Why Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University recruits applicants for its online Master of Business Administration degree program. This very large public research university in State College, Pennsylvania, administers the program through its Smeal College of Business.
Because there are no prerequisite courses for the Penn State Online MBA, it may be taken by anyone from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Yet, knowledge in these areas, either via employment experience or prior education in accounting, economics, arithmetic, and statistics, boosts your application portfolio. In addition, full-time job experience is strongly advised and desirable following a bachelor’s degree. In addition, full-time job experience is strongly advised and desirable following a bachelor’s degree. Candidates are examined holistically. There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission, but academic potential and prior achievement will be considered.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Pennsylvania State University |
| Location | State College |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Niche.com Grade | A+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Business Administration |
| School or Department Administering Program | Smeal College of Business |
| Credits | 48 |
| Cost per credit | $1,236.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $59,328.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | none |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | The Penn State Online MBA is suitable for individuals of diverse previous course work in accounting, economics, math, and statistics, or knowledge of these subjects gained through work experience; post-graduate work experience preferred |
| Campus Visit Required? | optional |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | no |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | no |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Opportunities to earn graduate certificates or second master’s degree through shared courses; specialized career coaching; personal advising; access to global immersion trips; additional networking opportunities; Virtual or On Campus required residency program built around ICE framework: Integration, Collaboration, Engagement |
| Program Description | This degree requires 48 credits of coursework. Students do not complete a capstone course or other culminating experience. There are no formal requirements for an internship or practicum. Most students complete the program within 3 years. 24 concentration areas are offered, within a curriculum that emphasizes Integration, Collaboration and Engagement across all courses and projects. |
What will I Learn?
Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Team Performance, Financial Accounting and Leadership Communications and Change Management. Further technical skills are covered in Data Analysis for Decision Making, Marketing in a Global Environment, Financial Management and Managing Supply Chains in Global Markets. Students gain a big-picture approach through Economics for Business Strategy, Managing and Leading People in Organizations, and Ethical and Responsible Business Leadership. They learn to be the leaders of the future in Global Strategic Management, Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Managing in the Digital Economy.
The program offers a massive twenty-four possible concentrations. For the full list, see the table above. Some unique concentrations offered are Additive Manufacturing and Design, Community and Economic Development, Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management, Homeland Security, Negotiation and Influence, Public Administration, Talent and Diversity Leadership and Taxation.
How much will the program cost?
The program costs $1,236.00 per credit, and 48 credits are required. The total cost of the degree is just over $59,000.00 for the entire degree. Most students take three years to finish their studies.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses in this program are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework independently and do not attend prescheduled class sessions. A campus visit is optional. With three starts per year, in Fall, Spring, and Summer, this program allows you to begin your studies at your convenience.
Students complete the program within 3 years. However, the curriculum is designed to be flexible so that students can choose or vary the pace at which they complete their requirements and can also take breaks from study if needed.
All students must participate in a residency. This can be virtual (Fall or Spring start) or in-person on the Penn State campus (Summer start).
Summary
The Penn State Global online MBA program is designed to be maximally flexible thanks to its asynchronous mode of instruction and its wide range of customization options. Students can also elect to obtain a dual degree or graduate certificate, and can choose between a virtual or on-campus residency. The program is at the higher end of the middle tier in terms of price, but offers substantial features for this price tag.
