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Online Master of Business Administration

The online MBA is designed for working professionals pursuing career advancements, seeking to broaden their business acumen and distinguish themselves in the workplace.
Type: Graduate
Format: Online
Credit Hours: 45
College: College of Business

Online Master of Business Administration

Our 100% online MBA is customizable and allows you to specialize your studies. Learn from expert faculty, guest speakers, business leaders and successful alumni, and develop the business skills to lead and drive growth within your organization. GMAT/GRE scores are optional.

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Application Deadlines

Deadline for Spring
Deadline for Spring
Deadline for Fall
Deadline for Fall

Online MBA Program Highlights 

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OMBA Graduate Stephen Herron typing on a laptop

This is more than your typical MBA degree. Offered by the College of Business, UofL's online MBA delivers proven business theories, practices and leadership skills to make you a more engaged and effective business professional—online and on your schedule. 

With an optional 10-day business study trip, innovative electives and certificate opportunities in Distilled Spirits BusinessManagerial AnalyticsBusiness of HealthcareHorse Racing Industry Business or Franchise Management, you can specialize your degree and stand out in today’s competitive market. 

  • Customize your MBA with certificate opportunities and innovative elective options
  • Get guidance from expert faculty and support from your cohort leaders
  • Expand your global business savvy with an optional 10-day business study trip
  • Complete the program in 20 months (5 semesters), or faster with a “dual status”
  • Earn up to 6 ACE credits (tuition-free) for your military experience
  • Transfer up to 6 credit hours (tuition-free) from an accredited institution
  • Get professional career coaching from the College of Business Ulmer Career Management Center with our Lifetime Career Support Promise

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Apply to our Online MBA program today and learn how you can set your degree apart from the rest!

Watch the Cardinal Choice Assignment highlight!

 

Explore the Program

Earn more than just an MBA 

Offered by the College of Business, UofL's online MBA is a 45 credit hour program that requires 36 credits in core courses and 9 credits in electives and delivers proven business theories, practices and leadership skills to make you a more engaged and effective business professional—online and on your schedule. 

With an optional 10-day business study trip, innovative electives and certificate opportunities in Distilled Spirits BusinessManagerial AnalyticsBusiness of HealthcareHorse Racing Industry Business or Franchise Management, you can specialize your degree and stand out in today’s competitive market.


Transfer up to 6 Prior Credits to UofL Online MBA

Students who have studied at other accredited institutions and wish to complete their degree at the University of Louisville can transfer up to 6 credit hours into our online MBA program.

To help you determine the best way to transfer your credits, we offer a pre-evaluation of credit so you can apply them in a way that matches your long-term goals. Visit the graduate transfer policies page to learn more. 


Utilize Your Military Experience

The University of Louisville is a military-friendly institution and a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. At UofL, as a service member pursuing your MBA, you can:

  • Get credit for the work you’ve already completed – up to 6 graduate-level ACE credits can be applied to your MBA electives requirement
  • Defray the cost of the program – competitive, merit-based scholarships are available for active-duty military and veterans
  • Stay on track – if deployed during the program, an academic advisor will work with you to map a personalized plan to graduation
  • Complete relevant electives - our military-specific management course, Transitions: Military to Civilian meets some of this requirement
     

Delphi Certified Courses

Our core online MBA courses align with design best practices that are based on national quality standards. When you take a Delphi Certified course, you can expect to see a logical user interface, clear instructions for expected tasks and opportunities for you to communicate with your peers and instructor as the course progresses. 

 

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Academic Year Tuition

$38,500 bundled tuition + fees (total program cost).
$22,500 bundled tuition for active-duty military and qualifying members of the National Guard/Reserve
10% tuition scholarship for federal employees (FAA rate)*

  • This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
  • Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
  • Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.

Tuition, Fees & Aid    

*FAA rate is 10% tuition scholarship to all online programs. Eligibility excludes uniformed members of Dept of Defense and government contractors.
 

Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?

You may be required to submit a request for tuition reimbursement. Download a Sample Request Letter [PDF] to get started.

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Let your passion for personal and professional change fuel your MBA!

Our online MBA includes a series of student-centered assignments that provide practical ways to apply course concepts to an area of interest.

Within the Cardinal Choice Assignment, you will select a focal area: Career, Industry or Issue. You can focus on enhancing knowledge for a current role, future career advancement, change and innovation in a specific industry or a broader fundamental issue you want to solve for your organization, the community or society at large.

The project you choose will subsequently influence your learning path by: 

  1. Guiding the assignments you will complete in each of the core classes to personalize your experience.
  2. Allowing you to apply elements of every core course toward your career, industry or specific issue you or your organization may encounter.
  3. Providing you with a well-rounded understanding of methods, approaches, concepts and best practices that can help you enhance your skills and prepare you to make a difference in your field.

Apply to our Online MBA program today and learn how you can set your degree apart from the rest!
 

Here are some examples of the work completed by our online MBA students for the Cardinal Choice Assignment. 

  • Nolan Cook | Industry: Professional Sports (Economic Impact)
  • Michael Chorney | Industry: Healthcare (Proposal for New CT Imaging Platform)
  • Aleka Hawes | Issue: Process Improvement Plan (for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals)
  • Delana Gilkey | Career: Beautician Entrepreneurship (Cancer Care Initiative)
  • Evan Conley | Industry: Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Development (Technology Applications)
  • Gi Ann Leung | Career: Financial Advising & Literacy (for Younger Generations)
  • Jeremy Fejedelem | Industry: Aerospace (6 SWS)
  • Jonathan Short | Issue: Process Improvement Sustainability Efforts within the Tobacco and Nicotine Industry
  • Kristen Southworth | Career: Occupation/Field Transition Plan (Transferable Skills Assessment)

Food for thought… If you were starting your MBA online at UofL, what would be your Cardinal Choice Assignment topic or project? How would you make a difference?

 

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  • $38,500 bundled tuition + fees (total program cost).
  • $22,500 bundled tuition for active-duty military and qualifying members of the National Guard/Reserve
  • 10% tuition scholarship for federal employees (FAA rate)*

This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.

Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.

What will you gain in UofL's online MBA?

More than just a degree -- UofL’s online MBA prepares you with the proven business knowledge needed to seek new positions and opportunities across a variety of industries, increase your earning potential, broaden your understanding of leadership best practices and take your career to the next level.

Specialized knowledge -- prepare to stand out in today’s competitive business landscape with focused expertise, gained through an online graduate certificate or various innovative electives. Graduate with your MBA and a business certificate, earned at no extra time or cost.

After going through the online MBA program, I know how to be a better leader. I know how to manage them towards success. Before the program, I think I was just managing because that was my job. Through the classes that I took online, I learned how to manage my team to reach a goal, how to push people for success and be a better manager."
 - Kathryn Honegger, Online MBA, ‘19 Cohort

Business Certificate Opportunities

Complete a certificate in a focused business area or mix-and-match courses from certificate areas to fit your business interests.

  • Business of Healthcare- gain the business skills and healthcare experience necessary to take on leadership roles within healthcare systems, private practices and more.
  • Distilled Spirits Business – enhance your broad-based knowledge needed to manage business operations in the distilled spirits industry, including finance, operations, branding, and more.
  • Franchise Management – learn critical insights and practical knowledge needed to acquire, run, and grow a franchise business.
  • Horse Racing Industry Business – develop broad-based knowledge in the industry areas of crisis management planning, business ethics, sports and wagering analytics, leadership strategy, regulations, and industry nuances.
  • Managerial Analytics – gain knowledge and skills in rapidly-developing and in-demand areas including business analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, spreadsheet modeling, storytelling through data, and more—all with a business management focus.

NOTE: Certificate courses without prerequisites may be taken individually as part of the 9 required elective hours.
 

Innovative Electives

10-Day Business Study Trip (Optional) 

Expand Your Mindset 

Experience business concepts and applications firsthand during an optional 10-day study trip, included in the cost of the program.* During this hands-on learning experience, you will gain exposure to a variety of companies, industries and business cultures through a mix of business visits and immersive activities. You will have the opportunity to expand your network by traveling with fellow UofL MBA students from the online, professional, full-time and entrepreneurship/innovation programs, as well as College of Business faculty members. 

Trips occur in May and include international and domestic options. Past international trips included Argentina, Chile, China, Croatia, India, Romania, South Africa and Taiwan, while domestic trips included San Francisco, New York City, Boston and more. 

Note: Alternatively, a non-travel course section must be taken if instead of a study trip.

* The College of Business covers the cost of the trip, except for the airfare, most dinners and personal incidentals. No refunds or discounts are applied if the student selects not to travel.

 

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Online, but not alone

The University of Louisville’s 100% online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is one of the most personable online MBA programs in the United States. We’ve intentionally designed every facet of our program with the modern learner in mind and offer thoughtfully designed benefits intended to help you feel connected to your team, cohort, degree program and school. We understand that pursuing an online degree can feel lonely at times, especially for those balancing education with work and family obligations. But every step forward is another step towards your degree and lasting change in your life.

The online MBA community extends far beyond your class or cohort. Upon graduation, you can join an exclusive LinkedIn group for UofL College of Business Online, comprised of online MBA alumni. Your network is about to get a lot bigger!

Here are a few ways we help you engage and stay involved so even when you’re fully online, you’re not alone.

The Stanley Hall Scholarship

Kenneth Stanley Hall was a first-generation graduate student and member of the Fall ‘19 online MBA cohort. In the Spring of 2020, he passed away due to COVID-19 complications. Stanley’s classmates were profoundly moved by his death and decided to honor his life and his legacy. They raised $25,000 for an endowment scholarship.

This scholarship is still awarded today, thanks largely to Stanley’s Omega Psi Phi fraternity ongoing contributions. Stanley’s family is still connected with the UofL Online MBA cohort family and still gives out the Stanley Hall Outstanding Character Award at the graduation dinner. 

You can learn more about Stanly in this article, or watch the video about his time and impact on UofL’s online MBA.

10-Day International Business Trip

Our 10-Day business trip takes students around the world to different countries. The trip provides an opportunity to forge lasting friendships with other students and faculty, while also enjoying exposure to other cultures, lifestyles and business practices. 

Check out some of the interesting places our students have visited recently. For many, this trip was the first opportunity for cohort members to meet in-person, a rarity for most online programs!

Welcome and Orientation Week

From the very start, we want you to feel like you’re part of the UofL family. During the orientation and reception week, students receive a special “welcome” package from the College of Business and meet others in their cohort. 

In this TikTok, our online MBA Program Director, Dr. Zac Goldman and College of Business staff prepare the "welcome" boxes for new students before the start of the semester.

 

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Online Enrollment Services Team

online@louisville.edu

800.871.8535

 

Melanie Higgs

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions Recruitment

mba@louisville.edu

502.852.2169


Zachary Goldman, Ph.D.

Online MBA Program Director

mba@louisville.edu

502.852.6440


Kayla Miller

Admissions Counselor Sr.

kayla.miller@louisville.edu

502.852.8535

 

How do I know if I should get an MBA?

An MBA could be the right choice if you're looking to advance your career, broaden your business acumen, and strengthen your leadership abilities. It's a valuable investment for those seeking to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape, whether you're aiming to switch industries, take on management roles or start your entrepreneurial journey.

How to choose an online MBA program?

Selecting the right MBA program is all about aligning its offerings with your career aspirations, evaluating its curriculum and other experiential opportunities, considering your preferred learning mode and networking potential, as well as factoring in location, reputation and financial feasibility. A well-informed choice ensures a program that maximizes your growth potential and paves the way for your future success.

Is an online MBA the same as a regular MBA?

While the core curriculum and academic rigor are the same, an online MBA provides the added advantage of flexibility, allowing you to earn your degree on your terms, anywhere. An online MBA empowers you to pursue higher education while staying balanced in other areas of your life, such as work, family and travel.

How long does it take to earn an MBA online?

On average, the online MBA program takes 20 months, or roughly two years, to complete.

How much time should I dedicate to each course per week?

For each 3 credit hour course, you should plan for around 15-25 hours per week. However, this will vary from individual to individual. For example, if you are knowledgeable and/or have had exposure to the subject matter, it may take less time. This may seem time-intensive, but the online MBA is designed so that you take only 1 course every 5 weeks, deliberately allowing you to hyper-focus on the subject matter of the particular course. Further, all the courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning there are no specific class meeting times. The flexibility of this online structure allows you to work around your schedule and priorities each week to complete assignments, etc., by the deadline.

Am I required to be on campus at any point?

No, you are not required to visit campus. You are welcome to visit at any time to meet with faculty, admissions team, career services, etc., and to participate in the university-wide commencement ceremony.

Can I come to UofL’s campus if I want to visit?

Yes! While the Online MBA Program is 100% online, the University of Louisville College of Business is located in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky, where southern charm meets urban innovation, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture, culinary delights and friendly faces that beckon you to explore. All online MBA students are welcome to visit our wonderful campus at any time to meet with faculty, admissions team, career services, etc. and to participate in the university-wide commencement ceremony.

Is there a part-time option?

No. Our program is cohort based which means you will take a set series of courses and move through the program with the same group of people you started, and you will complete 9 credit hours per semester over 5 semesters. However, the courses themselves are accelerated, so you only ever take 1 course at a time, completing 3 – 4 courses in a semester. We have found that students appreciate the structure of the program (no worries over which class to take and when) and find that the structure helps them stay on course to graduate. Additionally, we manage your enrollment therefore lessening any undue stress of registration concerns.

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

Yes! Click here to view the current list of graduate scholarships offered through our College of Business. Please note that scholarships are limited, therefore we encourage you to apply early and contact the MBA and Graduate Programs office at 502-852-6440 to discuss your situation.

What if I need to take a semester off (I am on active duty and have to leave on orders)?

This is not an issue, although we ask that you contact the MBA and Graduate Office and inform them of your situation. As with our campus programs, you would rejoin the next Online MBA cohort and pick up where you left off.

Are there any career services available for MBA students?

Yes! Our College of Business offers career coaching service through the Ulmer Career Management Center with a Lifetime Career Support Promise for life. To learn more, visit our Career Services page.

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Melanie Higgs
Melanie Higgs
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions Recruitment mba@louisville.edu 502.852.2169
Zachary Goldman
Zachary Goldman, Ph.D.
Online MBA Program Director mba@louisville.edu 502.852.6440
Kayla Miller
Kayla Miller
Admissions Counselor Sr. kayla.miller@louisville.edu 502.852.8535