Virginia Commonwealth University Online Master of Business Administration 

Why Virginia Commonwealth University? 

This very large public research university in Richmond, Virginia, offers a Master of Business Administration degree program that can be done online.

This program does not have any prerequisites. Applicants are evaluated holistically based on their potential for program success, educational background and achievement, and job history. If desired, applicants may provide GMAT or other standardized test scores to support their application. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. The School of Business at the institution oversees the curriculum.

Program Snapshot

University Name Virginia Commonwealth University
Location Richmond
State VA
Niche.com Grade B+
Name of Degree Master of Business Administration
School or Department Administering Program School of Business
Credits 45
Cost per credit contact university
Tuition for Entire Program contact university
Test Requirements optional
Minimum GPA 3.0
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
  • Business Analytics
  • Corporate Finance
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Global Business
  • Health Care Management
  • Information Resources Management
  • Investments
  • Real Estate
  • Supply Chain Management
Synchronous classes yes
Required Courses
  • Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Managerial Accounting Concepts
  • Managerial Economics
  • Financial Concepts of Management
  • Financial Management
  • Information Systems for Managers
  • Information Systems for Business Intelligence
  • Leading People and Organizations
  • Business Policy and Strategy
  • Marketing Management
  • Statistical Fundamentals for Business Management
  • Operations Management Electives
Does the Program Include a Capstone? no
Does the program include a practicum or internship? no
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Access to local leaders and innovators in business Professional development and coaching Guest Speakers Networking Events; Creativity and Innovation focus; Experiential Learning; Leadership Development; Three Residency Weekends; Competitive tuition; distinctive concentrations in Information resources management, real estate; cohort based
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Leadership and teamwork: Students will develop abilities to influence others and collaborate in teams.

Communication: Students will recognize the importance of and effectively demonstrate strong communication skills.

Analytical thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to organize and interpret qualitative and quantitative information to make effective decisions.

Strategic thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate conceptual frameworks to lead the organization in setting and meeting its goals and objectives.

Program Description Graduates of this program will be equipped with skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, analytical thinking, and strategic thinking, gained via 45 credits of required coursework.  No capstone or internship is required. Nine concentration areas are available: Business Analytics, Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Global Business, Health Care Management, Information Resources Management, Investments, Real Estate and Supply Chain Management. 

 

What will I Learn?

Students develop leadership and teamwork skills across the entire curriculum. Communication skills are also emphasized.

Graduates will have excellent analytical skills, developed in the following required courses: Fundamentals of Accounting,  Managerial Accounting Concepts, Managerial Economics, and Financial Concepts of Management.

They will also gain strategic thinking acumen in the following: Financial Management, Information Systems for Managers, Information Systems for Business Intelligence, and Leading People and Organizations.

The suite of required courses culminates in Business Policy and Strategy, Marketing Management, Statistical Fundamentals for Business Management and Operations Management.

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Business Analytics; Corporate Finance; entrepreneurship and innovation; global business; health care management; Information resources management; investments; real estate; supply chain management

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years. Prospective students should contact the university for information about tuition and fees. 

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses have at least some synchronous class meetings, in which students attend an online class at a specific time. Students are not required to visit campus unless they wish. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Offering three start dates per year, the program accepts new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Students progress through the program along with their cohort, meaning they have less flexibility in terms of course choices but more opportunities to build community.

Students are required to attend three residency weekends on the VCU campus.

Summary

The online MBA at VCU offers students access to local leaders and innovators in business through a comprehensive co-curricular program of professional development and coaching. Students learn from guest speakers and networking events, as well as ongoing opportunities for experiential learning woven through the curriculum. 

The VCU curriculum will also be attractive to those seeking some in-person connection due to the three required residency weekends. The program also stands out due to its focus on creativity and innovation, as well as unique concentrations in information resource management and real estate.