Columbia College creates online MBA program

The MBA already is offered at six of the school’s campuses – including one in Ozark – and students living near those locations can take courses both online and in-seat. Working adults, however, will be able to take advantage of the online program from home, Columbia College President Gerald Brouder said in a news release.

Students can earn an online MBA in 15 months, though many average about two years. Nine of the 36 necessary credits may be transferred in from other schools. Eight-week classes are offered in January, March, June, August and October. Tuition is $290 per credit hour.

The online MBA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To be admitted, students must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and have at least two years of substantive work experience.

Columbia College created its online campus in 2000 with 10 classes and 180 students. Today it offers more than 400 classes and 16 degrees, and more than 12,000 students enroll in at least one online course each year.