FAQ: MBA in General Management Online
A Master of Business Administration in General Management provides students with a solid foundation in business fundamentals, including strategy, leadership and operations. MBAs who study general management also gain essential skills required to take on new challenges.
Markets and consumer demand are evolving faster than ever and business leaders must have the right knowledge to thrive in a competitive environment. MBA graduates are sought after for their ability to think critically, solve problems and lead their organizations to success. They also know how to protect the bottom line by bringing key projects in on time and on budget. These are a few reasons the phrase “MBA preferred” appears in so many employment listings for management and leadership positions.
General MBA graduates make excellent entrepreneurs as well, because they understand the link between creativity and innovation. It’s not unusual to find them in the C-suite at technology or consulting startups or pursuing other exciting ventures.
Online MBA programs offer a convenient way to study for this valuable degree, plus the flexibility that busy professionals need to work graduate school into their schedule. Read on to learn more about earning a master’s in business administration online.
What Is an MBA in General Management?
An MBA in General Management is a graduate business degree that prepares students for a variety of strategic, supervisory and leadership positions. Graduates with a general MBA can work in any industry, managing teams, projects or entire organizations.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in General Management online offers students a broad foundation in business, as well as the opportunity to tailor the degree to their interests.
Courses in analytics, ethics, global business and more provide graduates the chance to curate their MBA experience, gaining new knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their future goals.
Why Should I Choose a General MBA Program?
General MBA programs are designed to offer students a wide range of essential business knowledge in addition to specific management skills.
Studying leadership, economics, operations and finance can give you the big picture of doing business. Learning the fundamentals of project and human resource management can help you motivate teams and communicate better across your organization. Understanding the role that strategy and analytics play in decision-making can help you position your company to anticipate trends instead of following them.
A general MBA also gives students an opportunity to develop skills that drive innovation, from critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to collaboration and problem solving. The cumulative effect is that students graduate prepared to meet the challenges of doing business in a rapidly changing domestic and global marketplace.
There is not just one best way of achieving lofty management goals. Managers need to find the managerial style and approach that is the best fit for them, their employees, and their organization.
I came in thinking I knew a lot, and it turns out that there is a lot more to learn. [UWP MBA] courses leverage undergrad and your current working environments, and then they push you a step further.
Can an MBA Help Entrepreneurs?
Yes. If you’re a new entrepreneur, the practical and applicable knowledge you’ll gain in a general MBA program can help you start a business and avoid common mistakes.
If you’re more seasoned in business, an MBA can give you the foundation and strategic framework you may need to grow and diversify.
Regardless of your experience, studying in an MBA program can introduce you to new technologies and tools that can give you a leg up on your competition. It can also help you to expand your network, increase efficiency and scale your business to meet future demand.
What Courses Will I Take for an MBA in General Management?
MBA courses cover business theory, management, strategy and applications. They also introduce students to analytical tools and critical issues facing business leaders, as well as best practices in risk management.
Students in UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management program complete 15 courses to earn the degree and 30 credit hours, including the following core classes:
- Creative and Innovative Management
- Managerial Accounting
- Advanced Operations Management
- Project Management
- Information Technology for Business Decision Making
- Corporate Financial Management
- Contemporary Challenges in Managing Organizations
- Leadership: Theory, Application, and Skill Development
- Advanced Global Management
- Marketing Management
- Competitive Decision Making
- Advanced Strategic Management
Students also personalize their degree by choosing three electives from 12 available options, covering topics such as supply chain management, data analytics, investments, digital marketing, international finance and more.
UW-Parkside’s Business Advisory Board of 30 senior leaders and entrepreneurs provides ongoing feedback on MBA curricula. The board’s guidance helps ensure that graduates have the right preparation for management and leadership positions in any industry.
Learning to be more creative and innovative in business management can certainly be an exciting and fun adventure!
Courses are only seven weeks, and when you see the syllabus, you think, ‘There’s absolutely no way we’re going to touch on all this before the seven weeks are over’. And every single time we’ve touched on every single piece that [professors] set out for us, so it’s pretty impressive.
Will I Need to Complete a Thesis or Capstone During My MBA Program?
It depends on your MBA program. Most do require students to complete a final assessment or presentation at the end of their studies. This can come in the form of a thesis, capstone or project. Typically, thesis-based MBAs are more research oriented. Application-focused MBA programs highlight direct business practice, so projects and capstones are more common.
No thesis or capstone is required in UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management program. The MBA 796: Advanced Strategic Management course includes a final project for students.
Spotlight: Fastest ROI With an MBA
As B-school news site MBA.com reports, employers are investing in MBA graduates and paying them well. Recent grads surveyed by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) are achieving return on investment (ROI) in an average of four years or less. For accelerated and online MBA program grads, that number shrinks to 2.5 years on average.
The cost of your degree program and your new starting salary post-MBA are the best actual predictors of potential return, so your experience may be different. But this news is promising and it highlights a few reasons that online MBAs programs are so popular with ROI-conscious students.
Opportunity cost is another consideration. If you have to step away from your career to attend an on-campus MBA program that requires continuous full-time enrollment, those lost earnings factor into your ROI as well. If your MBA program is 100% online and you can keep working full time, your opportunity cost shrinks to zero. Studying online also tends to be less expensive than traditional or weekend executive MBA programs, which helps students achieve ROI faster too.
Just make sure you choose an accredited online MBA program to ensure you have the widest choice of career opportunities after you graduate.
The MBA is perceived as being a goal-directed degree, but what it really does is open opportunities.
Learn more about the UW-Parkside MBA with a Concentration in General Management online program!
What Is MBA Accreditation?
Accreditation is an external review process that helps universities and their degree programs meet the highest educational standards.
MBA accreditors are independent professional organizations that assess the quality of instruction students receive, examining curriculum, teaching methods and faculty qualifications as well as student access to services and support. Reviewers also take a hard look at program outcomes, collecting data on student graduation rates and post-MBA careers.
Business degree program accreditation is conducted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB International), the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Once an MBA program earns this seal of approval, it must be renewed periodically to ensure high standards are maintained.
Of the three accrediting bodies, AACSB is the most prestigious. Only 5% percent of business schools across the world hold this accreditation, including UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management program. The university is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Why Is MBA Accreditation Important?
MBA accreditation is important for multiple reasons, and essential if your career goals include management or leadership. Here are a few ways it can directly impact you as a student, as well as your income and prospects after graduation.
- Students in unaccredited MBA programs are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. This includes military education benefits for an MBA as well. If you turn to private loans to fund an unaccredited degree, they won’t be eligible for government loan consolidation after you graduate.
- Most employers now require degree accreditation. This is often the case whether you are an internal candidate for a pay raise or promotion or a new hire. Employer-based tuition assistance programs that cover course and textbook reimbursement usually require enrollment in an accredited program or institution as well.
- If you hope to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), you may be out of luck without accreditation. Most DBA programs do not accept applicants without a graduate degree in business from an accredited program or institution.
An MBA from the AACSB-accredited University of Wisconsin-Parkside Department of Business equips students with knowledge, skills, and a wide range of approaches needed to effectively manage and conduct business operations in all types of organizations.
I was really pleased to see that [UWPs online MBA General Management program] carried the same AACSB accreditation as their in-person program. I wanted to make sure if I was going to spend two or three years doing my graduate degree that it carried some weight. I didn’t want to just get it from anywhere.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online MBA Programs?
MBA admissions requirements can vary quite a bit by program. However, most require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and meet a minimum GPA standard. You’ll also have to submit transcripts documenting your previous education.
Some MBA programs ask for a resume or personal essay as well, or an interview prior to admission. Programs that request the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may also have a minimum score requirement for the exam.
UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management has a straightforward admissions process for prospective students, with no GMAT required. All applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Applicants are also encouraged to provide a current resume. If your GPA is 2.75 or higher, that’s all you have to submit. See the admission guidelines for further details.
I Don’t Have an Undergraduate Degree in Business. Can I Still Apply to MBA Programs?
Having a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business doesn’t disqualify you from getting an MBA. It’s common for graduates from other majors to pursue a business degree for job advancement or to change careers.
Many online MBA programs even encourage applicants without previous coursework in business to apply. MBA professors and peers in these programs often appreciate the different skill set and perspective students from other backgrounds can bring. Once you are accepted by an MBA program, just be aware that you might need to take a few extra classes to prepare for graduate study.
For example, new UW-Parkside online MBA students who haven’t studied finance, accounting, statistics or economics at the bachelor’s level* take up to two foundation courses at the start of their program. Learning the basics of these disciplines helps students prepare for graduate coursework in business.
*Waivers may be granted for equivalent coursework if documented in an academic transcript.
[MBA 512: Foundation in Statistics and Economics] is an introductory course for students who were not business majors during their undergraduate work. … The goals and objectives of this course include analytical thinking (the ability to collect, analyze, and summarize data) and sound decision-making (the ability to apply the scientific method in order to make sound business decisions).
Do Most MBA Programs Have a Work Experience Requirement?
It’s common for MBA applicants to have at least a few years of professional business experience, and some programs do require it. However, many MBA programs also accept new bachelor’s graduates right away. Work experience requirements are sometimes waived for applicants with a high GPA as well.
Online MBA programs tend to be the most flexible in welcoming applicants with less work experience, or a non-traditional career path. Creatives often choose an online program for this reason, as do many adults coming back for their MBA after a long break from work for parenting or taking care of aging parents.
Do MBA Programs Accept Military Experience as Work Experience?
Yes, many do, but check with MBA programs you’re interested in to confirm.
Any management or supervisory experience you’ve had during your military career can help you transition to MBA studies, and to a civilian leadership role after graduation.
Discipline, attention to detail, problem-solving skills and the ability to perform under pressure are all features of a results-driven culture. This is something the military and MBA programs have in common, so for many active-duty service members and veterans, business school is a natural next career step.
Do MBA Programs Accept Mature Students?
Yes. Many MBA programs value mature students. Professors appreciate the insight professionals with more career and life experience can bring to the conversation. Classmates just starting their career often enjoy exchanging ideas with peers who have already achieved some of the professional goals they are working toward, as well.
The communication and collaboration skills you’ve already developed during the span of your work life can also serve you well as an MBA student, and benefit you as an MBA applicant.
What Is the Career Outlook for MBA Graduates?
March 2022 employment projections from Burning Glass Technologies indicate that MBA hiring will continue to be steady through 2030. Demand for MBAs skilled in operations and marketing is expected to rise 16% during that period.
In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the following management occupations will see significant growth through 2030.
| Occupational Category | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Financial managers | $134,180 |
| Training and development managers | $115,640 |
| Administrative services and facilities managers | $98,890 |
| Management analysts | $87,660 |
| Operations research analysts | $86,200 |
| Financial examiners | $81,430 |
You can’t just take a course on leadership. You need to understand budgets, finances and the business world. If you’re after long-term credibility in your field and more importantly, improving your skill set, this [UWP] MBA program is extremely valuable.
What Are the Top Industries Hiring MBA Graduates?
Consulting, finance and technology remain the top industries hiring MBA graduates according to GMAC. The Wall Street Journal reports that tech companies in particular are “snapping up” MBA grads for roles across new and traditional areas of business.
March 2022 hiring data from Burning Glass Technologies indicates that the insurance and manufacturing industries are top MBA employers as well, along with professional, scientific and technical services.
Spotlight: What Employers Want – A Post-COVID Skill Set for MBAs
As global business returns to normal operations, the changes and challenges brought on by COVID-19 are not lost on MBA grads. Employers recognize that shifts toward remote work and online learning are producing new MBAs with a higher degree of technology skills and awareness, as well the business savvy to understand that opportunity never truly sleeps.
According to GMAC, employers hiring business school graduates have valued three key skills most during the COVID-19 pandemic: strategic thinking, communication, and versatility. This trend toward individualized, high-level competencies is likely to continue. Two-thirds of employers responding to GMAC’s 2020 Corporate Recruiters Survey also emphasized the importance of navigating technology disruptions resulting from the pandemic.
In GMAC’s 2021 survey, employers noted interpersonal skills, learning, motivation and leadership among the top skills for graduates as well. Here are some other MBA skills now commonly requested by employers, according to June 2021 recruitment data from Burning Glass Technologies:
- Teamwork / collaboration
- Planning
- Budget management
- Business analysis
- Project management*
- Problem solving
- Change management*
- Research
- Writing
*Salary premium
Many of these are also future-proof skills that a holistic education in business provides. As business needs and practices continue to evolve post-COVID, well-rounded general MBA graduates with these capabilities can more easily pivot between sectors and job functions as needed, avoiding skill atrophy and maintaining upward career mobility.
The world of business is constantly changing and evolving. … Adaptation, reinvention, creativity, and innovation are essential for business managers and their organizations.
An MBA program provides a rational basis for understanding not only management skills, but people management, too, because that’s not intuitive. I’ve learned a lot about management relationships. … It’s really been an invigorating experience.
What Kind of Salary Bump Can I Expect Post-MBA?
The post-MBA salary bump can be surprising, especially if the degree enables you to join a higher-paying industry. According to MBA.com, the median base salary for new MBA grads is $105,000-$115,000 while the median base salary with a bachelor’s degree is $65,000.
This means that some MBA grads are earning up to 77% more than their peers with a bachelor’s degree alone. MBA consultants do even better after graduation, with a median base salary of $145,000.
Factors such as your experience also influence your income potential post-MBA, and certainly it’s important to keep in mind what the local market will bear. For example, your starting salary may be higher in a new city than your current one. The difference can be significant if your new employer is located in an expensive region such as the Northeast Atlantic or the Pacific Coast.
The bottom line is that with an MBA, you can earn more no matter where you live and work. Base pay doesn’t always account for total compensation either. Bonuses and incentives linked to performance goals can also boost your management or executive salary year after year.
How Are MBA Salaries in the Upper Midwest?
MBA pay is holding steady in most areas of the U.S. according to GMAC, and the Upper Midwest region is no exception. The following table features salaries for top management and executive roles in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.
| Regional Vice President | Vice President of Marketing | Chief Financial Officer | Chief Executive Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI
$127,703 |
St. Paul, MN
$144,346 |
Chicago, IL
$146,544 |
Maple Grove, MN
$157,565 |
| Brooklyn Park, MN
$124,373 |
Green Bay, WI
$133,948 |
Eau Claire, WI
$143,460 |
Elgin, IL
$152,499 |
| Joliet, IL $123,650 |
Rockford, IL
$131,732 |
Rochester, MN
$138,724 |
Madison, WI
$144,151 |
Source: ZipRecruiter, March 2022
How Much Does an MBA in General Management Cost?
MBA costs can differ from one institution to the next. They may also depend on residency requirements and whether you’re studying online or on campus.
Some prestigious programs can even reach six figures in annual tuition and fees, but most MBAs are much more affordable than that. A public university is generally less expensive than a private university. Many online programs also offer a high-quality business education for much less than you might spend in a traditional MBA program.
Students seeking an online MBA that’s prestigious, flexible and affordable often find great options in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin. While online MBA tuition for some AASCB-accredited programs in the state can run as high as $800-$1200 per credit hour, you can also find quality programs at an excellent value.
Tuition for University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management is $600 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable AACSB-accredited programs in the Midwest.
Can Online MBA Students Get Financial Aid?
Yes. Many online MBA students use financial aid to help pay for their degree. The first step is to visit the U. S. Department of Education to learn more about your options. Next, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for government loans, grants or other programs. Your income and the cost of your MBA program are two of the factors that influence the amount of aid you might be eligible to receive.
You may also be able to take advantage of independent scholarships or competitions that award funds to MBA students. A number of foundations and professional organizations offer these opportunities on an annual basis. Here are a few examples:
- The National Black MBA Association holds an annual case competition open to graduate students from AASCB-accredited business schools and MBA programs. Each team of four students works together to analyze a business case and present solutions to complex problems, competing for $50,000 in cash as well as employment opportunities.
- The Government Finance Officers Association awards scholarships to full- and part-time graduate business students planning to pursue a career in state or local government. Awards range from $5,000-$20,000.
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards up to $5,000 to MBA students enrolled in an accredited public or nonprofit academic institution full time.
Will I Be Able to Use My Military Education Benefits for an Online MBA?
Yes, as long as you qualify and attend an accredited institution or degree program.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers the GI Bill and other notable funding programs that can help veterans and active-duty service members pay for an online MBA degree.
Many states have their own funding resources as well. For instance, the Wisconsin GI Bill remits up to 128 credit hours of tuition and fees for qualified veterans and their dependents.
Can I Get Help With Certifying My Military Education Benefits?
Universities qualified to accept the GI Bill and other military benefits usually provide a range of assistance to active-duty service members and veterans. At most schools, this includes assistance with the benefit application and certification process.
UW-Parkside’s Military and Veterans Success Center offers assistance for online students who are applying for military education benefits, or who need help certifying them to pay for classes.
The center also provides other services and resources for military personnel and their families.
Do Employers Offer Tuition Reimbursement for an Online MBA?
Yes, most employers offering this perk to employees who study in a traditional MBA program also make it available to those earning an MBA online. Just be sure to contact HR before enrolling in MBA courses so you are aware of any restrictions involved and understand the timeline for reimbursement.
The most common stipulation is that your degree program or institution is accredited. Your grades are also important, as some company policies are strict. For graduate school, a grade below a B can be an issue and courses with an incomplete aren’t usually reimbursed until you have a final grade.
Will I Be Able to Write Off My MBA Tuition and Fees at Tax Time?
You may be able to take advantage of the Lifetime Learning Credit at tax time, if you qualify. Students must be enrolled in an eligible academic institution and pay qualified tuition expenses. Check out IRS Tax Benefits for Education for further information.
Can I Work Full Time While I Earn My MBA Online?
Absolutely. Working professionals often choose this option because online MBA programs are designed to be manageable with a full-time job. You can get a rigorous education in business without the strict class schedule or commuting to campus after a long day at the office.
With a little time management, MBA assignments can become part of your regular routine. You might watch video lectures with your morning coffee, do some reading or writing on a lunch break, or complete a project on the weekend. Since most courses have weekly deadlines, you can work at a more relaxed pace.
Some students also set aside designated days and times for MBA study, to maintain the work-life balance they prefer. Earning your degree online, on your schedule, means you don’t have to miss tucking the kids into bed at night or taking your dog for a well-deserved walk. Study at home or wherever your loved ones are, and whenever it works best for your family.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an MBA?
Two years is the average time it takes to complete an MBA program on campus if you attend full time. Three years is more common for part-time study.
Online MBA programs typically take less time to complete because most courses are accelerated and you have the option to study year round. Many part-time students can finish in two years. Full-time online MBA students can earn their degree in as little as a year in some programs.
For example, UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in General Management can be completed in as few as 12 months, by taking two courses per seven-week session.
If you want the option to take a break from MBA studies as needed or you prefer to move at your own pace, an online program may be the best choice. You can enroll course to course and move forward on the timeline that suits you best.
How Many Hours a Week Do I Need to Study for Online MBA Courses?
As you begin your online MBA program, plan on studying 12 to 15 hours per week. This should give you plenty of time to complete all elements of your weekly learning module. Once you settle into a study routine, you can adjust as needed when more challenging projects or assignments come your way.
How Do Online MBA Courses Work?
Studying online is not that different than studying for courses on campus. If you are familiar with learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard or Moodle from your undergrad degree, online graduate classes will have a similar look and feel.
If this is your first time studying online, don’t worry. Most LMS portals are designed to be user friendly. Simply log in, choose your class and begin working.
Each course will contain your professor’s syllabus, as well as lectures on video and a list of assignments and deadlines. You can also connect with professors and classmates via discussion boards, email and video chat. Grades and feedback are viewable in your course, too.
In addition, textbooks and required reading materials are often available in a digital format, which makes online study even more convenient.
Can I Interact or Network With Other Students During My Online MBA Program?
Yes! Students in online MBA programs interact regularly, and many form lasting connections.
Working with other MBA students on assignments and projects can expose you to different viewpoints, help you develop new career networks and enhance your business acumen.
Exchanging ideas with peers from other fields and backgrounds can be one of the best parts of the MBA experience. These conversations often spark new ways of thinking and collaborating, and some students even team up on new business ventures after graduation.
How Will I Work With My Professors in an Online MBA Program?
Online MBA professors work closely with their graduate students. Email and video conferencing make it simple to connect anytime. Professors also provide feedback on assignments and many join conversations on the class discussion board. Some instructors are even available by text or phone.
You can always schedule a one-to-one meeting to discuss assignments, your grades or your general progress in the course. MBA professors can also be excellent mentors, offering wise counsel as you explore new career avenues and opportunities.
With a little bit of constructive feedback from the professors, I was able to start writing on a different level. And I’ve been able to use that in emails and at work, just being more concise and organized with my thoughts.
Are MBA Student Services Available Online?
Yes. At most universities, online students have access to comparable resources as students learning on campus.
Student services for online learners at UW-Parkside include:
- Remote library access
- Tech support
- Parkside Academic Resource Center NetTutor writing assistance
- Handshake, an online job board connecting UW-Parkside students and alumni with career opportunities
- Personal counseling services (phone and online support)
What Are the Technical Requirements for an Online MBA Program?
If you have a desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet access, you’re probably ready to learn online. You can even access online courses from your tablet or smartphone.
Many students find that their technology set up already meets the basic requirements for starting MBA courses online. Just make sure you have access to the following:
- Word processing and spreadsheet software
- A webcam and microphone
- Storage capacity for large files (an external hard drive or cloud storage is fine)
You will also need to stream audio and video to complete some assignments, in addition to making presentations. As long as you can handle the different tasks involved in learning online you’ll be good to go, whether you use a computer or a combination of devices to get the job done.
Learn more about the UW-Parkside MBA with a Concentration in General Management online program!
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