This article was originally published May 15, 2023, and was updated May 6, 2024 and July 7, 2025, to reflect changes to UMGC’s MBA program.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is excited to announce that its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program now offers students the option to choose from 10 specializations in key fields that can be completed in as little as 16 months for about $21,000.
Building on our dedication to continuous innovation and to attainable, accessible, and affordable education, we evaluated our MBA program based on feedback from students and found ways to make it more flexible and customizable. Built specifically for adult learners, the UMGC MBA combines practical learning, applied skills, and personalized support. Students can focus on one course at a time, start at multiple points throughout the year, and tailor their experience through the addition of a specialization aligned with their career goals.
“Our redesigned MBA gives students the flexibility to shape their degree around their experience and goals,” says Tara Konya, PhD, portfolio director for the MBA at UMGC. “Some may choose a specialization to deepen expertise in a particular field, while others may prefer a broader approach through general management. The key is giving students options to align their learning with their career path.”
Students can choose from the following specializations and, depending on the specific coursework they choose, explore a variety of related topics:
- Cybersecurity Management and Policy: Cybersecurity risk management, policy, and defense strategies
- Cybersecurity Technology: Cybersecurity threats, analysis, and identifying security issues in systems and networks
- Data Analytics: AI ethics, decision analytics, and data reporting
- Finance: Financial planning, corporate finance, and risk management
- Global Business: International business strategy, risk management, and leadership
- Human Resource Management: Organizational behavior, leadership, and people management
- Marketing: Marketing strategies, marketing research, and digital marketing
- Nonprofit Management: Nonprofit management, fundraising, and donor relations
- Project Management: Project procurement, resource management, and process improvement
- General Management: For those who prefer a broader approach, the general management specialization offers flexibility while still providing a strong foundation across key business areas.
“Choosing a specialization allows MBA students to develop deeper expertise in a specific field while still gaining broad business knowledge,” says Monica Sava, PhD, collegiate faculty member at UMGC. “Specializations help align the MBA with career goals, provide targeted skills, and allow graduates to stand out in a competitive job market.”
When designing the MBA program, UMGC identified industry skills valued by employers and mapped them to learning modules within the courses. Regardless of which specialization students choose, they can master a variety of business skills including business strategy, data analysis, financial analysis, management accounting, marketing planning, operations management, and more.
“Specializations can open doors to specific job opportunities, increase earning potential, and prepare students for advanced roles that require specialized knowledge,” says Sava. “By having focused expertise, graduates can differentiate themselves from other candidates and become more attractive to employers.”
Graduate With In-Demand Business Skills and Digital Credentials
Each MBA course at UMGC is intentionally designed to simulate real-world business challenges using hands-on projects, case studies, and simulations. These applied learning experiences help students build practical leadership skills for today’s fast-paced, global economy.
As students complete each course, they earn digital credentials that verify mastery of specific business competencies, such as strategic thinking, data-informed decision-making, and ethical leadership. Students can immediately leverage these credentials by adding digital badges to their résumés, LinkedIn profiles, e-portfolios, or online job applications.
These accomplishments are housed in the Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR), a dynamic, verified digital transcript that captures a student’s full range of learning and skills development.
“Unlike traditional transcripts or diplomas, digital credentials can be earned and shared in real time through the CLR, giving students the ability to showcase their skills as they progress through the program,” says Konya. “Digital credentials empower students to demonstrate their value to current or potential employers throughout their academic journey, not just after they graduate from UMGC.”
The CLR acts as both a digital credential wallet and a career advancement tool. Students can use it to track their own development and career readiness, align their demonstrated skills with in-demand roles, and share specific competencies with employers during interviews.
An MBA Program Designed for You
UMGC's MBA program and expanded specialization options were designed for ambitious leaders who want to thrive in today's digital business environment.
“The MBA specializations were designed with real-world relevance in mind,” says Konya. “Each one equips students with a focused set of knowledge and practical application opportunities that employers are actively seeking.”
With a legacy of more than 75 years, UMGC was founded to specifically serve the higher education needs of adults, military servicemembers, and veterans. Most of UMGC’s degrees can be completed entirely online, offering students the convenience, flexibility, and accessibility to achieve their educational goals anytime and anywhere.
A master’s degree is a great option for those looking to advance their career or transition to an exciting new field. UMGC’s admissions process does not require the GMAT or GRE and offers multiple start dates throughout the year, so students can get started whenever they’re ready. Lifetime career services also equip students to succeed in their career beyond graduation, with resources such as access to job fairs, mentoring, and resume assistance.
Advance with a Trusted and Accredited MBA Program
An MBA from UMGC provides students with a degree from an accredited university that is backed by the University System of Maryland (USM). The MBA program has also been accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) for more than 20 years. IACBE's accreditation process examines if a program is functioning and teaching effectively, which requires that its member institutions follow a process of continuous quality improvement that builds student competencies and prepares them to succeed professionally.
UMGC’s MBA program was the first U.S.-based MBA program designed specifically for online delivery. Our MBA program gives students the ability to frame business decisions and solve problems in the context of a global environment. Our faculty facilitate discussions so you can learn from both accomplished professors and fellow students. Our innovative online classroom gives students 24-hour technical support and the ability to earn their degree on their schedule.
Learn from Experienced Faculty and Access Student Services
At UMGC, our world-class faculty have a wealth of experience in the field. This work experience results in course assignments designed to help you learn and develop real-world skills and strategies. In the MBA program, you will learn how to develop a marketing strategy, manage a workforce, and make investing and capital budgeting decisions. And, throughout your educational journey, you are provided a success coach to ensure that you are successfully tracking and navigating through the program toward graduation.
MBA students come from a wide range of backgrounds, with different levels of education and work experience. That’s why UMGC offers a collection of support materials designed to help you succeed in your courses. This resource library includes helpful tools and lessons matched to each core MBA class. One key feature is the Preflight tool, which helps you see where you’re already strong and where you might need a little extra preparation. Based on your responses, you’ll receive a personalized Study Blueprint, a custom study plan with recommended resources to use whenever you need them: before classes start, during a project, or any time you want a boost.
Students in the MBA program will also have access to value-added benefits to help them succeed in the workforce. Community Connect gives students access to profiles of more than 900 MBA graduates who can serve as a career resource for students taking the next step in their career, and InternPLUS allows students to gain industry experience and develop their skills in real time through virtual job simulations by completing short, real-world, company backed online projects.
UMGC has a strong network of over 20,000 MBA alumni and several of our student organizations, like the UMGC chapters of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) allow you to connect with classmates on similar career paths. You also gain access to UMGC’s lifetime career services at no additional cost, which provide you with career opportunities such as job fairs, federal job searches, and resume and cover letter assistance.
Getting Started on Your MBA
UMGC provides both an accredited and affordable education that allows you the flexibility to earn your degree as a working professional. UMGC doesn’t require the GMAT for admission and we enroll students year-round, so you can get started as soon as you’re ready.
UMGC’s online MBA program is the perfect fit if you are looking to broaden your business knowledge or prepare for career advancement. You can apply at any time and can access the asynchronous online program from almost anywhere in the world. With an MBA, you can apply the skills you learn in the program to any industry, and it can make you stand out as a strong candidate employers are looking for. Take the next step in advancing your career and succeed with an MBA from UMGC.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
