University of Alaska-Fairbanks Online Master of Business Administration

Why University of Alaska-Fairbanks? 

An online Master of Business Administration  degree program is offered by this large public research university located in Fairbanks, Alaska.  While applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree in business or a related topic, admitted students will be required to gain foundational skills through the completion of a self-paced Foundational preMBA model. 

Either the GMAT or the Watson-Glazer Test of Critical Thinking must be taken by applicants. Waivers may be available depending on the applicant’s prior degree and GPA. The admissions committee considers applications from individuals with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above.  The program is under the direction of the university’s College of Business and Security Management

Program Snapshot

University Name	University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Location	Fairbanks
State	AK
Niche.com Grade	B
Name of Degree	Master of Business Administration
School or Department Administering Program	College of Business and Security Management
Credits	30
Cost per credit	539
Tuition for Entire Program	$16,170.00
Test Requirements	GMAT, Watson-Glazer Test of Critical Thinking depending on prior degree and GPA
Minimum GPA	2.75
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	Foundational preMBA modules (self-paced)
Campus Visit Required?	no
Typical Time to Complete	18-36 months
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	BLUE Business Analytics Business Continuity Cybersecurity General Management STEM
Synchronous classes	no
Required Courses	Organizational Theory for Managers Marketing Management Quantitative Methods of Managers Financial Markets and Strategy Corporate Strategy (capstone)
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	no
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	STEM MBA  at intersection of business and aquatic resources; focus on resource extraction industries and sustainability. particularly in Arctic context; research-oriented faculty; small class sizes ;
Program Description	The program’s 30 credits can be completed within 18-36 months.  A capstone is required but there is no required internship or practicum.  Students can specialize within 6 concentration areas: BLUE; Business Analytics; Business Continuity; Cybersecurity; General Management; STEM.  The curriculum offers special strengths in fisheries and resource extraction.

 

What will I Learn?

Students can choose to specialize in concentrations in Business Analytics, Business Continuity, or Cybersecurity, or they can pursue a program in General Management.  Alternately, students can choose one of two unique specializations offered by UAF. In the BLUE concentration, students learn to apply sustainable business models to the fisheries industry. In the STEM concentration, students focus on resource extraction, especially in the Arctic context.  

Because of the highly specialized nature of several of the concentrations offered, the UAF online MBA has fewer core courses required than other peer programs. Core courses consist only of Organizational Theory for Managers, Marketing Management, Quantitative Methods of Managers and Financial Markets and Strategy.

The required capstone course is entitled Corporate Strategy.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18-36 months and pay $539 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or just under $16,170.00 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses are delivered asynchronously, which means that students are not compelled to attend an online class at a specific time. Instead, students are expected to perform specified online exercises each week and to communicate with their teacher and peers on a regular basis. Watching online lectures, doing interactive practice exercises, and engaging in online group discussions are examples of online activities.

There is no need to visit the campus. Students finish the curriculum in 18-36 months. The program admits new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters and has three start dates each year. Schedule is variable, with some students working on an accelerated timetable while others work part-time.

Summary

The University of Alaska Fairbanks online MBA brings the advantages of online education to the Arctic context, offering flexible scheduling and academic opportunities to students living in remote areas of the state as well as to students living in the Lower 48 States and Hawaii. While UAF’s BLUE and STEM online MBA programs are definitely a priority consideration for students considering careers in fisheries, oil exploration, or sustainable energy, among other fields, this program is worth a second look for applicants with interests outside of these specialties. Small class sizes, extensive experience in online education, and research-oriented faculty set this program apart.