Liberty’s online M.B.A. ranks among top 25 in nation
A high ranking and affordable program sets the School of Business apart from others across the country
Liberty University Online’s Master of Business Administration ranks among the top 25 in the nation, according to the inaugural Smart Choice ranking.
Higher education — LUOnline’s Master of Business Administration is in high demand as college graduates and entrepreneurs try to stand out from the crowd. Photo credit: Robert DuVaul, Promotional Publications
The announcement comes at a time when online degrees — and M.B.A.s in particular — are in demand, according to School of Business Dean Scott Hicks. Increased enrollment in online degrees has made master’s degrees more valuable in turn, he said.
“How do you gain value over your competitor to jockey and be viable for the next job?” Hicks said. “If bachelor’s degrees saturate the market, then the next step is definitely the master’s degree.”
Earning an M.B.A. is also a major benefit to small business owners. Startup businesses are increasing exponentially as the economy continues to rebuild, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). GEM released its annual report Friday, Jan. 19, reporting that the number of new businesses increased to its highest point since 2005.
“When a student comes in very directed and wants to own their own business, this is kind of their boot camp where they’re going to learn about finance and HR and all those issues that you’re going to have to deal with in your own business,” Associate Dean Dr. Anita Satterlee said.
Affordability is one of the highlights of Liberty’s M.B.A. program. Of the 25 schools on the list, Liberty has the lowest cost at $19,710 for the 45-credit program. Students can specialize in accounting, criminal justice, healthcare management, human resources, international business, leadership, marketing, project management, public administration and public relations.
Liberty’s School of Business has several improvements and new programs awaiting administrative approval, but Hicks expects them to further increase the school’s national ranking once they come into effect.
“One of the things we’re providing is a good education with superior ethic behind it, and that is certainly valued in business,” he said.