Strong, capable leaders understand the connections between good management and overall success. They can communicate clearly, set clear and attainable goals and organize their workforce in a way that maximizes talent and efficiency. These leaders utilize skills acquired in their MBA programs to add value to their companies and organizations and enhance the lives of those in their communities.
But what is an MBA, and how can it help you progress in your career? Learn about the details of an MBA program, including ideal candidates, skills you’ll learn, possible degree concentrations and whether an online MBA program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University is right for you.
What Does MBA Stand For?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that trains students in the fundamentals of business, leadership and management, and often includes aspects of finance and marketing in its coursework.
The MBA is one of the most popular graduate degrees because of its versatility. Skills learned in an MBA program, such as leadership, strategy, finance, and marketing, apply to many different industries, no matter the company or organization. Graduates can also use an MBA to advance in their current position, pivot to a new career or become entrepreneurs to work for themselves.
Who Should Get an MBA?
Ideal candidates for an MBA program are often aspiring managers, employees seeking a career edge with an MBA or individuals looking to make a career change. Many come from fields such as business, finance, management or technology and are ready to take the next step with a graduate-level education.
Some candidates may already have a business background, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, which provides foundational skills that will serve them well in their MBA coursework. Other students may come from backgrounds outside of business, but they are eager to build skills in management, strategy and leadership. They can often meet business school prerequisites by taking preliminary online courses before their degree program begins.
What Will You Learn in an MBA Program?
The core curriculum for an MBA program includes business and management skills such as project management, strategic planning, statistical and competitive analysis, and market research. Students can also specialize in finance skills such as financial management and accounting, as well as information technology skills and data analysis.
In addition to technical skills, MBA students develop soft skills such as critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, communication, time management and experiential learning. These transferable skills are valuable in any industry and essential for effective leadership at every level.
What Are the Different Concentrations for an MBA at Southeastern?
When you enroll in an MBA program at Southeastern, you can choose from a variety of specializations. These concentrations equip students with business foundations applicable to a range of careers, while honing their skill sets specific to each industry. Consider the following options, as well as what each program entails:
- General Business: A comprehensive overview of general business knowledge, leadership skills and fundamental management concepts
- Accounting: Designed for current or aspiring accountants, covering areas of business accounting, forensic accounting and corporate fraud
- Aerospace Logistics: An advanced study on program management, logistical strategies and systems acquisition in the field of aerospace logistics
- Data Analytics: A data-driven concentration that reinforces the relationship between data, supplies, customers, and other operational elements of both small and large businesses
- Entrepreneurship: A specialization that prepares students to launch and manage their own businesses, with coursework in business planning, market research and mission development
- Finance: A study of financial topics relevant to business, such as fiscal fluency, security investments and portfolio theory
- Healthcare Information Systems: Focuses on the use of information systems and software in modern healthcare settings
- Human Resources: A training degree program for students to master personnel problem-solving and decision-making in human resources and management
- Leadership: An MBA concentration that emphasizes the importance of leadership skills and techniques to set graduates apart
- Management: A focus on the skills needed to be a successful manager of any department or organization, including competitive advantage and management information systems
- Marketing: A guided concentration on the best practices and trends in marketing a business or organization in the 21st century
- Native American Leadership: Examines the historical and contemporary issues facing tribal governments and sovereignty through the lens of leadership
- Project Management: An application of vital management and leadership skills in the coordination and logistics of projects across industries
- Safety: An in-depth examination of safety best practices and protocols in the workplace, including crisis management and risk mitigation
- Strategic Communication: A focused way for individuals to sharpen and enhance communication skills through strategic campaign design and intentional messaging
Each concentration from the John Massey School of Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The accreditation ensures academic quality, global recognition and career preparedness for any industry.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?
It takes 30 credit hours to complete an online MBA degree program at Southeastern. Depending on the number of credit hours you take at a time, these programs can be completed in as few as 12-16 months for a full-time schedule, or closer to a few years if you’re taking classes part-time while working.
Students can find many ways to adapt their coursework schedule. Accelerated programs enable business students to take more credit hours than typical to complete their MBA faster, while dual-degree options allow students to work toward more than one graduate degree at a time (such as an MBA alongside another master’s degree or law degree).
Do You Need Work Experience to Apply for an MBA?
Work experience is an important part of your MBA application package. Most MBA candidates have between three and six years of work experience when they apply for an MBA program. This time span allows students to have achieved some professional goals, developed business skills and made connections that will help them throughout the course of their MBA degree program.
Regardless of the number of years they have in the field of business, an applicant’s work experience should be relevant and applicable to a company or organization in the 21st century. Students should have exposure to common management and information systems, along with an understanding of modern business ethics and laws, as prerequisites for any MBA program.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an MBA at Southeastern?
When you’re ready to take the next step toward professional success with an MBA, you can apply directly to the Southeastern admissions department. Requirements for admission for an MBA at Southeastern include the following criteria:
- A completed online application
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- At least three years of continuous professional work experience (or a 3.0 GPA in your bachelor’s program)
- A portfolio with a letter of application, resume and letters of recommendation (required for applicants with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA)
- Approval of the program coordinator (required for applicants with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA)
- A $30 application fee
Depending on your GPA in your bachelor’s degree program, you may not require work experience or a professional portfolio for consideration. Additionally, Southeastern’s online MBA program does not require completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
What Can You Do With an MBA?
Earning an MBA can significantly expand your career opportunities in a variety of industries. In 2024, the average salary for MBA-related positions ranged from $103,960 to $171,200. Many graduates utilize their MBA to change careers or advance into leadership positions. Career paths for MBA graduates include:
- Budget analyst
- Business operations manager
- Financial analyst
- Director of human resources
- Investment banker
- Marketing director
- Postsecondary administrator
- Sales director
With an MBA and enough work experience, graduates may also move into executive roles. Common C-suite titles include chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO) and chief marketing officer (CMO).
Is an MBA Right for You?
An MBA is the right choice for professionals looking to change or shift careers, advance in their current field or gain a competitive advantage, and who need a flexible schedule to do so. Earning an MBA is an investment in long-term growth that provides job security and the potential for upward mobility in any industry.
With 100% online coursework and affordable tuition, an online MBA from Southeastern lets you meet your goals on your terms. A range of specialization options allows you to align your interests and career goals while continuing to work and apply what you’ve learned in your degree program.
Prioritize Your Professional Goals Today
Leaders in every industry understand how to drive success in their organizations. Southeastern’s strong and flexible MBA programs build on your existing professional knowledge and experience and prepare you to meet workplace goals with confidence and integrity.
To take the next steps toward your future in business, contact the Southeastern admissions department today. They can guide you through the application process one of Southeastern’s online MBA programs and help you begin the journey toward your future.