Syracuse University Online MBA Programs - Whitman School of Management
“Overall, my MBA has given me a versatile foundation to approach business challenges with confidence, allowing me to drive value across diverse teams, improve operational workflows, and make a meaningful impact on both organizational goals and customer outcomes.”
Chanel Webb, MBA in Business Analytics, Syracuse University
The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, based in New York, offers an online MBA with a general track or with one of six specializations: accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing management, or supply chain management. Syracuse University students participate in weekly, live, face-to-face classes where they can interact with faculty and other students. The online program allows professionals to earn an MBA without moving, driving to a campus several times a week, or putting a career on hold. Students learn analytical and decision-making skills while studying accounting, data analysis, finance, organizational leadership, project management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, among other subjects.
The accounting specialization gives students a solid foundation in evaluating, strategizing, and analyzing business decisions in small business or corporate environments. Desired outcomes include gaining advanced knowledge in taxation, auditing, financial reporting, international finance, and forensic accounting; developing the ability to use research databases; and cultivating strong business ethics.
The business analytics specialization prepares students for an analytical career in finance, marketing, accounting, and supply chain management. Students use data analysis to seek out patterns that may help detect accounting fraud, improve supply chain management, minimize risks, and develop new business strategies. Students can develop expert skills in data mining, visualization, and analysis, as well as an understanding of analytical tools and best practices for organizations.
The entrepreneurship specialization prepares students for leadership in established businesses or in starting their own businesses. Students in this specialization develop skills in feasibility analysis for new businesses and products; working knowledge of entrepreneurial management of business; expertise in creating sustainable business models; and a grasp of innovation and creativity in business.
The finance specialization prepares students for day-to-day practice in the financial services industry, including preparation in corporate and international finance, investments, quantitative finance, risk management, and real estate. Students cultivate skills in investments and financial strategies (e.g., portfolio management, equity analysis, securities, derivative instruments); learn the proper use of statistics and quantitative tools; and develop a working knowledge of corporate finance including IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, project valuation, company valuation, and more.
The marketing management specialization covers areas such as customer relationships, lifetime customer value, targeted pricing, distribution, promotions, customer insights, competitive strategies, and the like. Desired outcomes include gaining the skills necessary to learn from customer insights, identify market opportunities, implement marketing techniques, and launch and manage brands.
The supply chain management specialization seeks to prepare students to effectively and successfully manage global supply chains. Students gain skills in logistics, warehousing, inventory, cost-effectiveness, risk management, project management, meeting customer expectations, using advanced Excel tools, ERP systems, and Lean Six Sigma.
Syracuse University is well-known for its academic rigor, quality faculty, and the caliber of the graduates from the program. The program is designed for aspiring business leaders who want to advance their careers or start their own businesses, and students do not need a business background to enter the MBA program.
Meet the Expert: Chanel Webb, MBA
Chanel Webb is a dynamic operations leader with over a decade of experience across insurance, technology, and health services. She earned her MBA in business analytics from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s in marketing from Clemson University.
Currently the director of operations in Hartford Steam Boiler’s IoT division, Webb leads her team in deploying sensor solutions and enhancing client support for environmental monitoring. She is actively involved in the Philadelphia Junior League, the National African American Insurance Association, and the Black MBA Association. Known for her inclusive leadership, Webb is passionate about building high-performing teams and advancing initiatives that foster diversity and community impact.
BSchools.org: How has graduating with an MBA in business analytics enhanced your career?
Webb: Graduating with an MBA in business analytics from Syracuse University has significantly advanced my career by equipping me with the analytical skills and strategic insights I apply daily to drive meaningful outcomes in leadership roles. From my time as assistant director at Marsh & McLennan (MMA East) to my current role as director of operations at Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB), I’ve found that my MBA in business analytics has not only sharpened my ability to interpret complex data but also empowered me to make data-driven decisions that enhance team performance, streamline processes, and maximize operational efficiency.
During the MBA program, I gained an in-depth understanding of analytics tools and methodologies, enabling me to conduct thorough operational performance analysis and identify trends and outliers in customer interactions and service center operations. These insights have been crucial in improving client satisfaction and ensuring that our service delivery meets rigorous standards. The program’s focus on strategic decision-making allowed me to play an instrumental role in vendor management, technology implementation, and continuous improvement projects, which involved managing on-shore and off-shore teams and executing talent acquisition strategies.
Since transitioning to my current role at HSB, my business analytics training has been invaluable in overseeing our IoT team, where I lead efforts in optimizing sensor placement and troubleshooting processes for clients. The program’s emphasis on analytical rigor has been essential as I work to translate data into actionable insights, ensuring that our operational initiatives are grounded in evidence-based strategies that directly contribute to our clients’ success.
Overall, my MBA has given me a versatile foundation to approach business challenges with confidence, allowing me to drive value across diverse teams, improve operational workflows, and make a meaningful impact on both organizational goals and customer outcomes.
BSchools.org: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective MBA student?
Webb: An MBA is about far more than the academics—it’s a unique chance to build lifelong connections and develop a professional network. Make an effort to engage with fellow students through class discussions, group projects, or university activities, and take advantage of every resource available to you as a student. Utilize the library, connect with professors for deeper insights, and consider international residencies or study abroad options to broaden your perspective. Seek out alumni mentors and lean on career services to shape your future. Fully embrace these opportunities, as they make an MBA more than just a degree.
What to Expect from Online Syracuse University
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online Syracuse University program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They must submit an online application, an application fee (which is reduced if students apply by the priority deadline), two personal essays for which the prompts are found in the application, two letters of recommendation, an optional third letter of recommendation, a resume or CV, official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schooling, and GMAT/GRE test scores.
A GMAT/GRE waiver may be available for those who have worked in a professional, corporate setting, full-time, for more than five years. At least one year of professional work experience is required. Some applicants may be selected for a personal interview. All interviews take place through videoconferencing so applicants do not need to travel. International students must provide proof of English language proficiency through a TOEFL test score.
Study Plan: Syracuse University students can start in January, April, July, and October. The program is only offered part-time and students typically take two years to complete the program, although some students may take three years. Each semester consists of 12 weeks, and there are four semesters per year. Students take at least two courses per semester to complete the program in two years, and electives usually begin in semester four. Students must complete the first of three required residencies within the first two semesters of enrollment. Residency experience dates depend on the chosen immersion locations and dates of each offering.
Curriculum: Students take a total of 54 credits, including 36 credits of core courses, 15 elective credits, and three residency credits. Core courses include financial accounting; managerial accounting; data analysis and decision making; microeconomics; leadership in organizations; global entrepreneurial management; managerial finance; marketing management; strategic management; legal and ethical environment of business; operations and supply chain management; and introduction to IT and e-commerce.
Students wishing to complete a designated specialization may take the following classes:
Accounting Courses: strategic cost analysis; taxes & business strategy; financial statement analysis; advanced auditing
Business Analytics Courses: business analytics; accounting analytics; marketing analytics; financial analytics; principles of management science
Entrepreneurship Courses: foundations of entrepreneurship; venture capital; global innovation strategy; corporate entrepreneurship
Finance Courses: investment analysis; international financial management; corporate financial policy; introduction to derivatives
Marketing Management Courses: global marketing strategy; marketing and the internet; market research; strategic brand management
Supply Chain Management Courses: project management; strategic sourcing; global supply chain management; Lean Six Sigma; principles of management science
Online Experience: Syracuse University uses outstanding technology to host live, face-to-face classes online each week and deliver course content. Online classes are kept small and allow students to interact with faculty and peers weekly to build relationships and a professional network. This format allows students to set up breakout sessions to work on group projects. Interactive weekly coursework is completed in between live sessions. All live classes are recorded for later viewing; students can attend from anywhere they have an internet connection. Coursework is completed on each student’s own schedule.
On-Site Requirements: There are three required three-day residencies during the Syracuse University program. Each year, three immersions are offered on campus in Syracuse, New York, and other residencies take place all over the U.S. and worldwide. Examples of other locations are Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Florence, Italy; and Atlanta, Georgia. Students must attend at least three immersions.
Students can earn up to six credits through residencies. Residencies are structured like business conferences and are designed to give students opportunities to meet peers and professors in person for networking and workshops. They feature presentations from renowned business leaders, workshops, and exploration of the host city. Students are also welcome to visit the Syracuse campus at any time and for graduation. Notably, distance-based students have access to the same on-campus services as other students.
Paying for the Online Syracuse University
Syracuse University online MBA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Residency fees vary depending on the program chosen. Students can expect occasional increases in tuition, so online students should contact the admissions department of the Whitman School of Management online MBA program for total costs.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents enrolled in graduate programs are eligible for federal loans and private scholarships. Syracuse University awards scholarships based on the financial need of the student, the number of applicants, and the available resources. Students should fill out the FAFSA when seeking federal aid. Students are also encouraged to seek financial aid in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans or from outside resources to help pay for their MBA degree. In addition, many businesses offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking an MBA.
Syracuse University Online MBA
- Ranked #11 Best Online MBA in the world by Financial Times
- Choose from 1 of 6 specializations
- Courses include Data Analysis and Decision Making; Microeconomics; Managerial Finance; Legal and Ethical Environment of Business; and more
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Areas of Concentration | Accounting, Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in person residencies throughout the program |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, at least 1 year professional work experience required. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,945.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $105,030 |
* 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.
