Online MBA in Nebraska
Welcome to our in-depth guide on online MBA programs in Nebraska! In this guide, you will find a wide range of information on online MBA options in Nebraska. From in-depth program information to job outlook data, this guide is packed with resources.
Our team of researchers and editors have worked hard to find all the facts when it comes to business schools in Nebraska. We hope the information provided will help you make an informed decision as you search.
Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
Accredited online MBA degrees have come a long way in the last 10 years! Many top-notch schools now offer online programs that deliver the same quality content as their campus counterparts. If you are a working professional, an online program is a great option for completing your degree while maintaining your career.
Below we have listed all online MBA programs offered in the state of Nebraska. If applicable, we have included the same information for each program as above, including focus, features, structure, coursework, and more.
The below seven online MBA programs in Nebraska are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university founded in 1966 and offered a variety of HLC and IACBE-Accredited MBA programs.Two of these programs are available online: the Performance MBA and the Strategic MBA. Both programs are flexible, have a real-world focus, and can be pursued in accelerated formats.
Degree Completion Options
- Performance MBA – This program is 36 credits in length and designed for recent graduates and new professionals. Students graduate from the program with strong problem-solving, decision-making, and team-building skills. The program offers some concentrations, and students can choose to pursue it online, on campus, or as a combination of both. Please see above under “Campus MBA Programs – Bellevue University” for coursework information and concentration information.
- Strategic MBA – Bellevue’s Strategic MBA is also 36 credit hours in length, but it is designed for executives, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs who have seasoned business experience. Students graduate from the program to analyze market conditions, challenge competitors, enhance customer value, and more. Concentrations are offered in Analytics, Creativity, and Organizational Development.
Admissions
Applicants are required to submit an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 based on the last 60 credits. No work experience and no GMAT score are required.
Foundational Coursework
Strategic MBA Standard Courses (27 Credits) – Analytical and Creative Problem-Solving in Business, Changing of Business: Entrance, Innovation, and Exit Strategies, Foundations of Accounting and Financing of Business, Foundations of Business Culture, People, and Human Capital, Foundations of Capitalism, Markets, and Systems in Business, Financing, Reporting, and Sustain a Business, Marking the Business, Managing and Leading a Business, and Operating a Business.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
Strategic MBA concentrations include the following:
- Analytics (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Advanced Analytical Tools for Business, Analytics: Turning Data Into Knowledge, Developing Systems Insights in Business Through an Analysis.
- Creativity (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Creating Brand, Image, and Relationships of Business, Design Thinking and Creative Problem-solving, and Technology and Creativity in Business.
- Organizational Development (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Creating Value Intellectual Capital, Creating Value Through Human Capital, and Creating Value Through Structural and Social Capital: Intangibles.
2. Chadron State College
Chadron is located in Northwest Nebraska and is surrounded by wheat fields, pine trees, and open pasture. The school offers an HLC-Accredited Online MBA program that is designed for mid-level managers and those in supervisory positions. Students graduate from the program with foundational knowledge in core business areas such as management, marketing, finance, and accounting.
The program is 36 credits in length, including 27 credits of core classes and nine credits of electives. Classes are eight weeks in length, with two eight-week sessions per semester. Students can transfer a maximum of nine credits from an accredited institution to complete their degree.
Admission
Applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75. Neither work experience nor a GMAT score is required. However, new applicants must complete an inbound Peregrine exam. The exam is $32 and can be taken online. It is approximately two hours to complete.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (27 Credits) – Business Strategy, Corporate Finance, Information Systems for Managers, High-Performance Leadership, Legal and Social Environment of Business, Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, and Organizational Behavior.
3. Creighton University
Creighton University is an AACSB-accredited institution that offers an online and campus-based MBA program. The school is built on a Jesuit heritage and has over 980 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students enrolled on campus and online. Graduates leave their MBA program with the skills to strategically lead, make ethical decisions, and the ability to apply analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills to business ideas and problems.
Creighton’s Online MBA is 33 credits in length and can be pursued online, on campus, or as a hybrid combination of both. As stated above, it’s curriculum is the same as its campus counterpart. Please see above under “Campus Programs – Creighton University” for coursework and admission information.
4. Midland University
Midland University is a private university located in Omaha. It offers a number of HLC-Accredited Master’s programs, including its Hybrid MBA program that is geared towards working professionals. The program is rigorous, and students graduate from it with enhanced business skills in various areas.
The program consists of 42 credits, including 12 foundational credits, 18 core credits, a capstone project worth six credits, and electives worth six credits. The “Foundational” credits include fundamental business classes that may be waived depending upon undergraduate coursework. These include Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, and others.
For more information about the program, including coursework, admission, and specializations, please see above under “Campus MBA Programs – Midland University.”
5. University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is an award-winning institution that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. Its School of Business offers an AACSB-Accredited MBA program delivered via a hybrid format. It is a flexible program that is an excellent fit for busy professionals who want to be challenged and prepared for a new career path.
UNK’s program is 33 credits in length and is offered via a hybrid format. Campus classes are taught on UNK’s Kearney campus and delivered primarily in the evenings. Online classes are delivered via UNK’s online platform and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Students graduate from the program having completed 18 credits of core courses and 15 credits of elective courses. Students can choose to graduate with a generalist focus or one of four concentrations, including Accounting, Human Resources, Human Services – Nonprofit Management, and Marketing. Please see above under “Campus MBA Programs – the University of Nebraska-Kearney for more information on admission, coursework, and specializations.
6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the only Big Ten university in the state of Nebraska. It offers an MBA students can pursue on-campus, online, or via a hybrid combination of online and campus classes.The program is rigorous, flexible, and delivered by UNL’s top-notch faculty. Graduates leave the program with a thorough understanding of business fundamentals and the confidence to put their knowledge into practice.
The program is 40 credit hours in length, including ten core classes, nine hours of breadth electives, and nine hours of electives. Students who choose to pursue the program online can do so 100% – campus visits are not required. Also, classes are asynchronous, which means students can study at their own pace and at a time that works for them. Please see above “Campus MBA Programs – the University of the Nebraska-Lincoln for more information on coursework and admissions.
7. Wayne State College
Wayne State College offers an IACBE-Accredited Online MBA. The program is nationally ranked for affordability and designed to provide the right blend of theory and application. All classes are taught by the same faculty who teach WSC’s campus courses, which means that students who study online receive the same top-notch quality education as their campus counterparts. Students graduate from the program with enhanced communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Also, the program emphasizes the development of effective, ethical, and accountable managerial skills.
The program is 30 credits in length, which consists of 8 core courses and two elective courses. All classes are delivered 100%, and no campus visits are required. Students can study at their own pace, and learning activities can include instructor lecture notes, written assignments, quizzes, essay testing, group work, and more. Students should expect to spend 6-9 hours per week per course. No concentrations are offered. Prerequisite courses in statistics, accounting, marketing, and other core business subjects are required before professional level classes can commence.
Admission
To be admitted into the MBA program, students must follow a two-step application process. Students must first apply to Graduate Studies, and then if accepted, apply for the MBA Program. Graduate Studies applicants must submit proof of an undergraduate degree and complete a Graduate Application For Admission Form. MBA Program applicants must submit an official GRE or GMAT exam score, along with a graduate degree reference form.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Coursework (24 credits) – Administrative Policy, Decision Science, Financial Administration, Management Accounting, Managerial Communications, Marketing Administration, Managerial Economics, and Seminar in Organizational Behavior.
MBA Programs in Nebraska
Many schools offer campus-based MBA programs in Nebraska, from the University of Nebraska Kearney to Midland University and Bellevue University. Some are AACSB-Accredited, while others are IACBE or HLC affiliated. Each program is somewhat unique, but all strive to provide their students with a top-notch and excellent education. Looking for a university with a small-city feel? Chadron State College could be for you. Or what about a top-rated program with great ROI value? The University of Nebraska at Kearney might be a good fit.
(The below 6 MBA programs in Nebraska are listed in alphabetical order.)
1. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is an innovative and diverse school with campuses spread across Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. The school offers a number of HLC and IACBE-Accredited MBA programs such as its Performance MBA, which is offered both online and on-campus. The program is delivered on a framework that integrates theory and application, and students graduate with enhanced communication skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills.
The Performance MBA is 36 credit hours in length and designed to equip new business professionals with decision-making skills, values, and the practical skills needed to achieve success in today’s business landscape. Classes can be taken online, fully on-campus, or via a combination of both. Class sizes are small, meeting times are convenient, and the school offers nine campus sites for students to choose from. The program can be pursued either full-time or part-time, and students can choose from various concentration options.
Admission
Applicants are required to submit an accredited undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 based on the last 60 credits. Neither work experience nor a GMAT/GRE score is required.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses – Accounting for Performance Management, Business Performance Management, Business Analysis for Decision-making, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Financial Management and Strategy, Human Capital and Organizational Performance, Marketing and New Media Strategy, Operations and Logistics in the Value Chain, and Strategy Innovation and Integration.
2. Creighton University
The Heider College of Business at Creighton University offers a well respected and AACSB-Accredited MBA program. The program is highly customizable and can be tailored to each student’s needs. What’s more, the program is structured to fit its students’ unique backgrounds, skills, and career goals. Students graduate from the program with a solid understanding of business values and principles.
The program is 33 credits in length and consists of nine core courses and 24 credits of coursework based on each student’s background, career goals, and experience. The program can be pursued either full-time or part-time, either fully online, on-campus, or via a hybrid model. Students without an undergraduate business degree must take functional core courses in business fundamentals, such as managerial finance and marketing management. Students who have an undergraduate degree in business are eligible to take concentration courses. Concentration courses are offered in Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Economics, Finance, and Marketing.
Admission
Applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate degree and an official GMAT/GRE score. Applicants who do not possess undergraduate business courses will be required to take foundational business courses during their MBA program.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (9 Credits) – Business, Ethics and Society, Business Policy and Managerial Action, and Leadership and Organizational Behavior.
3. Midland University
Midland University is located in Omaha and offers the city’s only Hybrid MBA. The program is accredited by the HLC and designed for working professionals who desire to pursue an MBA but also need to maintain a career. The program produces graduates who demonstrate excellent communication skills, ethical decision-making skills, and knowledge of key business concepts and tools.
Midland’s MBA program is 42 credits in length and includes 12 foundational credits, 18 core credits, six capstone credits, and six elective credits. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business are eligible to waive some or all of the foundational core courses. Students in the program meet in-person every third Friday and Saturday at the Midlands Omaha campus. The remainder of the program is delivered online via recorded Saturday classes. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months, is highly flexible, and offers several concentrations, including Accounting, Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Finance.
Admission
Applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate transcript. Midland does not require an undergrad degree in business, nor does it require work experience or a GMAT exam score. Midland works hard to create a unique and diverse student body filled with students who bring value and experiences to the classroom.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (18 Credits) – Corporate Strategy, Decision Models, Financial Management, Management and Ethics, Managerial Accounting, and Operations Management.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Accounting (12 Credits) – Example Courses: Auditing, Advanced Cost Accounting, and Advanced Financial Accounting.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership (12 Credits) – Example Courses: Ownership, Sales Leadership.
- Finance (12 Credits) – Example Courses: nvestment Management, and Financial Strategy for Value Creation.
4. University of Nebraska at Kearney
UNK’s College of Business and Technology is a well-respected school that offers an AACSB-Accredited MBA program. The program is hybrid, which means classes are offered both online and on-campus – making it an excellent fit for working professionals who desire an MBA yet also need to maintain a career. UNK’s program’s core emphasis is the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills from both the U.S. and global perspective.
UNK’s MBA program is 33 credit hours in length, and courses are offered online and in the evenings. The 33 credit hours includes 18 hours of core coursework and 15 hours of elective courses. The program offers several specialization tracks, including a generalist track. Specialization tracks include Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, and Human Services. What’s more, all classes are taught by UNK’s respected faculty and are small in size – usually between 10 to 20 students.
Admission
Admission requirements vary, but all applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate degree with an acceptable GPA. All applicants must also submit an official GMAT/GRE score. The admission process can be completed fully online.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (18 Credits) – Financial Administration, Integrative Capstone, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting Systems, and Strategic Analysis and Decision-making.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Accounting (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Advanced Tax Accounting, Auditing, and Governmental/Nonprofit Accounting.
- Marketing (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, and International Marketing.
- Human Resources (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Compensation Management, Employment Law, and Labor Relations.
- Human Services (15 Credits) – Example Courses: Employment Law, Grant Writing and Fundraising for Human Service Programs, and Human Resource Management.
5. University of Nebraska at Omaha
UNO’s College of Business Administration offers a top-notch and highly respected MBA program. UNO’s College of Business has been ranked two years in a row as the nation’s “Top Business School for Vets” by the Military Times. Its MBA program is AACSB-Accredited, offered in a flexible format for working professionals, and taught by its award-winning faculty. Graduates leave the program with a deepened knowledge of business fundamentals and core concepts.
The program is 33 credits in length, which includes nine elective credits and 24 core credits. It can be pursued either part-time or full-time and is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals’ schedules. The majority of classes are offered from 6 – 9:35 PM during weeknights, and students are eligible to take one class (or up to 8 classes) per semester. The program is offered completely on campus, and students can begin either in the fall, spring, or summer. Applicants who are non-business majors may be required to complete foundational business courses in accounting, economics, and statistics. Some concentrations are offered and include Sustainability, Healthcare Management, and Risk Management.
Admission
Applicants must submit an accredited undergraduate transcript with a GPA of at least 2.85, as well as an official GMAT/GRE score. The GMAT score must be at least 500, and the GRE score must be at least 299. (the GMAT/GRE can be waived under certain circumstances). Foundational courses must also be completed before enrolling in the MBA program. These include Principles of Accounting, Economics, and others.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (22 Credits) – Accounting: Decisions and Consequences, Business Ethics: Achieving Social Responsibility, Business and Information Technology: Connecting People and Information, Business Analytics: Making Sense of Data, Economics: Essential Concepts for Managers, Finance: Understanding Capital and Cash, Marketing: Understanding Consumers and Markets, Organizational Behavior: Enhancing Human & Organizational Capabilities, Strategic Financial Management, and Strategy: Developing Sustainable Competitive Advantage.
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
- Collaboration Sciences (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Communication, Teamwork and Facilitation, Conflict Mediation, and Facilitation of Collaborative Problem-solving.
- Electronic Business (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Economics of Technology, Electronic Commerce, and Data Communications.
- Healthcare Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Health Economics, Health Behavior, and Clinical Systems Architecture and Function.
- Human Resource Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Corporate Training and Development, Organizational Theory and Design, and Organizational Psychology.
- International Business (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Intercultural Communication, International Trade, and International Monetary Economics.
- Investment Science (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Business Conditions Analysis, Financial Risk Management, and Business Forecasting.
- Risk Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Financial Risk Management, Risk Management, and Strategic and Operational Planning and Control.
- Supply Chain Management (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Advanced Managerial Accounting, Transportation Safety, and International Aviation.
- Sustainability (9 Credits) – Example Courses: Environmental Law and Regulations, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was one of the first institutions to offer doctoral degrees beyond the Mississippi. Today, it offers a wide variety of doctorate, master’s, and undergraduate level programs. One of these programs is its world-renowned MBA degree, which it delivers in three innovative modes: campus, online, and hybrid. For 12 years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked UNL as among the top 50 public universities in the U.S – and its MBA program is no exception to this ranking.
The program is 48 credit hours in length, regardless if it is pursued online, on campus, or via a hybrid route. It’s 48 credits consists of 30 core credits and 18 elective credits. The on-campus option is a terrific fit for students who thrive in a classroom environment. Students who pursue the campus option full-time can complete the program in two years or less, while part-time students can complete the program in 3 to 5 years, depending on course progression. A part-time route is an excellent option for working professionals who need flexibility. Students can also choose to pursue the program via a hybrid model by mixing campus and online classes.
For interested students, a dual degree option in law is available.
Admission
To apply, students must submit an accredited undergraduate degree and official GMAT score. It is recommended that students have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a GMAT score of at least 600 and possess at least two years of work experience. Applications for the online program are accepted on a rolling basis, and online students can begin the program in August, October, January, March, or June. Campus students are more limited with start dates and can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Foundational Coursework
Standard Courses (30 Credits) – Applied Organizational Behavior, Business Analytics, Financial Accounting, Intro to Business Strategy, Managerial Finance, Managerial Economics, Managerial Marketing, Strategic Management, and Business Policy, and Supply Chain Management. Please see below under “Online MBA Programs – University of Nebraska-Lincoln” for more information regarding UNL’s online program.
Nebraska MBA Salary and Job Outlook
A career outlook can be looked at through various lenses, one of which is a state’s economic standing (and forecast). When it comes to Nebraska, the numbers are very favorable! According to the BEA, in 2014, Nebraska’s GDP was $110 Billion, which reflected a real GDP growth of 2.3% – slightly higher than the national average at 2.2%. What’s more, 2015 Per Capita Personal Income is also slightly higher than the national average: Nebraska’s PCPI for 2015 was $48,006 – about 1% higher than the national average at $47,669. On top of this, the state ranks #4 in the nation for unemployment rates at 3% (March 2016). As for future projections, the state projects healthy growth for management positions between 2012-2022. For example, financial management positions are projected to grow by 11.78%, marketing managers are projected to grow by 14.81%, and all other types of managers (occupation code 119199) are projected to grow 7.82%.
A second way of assessing job outlook is by looking at employers. According to a World-Herald analysis, Omaha is home to more Fortune 500 companies per capita than any major metro area in the nation. It is specifically known for its “Fab-Five,” which includes Berkshire Hathaway, ConAgra Foods, Union Pacific, Peter Kiewit Sons’, and Omaha’s Mutual. Berkshire Hathaway is perhaps the most well-known of the five due to its founder Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha.” Berkshire Hathaway is a financial company that sits on the Fortune list at #4 and employs over 300,000 across the nation. In contrast, ConAgra Foods sits at #153 on the Fortune 500 and employs over 3000 people in Nebraska. These companies, and others, are always in need of the talents and skills that MBA graduates can offer.
According to careerinfo.net, the state’s largest employers span multiple industries and include Offutt AFB (9000+), University of Nebraska (9000+), First Data (7000+), Liberty Tax SVC (6000+), and Vitamin Shoppe (6,000+). Each is unique, yet all desire to maximize revenue, minimize cost, reduce employee turnover, and achieve other common business goals. And as an MBA grad, you will help companies realize these goals by implementing your unique skill set.
Potential salary levels provide a third way of assessing career outlook – and the numbers are very favorable for Nebraska graduates! However, the school that one attends does impact salary levels. The fact is, each school is a brand, and potential employers value brands differently. Take a look at the following data from Payscale.com for MBA and Masters graduates – there is quite the difference.
- Bellevue University (MBA) early career pay: $62,500; Mid-Career: $96,700.
- University of Nebraska- Omaha (Masters) early career pay: $52,700; Mid-Career: $82,100.
- University of Nebraska- Lincoln (MBA) early career pay: $57,200; Mid-Career: $122,000.
On a broad scale, however, potential salary levels for graduates are excellent. Positions often held by MBA grads – general managers, chief executives, marketing managers, financial managers – always outperform the mean salary for all occupations in Nebraska, which in 2015 was $42,630. Popular positions held by MBA grads are listed below. There is quite a difference! (all data is taken from the BLS, March 2016).
- Chief Executives – $205,710
- General and Operations Managers- $109,810
- Managers, All Other- $100,240
- Financial Managers- $136,100
- Marketing Managers- $104,220