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If you’re searching for quality MBA degree programs in Arkansas, there are several schools accredited through the ACBSP that you should consider in your search.
Despite the misconception that Arkansas is a poor, hillbilly state based on agriculture in the Ozark Mountains of the Midwest, it’s actually filled with diverse economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Six Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Arkansas, including the world’s top retail giant Wal-Mart. In fact, CNBC recently recognized Arkansas for being the 20th best state for business with the 11th best workforce and 5th lowest cost of living.
While surrounded by the natural beauty of the 52 state parks in its borders, the following are the accredited MBA degrees available for Arkansas students either on-campus or online.
Harding University
Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration
Standing proudly at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on a beautiful 350-acre suburban campus within the town of Searcy to educate over 6,900 students, Harding University is a comprehensive private Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Church of Christ. Recognized among the country’s leaders in the admission of National Merit Scholars, Harding is ranked as the 22nd best regional college and 2nd top value school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. The Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration has the mission of preparing Christian business professionals for lives of service in industry, church, and community leadership roles.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Focused on improving students’ leadership and management abilities through Christian faith-based learning, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Harding is designed to provide upward career mobility while still balancing other life obligations. Available on-campus in Searcy or North Little Rock, online from anywhere, or in a hybrid combination of the two, the program strives to help graduates succeed through both personal and professional growth. Students in the 36-credit program can choose from four concentrations in Health Care Management, Information Technology Management, International Business Leadership, or Organizational Management. In lieu of a comprehensive exit exam or master’s thesis, the program requires the completion of a portfolio for showcasing work to prospective employers.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
915 East Market Avenue
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 279-4523
mba@harding.edu
Program Link
John Brown University
Donald G. Soderquist College of Business
First established in 1919 as a private inter-denominational Christian institution for providing academic and spiritual growth, John Brown University is home to over 2,800 students on a 200-acre rural campus in the small town of Siloam Springs in northwestern Arkansas. Boasting a high retention rate of 84 percent, JBU is currently ranked as the 1st best regional college, 3rd top value school, and 3rd best up-and-coming university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. The Donald G. Soderquist College of Business is committed to providing Christ-centered education that prepares business leaders who honor God by serving others ethically.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Offered with convenient eight-week sessions on-campus in Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Rogers as well as fully online from anywhere with an Internet connection, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at JBU provides comprehensive business training to develop essential skills in leadership, ethics, and global business. Students are trained to apply strategic business theories and basic Christian biblical principles to current organizational issues for ethical problem solving. Within the 36-credit curriculum, students have the option to concentrate their studies in Leadership and Ethics or International Business. All graduates will be empowered with the business expertise necessary for leading and managing organizations in any industry.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(479) 524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
Program Link
Strayer University – Little Rock
College of Business
As one of the 80 U.S. locations for the comprehensive private for-profit institution based in Virginia, Strayer University – Little Rock is conveniently located just off I-630 in the heart of the state’s thriving capital and largest city. With an emphasis on providing flexible degree programs for working adults at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, Strayer serves a grand total of 48,000 students through online and campus-based coursework. In the College of Business, students tune in to live lectures through Flex Sync to easily fit their business education into their busy work schedules for upward mobility.
Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
Boasting tuition costs up to 17.5% less than comparable programs, the Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Strayer is designed to help graduate students build leadership and management skills in the business area of their choice. Students can choose from 12 concentrations in Accounting, Acquisition, Finance, Health Services Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Human Resources Management, IT Security Management, International Business Management, Marketing, Professional Studies, Project Management, or Public Administration. Available on-campus in Little Rock or fully online, the program works within a busy schedule to train students to lead with tenacity and step into executive positions.
Executive MBA
As part of the Jack Welch Management Institute, the Executive MBA is available to qualified Strayer students with at least five years of business experience to hone their leadership skills for succeeding in today’s competitive business landscape. Infused by the prestigious CEO’s top principles and business practices, the program builds thought-leaders 100% online within as little as 18 months. From finance to marketing and personnel management, the program is focused on supercharging leadership skills to create winning business strategies. Students will receive real-world video lessons from working CEOs at top companies for a uniquely practical learning experience that can be immediately applied to virtually any business setting.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
10825 Financial Centre Parkway Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 708-0640
littlerock@strayer.edu
Program Link
University of Phoenix – Little Rock
School of Business
Headquartered in the state’s geographic center along the southern banks of the Arkansas River within the bustling capital region, the University of Phoenix – Little Rock is a satellite location of the national private non-profit institution with 112 campuses owned by the Apollo Group Inc. Boasting a total enrollment of over 260,000 students worldwide with an open enrollment admissions policy for high school graduates, UOPX is accredited through the NCA to offer a wide range of on-campus and online learning options in over 100 degree areas. Also accredited by the ACBSP to prepare skilled leaders in the highly competitive business world, the School of Business has been recognized by LinkedIn as one of the “Best Schools for Marketers.”
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Offered in a traditional on-campus format in Little Rock or online from anywhere at any time, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UOPX is structured to nurture the development of strengthened business knowledge and management strategies to enhance leadership in their organizations. Ranging from 36 to 54 credits based on prior business background, the program offers Little Rock students the chance to pursue a general business degree or concentrate in Accounting, Finance, Global Management, Marketing, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Health Care Management, Energy Management, or Technology Management. With a rigorous curriculum designed to reflect the rapidly changing business environment’s current managerial competencies, the program will develop the critical thinking and decision making skills to move into the boardroom.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
10800 Financial Centre Parkway Suite 125
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 225-9337
plac@phoenix.edu
Program Link
Webster University – Fayetteville
George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology
As a recognized leader in global education for over three decades, Webster University – Fayetteville is one Arkansas location of the comprehensive private Midwestern liberal arts institution headquartered in St. Louis. In addition to being named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for civic engagement, Webster is currently ranked as the 26th best regional college and 11th top university for veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Walker School of Business & Technology has been acclaimed for hosting the 126th best online MBA and 67th best online graduate business degrees in America.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Designed for graduate students on a fast track towards success, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Webster has the goal of integrating theories with practical learning to produce strategic players in the world of business. In addition to the standard MBA program, students have the freedom to specialize in Business and Organizational Security Management, Environmental Management, Finance, Gerontology, Human Resources Management, IT Management, International Business Relations, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Media Communications, or Procurement and Acquisitions Management. Students in the 42-credit program may also elect to join the Global Track, which features specified courses cultivating global citizenship and opportunities to study abroad. Graduates will understand the nature of business as a whole to apply their learned techniques in various industries.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
688 Millsap Road Suite 200
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 571-1511
fayetteville@webster.edu
Program Link
Webster University – Little Rock
George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology
Boasting the largest MBA program in the state, Webster University – Little Rock is the other extended Arkansas campus location of the comprehensive private liberal arts institution serving over 22,000 students worldwide from its headquarters in St. Louis. Recently honored with the Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award for operations excellence, Webster is currently ranked as the 26th best regional university and 11th top college for veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology is distinguished for offering America’s 126th best online MBA and 67th best online graduate business degrees.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Featuring small class sizes, personalized learning attention, real-world practical experience, and an international focus, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Webster strives to place graduates on the fast track to success by developing the essential leadership skills needed to become strategic players in the competitive business world. Whether attending classes on-campus in Little Rock or online, students can specialize the standard 42-credit MBA with concentrations in Business and Organizational Security Management, Environmental Management, Finance, Gerontology, Human Resources Management, IT Management, International Business Relations, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Media Communications, or Procurement and Acquisitions Management. Students seeking to gain in-depth understanding of international business can also follow the Global Track, which includes study abroad opportunities. Little Rock students are offered an accelerated one-year MBA option too with cohort-based learning to build their global network and leadership skills fast.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
200 West Capitol Avenue Suite 1500
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 375-1623
littlerock@webster.edu
Program Link
As year-end statistics from the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) show that 72% of employers expect to hire MBAs and increase starting salaries in 2015, it’s becoming even more beneficial for college graduates to invest in furthering their education into graduate business school. To guarantee you’ll receive the best return on investment, remember to choose an accredited program held to high curriculum standards. If you’re looking to study in the “Natural State,” check out these MBA degree programs in Arkansas given approval by the ACBSP for unlocking executive leadership positions.
