Applicants to the Penn State Online MBA do not need to submit any GRE or GMAT test scores.
Program Summary
Learn to strategically manage high-performance teams and solve complex, real-world business challenges. With more than 25 concentrations to choose from, you can customize this top-ranked online MBA to suit your unique career goals.As a Penn State Online MBA student, you can:
- gain an in-depth understanding of how businesses operate
- learn to influence and work effectively on high-performing teams
- develop abilities needed to lead and manage strategically for the future
- acquire marketable skills in business analytics, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Why an Online MBA at Penn State?
Experience a unique and flexible online curriculum
Flexibility of schedule — Learn when it's right for you thanks to flexible, asynchronous online courses. Meet your deadlines by doing work when it’s most convenient for you. You can also attend optional synchronous online sessions for real-time engagement. These are recorded in case you can’t make it live.
Stand out with a concentration
Flexibility of content — Develop tightly focused, career-ready skills tailored to your personal strengths and unique goals. The Penn State Online MBA allows you to customize your program with one of 27 concentrations. Few top-tier online MBA programs offer this level of depth. Each concentration gives you three elective courses to complement and supplement what you’ve already learned in the core courses.
View our courses to learn more about each of the concentrations.
Earn a Valuable Credential Along the Way
Flexibility to stack — Maximize your ROI by earning multiple credentials at the same time. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students often add a graduate certificate or second master’s degree in less time than if earned separately.
Set your own pace
Flexibility of workload — Take one, two, or three classes per semester based on what your life will allow. Need a semester off? No problem. Need to speed up or slow down? You can do that with the Penn State Online MBA.
Looking to earn your degree as quickly as possible?
If you take three courses per semester, it's possible to complete this degree in just two to three years.
Looking to fit your degree around a busy life?
Alternately, you can take your time and complete courses at your own pace. Many students take just one or two courses per semester.
Start when you’re ready
Flexibility to start — There are three intakes per year, so you can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer, according to your own schedule and needs.
Choose a virtual or on-campus residency
Flexibility of residency — You get the opportunity to meet program faculty and immerse yourself in the first core course in the program. You will also participate in engaging sessions that focus on professional development and using online technology.
- Want to start the program virtually? Start in August or January.
- Start in May to enjoy an on-campus residency for maximum engagement.
The choice to kick things off on campus or online is yours. Learn more about the residency experience.
Trust a leader in online education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education and more than two decades of experience in online learning. Our online learning environment offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting.
Benefit from the Smeal College of Business networking and resources
Thinking about advancing in your current position or beginning a new career path? You should consider networking opportunities and career resources when selecting your MBA program. At Penn State, you can receive:
- specialized career coaching
- personal advising
- access to global immersion trips
- additional networking opportunities
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.

Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.