Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

James M. Tobin
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Updated on September 12, 2024
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How fast can you get an MBA? Maybe faster than you think — check out this list of the best online accelerated MBA programs.

While most MBA programs take about two years to complete, an accelerated MBA program allows you to fast-track your degree and graduate in as little as one year. Additionally, attending an online program can boost flexibility, connect you with peers and professors from across the country, and allow you to consider a wider variety of program options. Earning an MBA can help further your career goals and open the door to a higher salary, specialized roles, and managerial positions.

Learn more about what to expect from an accelerated online MBA program to figure out if this online degree is right for you.

What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online MBA Program?

Accelerated online MBA programs can be challenging. Students still complete a minimum of 30 credits, but they cover the material much faster than in a traditional MBA program. Accelerated programs may include typical semester-long classes or offer intensive courses over a shorter term. Programs may also have summer course requirements.

Depending on the program, you may need to meet more prerequisites to enroll in an accelerated course of study.

MBA students typically choose between general or specialized MBA tracks. Most accelerated programs offer a general MBA, though some provide concentrations.

You may also be required to complete an internship in addition to core business classes and electives during your MBA program. Traditional programs schedule this internship during the summer between the first and second year. Alternatively, accelerated programs may schedule an internship during the final semester.

Fastest Online MBA Degree Programs

#1 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

Western Governors University

  • Location-markerSalt Lake City, UT
  • 2 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,162
  • Out-of-state$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,500
  • Out-of-state$7,765
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled150,116
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Location-markerWilmington, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,443
  • Out-of-state$19,063
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,719
  • Out-of-state$19,104
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled17,843
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment75%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

University of Delaware

  • Location-markerNewark, DE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,980
  • Out-of-state$34,840
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,100
  • Out-of-state$17,100
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled23,996
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

Fitchburg State University

  • Location-markerFitchburg, MA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,510
  • Out-of-state$3,510
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled6,554
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

  • Location-markerBaton Rouge, LA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,047
  • Out-of-state$24,731
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,132
  • Out-of-state$9,132
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled37,350
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

University of Redlands

  • Location-markerRedlands, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$52,150
  • Out-of-state$52,150
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,360
  • Out-of-state$23,360
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled4,059
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment26%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

Appalachian State University

  • Location-markerBoone, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,950
  • Out-of-state$20,246
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,839
  • Out-of-state$19,849
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled20,436
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment60%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

California State University-Monterey Bay

  • Location-markerSeaside, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled7,503
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

University of Miami

  • Location-markerCoral Gables, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,112
  • Out-of-state$53,112
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$39,834
  • Out-of-state$39,834
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate19%
  • Students Enrolled19,401
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Top Accelerated Online MBA Programs

The College of Saint Scholastica

  • Location-markerDuluth, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,750
  • Out-of-state$38,750
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,182
  • Out-of-state$14,182
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled3,512
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes

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16 Types of Accelerated MBA Programs

Accounting

Accounting MBA concentrations combine business management education with instruction about advanced accounting concepts. They help students build targeted financial and cost analysis skills with broad applicability in areas including financial management, risk management, taxation, compliance, and enterprise valuation.

Graduates may qualify for careers in management analysis, financial analysis, and business development.

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Business Administration

Online master of business administration programs focus on essential aspects of business administration. These programs take a broad approach, typically covering accounting, finance, economics, operations management, business strategy, and marketing. Electives provide students with opportunities to build knowledge in more specific areas of interest.

Business administration graduates often go on to land corporate management and executive roles.

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Business Analytics

MBAs in business analytics fuse core business administration coursework with an accompanying emphasis on data analysis. Students master the data-driven strategic analysis skills modern businesses use to identify opportunities and build competitive advantages.

Graduates may go on to build careers as business analysts, data analysts, predictive modelers, and technical team leads.

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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship concentrations focus on innovative ways to help businesses excel. You can expect coursework in project management and growth strategies. Graduates can work in areas like market research and management analysis.

Whether you’re interested in running your own business or working for a company, an entrepreneurship focus will show you how to run a business.

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Finance

MBA programs specializing in finance focus on the money management side of business. With coursework in supply chain management and corporate finance, you’ll learn the skills needed to help businesses make savvy financial choices.

Pursuing an accelerated MBA in finance can set you up for many high-paying jobs, like financial analyst or financial manager.

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Healthcare Administration

MBAs in healthcare administration address the unique management needs of healthcare institutions. Coursework covers a fusion of financial, organizational, human, and technical resource management. Students typically come from professional backgrounds in healthcare or the life sciences.

Professionals with healthcare administration MBAs often work as health information, medical services, clinical, or corporate development managers.

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Human Resources

Are you a people person? Pursuing an MBA with a concentration in human resources can help you sharpen your interpersonal skills, focusing on managing conflicts and leading development trainings. Some programs offer further specializations in employment law or training and development.

An accelerated MBA in human resources can lead to careers in management positions in the growing field of human resources.

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Information Technology

An MBA in information technology (IT) delivers the knowledge and skills needed to manage organizational technology needs. These programs teach a combination of general business management and specialized topics in information security, telecommunications, data mining, and project management.

You can seek roles as computer and information systems managers, project managers, and IT managers with an MBA in IT. These career paths culminate in exciting c-suite roles, such as chief technology officer and chief information officer.

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International Business

If you’re interested in working on a global scale, an accelerated MBA in international business can teach you how to conduct business in a culturally conscious way. Graduates can find careers at companies that conduct global business, or they can pursue careers abroad.

Studying international business can also help you stand out when applying for jobs at companies with a strong global presence.

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Management

MBAs in management extend to many specialized fields. Examples include operations management, risk management, change management, and sports management, among others. Coursework depends on the program’s specific focus but generally covers topics in business strategy, leadership, marketing, finance, and ethics.

Career options largely depend on your specialization. Related job roles focus on targeted areas of business operations management.

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Marketing

Are you a creative type? Pursuing an accelerated online MBA focused on marketing can allow you to explore your innovative and creative side, while also working in a lucrative industry. Marketing majors take classes like market research, advertising, and branding in order to understand consumer patterns.

An MBA with a marketing concentration can give you the flexibility to work in several fields, including sales and the medical industry.

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Nonprofit Management

If you want to make a difference, an MBA in nonprofit management might be right for you. These programs focus on the unique management needs of nonprofit organizations. You’ll explore topics including fundraising, marketing, compliance, and the ethical and legal needs of nonprofit organizations.

After graduation, you may qualify to become a fundraising manager, media planner, marketer, or research analyst.

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Organizational Leadership

Organizational leadership MBA concentrations are ideal if you want to prepare to meet the challenges of a high-profile management or executive role. These programs develop your knowledge of the theories and best practices that help organizations make the most of their human resources.

Professionals working in many business areas can benefit from an MBA in organizational leadership. If you’re seeking to build a career focused on the human side of business operations, this degree might be right for you.

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Project Management

A project manager takes a company’s plans and helps make them a reality. If you earn an accelerated online MBA concentrating on project management, you’ll take courses in strategic project management and risk assessment.

As a project manager, you can find lucrative and rewarding career opportunities in IT, health, and even construction.

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Public Administration

MBAs in public administration develop management skills that address the increasing levels of crossover between the public and private sectors. These programs emphasize prudent fiscal and organizational management, social responsibility, and ethics.

After graduation, you may qualify for roles in both the private and public sectors. The public administration concentration is particularly appealing to private-sector employers that work alongside government agencies, or in regulated industries.

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Supply Chain and Logistics

MBAs in supply chain and logistics management teach students to improve efficiency and mitigate risk. You’ll learn about procurement, forecasting, demand planning, and shipping and receiving logistics. You will also develop advanced analysis and decision-making skills with respect to raw materials sourcing and product distribution.

Program graduates may go on to roles as distribution managers, logistics managers, and production managers.

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Can I Get an Online MBA With No GMAT Requirement at a Low Cost?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam that tests quantitative, qualitative, and analytical skills. It was once a standard aspect of the MBA admissions process. However, a growing number of business schools no longer require it.

Instead, many have adopted more holistic applicant evaluation standards that consider both a student’s academic performance and personal profile.

GMAT testing rates have recently declined sharply. In 2017, U.S. residents took nearly 104,000 GMAT exams. By 2021, the figure had dropped to just under 48,000. The COVID-19 pandemic was not the only cause: In 2019, GMAT test rates had already fallen by more than 20% compared to 2017 levels.

Low-cost, no-GMAT MBAs also make access to advanced business education more equitable. Higher education experts widely believe that no-GMAT and GMAT-optional test policies will remain the norm for the foreseeable future.

How Fast Can I Get an Online MBA?

Most MBA programs require you to complete at least 30 credits to graduate. And a typical online MBA program takes full-time students about two years to complete.

But that isn’t the only option available to you. You can complete an accelerated online MBA program in as little as 12-15 months.

What Can I Do With an Accelerated Online MBA Program?

By earning an accelerated MBA degree, you can enter the workforce faster, enabling you to start earning a higher salary sooner. Earning an MBA degree also helps prepare you for higher-level business positions, including many management roles.

+6%
Career Outlook (Projected Growth 2023-2033)*

$116,880
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)**

*Based on data for top executives according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Based on all management occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

By earning an accelerated MBA degree, you can enter the workforce faster, enabling you to start earning a higher salary sooner. Earning an MBA degree also helps prepare you for higher-level business positions, including many management roles.

Careers With an Accelerated MBA Degree
JobsMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)
Marketing manager$131,870
Financial analyst$99,010
Human resource manager$136,350
Computer and information systems manager$169,510
Management analyst$99,410
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Do I Choose an Accelerated Online MBA Program?

Choosing the right accelerated MBA program for you depends on several factors, including cost, format, and location.

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    Cost

    For many students, cost is the biggest factor in choosing a program. Online MBA programs may cost less than in-person programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees for all graduate programs cost an average of $20,513 in 2021-2022. Tuition at public schools was lower ($12,596), while at private schools, it was higher ($28,017). You should research the total program cost before applying.
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    Program Format

    Online MBAs offer several format options. You can choose from full-time and part-time MBAs, although accelerated programs require a significant amount of your time. Programs may also offer classes synchronously and asynchronously.
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    Location

    Even if you choose an online program, you should still consider a school’s location. Attending a local business school may offer several advantages. For example, local programs may host in-person networking events and connect students with faculty members. A local business school might also offer more employer connections in your area.
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    Accreditation

    When choosing where to apply, make sure you’re only considering accredited universities. And bear in mind that many schools offer accredited MBA programs. Accreditation indicates that a program or school meets certain academic quality standards. Most employers and certification organizations will require you to have a degree from an accredited institution.
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    Student Support

    The best business schools offer ample online support services. Student services often include academic advising, library access, and tutoring. MBA programs may also provide internship support and mentorship opportunities for distance learners. Be sure to ask a program about its student services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Online MBA Programs

Yes, many graduate schools offer one-year master’s programs. Accelerated master’s in business administration programs are among the most popular. Many accelerated programs take as little as one year to complete. In these accelerated programs, you typically complete around 30-36 credits of advanced classes.

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