Selecting the right online MBA program is a critical decision for any prospective student—one that can have major implications on their education, professional network, and career prospects.

So, before committing to any university, it’s important to consider: What do the best online MBA programs offer to students?

Of course, any top program is going to be decidedly unique, from its core curriculum to its esteemed faculty to networking and hands-on opportunities offered to students.

But there are also some common threads found in many of the most highly-ranked online MBA programs worth considering before investing in an advanced degree.

That’s especially true as programs—some more than others—are rethinking their philosophies and tactics to incorporate artificial intelligence, account for a rapidly changing business landscape, and prepare students for their first post-graduation job with valuable experiential learning opportunities.

Location Still Matters for Online MBA Programs

At first glance, “location” might not seem like a top consideration for someone planning to take part in an online MBA program.

But it’s a critical piece to consider!

Some of the nation’s most highly regarded online MBA programs are housed in schools with close geographic ties to major international hubs of business and government.

That proximity helps draw top full-time and adjunct faculty talent from a wide range of industries, which ultimately translates to an immediate—and impressive—professional network for students that connects them to the wider business world and can lead to their first job.

It can also open up valuable opportunities for in-person access and immersions that complement the online learning experience. 

Academic Rigor and Specialized Skill Building

As a baseline, any strong MBA program—online or in-person—should offer critical finance, management, and leadership coursework. 

But some of the truly standout programs complement the core curriculum with bona fide specialization opportunities, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals—especially with the skillsets companies are likely to covet most in the future.

In 2025, some of the top specialization opportunities to look for in a program can range from data analytics to cybersecurity, consulting, sustainability management, and supply chain management. In many cases, you can even pursue a dual degree, allowing you to gain double the credentials in the time it would take to earn one!

Innovative Learning Tools and AI Fluency

A 2024 study from International Data Corporation predicted AI will contribute nearly $20 trillion to the global economy through 2030—and drive 3.5 percent of the global gross domestic product by the end of this decade.

Today, the most forward-looking online MBA programs are preparing students for a world in which AI will be at the forefront of every major sector in the economy.

Consider a program that not only offers courses focused on AI but incorporates it—and other emerging technologies—into multiple course offerings, events and workshops, and its own operations.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the most frequently mentioned reasons to complete an online MBA program rather than getting an MBA in person: Namely, the freedom to fit your education into your career and life.

Some of the best online MBA programs allow students to select from a variety of timelines and tracks for completing their degree, providing the opportunity to create a more or less rigorous schedule or to even take a pause if needed. Many programs focus on synchronous learning opportunities that allow for live classroom interaction no matter where you are.

After all, you’ll want to make sure any program you select lines up with your needs, whether you have a full-time job or part-time role, are looking to change career paths or hoping to upskill within your current function, are parenting young children or serving as a family member’s caretaker, among any number of other real-life concerns that affect the decision to continue your education.

Industry-Connected Faculty

Even in an online setting, the faculty you work with during your MBA program are likely to be a cornerstone of your experience. Before selecting an online MBA program, read through faculty bios and understand their expertise. 

Look for industry-connected professors who are highly regarded in their field and who have deep and current knowledge of the industry’s landscape.

These faculty members will be crucial both in enriching your in-class learning experience and in serving as built-in advocates and links to a larger professional network that can support you in finding a job—both during your online MBA program and after graduation.

Immersions

There’s no replacement for in-person connection, which is why strong online MBA programs will offer occasional to semi-regular in-person immersive opportunities for students, whether it’s visiting an esteemed alum at their C-Suite office, problem-solving for an on-site client consulting project or traveling internationally to learn from and collaborate with global companies.

What makes the Kogod School of Business’s online MBA program stand out?

Situated in Washington, DC, the world’s premier hub at the crossroads of business and government, the Kogod School of Business at American University offers an online MBA program designed for mid-career professionals who want strategic management and communications skills to advance into leadership roles.

Kogod’s placement record for top employment opportunities speaks for itself. 94 percent of students report having a job or being in graduate school within six months of graduation, with recent graduates landing roles at the likes of Amazon, Boeing, and Capital One, just to name a few.

With a rigorous curriculum that sits at the intersection of business and policy, students learn to apply leadership and financial skills to help businesses operate more effectively.

Unparalleled Location Blended with Flexibility

Kogod’s online MBA program leverages the school’s Washington, DC, location to create new connections within the nation’s capital through in-person immersion opportunities while allowing the flexibility to complete the program virtually on a 12-, 15-, or 18-month track.

“Online MBA programs are designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining flexibility,” said Ayman Omar, Kogod associate dean for graduate programs.