Friday 20 November 2015

MBA in Finance

Finance is one of the most popular specializations within Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. An MBA in Finance offers benefits to working professionals in a variety of industries, including commercial and corporate banking, investment services and real estate.Finance is one of the most sought after specialization of MBA. A big community of students is attracting with this specialization.


It is one of the oldest disciplines of management. In the last of the 19th century it was the subject ofEconomicsBy the start of the 20th century it got the affiliation of an individual subject for study.
When we heard the term ‘finance’we thought of the banking. But no, just only banking is not the all for finance.
“Finance as a subject involves the management, control and review of the collection, investment and resources of money as a capital required for an industrial building, plant and working”.
This activity is called as the Financial Management which is controlled by the Finance Manager.
MBA in finance image
The students always think that, why to do MBA in Finance. There are some other specializations in MBA curriculum, then after what is the scope of finance. Actually;
It is the age of industrialization in all around the world. Many industries are being established in many countries. Finance is the way to establish an industry in a proper way in according to the money management of the building, run, money resources and its proper collection.

What Are the Benefits of an MBA in Finance?

Students pursuing an MBA in Finance gain the business and financial skills needed to work in a number of enterprises. They often have access to top-notch internship opportunities while still in school, and they generally command better positions and higher salaries upon graduation. Many MBA programs are offered on a part-time basis, making them accessible for working professionals.

Curriculum

MBA in Finance programs typically provide foundational education in statistics, leadership, economics, strategy and marketing. Students often choose a specialization during the second half of these 2-year programs. Some schools offer a curriculum loaded with business-related courses, such as management methods and accounting, with a few electives in financial subjects.
Others offer the opposite, presenting some general business training, with the majority of the courses focusing on financial, investment and banking topics. Programs may also allow students to choose a specific focus in their financial education, such as commercial, investment or real estate studies. Topics commonly taught through a finance MBA program include:
  • Stock market analysis
  • Foundations in finance
  • Global economy
  • Financial instruments
  • Futures and options
  • Market trading and volatility
  • Risk management
  • Bankruptcy
  • Corporate finance

Practical Experience

Students pursuing an MBA in Finance can sometimes gain experience with some of the world's most successful companies through internship programs. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Amazon, Intel and Microsoft offer internship opportunities specifically designed for aspiring financial managers and analysts. These work-study opportunities often count as academic credit.

Employment Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers and analysts can expect moderate to faster-than-average job growth in the coming years, along with serious competition for available positions. Depending on the specialization, the BLS anticipated an increase of 9%-16% for financial professions between 2012-2022 (www.bls.gov). Some popular career paths for MBA in Finance graduates include:
  • Senior financial analyst
  • Financial controller or director
  • Manager of a finance department
  • Chief financial officer
  • Commercial or investment banker
  • Real estate or insurance finance manager

Potential Salaries

In March 2014, this blog reported high salaries for MBA-holders in a variety of financial professions. Finance analysis managers earned a median annual income of $81,250, while a chief financial officer's median annual wages stood at $117,415.
this blog also noted that experience also played a large factor in take-home pay, with entry-level MBA graduates earning a median salary of approximately $61,748, while those with five or more years' experience saw a median salary of $83,475.

Comparing Finance and Marketing MBA Programs

MBA programs in finance and marketing prepare students for careers in management. Students can choose courses that are tailored to their specific needs, goals and interests. Both programs are similar, since finance MBA programs offer courses in marketing, and marketing MBA programs offer courses in finance.


How Are Finance and Marketing MBA Programs Alike?

Master of Business Administration in Finance

Overview of Degree Information

An MBA program with a concentration in finance prepares graduates to make financial decisions for a variety of businesses and organizations. MBA programs include finance courses that teach students how to acquire, manage and distribute funds in a business setting. Typical courses include marketing, international business and finance, budgeting, financial accounting, data analysis and economics.

Students can choose to concentrate in one of several subspecialties that coincide with their personal and professional goals and interests. Subspecialties include areas such as private equity, corporate finance and portfolio management.

Career Options for Graduates with a Finance MBA

An MBA with a concentration in finance prepares students for a variety of careers, including positions such as these:
  • Chief financial officer
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial manager
  • Insurance adjuster
  • Investment banker
  • Stock broker

Master of Business Administration in Marketing

Overview of Degree Information

A marketing MBA program is designed to prepare graduates to make marketing decisions in regards to advertising, public relations and other communications fields. Typical college coursework includes international sales and marketing, risk management, strategic planning, economics, ethics, market research, financial analysis, consumer behavior and current business trends.

In an MBA marketing program, students are usually allowed to choose courses from subspecialty areas of marketing based on their individual interests and goals. Such areas may include advertising and the Internet and international marketing.

Career Options for Graduates with a Marketing MBA

A variety of careers are available to graduates with an MBA in Marketing. Job possibilities include the following:
  • Advertising executive
  • Brand manager
  • Business development director
  • Buyer
  • Market researcher
  • Product manager
  • Senior marketing analyst

How Long Does an MBA Degree Take to Complete?

The time it takes to complete an MBA program may differ based on the program format, since many options are available to students. This article details the core program and how long it may take to earn an MBA in different formats.

Time Required to Earn an MBA

There are generally five main types of MBA programs. The length of these programs ranges from eighteen months to three years. Examples are detailed below.


Full-Time MBA: Two Years

This is the standard MBA program. It takes four semesters of full-time coursework to complete, coinciding with the university's schedule. Students are enrolled with a full-time course load, typically beginning their semester in late August or early September and completing all work required for the degree by May or June of the second year.

Part-Time MBA: Three or More Years

Working professionals often enroll in part-time programs. Students take their classes either at night or on the weekends, and their course load depends on what they believe they're able to handle per semester. These courses are often taken online.

Accelerated MBA: Eighteen Months or Fewer

These programs differ in length by school. Students do not adhere to the standard university schedule. Winter vacations may only last a single week, and students may be required to take courses all summer instead of receiving the standard vacation.

Executive MBA: Two Years

This program is similar to the full-time MBA program, though it is meant for working professionals who've been involved in their profession for many years, often ten or more. Classes are geared toward the knowledge and experience level of existing managers and supervisors within specific businesses.

Dual MBA: One Year or More

Dual programs offer accelerated learning for those who are pursuing their MBA along with another degree. This may mean another master's degree or a bachelor's degree. If the student is combining their MBA with a master's degree, the coursework may take well over two years. Lengths may also vary by specialty and the corresponding research or projects involved.
Some schools offer baccalaureate students the option to begin their MBA coursework during their senior year of college and continue throughout the summer, then into the next school year. They can ultimately finish their MBA after just one year beyond their undergraduate studies.

MBA Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned by those looking to either enter or excel further in the business world. Individuals apply to MBA programs from all walks of life, including directly out of a bachelor's degree program, after working an entry-level position for a few years or having worked within the private or public sector for many years.

Curriculum

Core MBA courses introduce and quickly familiarize students with standard business practices and subjects. These include accounting, management, finance, marketing, management information systems and statistics. Most MBA programs require or allow students to choose a specialization, many of which are those standard business subjects mentioned above. Other concentrations may include management technology, financial analysis and international business.

What Can You Do With a Masters Degree in Finance?

There are many careers available for graduates of finance programs at the master's level. This article details the finance master's degree, as well as exploring career possibilities for graduates.

Career Options

Graduates of finance MBAs are prepared for a plethora of careers. These include stock broker, financial planner, pension fund manager, treasurer, controller and insurance
adjuster. All businesses need to be in control of their finances, and employers seek to hire the applicant with the most expertise in his or her field. Many graduates go on to found their own businesses, using the broad skills learned in an MBA program.

Finance Master's Degree: Overview

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are generally meant for students who wish to enter the business world or further their business careers. MBA programs feature core business courses that may include accounting, management, marketing, finance, statistics and management information systems. MBA programs then allow students to select an area of emphasis. Students often choose finance if they're interested in business work regarding budgets, numbers and accounting, or if they already work within this field.

Curriculum

Finance MBA programs in particular focus on transactions between businesses and consumers and businesses with other businesses. Students learn about interest rates, risk management, asset pricing and both domestic and international financial transactions. This knowledge, combined with the skills learned in marketing and management courses, help students understand what makes a business thrive in terms of expenses, image and employee control.

Types of Programs

There are five types of MBA programs from which students can choose. The main difference between them is how long they take to complete and, in the case of the Executive MBA, the business experience one needs to gain acceptance. The types of MBA programs include the following:
  • Full-time MBA
  • Part-time MBA
  • Executive MBA
  • Dual MBA
  • Accelerated MBA

Finance Majors: Job Options and Salary Information

Finance is generally a program that gives undergraduates an understanding of money and business. Continue reading for an overview of the program options, as well as career possibilities and salary information for finance majors.

Essential Information

Finance majors have many diverse job opportunities open to them. They may handle money matters for companies that deal in commercial products or they may work directly with the financial industry in real estate or in banking, for instance. A Bachelor of Science in Finance program also usually covers capital markets, which includes the study of securities. Students complete general business courses, then select electives that will help them meet their goals.
While a bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions in the field of finance, a master's degree may be necessary for career advancement. Average salaries in the industry run above $50,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with some occupations paying much more.
Career OptionReal Estate BrokerSecurities Sales AgentFinancial Manager
Required EducationCollege degree preferred; training programsBachelor's degreeBachelor's degree
Other RequirementsState licensing; real estate sales experienceLicense and certification usually requiredN/A
Projected Job Growth (2012-22)*11%11%9%
Median Salary (2013)*$59,580$72,640$112,700
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career Options

According to California State University - Northridge (CSUN), the most common career path to the position of chief executive officer (CEO) is through studies in finance. Finance workers handle all matters related to money, the key element to any business. CSUN divides career options for finance majors into two categories: money management in the consumer products industry and financial products or services.

Consumer Products

Former finance majors who focus on consumer products work for businesses that deal in the selling or trading of merchandise in the commercial marketplace. They may manage customer credit accounts, a company's cash flow or its financial outlook. They may handle employee benefits or pension plans. They may oversee the property holdings of a major company. In short, they manage all financial assets of commercial companies.

Financial Products

Employees who deal in financial products work directly in the finance industry creating and selling financial services. Those who majored in finance may take up positions in the insurance industry, acting as a broker to customers or an advisor to an insurance company. They may work in the banking industry, perhaps dealing in loans, customer portfolio management or overseeing a branch. They may work with securities, or stocks and bonds. Finally, they may take up employment in the real estate industry, perhaps as an appraiser or mortgage officer.

Salary Information

Salaries in the financial industry vary significantly based on career choice. However, in general finance employees can expect to earn above $50,000 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reports the following mean annual salaries for finance jobs as of May 2013:
  • Real estate sales agent: $39,800
  • Insurance sales agent: $48,210
  • Loan officer: $61,420
  • Financial analyst: $78,380
  • Financial advisor: $75,320

Top 50 MBA Programs in the USA

Find out which top-ranked schools in America offer Master of Business Administration degree programs. Get details about schools, program options and ranking information.

School Information

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate business degree offered by many well-ranked colleges and universities across the nation. MBA programs generally require two years of graduate study and include courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management and information technology. Top schools with MBA programs include Harvard University in Massachusetts and the University of Chicago in Illinois.

1. Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts

School Highlight: Harvard Business School is in the top 10 on U.S. News & World Report's 2014 rankings for best programs in entrepreneurship, international studies, marketing, management, finance, nonprofit and production/operations.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Harvard University second in the nation among the best business schools in the country in 2015. The school is over a century old and well-known for offering case-based curriculum and churning out successful graduates. In addition to an intensive 2-year residential MBA program, it also offers more than 60 executive education programs and nine full-time doctoral programs.

2. University of Chicago Booth School of Business in Illinois

School Highlight: In addition to the full-time and executive MBA degrees, the Booth School of Business offers joint degrees with the law, medical, social service and public policy graduate schools.
In 2015, the Booth School of Business was ranked fourth in a list of the best business schools in the country byU.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1898, the Booth School of Business offers an unrivaled faculty and boasts nearly 43,000 accomplished graduates. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers full-time, weekend and evening business program options, as well as an executive MBA.

Top MBA Programs

College/University NameDistinctionLocation
Arizona State UniversityThe W.P Carey School of Business schedules classes for full-time students in the mornings, leaving afternoons for career coaching, team meetings and participation in student organizationsTempe, AZ
Babson CollegeThe #1 MBA for entrepreneurship is located at Babson College's F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business (U.S. News & World Report 2015)Wellesley, MA
Boston CollegeFull-time MBA students at Boston College select one of 11 areas offered as a specialization; the school is ranked 19th nationally for its finance MBA according to U.S. News & World Report's 2015 listChestnut Hill, MA
Boston UniversityMBA options at BU include an on-campus 2-year MBA, an international field seminar that begins in Boston and ends abroad, a 2-year MS/MBA, a health sector MBA and a non-profit MBABoston, MA
Brigham Young UniversityBYU was ranked first among MBAs for the categories of accountancy teaching and human resources teaching, according to the Financial Times in 2012Provo, UT
Carnegie Mellon UniversityThis school's Tepper School of Business received the #2 ranking nationally for its production/operations MBA and for its information systems MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015)Pittsburgh, PA
Columbia UniversityColumbia's business school is ranked 8th nationally in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report, and 7 of its specialized programs also landed in the top 10 in the U.S.New York, NY
Cornell UniversityCornell, the largest Ivy League University, offers 3 full-time MBA formats as well as a Tech MBA, several executive MBA programs and a dual MBA/FMBA in ChinaIthaca, NY
Dartmouth CollegeAt the 9th-ranked Tuck School of Business (per U.S. News & World Reportfor 2015), students enjoy small study teams, a First-Year Project Course and 40+ student organizationsHanover, NH
Duke UniversityDuke's Fuqua School of Business offers a Duke Startup Challenge, a Luxury Brand & Retail Club, and research centers for global capital markets and leadership and ethicsDurham, NC
Emory UniversityEmory's Goizueta Business School reports a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, and the school is ranked 21st for business schools overall and 15th for its part-time MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015)Atlanta, GA
Georgetown UniversityU.S. News & World Report ranked Georgetown as the 24th best business school in the nation; the school's MBA begins with a 3-week intensive Structure of Global Industries courseWashington, DC
Georgia Institute of TechnologyThe Princeton Review ranked the classroom experience in this school's MBA program as 6th best in the nationAtlanta, GA
Indiana University - BloomingtonMentoring, internships, peer coaching, career coaching, leadership teams and emerging market experiences are some of the leadership development and career development activities that are scheduled and mapped out alongside the academic workBloomington, IN
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyThe Sloan School of Management at MIT is ranked 5th among all graduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report; students can participate in Action Labs or a year-long entrepreneurship contest with $100,000 in prizesCambridge, MA
Michigan State UniversityIn 2014, Forbes found graduates of the Eli Broad College of Business MBA program to be the 4th most satisfied in the nationEast Lansing, MI
New York UniversityIn addition to top 5 U.S. News & World Report rankings for the finance and part-time MBA programs, six other specialized MBAs and the business school as a whole are in the top 10 nationally in 2015New York, NY
Northwestern UniversityNorthwestern's Kellogg School of Management has 25 specialized centers and 130 student organizations; U.S. News & World Report gave the school the #6 ranking in 2015 for best graduate business schoolsEvanston, IL
The Ohio State UniversityThe Fisher College of Business at Ohio State features Centers of Excellence in 10 areas such as entrepreneurship, global supply chain, real estate, customer insights, the middle market and business performanceColumbus, OH
Pennsylvania State UniversityPenn State's Smeal College of Business is ranked 37th among business schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2015; the same organization ranked the supply chain specialization #5University Park, PA
Purdue University - Main CampusIn their second year, Purdue's MBA students participate in a one-semester Experiential Learning Initiative that pairs them with corporations for consulting projectsWest Lafayette, IN
Rice UniversityRice's Jones School offers the #13 entrepreneurial MBA and the #16 part-time MBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2015) as well as a 9:1 student-faculty ratioHouston, TX
Southern Methodist UniversityIn 2013, Bloomberg Businessweek ranks the Cox School of Business' Executive MBA and Professional MBA's as the third-best in the worldDallas, TX
Stanford UniversityHolds the #1 spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2015 list of best business schools; Stanford offers more than 20 specializations at the graduate business levelStanford, CA
Texas A & M UniversityThis school's Mays Business School was ranked #1 best value for the money of all U.S. schools and #19 best value in the world in 2014 by theFinancial TimesCollege Station, TX
University of ArizonaThe Eller College of Management was named tied as the third-best MBA for the information systems specialization and the eleventh-best for entrepreneurship, per the 2015 U.S. News & World Report listingsTucson, AZ
University of California, BerkeleyThe Haas School of Business MBA program - the #7 business school in 2015 per U.S. News & World Report - includes a 'Problem Finding, Problem Solving' (PFPS) core class and the Applied Innovation set of hands-on coursesBerkeley, CA
University of California, DavisOptions for students include the chance to shadow alumni, study abroad in Chile, Sweden, Brazil, France, Germany, Finland, Hong Kong, Mexico, Shanghai, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom, or participate in the precision briefcase brigadeDavis, CA
University of California, Los AngelesIn addition to a #15 ranking from U.S. News & World Report for its Anderson School of Management overall, the executive MBA, part-time MBA and finance MBA all received top 10 rankings in 2015Los Angeles, CA
University of FloridaIn 2016 US News & World Report ranked the Warrington College of Business Administration as the 29th best in the U.S. overall and 18th best as compared to other public universitiesGainesville, FL
University of Illinois at Urbana - ChampaignUS News & World Report put the University of Illinois' at the #2 spot in the nation for their accountancy programChampaign, IL
University of IowaForbes put the University of Iowa tied for the #6 spot for fastest payback in 2015Iowa City, IA
University of Maryland - College ParkThe Financial Time put the MBA program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at #24 in the nation in 2015College Park, MD
University of MichiganRanked tied for 11th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2015 for its graduate business program, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business gives students access to global initiatives and 70+ student organizationsAnn Arbor, MI
University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesIn addition to the full-time and part-time MBA programs, the Carlson School of Management's executive MBA programs are offered in Minnesota, Austria and ChinaMinneapolis, MN
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillExperiential learning at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School falls into nine categories such as non-profits, capital markets lab, student managed funds, case competitions, global business projects and sustainabilityChapel Hill, NC
University of Notre DameNotre Dame's Mendoza College of Business earned a tie for the #25 national ranking for the school and a #14 ranking for its accounting MBANotre Dame, IN
University of PennsylvaniaThe Wharton School of Business has the second place ranking on U.S. News & World Report's 2015 list; students can participate in week-long 'Venture' trips to put leadership skills to work outdoorsPhiladelphia, PA
University of RochesterThe William E. Simon Graduate School of Business is ranked tied for 37th in the country (2015 U.S. News & World Report); the school limits full-time MBA graduating classes to about 165 studentsRochester, NY
University of Southern CaliforniaFull-time MBA students in USC's Marshall School of Business wrap up their first year of studies with a 10-day Pacific Rim International Management Education (PRIME) field trip experience to companies in the Pacific Rim, Latin America or EuropeLos Angeles, CA
University of Texas at AustinThe Austin McCombs School of Business - ranked #17 among graduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report - offers 14 different MBA specializations and a Venture Fellows internship programAustin, TX
University of Texas at DallasThe Naveen Jindal School of Management offers students access to 11 research centers and institutes, such as the Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance and the Center for Analysis of Property RightsRichardson, TX
University of VirginiaThe Darden School of Business faculty is the only one that has been ranked in the top 20th percentile for 24 years running by BusinessWeekCharlottesville, VA
University of WashingtonThis school reports a 96% placement rateSeattle, WA
University of Wisconsin - MadisonFull-time MBA students at UW-Madison join a cohort of roughly 130 students and smaller cohorts within the 10 specializations offered, each of which has its own knowledge centerMadison, WI
Vanderbilt UniversityDistinctive features at Vanderbilt's Owen School of Management include immersion experiences such as BrandWeek, Health Care Immersion, Real Estate Capstone Project and International SeminarsNashville, TN
Washington University - St. LouisThe Olin Business School includes a Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) that pairs student consulting teams with real businessesSt. Louis, MO
Yale UniversityYale has the top-ranked non-profit MBA in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2015 listingsNew Haven, CT

MBA Programs in Virginia with Course and Degree Descriptions

There are nearly 30 schools within Virginia that have MBA programs. Read an overview of 10 of the largest schools' programs, requirements and tuition info and find out which school is the right one for you.

Essential Information

MBA programs generally take 2-3 years to complete, and some may require that students have management experience to apply. Many of the MBA programs listed below offer various concentrations, such as accounting, information systems, global marketing and project management. Schools with executive master's degree programs, designed for those already working in management, are usually held on evenings or weekends to accommodate full-time work schedules.

Career Requirements

No requirements exist in Virginia for a career in management, though some companies may look for employees with an MBA to fill certain management positions. Below is an overview of 10 of the largest schools with MBA programs, along with a table comparing the program and tuition costs.

College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg offers full-time, flex and executive MBA program options. Students must complete 63 credit hours, which include courses in marketing management, financial management, accounting and organizational behavior. The college also features four dual degree programs that allow students to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Global Management or Master of Accounting to complement their MBA. The Executive MBA program classes are held twice each month on Fridays and Saturdays, while the flex option features classes two nights each week and takes about three years to complete.
  • Program Offered: MBA,
    MBA/JD,
    MBA/MPP,
    MBA/Master of Global Management,
    MBA/Master of Accounting
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $29,350, in-state; $39,750, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; large suburb

George Mason University

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, has a 48-credit MBA program. The core courses in the program cover managerial finance, marketing management, organizational behavior, financial reporting and operations management. Students may select concentration areas in accounting, entrepreneurship, financial management, information systems management, marketing or project management. Full-time students attend classes four days each week, while part-time students must attend classes at least two days each week. The school also recommends that all incoming students have at least two years of professional experience.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $822/credit hour, in-state; $1,478/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; large suburb

James Madison University

James Madison University in Harrisonburg has innovation and information security MBA programs. Students in the information security program earn an MBA and an Information Systems Security Professionals certificate that's approved by the National Security Agency (NSA). This program features basic business courses like accounting and marketing, which are followed by four courses focused on security issues. The innovation program includes business courses, workshops, leadership development instruction and an international trip.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): Innovation MBA: $415/credit hour; Infosec MBA: $777/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small city

Liberty University

The MBA program at Liberty University, which is found in Lynchburg, allows students to select a 36-hour general program or 45-hour program with a specialization. Both programs are available in online formats. Specialization options include accounting, criminal justice administration, healthcare management, human resources, leadership, international business, marketing, public administration, project management and public relations. The core MBA courses in the program cover marketing management, accounting, managerial finance, international business, operations management and business research methods.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $473/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; private, not-for-profit; small city

Old Dominion University

The MBA program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk has six concentration options, such as public administration, port and maritime management, business and economic forecasting, international business and information technology. The MBA program requires students to complete 48 credit hours of coursework. Students can complete the coursework on a part- or full-time basis, and courses are available at multiple campus locations. The school also brings in guest speakers each month and features an MBA association for students.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $393/credit hour, in-state; $997/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; midsize city

Radford University

Radford University, located in Radford, offers an MBA program that requires students to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. Students can complete the full-time MBA program in 16 months, while the professional MBA program takes two years to finish. Core courses include organizational behavior, accounting, operations management, management information systems, financial management and marketing management. Students then get to select from a list of global elective options, such as global market research and e-commerce strategy.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $9,370, in-state; $18,384, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; fringe town

Regent University

The MBA program at Regent University, which is found in Virginia Beach, has nine concentration options available. Concentration options include accounting, entrepreneurship, leadership, international business, human resources management, franchising and general management. To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 42 credits of core and elective coursework. Core courses in the MBA program cover topics like technology and commerce, economics, operations and supply chain management, marketing, accounting, finance and human resource management. Students also have the option of completing courses online or on-campus.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $625/credit hour*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; private, not-for-profit; large city

University of Virginia - Main Campus

The main campus of the University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville and offers an MBA program with three different formats to meet the scheduling needs of students. All three program formats take 21 months to complete. The MBA program has students complete core courses and electives at the campus, while the MBA for executives requires students to complete weekend residencies each month in addition to four weeklong residencies. Students may also pursue the global MBA program, which consists of four residencies outside of the U.S. in locations like China, Brazil, India and Europe.

  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $48,900, in-state; $53,900, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small suburb

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond features MBA and fast-track MBA programs for students at different stages of their careers. The MBA program allows students to select an area of concentration, such as corporate finance, business analytics, global business, entrepreneurship and innovation, health care management, supply chain management, information resources management, human capital and real estate. The fast-track executive MBA program requires incoming students to have six years of management experience.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $607/credit hour, in-state; $1,192/credit hour, out-of-state*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; midsize city

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is found in Blacksburg and offers a 50-semester-hour MBA program. The program is also available at the school's Northern Virginia Center and the campus in Richmond. The school noted that full-time students usually attend classes at the campus in Blacksburg. Students complete core courses in the first year of the program, which include information systems management, organizational behavior, marketing policy and strategy, principles of finance and accounting. Concentration options include marketing, corporate financial management and general management.
  • Program Offered: MBA
  • Tuition (2012-2013): $16,313, in-state; $27,166, out-of-state (includes fees)*
  • School Type & Setting: Four-year; public; small city