Butler University Online MBA
The Lacy School of Business at Butler University offers an interactive, cohort-based online master of business administration (MBA) with no campus visits required. Through active partnerships with businesses and business leaders, innovative technology, and a highly collaborative classroom environment, students receive a unique online MBA experience.
The MBA program incorporates hands-on, collaborative learning through synchronous courses with live debates, classroom discussions, presentations, and breakout rooms. The experiential learning environment allows students to apply classroom concepts to current business challenges.
To advance leadership skills and professional development, students are assigned certified leadership coaches who guide them throughout their MBA program. As well, learned concepts, methodology, and business practices merge in a final capstone experience from the perspective of a CEO, general manager, or other high-level business leader.
Start dates land in January, May, and August. Students typically complete the online MBA in 2.5 years but have up to five years. Outside of live class sessions, students complete assignments, coursework, and readings, and come to the live class sessions ready for discussion and debate.
Key MBA concepts include finance, leadership, accounting, marketing, production, and strategic management. Courses also cover legal and ethical business operations, an entrepreneurial mindset, and operations and supply management. Electives cover entrepreneurial finance, leadership perspectives, global business, and new product development.
Notably, a three-day business practicum course is included in the curriculum, allowing students to interact with business leaders and industry experts in a business challenge competition. Students work with a team to analyze a business task and find successful solutions.
The optional global business experience elective course allows students to take a seven- to ten-day study trip to another country. Here students interact with global businesses, local governments, and business leaders. The two-credit course includes pre-trip work and a reflective paper.
Butler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Butler University is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What to Expect from the Butler University Online MBA Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit GMAT/GRE test scores, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available to those with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or at least four years of professional work experience.
Study Plan: Students can begin the online MBA in the fall, spring, and summer, (August, January, and May), and most students complete the degree in 2.5 years. A Gateway Experience introduces the concept of experiential learning and conveys the expectations for graduate courses. It includes a hands-on experiential group exercise. A three-day business practicum course and capstone experience allow students to interact with business professionals and solve real-world challenges. Students should expect to spend 15 to 20 hours per week on each course.
Curriculum: The Butler online MBA program comprises 30 credits. Core courses include gateway experience; leadership; legal and ethical operations of business; managerial accounting; business practicum; managerial economics; financial management; marketing management and research methods; introduction to operations and supply chain; the entrepreneurial mindset; and integrated capstone experience.
Students choose three electives from the following: perspectives on leadership; entrepreneurial finance; global business experience; and new product development. global business experience can be substituted for business practicum.
Online Experience: Canvas is Butler University’s online learning management system (LMS). Here, students manage asynchronous course content, assignments, syllabi, and peer/faculty communication. Butler University uses the flip learning model with coursework, assignments, and readings completed outside of class, coming to live class sessions prepared for presentations, live debates, discussions, and breakout groups.
Students are assigned a certified leadership coach who works with them throughout the program developing and enhancing leadership and professional development skills. Students can access advising and career development services through Career and Professional Success (CaPS). Other student services and resources are also available.
On-Site Requirements: The Butler University online MBA program is 100 percent online with no campus visits or required field experiences.
Paying for the Butler University Online MBA Program
Butler University online MBA program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Additional fees or travel expenses for those participating in the global experience may apply. Prospective students should contact the Lacy School of Business for full tuition information.
Online MBA students may apply for unsubsidized graduate student loans under the FAFSA if taking six credits or more per semester. Financial aid inquiries can be made to the Butler University Admissions and Aid Department. Other funding options include employer tuition reimbursement programs, external scholarships and grants, and private loans.
Butler University Master of Business Administration
- Participate in live debates, classroom discussions, presentations, and breakout rooms in synchronous class sessions
- Take advantage of the "flip" learning model with live class sessions and outside preparation through readings and assignments
- Participate in a three-day business practicum experience, strategic management capstone course, and optional global business study trip
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, May, August |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 38 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in about 2.5 years. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Higher for GMAT/GRE Waiver |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | The GMAT/GRE is required; a waiver is available with an undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0 or 4 years of professional work experience |
| Work Experience Required? | Resume required |
| Credit Hours | 38 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $950.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,100 |
* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
