Why Drake University?
This comparatively small, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, provides an online Master of Business Administration degree course. There are no prerequisites specified for this program. The applications are assessed holistically based on the individual’s potential for program success, educational background and performance, and professional experience.
There is no requirement for applicants to submit the results of standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, but the program does not establish a minimum undergraduate GPA. The program is administered by the Zimpleman College of Business at the university.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Drake University |
| Location | Des Moines |
| State | IA |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Business Administration |
| School or Department Administering Program | Zimpleman College of Business |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | 718 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $25,848.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | none |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | multiple start dates per year |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | no |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | all courses 6 weeks long; distinctive specialization in public and nonprofit management; connections to Des Moines insurance industry |
| Program Description | This smaller college’s program provides a close-knit and encouraging chance to develop critical business knowledge and strategic thinking abilities. Drake’s online MBA provides seven focus areas: accounting, business analytics, health care management, cybersecurity, leadership & human capital development, public and nonprofit management, and a bespoke personalized option. It requires 36 necessary courses to be completed in two years. |
What will I Learn?
One can appreciate the strengths of Drake’s MBA curriculum by considering the concentration areas offered in its online MBA: Accounting, Business Analytics, Health Care Management, Cybersecurity; Leadership & Human Capital Development, Public and Nonprofit Management and an Individualized custom concentration.
Given the range of electives and concentration courses available, students are required to take a modest number of mandatory courses. These include Corporate Governance & Ethics, Leading with Data and Financial Reporting and Analysis. Students also must take Creating Customer Value Through Marketing, Corporate Finance, Leadership & Human Capital Development, Information Technology and Business, and Business, Government and Global Economy.
All students complete a capstone course entitled Strategic Business Processes.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $718 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $26,000.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
As all classes are offered asynchronously, there is no predetermined time that students must log in to take an online class. Instead, students are given regular opportunity to connect with their teacher and peers while still being obliged to complete specific online tasks each week. Accelerated 6-week courses let students concentrate intensely on one subject at a time, but the intensity may make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
No on-campus trip is necessary. The program is finished by the students in two years. Every semester, a number of start dates are available, allowing students to start the program as soon as they are accepted.
Summary
The Drake University online MBA stands apart from peers due to its accelerated course structure, its intimate feel, and its distinctive specialization in public and nonprofit management. Applicants interested in networking with employers in the insurance industry should also consider Drake, given the dominance of that industry in the local economy of Des Moines. The degree is cost effective, especially considered Drake’s personalized approach and good reputation.