In our fast-paced, always connected world, finding the time to pursue a traditional classroom MBA is becoming increasingly difficult. With an online MBA, you can complete your education at your own pace and on your own schedule. There is great career value in an MBA, and more people are deciding that an online MBA is the best way for them to earn this degree.
Find The Best Louisiana MBA Programs and Degrees
Your Guide to Career, Curriculum and Education
EARN AN ONLINE MBA DEGREE TODAY
WHY CONSIDER AN ONLINE MBA?
In the world of online education, geographic boundaries are erased. Why, then, should you consider an MBA in Louisiana rather than another state? If you are a Louisiana resident, you will likely find in-state tuition rates are lower for you than if you enrolled in an online MBA course offered in another state. You may also find MBA concentrations offered that focus on major industries in the state, and are not found as frequently in the offerings of other online MBA programs. Universities tailor their MBAs to the needs of a state’s major industries and employers.
Percentage of students enrolled in online programs in Louisiana
MBA Concentrations
Rather than obtain a standard MBA, many students are drawn to specific MBA concentrations. While some MBA concentrations are offered at many universities, others are more commonly found in states where that particular concentration is in high demand.
Entrepreneurship
Those planning to start their own business, enter a family business or work with start-ups may want to consider an MBA concentration in entrepreneurship. The program focuses on issues such as economics, franchising, commercial leasing, licensing and investing.
Hospitality Management
The hospitality industry encompasses tourism, theme parks, lodging, transportation, event planning, restaurants, and a host of other enterprises. The bottom line in this field is customer satisfaction. An MBA concentration in hospitality management gives the professional in this industry a competitive advantage. The focus is on business development, marketing, and customer relations. Graduates can find management jobs nationally and globally.
Marketing
Those interested in a career in advertising, digital marketing, product innovation, business to business marketing, branding, and similar objectives may want to earn an MBA with a marketing concentration. Learn the management skills necessary for a marketing career along with the ability to execute strategic marketing decisions.
Project Management
A project management MBA concentration allows graduates to start and oversee projects throughout the project’s cycle. Project management concentrations include an emphasis on leadership, supply chain management, finance and risk analysis, along with communication. Project managers are found in all types of industries, especially information technology, engineering and construction.
Sales Leadership
An MBA concentration in sales leadership focuses not only on selling, but on leadership skill development. Those graduating with such an MBA concentration are prepared for positions in marketing, management, and all other types of sales leadership careers.
Accreditation in Louisiana
Look for online MBA programs in Louisiana accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSBI). This accreditation is considered the premier standard for business schools by corporate employers.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) is the regional accrediting body for institutions of higher education in Louisiana. SACSCC accreditation is recognized by the Council on Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education.
CAREER AND JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES
Company | Industry | Headquarters City | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Century Link | Telecommunications | West Monroe | 39,800 |
Ochsner Health System | Healthcare | Jefferson | 19,000 |
Odyssea Marine | Gas utility | Larose | 17,000 |
Amedisys | Healthcare | Baton Rouge | 16,000 |
Entergy | Electrical equipment | New Orleans | 13,513 |
EARNING POTENTIAL WITH AN MBA IN LOUISIANA
Top MBA Careers in Louisiana
Employees in this position seek out new business opportunities for their companies. This involves increasing current business and pursuing new possibilities for the company.
This role involves the oversight of a company’s service or goods production. This includes hiring staff, overseeing inventory and determining purchasing requirements. As the title indicates, the person in this position is responsible for the overall operation of a particular company or division within the organizational structure.
This job involves collecting and analyzing data to improve a company’s supply chain management. Ensuring supply meets an organization’s demand is critical to the health of any enterprise.
This position involves working at the highest level of a company and creating strategies pivotal to the success of the business. The person holding such a position must have excellent analytic skills.
It is the task of the business analyst to facilitate solutions for corporate issues. Expect to work closely with the top business decision makers within an organization.
In this job, the person manages all information and workflow within a company’s project management infrastructure. Deep familiarity with IT and human resources is necessary.
TOP ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAM CHOICES
Location:
Lafayette, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Location:
Lafayette, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Tuition
12,771
Receiving financial aid
93% overall
Student population
17,297
Public or Private
Public
Location:
Shreveport, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Location:
Shreveport, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Tuition
12,473
Receiving financial aid
93% overall
Student population
5,996
Public or Private
Public
Location:
Monroe, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Location:
Monroe, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Tuition
22,500
Receiving financial aid
98.5% overall
Student population
9,181
Public or Private
Public
Location:
Ruston, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Location:
Ruston, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Tuition
7,740
Receiving financial aid
74% overall
Student population
12,839
Public or Private
Public
Location:
Baton Rouge, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Location:
Baton Rouge, LA
Tuition:
$ $ $ $ $
Tuition
18,650
Receiving financial aid
100% with need
Student population
6,118
Public or Private
Public
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MBA PROGRAM
Choosing an online MBA program is one of the most important educational decisions you will ever make. That’s why it is essential that you perform your due diligence and find the program that best suits your goals and needs. Make a list of what you must have in such a program, followed by what you would prefer but is not absolutely necessary.
Time Required to Receive an MBA
Some people may complete their online MBA in 18 months or less. Others take two years or more to receive their MBA. You should know whether your job, family, or other demands will limit the amount of time you have for studying. If you face serious time strictures, look for an MBA with a more flexible schedule and a longer timeframe for completion. If you want to receive your MBA as soon as possible, a fast-tracked program should suit your needs. Just make sure you are realistic about how much time you have available for coursework and related studying.
The MBA and Your Job
How does an online MBA program fit in with your current job and future employment prospects? If you intend to move up within your company after receiving your MBA, that may prove a different decision than if you want an MBA to pursue wider job opportunities outside of your present employment. Of course, if you want to go in a different direction than your current job, your company may not reimburse your tuition. For example, if you work in health care administration but want to pursue an MBA concentration in human resource management, your company may decline tuition reimbursement. With an MBA, however, you must think in the long-term and consider carefully your ultimate goals. You must also consider the balance between your work requirements and your MBA.
Concentrations
Some online Louisiana MBA programs offer concentrations not found in many other universities. If you intend to pursue an executive career in the hospitality industry, or manage a family business, you will find these less common concentrations offered by a state school. Concentrations in more traditional areas, such as finance or human resource management, are also offered. When considering specialization, research the backgrounds of the faculty members teaching the classes. You want to know their exact level of expertise in the area in which they specialize. You also want to ensure that, as an online student, you are receiving the same quality of instructors as your classroom counterparts.
Tuition
Whether you receive reimbursement for your MBA tuition from your employer or are footing the bill yourself, cost is always a concern. If your employer pays for your MBA, that will likely affect your decision. If you are paying the bill yourself, see if you might qualify for financial aid from the university. If you still have undergraduate school loans you are paying off, that is another factor in the tuition decision. So is a mortgage, car loans, and credit card debt. If you must go into considerable debt for your MBA, it is critical that you weigh all the pros and cons. When making your decision, calculate your potential future salary versus your debt ratio. One advantage of an online MBA is that most students do not give up their jobs while studying for their degree, so that can put you ahead of the game financially.
School Ranking
It is usually true that the higher ranked the university, the more expensive the tuition. Do you spend more money for a more prestigious degree, which may open more doors for you in the future? Are you seeking the type of employer who will definitely prefer the better known school? A degree from a well-known business school may advance your career in ways that you will not receive from a lesser known institution. You want the best return on your educational investment possible. The good news is that online MBA programs at more highly ranked schools are generally more affordable than their in-person counterpartsand some allow you to adjust the number of credits you take each semester for an even more flexible program.
Networking Opportunities
MBA schools offer networking opportunities for professionals, but while such networking is available via an online MBA, it differs from those taking face-to-face classes. Ask yourself how important networking is to your future career. If you plan to enter a different field, the amount of networking needed for your chosen profession is often more extensive than if you plan to stay with your company or remain in your current industry. You want to know exactly what sort of resources are available for online MBA candidates versus those who are attending classes on campus. You certainly do not want a school that appears to consider the online MBA student as less desirable than traditional students. If the university does not offer the same career services, recruitment possibilities, and other opportunities to its online MBA contingent, it is wise to look elsewhere for your education.