Best online mba programs without gmat and aacsb accredited

Interesting MBA No-GMAT Programs

Why Are Schools Waiving or Not Requiring the GMAT?

Given that colleges and universities have used GMAT and GRE scores for decades to evaluate applicants, the fact that so many schools have eliminated testing in recent years may come as a surprise.

Scoring well on the GMAT shows that you can successfully learn how to ace an exam, but it does not necessarily predict how well you can perform in classes or whether you can become an effective business manager after graduation. It cannot gauge your interpersonal and networking skills or many other important abilities required to succeed in the business world. As such, it makes sense for MBA programs to consider other indicators to evaluate applicants.

Admission Requirements in Place of GMAT Scores

In the absence of GMAT scores, what do online MBA program administrators look for in potential candidates? Below, we examine some of the top requirements for online MBA programs that do not ask for GMAT scores.

Choosing a Quality Online MBA Program

When evaluating an online MBA program with no GMAT requirement, consider several degree components before making your final choice.

Curriculum

The curricula of online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements can vary substantially, so research your top schools carefully before committing. Students entering straight from undergraduate studies may prefer programs with an internship component to gain practical experience, while students with work experience may want a program without this requirement.

Concentration Availability

Many online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement allow students to pursue a concentration to develop specialized knowledge. Find the program that offers the best options for your career aspirations. Common concentrations include entrepreneurship, healthcare management, management, and international business.

Graduation Rates and Job Placement Rates

If a program suffers from a low graduation rate, many learners may transfer out of that program to a different school. If job placement rates are low, employers may believe that program graduates are not prepared for the workforce.

Accreditation

Accreditation demonstrates that a school and/or program went through a rigorous vetting process. Accreditation also indicates that the school and/or program adequately supports learners while they are enrolled, preparing graduates to enter the workforce.

Type of Program

MBA programs with no GMAT required are available in many different formats. Some learners may prefer a degree taught entirely online, while others may be attracted to a hybrid or blended learning format. Still others may enjoy taking part in weekend intensives several times over the course of the degree.

Affordability

Student loan debt totaled nearly $1.8 trillion as of February 2020, making affordability an important component to consider. Speak with each program's admissions department about institutional and departmental scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

Faculty

Make sure that your chosen program's faculty includes professors who specialize in your area of interest.

Accreditation for Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Requirements

Enrolling in programs that lack accreditation can make it difficult/impossible for you to receive federal student aid, transfer credits, apply for licensure, and/or find a job. Schools can receive accreditation from one of several regional bodies. These bodies assess colleges and universities to ensure they provide meaningful support services, relevant curricula, and qualified faculty. Use the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to make sure your chosen school is accredited.

Programmatic accreditation matters because it ensures MBA programs meet industry expectations and teach students about relevant topics. Important organizations that accredit online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

MBA Employment Outlook

Earning an online MBA can help you command a high salary, even right after graduation. According to the Business School Hiring Report compiled by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the median annual starting salary of MBA-holders was $115,000 in 2019. This number should increase for 2020, as approximately 56% of hiring companies stated they planned to increase starting salaries for MBA graduates.

While many international companies now gravitate toward master's in management graduates (69% of Asian companies and 67% of European companies), the MBA remains popular for U.S.-based hiring managers. This holds true for candidates who complete an MBA outside of North America, with approximately 48% of U.S.-based employers stating a willingness to hire international candidates.

Salary Opportunities for MBA Graduates

If you have ever wondered what you can do with a business degree, the table below describes some of the most popular jobs and industries for online MBA graduates.

Interesting MBA No-GMAT Programs

If You Need to Take the GMAT or GRE

Even though many MBA programs no longer require applicants to take the GMAT or GRE, some students may feel that top grades on these exams can help bolster their chances of being admitted in the absence of other strong indicators. If your undergraduate GPA was low or if you lack work experience, an impressive GMAT score can help you earn admission.

Preparing for the GMAT and GRE exams can feel overwhelming, but plenty of GMAT and GRE prep resources can help you excel.

The Best Online MBA Programs, No GMAT Required

#1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers an online master of business administration that encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. 

The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in business management. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants without a background in business management may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.

Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at a Glance:

Type of school: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 57%

Total Online Master's Programs: 3

Graduate Tuition In State: $17,580

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,204

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#2

University of Miami

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Based in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami hosts a top-rated online master of business administration. 

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in business management before applying to the program.

Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.

University of Miami at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 27%

Total Online Master's Programs: 11

Graduate Tuition In State: $37,800

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,800

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#3

Johnson University

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From its campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, Johnson University hosts a top-ranked master of business administration designed to strengthen industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants who majored in business management or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

Johnson University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 53%

Total Online Master's Programs: 4

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,350

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,350

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#4

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

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From its campus in Durant, Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma State University hosts a top-ranked master of business administration in general business program with a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.

The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without a degree in business management or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University at a Glance:

Type of school: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 74%

Total Online Master's Programs: 11

Graduate Tuition In State: $4,716

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,872

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#5

Southern Methodist University

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Based in Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University hosts a top-rated online master of business administration that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. After earning a master's degree, candidates can also pursue careers in new industries.

The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in business management. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in business management or a related field.

Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.

Southern Methodist University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 47%

Total Online Master's Programs: 25

Graduate Tuition In State: $40,896

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $40,896

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#6

Missouri Baptist University

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Located in Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University offers an online master of business administration program that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.

The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in business management. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants who majored in business management or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.

Missouri Baptist University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 61%

Total Online Master's Programs: 10

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,197

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,197

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#7

Lincoln Memorial University

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From its campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University hosts a top-ranked master in business administration. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.

The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to business administration. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in business administration or a related field.

Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

Lincoln Memorial University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 50%

Total Online Master's Programs: 12

Graduate Tuition In State: $18,093

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,093

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#8

Bentley University

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The online accelerated master of business administration at Bentley University, located in Waltham, uses a flexible distance learning format. The program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the business management field and related industries. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to business management. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. Applicants who majored in business management or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.

Bentley University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 47%

Total Online Master's Programs: 3

Graduate Tuition In State: $38,400

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,400

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#9

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

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Graduate students seeking an online business management degree can enroll in the master's program at the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. The master of business administration program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the business management field and related industries. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program builds on prior business management experience during a bachelor's program.

Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus at a Glance:

Type of school: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 77%

Total Online Master's Programs: 21

Graduate Tuition In State: $12,790

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,532

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#10

Point University

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From its campus in West Point, Georgia, Point University hosts a top-ranked master of business administration degree. The program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.

The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants who majored in business management or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.

Point University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 29%

Total Online Master's Programs: 7

Graduate Tuition In State: $12,360

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,360

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Online MBA Programs Without GMAT Ranking Guidelines

We selected these programs based on their quality and the variety of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:

The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.

To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):

1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]

• Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
• Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
• Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
• Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
• Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
• Considers range of electives within that discipline
• Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline

2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]

• Considers education background of the faculty
• Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
• Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
• Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
• Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources

3. Reputation [weight = 20%]

• Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
  • Faculty
  • Curriculum
  • “Freshness” of academic knowledge
  • Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
  • Suitability of graduates for the workplace

4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]

• Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
• Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants

5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]

• Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
• Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business

6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]

• Considers the following of the online classes:
  • Types of online technology used to deliver content
  • Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
  • Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
  • Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
• Considers the following of instructors:
  • Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
  • Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
  • Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
  • Ratio to number of students in a class
• Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees

Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.

To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:

• Accreditation
• Public or private status
• Acceptance rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• ACT/SAT requirements
• Cost in-state / out of state
• Undergrad, grad, or both offered
• Region
• State
• City

Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!

If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.

Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!

Questions About MBA Programs Without the GMAT

Do You Need GMAT Scores to Pursue an Online MBA?

Sometimes. It depends on the program. Some schools now allow learners to forego taking the GMAT.

Can You Get an MBA Without Taking the GMAT?

If you attend a school that does not require GMAT scores, then yes.

What MBA Programs Do Not Require the GMAT?

Many universities dropped GMAT requirements in the last few years, including some of the top-ranked programs in the nation.

Do All MBA Programs Require the GMAT?

No. While many schools still require this component, more and more schools no longer require applicants to submit GMAT scores.

What Is the Best Online MBA Program?

The best online MBA program is the one that matches with your academic abilities, professional goals, lifestyle, and financial needs.

How Much Does an Online MBA cost?

The cost of earning an online MBA can vary substantially. For example, in-state learners at Tarleton State University pay around $700/credit, while students at George Washington University pay almost $1,900/credit.

Interesting MBA No-GMAT Programs

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