Appalachian State University Online Master of Business Administration

Why Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University, sometimes known as “App State”, is a large public university located in Boone, North Carolina. It offers an online Master of Business Administration degree program admitting applicants with any undergraduate degree, with no minimum GPA. The program is administered by the university’s Walker College of Business.

All aspects of an application, including the applicant’s background, academic performance, and professional experience, are considered when making a final decision. The majority of schools require applicants to submit standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE). However, applicants with exceptional records of academic success and/or demonstrated professional promise may be exempt from this requirement.

Program Snapshot

University Name Appalachian State University
Location Boone
State NC
Niche.com Grade B+
Name of Degree Master of Business Administration
School or Department Administering Program Walker College of Business
Credits 36
Cost per credit 1208
Tuition for Entire Program $43,488.00
Test Requirements Waivers available
Minimum GPA none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations none
Synchronous classes both
Required Courses
  • Economics for Decision-Making
  • Marketing Strategy & Applications
  • Problem Analysis & Quantitative Methods
  • Managerial Finance
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Strategic Management
  • Fundamentals of Business Analytics
  • Executive Skills
  • Managerial Accounting
  • International Marketing
  • Data Management
  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Sustainability Performance Assessment
  • Global Perspectives in Financial Technology
  • Environmental Economics and Policy
Does the Program Include a Capstone? no
Does the program include a practicum or internship? no
Other Features that Make the Program Unique substantial tuition reduction for NC residents; All MBA students must take at least one elective with an international focus; required course in environmental economics; required course in sustainability performance assessment
Program Description Courses within this 36-credit curriculum emphasize sustainability and a global perspective. Students do not choose a concentration, and there are no formal requirements for a practicum or capstone. The program takes 2 years to complete.

 

What will I Learn?

Taught by a combination of research faculty and business professionals, required courses in this online MBA program begin with foundational courses in Economics for Decision-Marketing Strategy & Applications and Problem Analysis & Quantitative Methods. Students deepen their understanding of functional areas of business through courses in Managerial Finance, Operations & Supply Chain Management  and Fundamentals of Business Analytics. Leadership acumen is interrogated and strengthened in Strategic Management,  Executive Skills, and Global Perspectives in Finance Technology.

Because Appalachian state does not offer specific concentrations, advanced courses within the required core allow students to delve deeply into more specialized topics than in some programs. Advanced courses include Managerial Accounting,  International Marketing, Data Management, Global Supply Chain Management and Digital Marketing Strategy. All students are required to take at least one course in global business, alongside courses in Sustainability Performance Assessment and Environmental Economics and Policy.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $$ 1208 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $43,500.00 for the entire degree.

A substantial tuition reduction is available for residents of North Carolina.

How does the program fit into my life?

The program is intended to be completed on a part-time basis, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. In some courses, students will log in to classes at a specified time and watch lectures and participate in discussion. In other courses, students will complete a range of activities which may include watching prerecorded materials as well as online discussion, team-based projects, practice exercises, and other materials.

Most students finish program requirements within 2 years.  Offering three start dates per year, the program accepts new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Summary

If you are interested in a rigorous mid-price online MBA program, you should not overlook the App State program despite the rural location of this institution. The curriculum makes clear the university’s commitment to sustainability and global awareness, and the program represents especially good value for residents of North Carolina. Faculty have research interests in conscious consumption, consumer communication, and the intersection of supply chain management and computer science, among other topics.