Home to a number of nationally ranked colleges and universities, such as Emory University, and over 10 million residents. With nearly 6.5 million citizens, the Atlanta area is by far the biggest in the state. Other prominent metro areas include Columbus, Macon, and Savannah. Atlanta, Georgia, is the 5th largest city in the country based on population for business professionals with MBA degrees. Earning an online MBA in Georgia is a profitable way to begin your business career.
Consider an Online MBA in Georgia
Georgia’s population is concentrated mostly in the Atlanta metropolitan area. There are plenty of colleges and universities across the state, but many of the best colleges for online MBAs in Georgia are located in or near the Atlanta area.
Pursuing an MBA online in Georgia can save students time and money on transportation. Plus, many colleges offer reduced tuition rates to Georgia residents. Online students can also save costs on housing; average rent in the Atlanta area is $1,200 per month. Given the typical two years required to earn most MBAs, these savings can be substantial.
Typically, online classes are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus, so online students obtain the same high-quality education as on-campus students. This also means potential students applying to online programs need to meet the same application requirements. This can include specific academic achievement, applicable work experience, and required GMAT or GRE scores.
The Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Location:Williamsburg, VA
Length:24 – 36 Mos
Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Location:Santa Clara, CA
Length:24 Mos
California State University, Monterey Bay
Location:Seaside, CA
Length:18 – 24 Mos
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics
Location:Seattle, WA
Length:30 Mos
University of Kansas School of Business
Location:Lawrence, KS
Length:27-36 Mos
MBA Concentrations for Students in Georgia
Several Fortune 500 companies call Georgia home, and these business leaders require knowledgeable employees to manage their daily operations. Specializations in business analytics or consulting prepare Georgia’s MBA graduates to work in the state’s top companies. The state’s varied business environment necessitates skills such as managing operations and analyzing data. Employment opportunities for MBA graduates are not limited to just business. Georgia’s healthcare industry also needs strategic experts.
Georgia MBA Graduates Economy, Job, and Career Outlooks
Due in part to the Fortune 500 companies, such as UPS and Coca-Cola, that are headquartered in the state, Georgia offers a vibrant and dynamic business environment. The state consistently ranks as a top place to do business in the U.S. The diversity of businesses in Georgia allows MBA graduates to pursue employment in various fields.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts Georgia’s business sector to continue to grow around 1.2% per year. The average compensation for Georgia business professionals with an MBA is over $71,000 per year. As of 2016, nearly 230,000 business and financial services professionals work in the state.
With many businesses based in Atlanta, job prospects are plentiful in this city. There are also plenty of good opportunities across the entire state.
Top Employers in Georgia
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Retail | Atlanta | 400,000 |
| UPS | Shipping | Atlanta | 434,000 |
| Coco-Coca | Sales/Retail | Food & Beverage | 146,200 |
| Delta Airlines | Travel/Airlines | Atlanta | 80,000 |
| Aflac | Insurance | Columbus | 9,235 |
Georgia’s top companies call for a top education, this generates many opportunities for higher salaries. The chart below shows how earning an online MBA in Georgia will not only advance your career, but improve your earning potential.
MBA Careers in Georgia:
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The CFO is responsible for a company’s financial operations. The CFO ensures the business runs efficiently while following applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as specific company policies. The CFO can expect a median annual salary around $150,000 per year.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts review financial data to ensure the company is making strategic, sound investments. They can also work with bonds, stocks, and other financial instruments. The average salary for a financial analyst is $64,000.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers create advertising campaigns to expose people to a company’s goods or services. The position involves solid teamwork and multidisciplinary thinking. The median annual wage is around $63,000.
Information Technology Director
Businesses cannot succeed without workers who understand both business and technology. Information technology directors lead companies in both of these areas and recieve an average salary of $115,000 per year.
Online MBA Programs in Georgia
The list below highlights sound online MBA programs in the state of Georgia. As you research colleges, ponder each program’s specific features and strengths to find the MBA program that lines up with your career goals. It can also be important to understand each school’s yearly costs and any potential scholarship opportunities you may apply for.
How to Select an Online MBA Program in Georgia
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Georgia – these include factors explained above like cost, specialization, and concentrations. The following list is made up of some necessary steps to follow during the MBA program research process (in any state).
COMPARE STUDENT OUTCOME DETAILS
Student outcomes incorporate graduation rate, retention rate, the average debt student will take on, and overall student achievement with their degree program. Student outcomes do not ensure you will be pleased with a particular program but can help pinpoint a school’s pros and cons.
CONSIDER EXPECTED COSTS OF YOUR PROGRAMS
Practically every college or university posts tuition costs online. Additionally, you should research other college-related expenses like housing accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to study on-campus), official fees, and IT fees (for online students). You should also look into grants, scholarships, and financial aid that can offset some of the expenses.
CHECK THAT CLASSES WILL FIT INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
Scheduling is crucial for students with other significant commitments, such as childcare or full-time jobs. Many online programs are self-paced; students in these classes are free to complete coursework on their own schedule. Synchronous programs (on the other hand) demand weekly online meetings with teachers and other students.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
A large number of online MBA programs will include internships and capstone requirements ― and in many cases, students can obtain on-the-job training with real-world office experience. Look into the school’s industry partnerships, particularly regarding the field you plan to enter after receiving your MBA.
TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT ALUMNI
You should reach out to the alumni office at each school you are weighing and ask to be connected with previous students. These individuals can be great sources of information about education costs, life on (or off) campus, local tips, and other fundamental details for aspiring MBA students.