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CSU's online MBA program welcomes bright minds from around the world to learn together in one inspirational space.
Offered by the College of Business, this online MBA offers a comprehensive curriculum that brings the on-campus classroom environment to working professionals via online learning and streaming video, allowing you to maintain your career while obtaining a graduate degree. The program offers the best of leading-edge business research from faculty with real-world experiences through industry partnerships and business speakers.
This 42-credit online MBA provides a strong foundation in business fundamentals from accounting to marketing, and expands learning to the in-demand skills employers want most in today’s professionals: innovation, financial, leadership, data analytics, and using business to create a better world.
The College of Business at CSU delivers the MBA program through three methods: in-person (Evening MBA), real-time remote (Mosaic MBA), and online (Online MBA). While the delivery methods differ to provide students with choices most suited to their lifestyle, the courses are taught by the same faculty as those learning on campus in Fort Collins. All MBA students graduate with the same degree and with the skills and frameworks needed to advance their career or break into a new field.
This online MBA is known nationally and globally for its industry leadership. Based on feedback from students, alumni and employers, the Online MBA has earned the following honors:
The Colorado State University College of Business offers special tuition benefits for the following:
Professionals from these recognized businesses and organizations have graduated from CSU's online MBA program (partial list):
At $115,000, the median salary of MBA graduates is 75% more than that of people with a bachelor’s degree alone. Source: Fortune.com
No. The GMAT is not required. Generally, prospective students have several years of work experience and their success in industry speaks to their ability to perform in this program. We've found that standardized tests do not accurately measure prospective students' ability to complete the complex real-world projects that are addressed in the MBA curriculum.
Yes. Active-duty military, reservists, the National Guard and veterans, as well as federal and state employees (other than the State of Colorado) may qualify for the Tuition Reduction Program. Companies interested in learning more about the Corporate Partnership Program may contact Nicole Olsen.
The College of Business offers corporate partnerships for companies that refer or support multiple students in this online professional MBA program simultaneously. The program provides both entities with valuable benefits as a long-term relationship is forged. Companies interested in learning more about the Corporate Partnership Program may contact Travis Maynard.
Absolutely. Since 1970, both the online and the on-campus professional MBA programs have been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the benchmark of academic excellence for business schools. Less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide achieve this distinction. The AACSB review process examines educational outcomes, faculty research and tenure, the program’s connection to the larger business community and the impact faculty and students have on society. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to using business for a better world and helping students reach their professional goals.
Actually, the coursework is identical, with the same syllabus, material, lectures, and class discussions. Students must meet the same high academic standards. The difference is the method of delivery of course material and the time it takes to complete the program. The Evening MBA program is completed over the course of 2 years, with students attending in-person classes twice weekly. The Online MBA can be completed in as little as 21 months or students can take up to 5 years. Online classes are completed at times that work best for the individual student, rather than at set times during the week. In both degree programs, you earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of Business at Colorado State University. There is no difference on your diploma or official transcripts.
The general admission requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from an accredited four-year undergraduate institution or the successful completion of a graduate degree, and a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience. Professional references, a resume and a statement of purpose help the College of Business evaluate your ability to perform well academically in a graduate program. A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is mandatory for international students who have not graduated from an American university or whose country has an official language other than English. Visit the MBA website for complete details.
The program formats are semester-based, with two eight-week sessions in each semester. Summer semesters are also eight weeks. The online MBA requires 42 credits and follows a lock-step curriculum. This means initial classes form a foundation for subsequent classes that build on content and provide continuity and integration of course material.
The Online MBA program is designed with flexibility and specialization in mind. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business while exploring the program’s five foundational competencies: innovation, financial, leadership, data analytics and using business for a better world.
More than 40 percent of the curriculum consists of elective credits, encouraging you to explore your interests, deepen your expertise in a competency or pursue one of 12 certificate options. Our certificates can be completed at the same time as the MBA program and help you specialize in areas like marketing management, applied finance, corporate finance and organizational leadership.
MBA students come from diverse backgrounds and locations, representing all 50 states and more than 46 countries. Our students come from a variety of professional industries and all walks of life. The flexible learning formats allow our students to plan their academic pursuits around their work and life commitments. From young professionals to seasoned business leaders, our students view the online MBA program as an opportunity to refine their skills, advance their careers or start a new career path entirely.
This is a professional degree program (Plan C); therefore, you are not required to complete a thesis, final project, or comprehensive final examination.
The Online MBA program can be completed in two years or extended up to five years. The 2-year program requires you to take two courses concurrently, while other plans allow you to take only one course at a time. For the most current course descriptions and paths of study, visit the Online MBA website.
Select one course from Financial Competency, one course from Data Analytics Competency, and two courses from the Leadership, Innovation, and Business for a Better World competencies.
Students will not be allowed to register for a class without the appropriate prerequisites.
Online MBA: Students can be admitted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The program has 5 entry points to provide students an opportunity to begin when they are ready.
| For August start dates: | July 1 for all applicants |
| For October start dates: | Sept. 1 for all applicants |
| For January start dates: | Dec. 1 for all applicants |
| For March start dates: | Feb. 1 for all applicants |
| For May start dates: | April 1 for all applicants |
Please be aware that financial aid deadlines may occur before the application for admission deadlines.
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowOnline MBA applicants generally must meet or exceed the following criteria:1
Three professional recommendations
Recommendations provide insight into your skills and expertise in the professional environment and areas where a graduate degree can help you improve. Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide your recommenders' information on the online application. CSU will contact them and give them a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
Statement of purpose
The statement of purpose is a one-page letter addressing 1) why you chose our program, 2) what you hope to do with the knowledge and skills you would learn, and 3) what value you and your background would bring to the program. You will upload this document to your online application.
Current resume
Describe the responsibilities of your professional experience and what you accomplished while in those positions; show the length of time for each position (including the month and year). International applicants, please provide the city, state, and country for your employment and academic history. You will upload this document to your online application.
Academic Performance Explanation (if GPA is below 3.0)
If your most recent degree (undergraduate or graduate) cumulative GPA is below 3.0, explain the circumstances relating to your past academic performance on your online application.
English language proficiency test (if needed)
International applicants must complete the TOEFL or IELTS or PTE if the official language of your country is not English or if you did not earn your undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S.-accredited institution. Test scores must be submitted directly to Colorado State University (school code 4075) from the testing centers.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Select "Business Administration (M.B.A.) – Distance" as your program of study.
CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.
Use your CSU ID number to complete and submit the College of Business applicant data sheet. After you submit your application online, you will receive a CSU ID number in approximately two to three days, unless you already have one (alumni and current students).
Original and official transcripts must be received from each institution you attended, including the institution from which you received your degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
International applicants must submit one set of official transcripts and a degree statement with a certified translation into English from each college or university attended, or notarized/certified copies if you can't get originals. Documents must show courses and final examinations taken, marks received for each year, and degree or diploma received. These must be mailed to us.
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and promptly notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.