ASU W. P. Carey School of Business Online MBA - Arizona State University

• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online MBA/MS - Industrial Engineering
• Online MBA/MSE - Electrical Engineering

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore

Updated January 15, 2024

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Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers an online master of business administration (MBA). The online degree carries the same high rank as the on-campus MBA and is taught by the same faculty. Although ASU is a large university, the W. P. Carey School of Business strives to create a personal learning environment by using team-based learning, keeping classes small, and giving MBA students individualized attention. An online MBA can offer the flexibility needed for busy working professionals, while still fostering a close-knit community during the program.

An MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business can prepare professionals to manage more effectively in areas of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. Students also learn to think more creatively and have a deeper understanding of business management, ethics, and global business in all areas. Employers may seek candidates with an MBA for positions such as chief executive, marketing manager, business operations manager, and financial manager, among others.

The ASU MBA is AACSB-accredited, and the university has four campuses located in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area and an undergraduate campus in Lake Havasu City. The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty seeks to create a global thinking environment and gain members from six continents around the world.

In addition to the MBA, students have the option to earn dual or concurrent degrees with their MBA. Note that dual degree students must begin in August.

The online MBA/master of science (MSE) in electrical engineering consists of at least 56 credits, taking eight courses from the MBA and eight from the MSE program. This program is designed for those with a BS in electrical engineering and at least one year of professional work experience, preferably two. Possible focus concentrations in electrical engineering include electric power and energy systems; electromagnetics, antennas, and microwave circuits; signal processing and communications; electronic and mixed-signal circuit design; and solid-state electronics. The MBA portion includes a capstone course, and the MSE portion includes a comprehensive exam. Special admissions requirements apply.

The online MBA/MS in industrial engineering consists of at least 56 credits over three years, taking 11 courses from the MBA and eight from the MS program. Students can pursue one of four focus tracks in the industrial engineering degree portion: quality and reliability engineering, information systems and management systems engineering, operations research and production systems, and logistics/supply chain engineering. Special admissions requirements apply.

What to Expect from the Online Master of Business Administration

Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit GMAT/GRE test scores, official transcripts, a graduate admission application and application fee, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, short answer questions, and proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL test scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English. Letters of recommendation should focus on the applicant’s commitment, achievements, motivation, work experience, and opportunity for success through the program. Students applying for concurrent degrees must meet the requirements of both schools involved.

Study Plan: Students begin the program by attending an orientation on campus. The online MBA consists of classes lasting five weeks each and courses are taken two at a time. The degree consists of 17 courses for a total of 49 credits. Students should expect to spend 15-30 hours per week on coursework, in addition to team meetings and other collaboration. Electives may be taken during the summer to lighten the course load during the quarter. Each course has a final exam or final project during the final week. Students can choose to attend full-time and take up to 18 credits in the spring and fall and up to seven credits in the summer. Start dates are offered in January, May and August.

Coursework: There are nine core MBA courses plus a required capstone course in strategic management. Core courses include sources of competitive advantage; career coaching; leading people, teams, and organizations: organizational theory; statistics for managers; financial performance reporting; operations and supply management; decisions, market structure and games: managerial economics; create and deliver customer value: marketing management; finance: the art of managing resources; ethical issues for managers; and managerial accounting.

Electives are designed to allow students to focus on areas of interest and group classes together toward a goal. Electives consist of six courses and include advanced corporate finance; supply chain cost/design issues; strategic procurement; sustainability and social responsibility; global business environment; and several others. Some courses may have a different schedule, depending on the course, as well as travel fees if applicable.

Students can earn an area of emphasis in finance, marketing, international business, or supply chain management by taking a minimum of 3 electives in one subject area. However, completing the area of emphasis may require a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Online Experience: The W. P. Carey School of Business MBA begins with a mandatory on-campus orientation. The university offers in-house technical support staff to help with any tech problems students may encounter. Courses and assignments are planned well in advance to help busy professionals plan their time wisely. With a mostly asynchronous model, students can watch classes at their convenience and complete assignments as necessary. Note that some lectures or meetings may be at a scheduled time, and some tests or assignments may have a limited time frame for completion. ASU Online uses Blackboard for online communication and courses. In addition, the university provides a career services team specifically dedicated to the needs of working professionals.

On-Site Requirements: The online MBA program begins with a mandatory orientation on campus in Tempe, Arizona. During this orientation, students will meet their peers who will move through the program together, as well as faculty and staff. Students can petition to attend virtually if extenuating circumstances prevent on-campus attendance. The rest of the program is online. Students are welcome to visit campus and are encouraged to participate in graduation on campus.

Paying for the Online Master of Business Administration

ASU Online MBA and Dual MBA program tuition is detailed in the tables below, and is the same for Arizona residents and non-residents. The tuition numbers include the base tuition, a per-credit program fee, and a per-credit graduate student fee. Tuition figures can be calculated in the ASU Tuition Estimator. Certain courses such as international electives may have additional program fees such as travel, food, and room and board. With the frequency of changing tuition rates, online students should contact the admissions department of the MBA program for exact costs.

The ASU W. P. Carey Business School offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, federal work-study, and on-campus jobs. Applicants are also encouraged to seek outside resources for help paying for their MBA degree. Some companies may offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking an MBA. ASU offers a “custom corporate MBA” in which students graduate with strong skills in strategic thinking and decision-making focused on an employer’s specific business. Students participating in a custom corporate MBA can gain a better understanding of their specific company, its competitive environment, and production processes. Additionally, students can take advantage of the network of colleagues who also participate in the custom MBA. Professionals can speak to their employer about participating in such a program, which usually includes an on-site orientation and a midpoint on-campus intensive.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.