Home to approximately eight million people, The Commonwealth of Virginia, forms the geographical border between the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the U.S. Most Virginians live in the east side of the state in major cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Richmond, the state’s overall economy is on the rise. Virginia claims a GDP of $493.3 billion and analysts forecast much faster growth in coming years. Numerous larger higher education institutions reside in Virginia, including Liberty University, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia Tech. Many provide well-regarded MBA programs, making the state an exceptional place to discover business management education opportunities.
Consider an Online MBA in Virginia
According to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, higher education plays a vital role in the state’s economy. While manufacturing remains strong in the state, business and health services drive economic growth in Virginia. Because these industries necessitate employees with specialized skills, many public and private colleges provide MBA programs to meet these budding educational demands. Large public universities including George Mason University in Fairfax and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond provide some of the best online MBA programs in Virginia. Private universities such as Liberty University in Lynchburg and Marymount University in Arlington also provide valued Virginia online MBA programs.
Virginia is also a low-cost place to look for MBA programs: many colleges offer discounted tuition rates to Virginia residents. Often lowered tuition rates are offered to online students residing in other states too. Students increasingly pick online options to make the most of their time and avoid the higher cost of living in major cities but note some schools require students to attend administrative appointments on-campus. Online MBA programs in Virginia usually require applicants to take the GMAT, however some universities will remove this requirement, particularly for executives with extensive work history.
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 Virginia
Although MBA programs cover many of the same foundational issues, they also provide opportunities to focus on precise topics. Some online MBAs in Virginia provide multiple degree specializations, where students can pick the program that suits their educational interests and career goals. Potential students should look at economic trends when reviewing online MBA programs in Virginia. Some concentrations are more relevant to emerging industries in the state, such as healthcare and marketing.
Virginia MBA Graduates Economy, Job, and Career Outlooks
Home to 64 companies with annual revenue higher than $500 million, Virginia ranks as the 12th largest economy in the nation with a 2016 GDP of over $494 billion. Virginia’s central location on the East Coast, widespread transportation infrastructure, and comparatively low labor costs continue to entice investors to the state. Modest economic growth in recent years is poised to improve as the national economy continues to improve. The Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Virginia’s GDP improved by 2% in the first quarter of 2017.
Virginia’s economy, once lead by manufacturing and resource extraction, increasingly hinges on retail, real estate, business services, and healthcare sectors. Virginia presently boasts a low 3.2% unemployment rate. Unemployment rates remain lowest near cities in the east of the state — especially along the Atlantic seaboard and in the northeastern corner of the state. For students contemplating an online MBA, Virginia may be a great place to work and live.
Online MBA Programs in Virginia
For students interested in online MBAs, Virginia offers various quality selections. Many schools offer different degree specializations, allowing MBA students to pursue focused education and prepare for specific employment paths. The following list of MBA programs in Virginia gives potential business management students a resource to discover their options.
How to Select an Online MBA Program in Virginia
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Virginia – 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.