Boise State’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program continues to rise in U.S. News’ annual Best Online MBA Programs rankings. In their 2019 list, Boise State is tied for 40th out of 282 universities, a jump from the 51st spot a year ago. U.S. News used five categories to determine this position: engagement, student excellence, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, and student services and technologies. With this ranking, the Boise State online MBA program now is in the top 15 percent of ranked online MBA programs nationwide.
U.S. News also placed the program as the 24th best online MBA for veterans, up one spot from last year. Morgan Prince, an Air Force veteran, is an example of success in the online MBA program. Using her Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, she was able to cover the cost of the program and complete her degree in 2017. After her positive experience in the program, she is considering a career shift to obtain a doctorate and become a college professor.
Luke Riebli is another military success story. He worked as an operations supervisor in the United States Air Force while completing his degree. After his 2018 graduation, he reflected on his time in the online MBA program.
“Working full-time in the military is challenging and adding any level of school to that workload is a lot to handle,” he said. “The flexibility and ease-of-use provided by the online MBA program gave me an efficient way to attain the education I sought and fit everything into my schedule comfortably. Despite working long hours and being on the night shift, I was able to complete the requirements and thrive in the program. This experience pushed me to new levels in my professional and personal life.”
Boise State has one of the only online MBA programs in the country that features a specialized design thinking course, helping students to infuse innovation into organizations through customer focus, creative problem-solving and collaboration.
The MBA program can be completed in as few as 12 months, although the majority of students take a part-time course load and complete it in two years. Flexible course schedules are available to allow for time off if needed. Courses are taught by best-in-class Boise State faculty and highlight collaboration with working professionals, giving students a rich, interactive experience.
On average, students in the online MBA program have eight years of professional experience. For Riebli, this interaction was essential.
“I really enjoyed the focus on collaboration and projects which is similar to most modern work settings,” he said. “The program is full of students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds which provided great dialogue and an environment of constant learning and thought broadening.”
As of 2018, 187 students have graduated from the program. There are more than 250 active students working to complete the program, and 91 percent of those students currently are making satisfactory progress toward their degree.
Brian O’Morrow, senior director of MBA Programs for Working Professionals, credits the success of the online MBA program to exceptional faculty and support across campus.
“These rankings speak to the quality of education, support services, and overall experience that our students have in the Boise State Online MBA program,” O’Morrow said.