Best in state since 2018, the program recognized as No. 31 among public institutions
For the seventh consecutive year, the Colorado State University College of Business Online MBA program has been named the No. 1 online MBA in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. The program ranked No. 31 among public institutions and No. 42 across all programs nationwide. The Online MBA was also recognized as the No. 22 Best online program for veterans, reflecting the College’s deep commitment to serving members of the uniformed services as part of its land-grant mission.
Even as the Online MBA market has expanded in the wake of the pandemic, the CSU College of Business Online MBA continues to climb in the rankings where the CSU program has improved 20 positions in the U.S. News rankings since 2020.
“I am proud our Online MBA is among the best nationally in the U.S. News & World Report rankings,” said College of Business Dean Beth Walker. “As the largest provider of MBA talent in the state, it is our honor to be ranked No. 1 in Colorado for seven consecutive years, and among the best online MBA programs nationally. These achievements reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff to providing a quality MBA experience to students everywhere.”
Innovation drives excellence in a growing market
The online MBA market has grown by nearly 30% in recent years, and this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked 345 U.S. schools. However, as a leader and innovator in distance and online learning since the 1970s, the College’s Online MBA reflects its student-centric focus by providing quality learning, choice and flexibility to meet the needs of today’s working professionals. The College’s Business for a Better World vision is integrated across its entire curriculum, reflecting a greater sense of social responsibility among consumers as well as employers’ demand for leaders with a command of a responsible business perspective.
What’s at the heart of our Online MBA?
Find out in this video.
Students select courses from five competencies – innovation, financial, leadership, data analytics and using business for a better world – to develop knowledge and skills specific to their career aspirations. They also select from 20 electives that additionally customize their skills for their goals.
Students also enjoy opportunities to earn additional credentials while completing their MBA. Credits used to complete any of the College’s 14 graduate online certificate programs in topics as varied as cybersecurity, global supply chain, sustainable business or applied investments may also be applied to the earning their MBA.
“The era of a one-size-fits-all MBA is over,” said Travis Maynard, College of Business senior associate dean of academic programs. “Our Online MBA couples rigorous business education with a highly customizable curriculum that imparts both the topical insight and leadership perspective that turn today’s professionals into leaders in any field.”
Support for student success extends well beyond the virtual classroom. Faculty instruction is augmented with student support through instructional coordinators, who draw on their industry expertise and professional experiences to serve as liaisons between the online students and CSU faculty. Students receive one-on-one counseling from academic advisors that ensures course selection and graduation plans always support students’ professional goals. To prepare for the next chapter in their careers, students receive access to the College of Business Career Management Center’s development and placement services.
“Graduating with an MBA from CSU provided me the skills and passion to obtain technical leadership roles within a company and industry where I already love working. I am confident that I would not be near as successful in my career had I not obtained an in-depth business skill set from the MBA program at the CSU College of Business.”
– Greg Neff, a graduate of the program
Three ways to learn, countless paths to success
Using innovative, best-in-class technology that replicates the experience of being in an interactive classroom, students learn from faculty who draw on leading-edge research and industry experience. The program allows students to see into a live classroom by recording on-campus lectures in 360-degree capture, delivering not only course material but also exchanges between faculty and students that go deeper than prerecorded lectures and static PowerPoint presentations.
With the flexibility to meet students’ professional and personal demands, Online MBA courses may be livestreamed or viewed at a time that fits their lifestyles. Professionals seeking even deeper immersion into the classroom may opt for the Mosaic MBA experience, which allows students to virtually attend classes, engaging with instructors and their peers in real time. Online collaborations also connect students, facilitating an interchange of ideas that draws on the professional experiences of the business professionals in their cohort.
“The Online MBA program allowed me to pursue my degree without pausing my life. I love that the program never required me to sacrifice quality for convenience. The faculty and staff were so accessible and helpful, and I truly feel like I got a world-class education on my time and schedule. I cannot imagine any better way to get an MBA.”
– Amanda Giacalone, a graduate of the program
Recognized excellence in responsible business education
The recognition by U.S. News and World Report comes close on the heels of the College being named one of five Best Business Schools in the world by Financial Times as part of its responsible business education awards. The College was the only North American school included on the prestigious list.
All of the College’s MBA programs – which include the Impact MBA and the Evening MBA in addition to the Online MBA – were also named the No. 4 Better World MBA in the nation by Corporate Knights. The international sustainable business entity recognized the College’s programs for the high percentage of core classes that contain sustainability elements.
About CSU’s College of Business
The College of Business at Colorado State University is focused on using business to create a better world.
As an AACSB-accredited business school, the College is among the top five percent of business colleges worldwide, providing programs and career support services to more than 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students. Faculty help students across our top-ranked on-campus and online programs develop the knowledge, skills and values to navigate a rapidly evolving business world and address global challenges with sustainable business solutions. Our students are known for their creativity, work ethic and resilience—resulting in an undergraduate job offer and placement rate of over 90% within 90 days of graduation.
The College’s highly ranked programs include its Online MBA, which has been ranked the No. 1 program in Colorado by U.S. News and World Report since 2018 and achieved No. 11 for employability worldwide from QS Quacquarelli Symonds. The College’s Impact MBA is also ranked by Corporate Knights as the No. 7 “Better World MBA” worldwide.
