Online MBA Programs in Washington D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, is known for government public sector jobs; however, the region is also experiencing private sector growth in technology, logistics, financial, non-profits, and consulting firms. Expansion in both private business and public sectors has fueled the need for business professionals with a graduate-level education. Obtaining an online MBA degree in Washington, DC, gives working professionals the opportunity to move forward in their careers.
This page highlights AACSB and ACBSP-accredited online MBA programs in Washington DC and provides information about job outlook for MBA program graduates in the state.
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Overview How To Choose Careers FAQsOnline MBA Programs in Washington D.C.
| School | Annual Tuition | Recommend Rate | Program Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| American University | $31,113 | 100% (3 reviews) | AACSB |
| American University - MBA | $31,113 | Add Review | AACSB |
| The George Washington University | $31,824 | 60% (5 reviews) | AACSB |
| Strayer University | $15,135 | 59% (217 reviews) | ACBSP |
| University of Phoenix | $16,752 | 60% (1156 reviews) | ACBSP |
MBA Degrees in Washington D.C.
Prospective MBA students in Washington, D.C., can select from a broad assortment of degrees, including traditional on-campus and online options in many areas of specialization. MBA programs in the nation's capital typically require the completion of 30-36 credit hours, as well as an internship and a capstone project. If you attend school full time, you may be able to complete an MBA program in two years, but part-time students may need additional time.
Most MBA programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, but not necessarily a business degree. Business schools accept many non-business majors into their MBA programs, enabling graduates to combine their expertise in two or more fields. Some schools may also require applicants to have several years of work experience, and some still require high GMAT or GRE scores.
Types of MBAs
Online MBA programs are designed to provide a comprehensive education in business management. However, if you'd like to acquire advanced knowledge and develop leadership abilities in one particular aspect of business or in a specific industry, you may want to select a program with a concentration. Some of the more popular options include:
MBA in Accounting: Courses in an MBA in Accounting program provide a strong foundation in financial and managerial accounting, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making. Many students earn an MBA in Accounting to help meet the requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant and position themselves for executive-level financial management roles.
MBA in Finance: The curriculum for an MBA in Finance covers all aspects of business with a particular focus on financial planning, risk management, and investments. This concentration prepares students for a wide range of advanced positions within the finance and banking industries, as well as many other corporations and organizations.
MBA in Healthcare Management: An MBA in Healthcare Management combines general business administration courses with specialty classes on the U.S. healthcare system, healthcare regulations, and insurance. This program helps prepare graduates for high-level managerial positions throughout the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies.
MBA in Human Resources: Human Resources can be an important part of an organization's growth strategy. Coursework in an MBA in Human Resources program provides in-depth information on talent management, training, and employment law.
MBA in Information Systems: An MBA in Information Systems is designed for IT professionals who want to develop their leadership abilities. The curriculum usually includes advanced courses in information technology as well as business management courses, which help prepare graduates for higher-level managerial roles.
MBA in International Business: In an MBA in International Business program, specialized courses focus on global economics, international marketing, and international finance. This degree is particularly useful for prospective high-level managers who need a global perspective on business and trade.
MBA in Management: The MBA in Management is one of the most versatile concentrations because it covers business fundamentals and leadership skills that can be used in virtually any organization. Enrollees typically take advanced courses in finance, accounting, and marketing while developing strengths in motivation, ethical decision-making, and strategy.
MBA in Marketing: Another fairly versatile program, an MBA in Marketing prepares graduates for high-level positions in all types of businesses and industries. The curriculum often includes advanced courses in consumer behavior, branding, forecasting, sales force management, and selling strategies.
MBA in Organizational Leadership: As an interdisciplinary program, an MBA in Organizational Leadership studies business management by focusing on psychology and human behavior. Graduates with this degree often become corporate trainers, sales directors, and organizational management consultants.
MBA in Public Administration: MBA in Public Administration programs are designed to help graduates understand how business concepts are applied in public sector organizations. This may be a particularly good choice for those who want to assume management roles in state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
MBA in Technology Management: Leading business growth through the effective use of technology is the focus of an MBA in Technology Management program. Graduates with this concentration often go on to become chief technology officers and information systems managers.
How To Choose an Online MBA Program in Washington, D.C.
If you're planning to earn an MBA degree in Washington, D.C., or perhaps a nearby state, you'll want to look for several important criteria to ensure you're getting a quality education. One of these factors is accreditation, a designation that proves that the school has been independently reviewed and found to meet high standards.
When reviewing accredited Washington, D.C., MBA options, you may also want to thoroughly research each program in terms of how it will help you achieve your professional goals. For example, you'll want to select a program that offers the concentration you're most interested in or that will allow you to customize the program through your choice of electives. You may also want to look into the credentials of the faculty, the types of learning activities used to develop particular skills, and whether there will be mentorship opportunities.
Other factors that may help you choose one MBA program over another include the school's support services. You may want to look for a school that provides career development services, such as resume writing, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. It may also be helpful to find a school with a supportive alumni association that you can rely on for guidance and networking.
Many types of MBA programs are available online. Depending on your personal goals and circumstances, you may want to consider an accelerated MBA or executive MBA program.
MBA Jobs in Washington, D.C.
Like other states in the U.S., the District of Columbia's economy was hit hard by the pandemic. However, the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that D.C.'s economy is bouncing back, as evidenced by growth in several sectors, including professional and business services, education and health services, and especially leisure and hospitality.
ProjectionsCentral provides job growth projections for 2020 through 2030 that may be of interest to Washington, D.C., MBA graduates. Although many of the following occupations in the District of Columbia do not require an MBA, job applicants with this advanced degree may be viewed as better-qualified candidates.
| Occupation | Projected Number of Jobs in 2030 | Total Job Growth 2020-2030 |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 31,630 | 8.2% |
| Computer and Systems Information Managers | 4,910 | 3.2% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 740 | 12.1% |
| Human Resources Managers | 1,940 | 5.4% |
| Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary | 1,520 | 16.9% |
With so many government agencies, professional associations, lobbying organizations, and related businesses located in the nation's capital, District of Columbia MBAs can follow several different career paths. Some may find employment opportunities at one of the four Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the greater D.C. area — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin, one of the top recruiters of recent MBA grads in 2021 — or at one of the 12 other Fortune 500s located in northern Virginia.
MBA Salaries in Washington, D.C.
According to data from the BLS, managerial salaries in Washington, D.C., are generally higher than managerial salaries across the nation. However, D.C.'s cost of living score is 150.6, significantly higher than the national index of 100, which may offset any financial gains from more generous salaries.
| Occupation | Mean Annual Salary in Washington, D.C. | Mean Annual Salary in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $156,010 | $115,250 |
| Computer and Systems Information Managers | $176,000 | $162,930 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $140,760 | $105,580 |
| Human Resources Managers | $162,810 | $136,590 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary | $120,610 | $102,650 |
Several of these managerial occupations are listed on the Washington, D.C. Department of Labor's 2022 Hot 50 Jobs list. These roles do not specifically require an advanced degree, but you may be a more attractive candidate and have the ability to negotiate a higher salary if you have an MBA.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers typically work in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other healthcare facilities. They need top-notch managerial skills, including the abilities to supervise staff and monitor budgets, and they also need to be well-versed in medical practices and procedures, health insurance, and healthcare regulations. Although it's not required, an MBA in Healthcare Management program may help prepare you for a career as a healthcare administrator.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Information systems managers can find job opportunities in virtually every industry, especially in larger organizations that have extensive technology networks and systems. These managers identify technology needs, install appropriate hardware and software, and establish security protocols. An MBA in Information Systems, along with several years of work experience, may help you advance to a management position in IT.
Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers often work in mid-sized and larger organizations, where they recruit, hire, train, and manage the organization's employees. They often develop and monitor compensation and benefits programs, participate in talent development programs, and assist unit and department managers with staffing issues. Both voluntary certifications and an MBA in Human Resources may help you advance to an executive position in HR.
FAQs About Washington, D.C. MBAs
What Is the Cost of MBA Programs in Washington, D.C.?
The cost of MBA programs in Washington, D.C., varies widely. If you're concerned about cost, you may find that some schools charge lower tuition fees for their online programs than they do for their on-campus programs. You may also be able to reduce the cost of earning an MBA by applying for various types of financial aid, such as fellowships, grants, student loans, and employer tuition reimbursement.
Is an MBA in Washington, D.C. Worth It?
Given how much time, energy, and money go into earning an MBA, you're wise to question whether this degree will be worth it for you before you enroll. You can try to evaluate an MBA objectively by looking at the degree's return on investment, meaning the financial cost, including student loan interest, as compared to your estimated lifetime earnings. You can also consider this decision more subjectively by exploring whether you believe an MBA will help you fulfill your personal and professional goals.
Can I Get an MBA Online in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, you can get an MBA online at a handful of accredited MBA colleges in Washington, D.C. You may also be interested in online master's in business administration programs in nearby Virginia and Maryland. By adding online options to your list of potential college choices, you'll have more programs to select from without having to relocate.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 5/1/2023