View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, and more.
This program requires a total of 30 credits. You’ll take 18 credits of core courses, 9 credits chosen from specialization areas, and a 3-credit capstone.
Take three 3-credit courses in one of our specializations (outlined under Select MBA Elective/Specialization Courses) for a total of 9 credits. We recommend you complete your core courses first, then your three specialization courses, before wrapping up with your capstone.
This program requires a total of 9 elective credits. To fulfill this requirement, take three courses from one of the following specializations.
Take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits.
Take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits.
To earn this specialization, take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits, as outlined below.
Take the following two courses:
Take one of the following courses:
Take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits.
Take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits.
To earn this specialization, take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits, as outlined below.
Take the following course:
Take two of the following courses:
Take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits.
To earn this specialization, take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits, as outlined below.
Take the following two courses:
Take one of the following courses:
To earn this specialization, take three 3-credit courses for a total of 9 credits, as outlined below.
Take the following course:
Take two of the following courses:
Take three 3-credit courses from those listed under any elective specialization for a total of 9 credits. You may mix and match courses from different elective subject areas.
This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. This sequence incorporates course prerequisites and program requirements but does not list course alternatives that may be available. We recommend you take a maximum of 6 credits per term. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program.
Contact an advisor if you have any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.
See how your courseload affects how long it will take you to complete your degree. UMGC has created sample schedules to pace your academic progress. These vary based on your chosen academic program and personal situation.
| Session | 12 Months | 16 Months | 20 Months | 24 Months |
| Fall Online Session 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Fall Online Session 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Spring Online Session 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Spring Online Session 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Summer Online Session 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Summer Online Session 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fall Online Session 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Fall Online Session 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Spring Online Session 1 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Spring Online Session 3 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Summer Online Session 1 | 3 | |||
| Summer Online Session 2 | 0 | |||
| Total | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Increase your marketability, broaden your knowledge, and maximize the value of your education through UMGC’s dual master’s degree program. UMGC offers a dual degree option in which you can earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, or data analytics and then save up to 9 credits on an MBA as your second master’s degree.
If you are interested in pursuing a second degree through the dual degree program, contact a success coach or academic advisor. Before beginning the second degree program, make sure you review the catalog for the academic year in which you will begin study for the second degree so you can stay up to date. Each degree must be completed within five years of beginning study for that degree.
If you completed your bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resource management, or marketing at UMGC, an accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in that field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program.
This information is for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements for this program or to review UMGC's complete program requirements for a specific academic year, visit our program catalog archive.
Employers in the global business world want professionals who are ready to contribute. So, UMGC’s online MBA program curriculum is designed to help students develop expertise in high-demand areas like strategic planning, project management, budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis. UMGC’s MBA program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
UMGC's School of Business has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. Please view our IACBE member status page and Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.
IACBE's accreditation process examines if a program is functioning effectively, accomplishing its mission, and teaching students what they are intended to learn. This requires that its member institutions follow a process of continuous quality improvement that builds student competencies and prepares them to succeed professionally.
This online program is designed to help you prepare for management careers in business, government, or nonprofit organizations. UMGC's online MBA program courses are taught by experienced faculty and address skills and competencies that today’s employers seek.
Throughout the online MBA curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that is designed to help you prioritize in-demand skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects through the online MBA program:
Gain insight from our business faculty and delve deeper into topics ranging from our online MBA and other graduate business degrees to accreditation and career prospects.
Get answers to questions that current and prospective MBA students are asking about program admission, credibility, student organizations, and more.
UMGC offers rolling admissions and flexible start dates for your convenience. If you hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited degree-granting university or college, you qualify for graduate admission at the master's degree or graduate certificate level. Learn more about graduate admission requirements at UMGC.
The value of your investment in your education will depend on several factors unique to you as an individual. An online MBA from UMGC can help you gain the skills and abilities desired by today’s employers—from finance and accounting to business analytics and marketing—and learn how to strategically manage a data-driven organization for growth and success. At UMGC, you can complete this online program in as little as 16 months for about $21,000.
As an accredited institution backed by the University System of Maryland, UMGC offers respected online degrees in many career-relevant fields including business administration. In fact, UMGC has received a specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
An online MBA from UMGC will help you learn how to strategically manage a data-driven organization for growth and success. Many of our online MBA students pursue this graduate-level curriculum to improve their business skills with the intention of starting a business or taking a current business to the next level. Additionally, UMGC offers students the opportunity to join several clubs including the Entrepreneurship Club (eClub), where you can learn about the benefits, risks, and challenges of entrepreneurship.
At UMGC, you can complete an online MBA in as little as 16 months. You’ll progress through the program by taking your core courses first, followed by your specialization courses. You must take the capstone course at the end of your program. This ensures you are prepared as you advance through the program and are still able to complete your MBA degree quickly.
At UMGC, you can complete an online MBA in as little as 16 months for about $21,000. Plus, most online course materials are available as no-cost electronic resources through UMGC's online classroom, so you can save money on textbooks. See our tuition rates for an exact cost breakdown.
We recommend MBA students participate in the following student organizations:
The Accounting Club focuses on helping to prepare its members for professional opportunities after graduation. The Accounting Club aims to provide networking activities that will help students connect to professionals and related associations and job preparation activities which will include connecting students with internships, offering career-building events, and more.
The mission of the Accounting Club is to inspire and connect diversified accounting enthusiasts through leadership, mentorship, learning, and innovation opportunities.
Membership Information: The UMGC Accounting Club is open to any graduate or undergraduate student interested in the accounting fields. Interested students can join the UMGC Accounting Club virtual community on CareerQuest.
The UMGC Chapter of the American Marketing Association provides members of all majors with exposure to experiences in the marketing industry through professional growth opportunities, leadership development, and academic recognition. Undergraduate students who are interested in joining should complete the AMA|UMGC Chapter Application or visit the chapter’s Facebook group to learn more.
eClub provides students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to learn about the benefits, risks, and challenges of entrepreneurship. Members engage in business and networking opportunities in collaboration with local, national, and international business leaders. It is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Join the Entrepreneurship Club's virtual community on CareerQuest to connect with other members and learn about upcoming meetings and events.
The UMGC Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management provides opportunities to network with other students, staff, and faculty who are currently working in or are interested in entering the human resource field. It is available to undergraduate and graduate students. To join, please fill out the UMGC SHRM Chapter form. Students may also join SHRM nationally at the student rate via the SHRM website (the UMGC SHRM Chapter number is 5578). UMGC students and alumni are also welcome to join the UMGC SHRM Chapter Facebook group. For more information, please email umgcshrm@umgc.edu.
A concentration is a specific area of study within a degree program. At UMGC, concentrations are available within some master’s degrees. To earn a concentration, a student takes a series of discipline-specific courses. Each master’s degree concentration requires at least 12 credits in the discipline. Concentrations are recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and appear on transcripts.
A specialization is a group of elective courses in an area of study within a degree program that is fewer credits than a concentration. UMGC offers specializations within certain master’s degrees. Specializations do not appear on transcripts, but students may be eligible to receive a digital badge upon completing a program with a specialization.
The main differences between a specialization and concentration are that a concentration has more discipline-specific coursework, is recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and appears on transcripts.
Each academic program page will indicate whether the focus offered in the degree program is a specialization or concentration. If you have further questions, please contact your success coach.
Michelle T., Chicago, IL Master of Business Administration (MBA)
