Best Online MBA Programs for 2024 – Strategy

If you are the type of professional who sees yourself at the helm of a company one day, making big picture decisions for businesses and becoming an integral part of building out long-term strategy, you may consider pursuing an MBA degree with a strategy focus. For those looking to sharpen their organizational leadership skills Fortune has ranked the best online MBA programs with a concentration in strategy.

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*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.

1. Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley)

Bloomington, IN

International students applying for the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program at Indiana University–Bloomington need to score at least 100 on the TOEFL test. Standardized test scores are not mandatory, but applicants must submit a recommendation letter. The program is primarily online but offers some in-person experiences and is taught by a team of over 360 full-time faculty members. Graduates of the program report a median base salary of $119,400. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 enrollment is July 1. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.42, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was eight.

Acceptance rate	30%
Graduation rate	87%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	598
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$1,758

2. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)

Pittsburgh, PA

The Tepper Online Hybrid MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University accepts the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA), but test scores can be waived upon request. If an applicant has two or more years of professional work experience, the two required letters of recommendation can also be waived. The program allows students to take fully remote courses from anywhere in the nation. The business school has 125 faculty members and an average of 34 students per course. The median base salary for fall 2023 entrants increased from $111,000 before enrolling to approximately $150,750 within a year post-graduation. The program has five application deadlines throughout the year for interested candidates. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.37, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 6.4.

Acceptance rate	80%
Graduation rate	95%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	68
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$2,274

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Wilson Library in the middle of campus.

3. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)

Chapel Hill, NC

The MBA@UNC requires appilicants to report GMAT or GRE scores if they have less than five years of professional experience, but other waivers may apply. International students can submit proof English proficiency via a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or PTE Academic Exam. Two letters of recommendation are also required. The average class size for core courses is about 16 students. Five months after graduation, students report median base salaries of about $130,000. The program has four start dates per year (January, April, July and October). The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.37, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 9.4.

Acceptance rate	59%
Graduation rate	90%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	147
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$2,026

UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA

STEM-designated. Tar Heel ROI. No compromises.

UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA is designed for experienced professionals looking to take their career to the next level. Students have access to lifelong career benefits and a global network of 51,000+ business school alumni. Earn your MBA online in as few as 18 months or up to three years. MBA Fellowships Available.

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4. Rice University (Jones)

Houston, TX

Rice University's online MBA program will waive standardized test scores if applicants have more than three years of professional full-time work experience, a terminal degree of M.D. or PhD, a master's degree in a STEM field, a professional certification of CFA or CPA, or are submitting an Executive Assessment Score at the time of application. Letters of recommendation are required. Applicants can submit just one if they use their direct supervisor or two non-direct supervisor letters. The fall 2024 deadline to apply for the MBA@Rice program is May 24. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.39, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 7.2.

Acceptance rate	72%
Graduation rate	88%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	192
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$2,130

5. University of Iowa (Tippie)

Iowa City, IA

The Iowa MBA program is test optional and also does not require letters of recommendation. However, international students must proof English proficiency via or TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. On average, there are 36 students in each core course. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.53, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 8.4.

Acceptance rate	79%
Graduation rate	58%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	428
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$750

6. Southern Methodist University (Cox)

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University's 52-credit Cox School of Business online MBA program does not require English proficiency exams for international students. Standardized test scores are optional, and the school also does not require letters of recommendation. On average, there are 16 students per core online course. Students report a median base salary of $75,000 before entering the program and a median base salary of $127,500 post-graduation. The deadline to apply is July 1. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.14, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 5.2.

Acceptance rate	71%
Graduation rate	86%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	256
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$1,797

7. University of Pittsburgh (Katz)

Pittsburgh, PA

The Katz PMBA experience at the University of Pittsburgh utilizes a “test-optional” admissions process for all of its programs––so applicants are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The online program does require two letters of recommendation. Students report a median base salary of $69,700 before enrollment and $93,000 post-graduation. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for international students. The deadline to apply is July 1. The average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 enrollees was 3.46, and the average number of work prior experience for those same students was 5.5.

Acceptance rate	83%
Graduation rate	68%
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class	113
Tuition per credit, out-of-state	$1,634

UC Davis Master of Management

The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.

The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.

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