If you’re looking to advance your career in business, management, or a similar field, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be the key. Studies show that people with an MBA average almost double the salary of those with just a bachelor’s degree, and Texas – with thriving business hubs like Dallas, Houston, and Austin – offers an abundance of opportunities to make full use of this advanced degree.
The many online MBA programs in Texas make earning your degree easier than ever because you can choose a pace and location that’s most convenient for you. Most programs also make it possible to continue working while in school. This guide explains how the top online MBA programs in Texas work and tells you what to expect in terms of academics and post-graduate career options.
Top Online MBA Programs in Texas in 2024
With the many quality online MBA options available in Texas, deciding which ones to apply to can seem overwhelming. To help alleviate this, we’ve highlighted some of the top online MBA programs in Texas for 2024, taking into account valuable student metrics like affordability, flexibility of schedule, time to completion, career outcomes, and student support.
University of Houston-Victoria’s Strategic MBA program focuses on practical training and mentorship. Professors come to the classroom with extensive business knowledge and experience to share their own valuable stories. They also guide students through simulations, case studies, and projects designed to give students a well-rounded look at the contemporary business world. The program has several concentrations students can enroll in, including accounting, finance, and human resources management. The school will soon be offering new concentrations in areas such as data science, biomedical science, and artificial intelligence. The degree is 30 credits, with 6-9 more credits required for specialization.
Program Highlights:
Strategic Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30-39
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
After graduating from the MBA program offered by the University of the Incarnate Word, students leave with the business acumen needed to run an organization and the ethical skills that help them make sound decisions. Students can create their own specializations or choose one in human resource management, data analytics, or asset management. To be admitted, applicants are expected to have at least a 2.5 grade point average in a bachelor’s degree program. When you apply, you should, in addition to submitting official transcripts, submit letters of recommendation. However, the school does not require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Tarleton State University’s MBA program focuses on creating leaders who can move companies into the future and ensure they have longevity and organizational success. The curriculum is designed to provide numerous skills to help future leaders accomplish this, such as problem-solving, organizational management, and qualitative analysis abilities. There’s also a focus on emotional intelligence in leadership. Students have the option to enroll in the regular or fast-track versions of the program. Depending on your needs you can complete your degree within one to two years. Tuition costs $509.27 per credit for in-state residents and $775.37 for out-of-state students.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB; ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in Texas
Business is such a diverse field that there are numerous opportunities for MBA students to concentrate their learning in specific areas, and most online MBA programs in Texas offer a variety of specializations. Programs without formal concentrations still offer plenty of electives for students to customize their degrees. Below is a review of popular specialization options available.
MBA with an Emphasis in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration examines multiple aspects of operating a healthcare organization, such as a hospital or healthcare system. Students learn about business subjects (e.g., healthcare finance, health informatics, and healthcare human resources) oriented to the medical setting. This concentration is ideal for students seeking management roles at a healthcare facility.
Examples of MBA Programs in Texas with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing
A marketing specialization teaches students foundational principles of marketing and how to apply those concepts to real-world scenarios and cross-reference them with other business concepts. For example, students learn to develop a marketing plan by figuring out which pricing model to apply with the help of information gleaned from quantitative research and data analysis. This concentration is intended for individuals who work with or oversee individuals actively working on promotional activities.
Examples of MBA Programs in Texas with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Information Technology
Information technology management is now an integral part of any business, and applying that technology as effectively and efficiently as possible is a challenge. This concentration helps business leaders understand what technology can do and offer and then teaches them how to use that technology to do everything in a business from managing others to making tactical and strategic decisions. This specialization is ideal for those working in e-commerce or technology consulting or for anyone managing a technology-related department.
MBA Programs in Texas with IT Specializations
MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting
MBA students pursuing an accounting emphasis review the basics of accounting, but they quickly shift their attention to applying accounting concepts to certain contexts. These may include auditing, tax, corporate accounting, and investment banking. Anyone who relies on economic and financial data to make decisions can benefit from this MBA emphasis.
MBA Programs in Texas with Accounting Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Management
The primary focus of an MBA emphasizing management is teaching students how to effectively deal with people. This emphasis teaches leadership skills and principles essential for leading others, whether for a small team project or an entire organization. It’s perfect for anyone working in human resources, project management, or management consulting.
MBA Programs in Texas with Management Specializations
MBA with an Emphasis in Finance
The MBA emphasis on finance focuses explains theoretical concepts and principles of finance that students need to understand to make informed strategic business decisions after they graduate. It also shows how to combine that knowledge with management skills so strategic decisions are effectively carried out. This emphasis applies to a variety of professional careers but is probably best suited for jobs that involve reviewing a variety of financial documents and data.
MBA Programs in Texas with Finance Specializations
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning your MBA Online in Texas
What is the average cost of an MBA program in Texas?
Many factors affect the tuition rate and other costs of an MBA program in Texas. For example, in-state students typically pay a lower tuition rate when attending public schools that don’t have special tuition rates for online students. Additionally, some private schools have tuition rates that are lower than non-resident tuition rates at public institutions. All factors considered, a prospective online MBA student should expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000.
What does an MBA admissions process in Texas look like?
Many MBA online Texas programs have similar admissions requirements. Those include:
- An application
- Official transcripts
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Application fees
- GMAT or GRE test scores
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
All schools require a completed application and official transcripts, but some don’t require some of the other application components. For instance, Texas Wesleyan University doesn’t have an application fee, and the University of North Texas waives the GRE/GMAT requirement under certain conditions (e.g., for those with doctoral degrees). As for the essay and letters of recommendation, there’s wide variation in what schools require.
How quickly can I earn an online MBA in Texas?
Most online MBA programs in Texas last anywhere from one to two years. There are a number of reputable accelerated MBA programs available, but to graduate in one year, students usually must take classes full-time, year-round. Curriculums where students graduate in two years are often designed for those planning to work full-time while in school. You may also save time on earning an online MBA by getting transfer credits for classes taken at another accredited post-secondary institution.
Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in Texas?
Some schools require a GRE or GMAT score. Others, like Texas Tech University, only require it from students with GPAs falling below a specific number. Finally, programs like Texas Woman’s University don’t require any entrance exam test score for admission.
In Texas, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?
Getting an MBA is one of the best ways for anyone with a bachelor’s degree to increase their potential earnings. This is particularly true in Texas with the average salary for someone with an MBA being $163,704 per year, far higher than the $58,434 average salary for someone with just a bachelor’s degree in business. Considering the cost of an MBA, it’s realistic for an MBA graduate to pay back the cost of their degree within a couple of years.
What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in Texas?
There are two programmatic accreditations that prospective MBA students should look for when choosing a school. The most common is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business(AACSB). Another is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs(ACBSP). If your chosen program has either of these programmatic accreditations, you know it meets certain quality standards. This is especially important with online MBA programs in Texas to confirm that they are of the same quality as in-person MBA programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in Texas
How to pay for an MBA degree is an important consideration for most students. Traditional and online MBA programs in Texas offer a wide array of financial aid options, including MBA program-specific scholarships and fellowships for accepted students who meet certain qualifications.
Students can also seek out government student loans from either the federal government or the state of Texas using the TAFSA(Texas Application For State Financial Aid). Another promising source of financial aid is from current employers if they offer employee tuition reimbursement benefits. Learn more about these and other sources of financial aid for your Texas MBA degree through our financial aid guide, employer tuition assistance guide, and scholarships guide.
Salary Potential for MBA Grads in Texas
Graduating from online MBA programs in Texas can lead to promising employment, especially in terms of pay. The chart below shows common occupations where an MBA can be especially helpful and how average 2023 annual salaries easily exceeded six figures.
A bonus is that the cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average. MBA graduates working in popular metropolitan areas can expect even higher wages. For example, financial managers in the state of Texas make an average of $154,240 per year, but financial managers in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington average $161,500, and those in the Houston area average $161,510.
| TX Job Growth Rate (2020-30) | Average Annual Openings in TX (2020-30) | TX Mean Salary (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Marketing Manager | 22% | 2,050 | $157,620 |
Financial Manager | 33% | 5,230 | $156,100 |
Chief Executive | 4% | 650 | $206,680 |
Human Resource Manager | 22% | 1,180 | $136,350 |
Market Research Analyst | 35.0% | 5,690 | $74,680 |
Sources: O*Net Online, 2023