Dr. Elizabeth Rozell, Director of the MBA program at Missouri State University, joins us today to discuss their Online MBA program.
Can you tell us about the online MBA program offered at Missouri State University?
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Missouri State University (MSU) is an AACSB-accredited program and provides graduates the edge needed to excel in the field of business and lead in an ever-changing global economy. Our curriculum is structured yet flexible, and includes courses in marketing, management, finance, accounting, computer information systems, and quantitative analysis. When students earn an MBA from Missouri State University, they receive superior leadership skills, marketability, networking opportunities, and a global perspective. Our online MBA program helps equip students with knowledge to advance their careers and make well-informed strategic and managerial decisions.
Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the program? Do international students have the same requirement?
Our program utilizes a competitive admissions standard for all applicants. We compare a student’s past academic performance, GMAT or GRE score, and professional experience with those of other applicants when making admission decisions. The GMAT or GRE requirement may be waived at the Director’s discretion.
Our competitive admissions standard is used for all MBA applicants including our international student applicants.
How long does a typical online MBA program take at Missouri State University? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion?
The Missouri State MBA program focuses on flexibility and is designed with working professionals in mind. On average, students working full-time complete the degree within two years. Students completing the program full-time can earn the degree in one year. The degree must be completed within eight years.
What do you think makes Missouri State University’s online MBA program stand out from other online MBA programs offered by similar schools?
Missouri State University’s online MBA program stands out by offering students an affordable education while providing high value through our impressive accreditation. The program is the same regardless of modality. The same faculty and curriculum are used in our face-to-face and online modalities. Additionally, we focus on flexibility which allows working professionals to complete the degree wherever they are located within the United States.
Notable Rankings:
- Ranked by Online MBA Today for Top 10 Best Value Online MBA (#5)
- Ranked by Online MBA Today for Top Online MBA in Cybersecurity (#2)
- Ranked by U.S. News and World Report in Best Online MBA Programs
- Ranked by Online MBA Today for Top Affordable Online MBA Program
- Ranked by Affordable Colleges Online as a Top Affordable Online MBA Program
How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online MBA program?
Accreditation should be a criterion of utmost importance when choosing an online MBA program. Our Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is a key factor to our program’s value and success. The AACSB accredits the Missouri State University MBA program, and only 5% of all colleges of business worldwide share this prestigious level of accreditation. Our School of Accountancy also holds the separate Accounting AACSB accreditation. Holding the AACSB accreditation in both areas speaks volumes to the quality and value of our online MBA program.
What are the advantages to earning an online MBA degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand for this degree?
The advantages to earning an online MBA degree are vast. The MBA is a very well-known and respected degree among many different industries. The MBA program offers many different value frameworks such as providing education, credentials, and opportunities. Our graduates have been highly successful in the job market. Several of our graduates work for Fortune 500 companies, as well as small and medium-sized firms.
Does Missouri State University offer job placement for students who graduate with an online MBA degree?
Missouri State University has an active Career Center providing career-related services to all MSU students. The Career Center hosts events such as our College of Business Career Fair which connects students to employers through on-campus networking opportunities. We also provide our students with access to our international alumni network, which can be a great medium for our students to learn about current job opportunities.
What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business? Are there any fellowships, grants and scholarships available?
The Missouri State University Office of Financial Aid offers students guidance as they search for ways to fund their graduate education. MSU offers students the opportunity to apply for scholarships each year through the General and Departmental Scholarship Application.
Do you have any advice for students enrolling in an online MBA program for the first time?
We advise students to get connected with the university and the resources that it provides right away. At MSU, students are assigned a graduate advisor to help guide them through course registration and to help them become acclimated to the online environment. The College of Business at MSU provides a personal touch approach to its students, and the faculty and staff are anxious to help students successfully navigate through the MBA program and beyond.
What do you enjoy most about your position at Missouri State University?
I have the opportunity to constantly stay connected with industry professionals to learn what skills they desire from graduates. The most rewarding part of my current role is meeting with students, helping them realize their potential, and seeing them achieve their career goals. I enjoy that I get to be a positive influence on students in providing them information on the benefits of graduate education. I also enjoy getting to see our MBA students presenting at events and competitions, showcasing the knowledge they are learning, and taking those experiences to unchartered heights in their professional careers.
For more information on the online MBA programs offered at Missouri State University, visit them online.
Thank you Dr. Rozell, for sharing and participating in this piece.
That concludes our interview!