University of Maryland Online MBA - Robert H. Smith School of Business
The University of Maryland (UMD) Robert H. Smith School of Business offers an online MBA with a general track or a choice of four specializations: marketing, finance, information systems and business analytics, and supply chain management. By offering various specialization options, the Smith MBA allows professionals to focus on areas that align with their business goals and aspirations.
The marketing track focuses on how consumers see a product or service through brand management and marketing skills. Areas of study include data-driven and permission marketing.
The finance track focuses on money management through investing, corporate finance, and financial structuring of businesses.
Through the information systems and business analytics track, students learn to collect, manage, and analyze data and create and implement information systems to help businesses grow and thrive.
The supply chain management track focuses on local and global supply chain operations by teaching students how to use innovative supply chain technology applications, seek out areas of risk to evaluate and mitigate their effects, and improve supply chain efficiency.
Students attending the Smith online MBA program can enjoy an atmosphere of entrepreneurship that prepares them to assess the potential success of a business venture, as well as to create one from the ground up. Innovation begins with the curriculum and extends through courses into real-world experiences that prepare students to tackle issues in all areas of the business world. Participants learn about ethics, management, global economies, financial accounting, leadership, negotiation, and more. In addition, UMD applies what they call “action learning projects” to develop effective communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. The Smith online MBA is in the top ten of online MBA programs in the U.S. as identified by U.S. News and World Report.
The Smith School of Business is also committed to student success after graduation and provides a number of services, including career guidance, resume and cover letter coaching, networking, interview training, peer mentoring, internship assistance, and much more. Students in the Smith online MBA program have an average of eight years of work experience in fields ranging from business, science, engineering, government, healthcare, and other fields. Those interested in the program do not need to have a background in business but must have adequate quantitative skills for the rigor of the program. UMD is located in College Park, Maryland.
What to Expect from the University of Maryland Online MBA
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Smith online MBA program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit an online application, a non-refundable application fee, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work, a current resume, a letter of recommendation, and at least one essay (a second is optional). International students must provide proof of English language proficiency through a TOEFL test score, as well as having transcripts evaluated. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for qualified applicants. A minimum of two years of professional work experience is highly recommended and more work experience strengthens an application. Other qualities are considered along with work experience such as quality internships and one’s academic background.
Study Plan: Typically, students in the part-time online MBA take eight credits per semester. The MBA is designed to be completed in six 14-week terms. MBA students can start in January, March, June, and September and begin with a required three-day, on-campus residency. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months.
Curriculum: Students take a total of 54 credits including a combination of foundation one and two courses, two residency courses, and electives. Core courses include data analysis, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, introduction to financial accounting, managerial economics, strategic information systems, the global economic environment, and action learning projects, among others. Students taking the general track choose electives from any of the five concentrations or the two general elective courses.
Finance Specialization: Courses include capital markets, commercial bank management, and financial restructuring.
Information Systems and Business Analytics Specialization: Courses include data analytics; managing digital businesses and platforms; and social media and web analytics.
Marketing Specialization: Courses include consumer behavior; co-creating customer experience; and customer equity management.
Supply Chain Management Specialization: Courses include innovative solutions to supply chain challenges; supply chain risk management; and global trade logistics.
Two other electives are international business and global study.
Online Experience: Smith School of Business uses a combination of live online classes through Adobe Connect, asynchronous classes, and two three-day on-campus residencies. Audio and video messaging, online collaborative workspaces, and integrated multimedia are all part of the online program. Two-thirds of the classes are asynchronous.
Action learning projects are a part of the MBA curriculum and use a hands-on approach to learning. These experiences prepare students to navigate real-world challenges with confidence. Students and faculty work collaboratively and encourage one another throughout the online MBA program. Students focus on cooperation and community while ambitiously pursuing their MBA degree.
On-Site Requirements: There are two required campus residencies with the Smith online MBA for both U.S. students and international students. Both take place on-campus in College Park, MD. The first is a three-day opening residency titled an introduction to the fundamentals of business. Students begin coursework, get to know faculty and fellow classmates, and participate in team-building activities. The second three-day residency is a capstone experience at the end of the program titled integrative business simulation.
Paying for the University of Maryland Online MBA Program
The University of Maryland Smith online MBA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and does not include the application fee or other costs. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of the Smith online MBA program for a customized assessment.
UMD offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships for the part-time MBA. Students earning these scholarships have excellent academic strength, graduate entrance exam scores, and quality work experience, among other factors. Students do not need to apply separately for these scholarships. Students can also seek financial aid in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans or from outside resources for help paying for their MBA. In addition, many businesses offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking an MBA.
University of Maryland Online Master of Business Administration
- Ranked #9 of Best Online MBA degree programs by U.S. News and World Report
- Courses include Corporate Finance, Decision Modeling, Leadership and Teamwork, Strategic Information Systems, and more
- The Smith School of Business is dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation, and houses the Dingman Center - an academic entrepreneurship center
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Jan, March, June, Sept |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Areas of Concentration | Finance, High Technology Management,Data Analytics, Operations & Supply Chain, Marketing |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | No, however a minimum of 2 years work experience is highly recommended. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,733.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $93,582 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Jan, March, June, Sept |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | No, however a minimum of 2 years work experience is highly recommended. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,733.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $93,582 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Jan, March, June, Sept |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | No, however a minimum of 2 years work experience is highly recommended. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,733.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $93,582 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Jan, March, June, Sept |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | No, however a minimum of 2 years work experience is highly recommended. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,733.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $93,582 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Jan, March, June, Sept |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 3.0 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants |
| Work Experience Required? | No, however a minimum of 2 years work experience is highly recommended. |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,733.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $93,582 |
* 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.
