of a Great Online MBA?
There are many essential features and characteristics of an excellent online MBA program that you should be on the lookout for. The most important feature is institutional accreditation. Only consider applying to programs that are accepted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Specific programs can also be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Resource availability is also important. The online MBA program you enter should provide you with recruitment and networking opportunities. Make sure you have access to academic advisors as well. Some of the other factors to consider before choosing an online MBA no GMAT program include the following:
- Specializations
- Tuition and total costs
- Program and school reputation
- Duration of program
Who Needs an Online MBA with No GMAT?
Students who decide to enroll in MBA programs do so to further their careers and gain higher salaries. Online programs tend to offer better flexibility with costs and travel, which is why they’re highly appealing. If you’ve reached the ceiling in your career with the education and skills you currently have, an online MBA is perfect for you.
By enrolling in this type of program, you’ll have more control over your studies. For example, most of these degree programs allow you to complete your studies at your own pace. Since the coursework can be done online, you don’t need to live on or near campus to graduate.
Every online MBA in this guide is available without the GMAT or GRE requirement, which means that you don’t need to take difficult tests just to enroll. Once you’re done with the program, you’ll have a more robust resume for a career involving corporate leadership or entrepreneurship.
Salary and Job Prospects for Online MBA Graduates
Completing an online MBA program can help you land a job with a salary of $100,000 or more. In 2022, MBA graduates earned an average starting salary of $115,000, which is significantly higher than the average for BBA graduates. If you’re able to obtain a degree from one of the top schools in the country, your starting salary could be closer to $200,000.
Three of the top professions for MBA graduates include financial manager, marketing manager, and IT manager. All three careers have great prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for financial managers is 16% growth over the next decade. The health manager and IT manager industries are expected to grow at rates of 6% and 15% respectively.
15 Best Online MBA with No GMAT Programs
Whether you’re interested in getting a job in IT or climbing the corporate ladder, many online MBA programs prepare you for the next step in your career. When you apply to the programs listed in this guide, you won’t be required to pass a GMAT or GRE. For ease of attendance, these programs are also online degrees.
1. University of Southern California – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business is designed to help students learn the forward-thinking skills needed to excel in many industries. The curriculum is customizable to suit the specific area each student wants to focus on. This online MBA can be completed in around 21 months. It’s a fully online program that involves two weekly sessions from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Pacific Time. If you’re a mid-career or senior-level professional, you’ll benefit from earning an online MBA at the University of Southern California.
2. University of Florida – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Warrington College of Business is a program that can be completed in anywhere from 16-24 months. The 16-month degree offers an accelerated track for students who already have a bachelor’s in business and have graduated over the past seven years. If you’re enrolled in the Outreach Engineering Management program that UF provides, you’ll be eligible for the accelerated version of this online MBA. Whether you enroll in the 16-month or 24-month MBA program, you can perform your coursework online. You must have at least two years of full-time work experience to qualify.
3. University of Iowa – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Tippie College of Business is a part-time degree that allows you to complete all your coursework online. The program is flexible to fit around your schedule. GMAT and GRE tests are optional, which means that you don’t need to pass them to enroll. Before applying, keep in mind that letters of recommendation aren’t required. To graduate, you’ll need to earn 45 credits. The main concentrations you’ll have access to include marketing, finance and accounting, management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship. You can take anywhere from two to 10 years to complete this online MBA.
4. University of Maryland – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business is a degree program that lasts for two years, during which you’ll learn how to improve your leadership and communication skills. The curriculum helps students learn how to conduct business throughout the global marketplace. You only need to submit a single letter of recommendation with your application. A few of the concentrations you can focus on during your studies include analytics, finance, and marketing.
5. Rochester Institute of Technology – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Saunders College of Business is designed for students who are already experienced leaders in management and business. This is a full-time online program that can be completed in just 17 months. You’ll need to earn 47 credits to graduate. Some of the subjects you’ll learn about during your studies include managerial accounting, business simulation, strategic thinking, and marketing strategy. You must provide three letters of recommendation with your application.
6. Babson College – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from Babson College is a 45-credit, part-time program that you can complete in 18 months. The 45 credits are separated into 18 for core courses and 27 for electives. In 2022, the average undergraduate GPA for incoming students was 3.25. The numerous concentrations you can take once you’re enrolled include business analytics and machine learning, quantitative finance, global management, and entrepreneurship.
7. Kennesaw State University – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from Coles College of Business is a program that provides virtual team-based learning. This structure offers effective peer-to-peer learning and close student interactions. To be accepted before the fall semester, you’ll need to submit your application and two letters of recommendation by July 1. The duration of this program is 20 months, during which you’ll take two courses for five consecutive terms.
8. University of Massachusetts – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Manning School of Business offers part-time and accelerated programs. If you want to earn your degree and apply for a better job in just 12 months, take the accelerated track. Regardless of the route you take, GMAT and GRE scores aren’t required. While the acceptance rate for this program was around 94% in 2022, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.42. Some of the concentrations available to you include business analytics, finance, information technology, managerial leadership, marketing, and healthcare.
9. University of Southern Indiana – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Romain College of Business is a program that’s designed to give students the resources needed to take on leadership roles and advance their careers. The University of Southern Indiana offers eight concentrations, which include everything from engineering management and human resources to healthcare administration and data analytics. You must earn 30 credits to graduate, which means that it’s possible to complete this program in just 12 months.
10. Southern Methodist University – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Cox School of Business is a part-time program that focuses on leadership, experiential learning, and business analytics. Students need to earn 52 credits if they want to graduate. When you’re applying, you don’t need to provide letters of recommendation. The average undergraduate GPA accepted by Southern Methodist University for this online MBA was 3.04 in 2022. You can finish this degree program in two years.
11. North Carolina State University – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Poole College of Management is a prestigious program that’s built for customization and flexibility. You can complete this STEM-designated program in anywhere from 21 months to six years. When submitting your application, make sure you include two letters of recommendation. If you’re a U.S. resident, the application deadline is April 1. To graduate, you’ll need to earn 40 credits. The program teaches students how to solve real-world business challenges with innovation and technology.
12. Hult International Business School – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Hult International School of Business is a one-year program that strives to help students develop the skills that are most in-demand among national and international employers. While prospective students don’t need to submit a GMAT or GRE score, a TOEFL grade is necessary for international ones. This business school offers numerous concentrations and specializations, which include everything from business analytics and finance to innovation and marketing. You can graduate from this online MBA program in two years.
13. University of Central Missouri – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies teaches students about the legal aspects of business decisions as well as how to develop comprehensive marketing strategies. You don’t need to take a GMAT test or submit a letter of recommendation to apply. However, the acceptance rate for this specific MBA was just under 40% in 2022, which means that qualification requirements are strict. Some of the concentrations available to students include finance, management, accounting, and digital marketing. Once you enroll, you can complete your studies in around one to two years.
14. University of Pittsburgh – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business offers synchronous classes that you complete on a part-time basis. In 2022, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.32. Like many of the programs in this guide, you’ll need to submit two letters of recommendation if you wish to qualify. This is a highly flexible online MBA that offers numerous concentrations. You can specialize in supply chain management, finance, or marketing science. The duration of this program is around three years.
15. University of Denver – Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from the Daniels College of Business is a popular program that has an average undergraduate GPA of around 3.1. The acceptable rate for this online MBA usually hovers around 75%. To apply, you’ll need to submit two letters of recommendation. You must also earn 60 credits if you want to graduate. The specializations available in this online MBA include finance, executive leadership, and marketing. Even though you’ll do your coursework online, the classes are live. The length of this program is around 21 months.
Admissions Requirements
While many online MBA programs task prospective students with passing a GMAT or GRE test, the programs in this guide don’t have this requirement. Instead, you’ll need to provide your school of choice with proof that you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. In most scenarios, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree in business. However, you must complete some prerequisite business courses. Most online MBA programs also have a minimum GPA requirement that ranges from 3.0-3.5. When you submit your application, make sure you include the right documentation. Many business schools require:
- Multiple letters of recommendation from respected individuals
- Statement of purpose
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
Why an Online Program?
Online MBA programs offer many advantages, the primary of which is that you can more effectively balance your family and work responsibilities by completing your studies at home. Depending on the program you choose, you may have some control over when you do your coursework.
Since you don’t need to stay on campus during the school year, you can avoid the high costs that occur when doing so. Many programs will adjust tuition based on how many credits you earn in the semester, which means that you can spread out your costs by earning the MBA in three years.
Getting Started
If you’ve found a program that interests you, the first thing you should do is click the link that takes you to the school’s website. You’ll find more information about the program, which you can use to make an informed decision about applying.
Most online MBA programs allow students to request more info or apply on the school’s website. From here, gather all the documentation you need to bolster your application. Keep in mind that most degrees have application deadlines. By choosing one of these online MBA degree programs, you can advance your career without needing to take the GMAT or GRE test.