Advance your career with the top-ranking Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from UMass Lowell. Our flexible program offers on-campus and online learning to fit your busy schedule.

Master of Business Administration Degree Overview

Our highly acclaimed Master of Business Administration Degree will prepare you to lead organizations in today's rapidly changing business environment. Tailor your MBA to your career goals and interests by selecting from options in accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, information technology, international business, managerial leadership or marketing. Our flexible degree allows you to attend full- or part-time and offers courses that may be taken on-campus and online through our online MBA.

MBA Curriculum

The MBA, General Business Option

Course Requirements:

Course Credits (10 courses, 30 credits)

  • Accounting Information for Management Decisions
  • Corporate Finance
  • Management Information Systems
  • Managing Organizational Change
  • Customers & Markets
  • Operations Management
  • Strategy Formation & Implementation (capstone course)

3 Manning School of Business electives

Students may focus their electives and pursue an option in any of the following:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics 
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • International Business
  • Managerial Leadership
  • Marketing

For more information on the MBA curriculum including course listings and degree pathways, visit the Graduate Catalog.

1. Analytics Skills:

Program graduates will be able to think analytically and critically to solve organizational problems and meet organizational goals. 

Learning Objective: Students will integrate business analysis, synthesize data, and apply diagnostic problem-solving for managerial decision-making.

2. Global Awareness:

Program graduates will be able to leverage their knowledge of the interconnectedness and changing nature of global markets and business environments for decision-making. 

Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate effective team membership and leadership skills in accomplishing team goals.

3. Ethical Reasoning:

Program graduates will develop ethical reasoning and social responsibility knowledge for making business decisions. 

Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate ethical reasoning and social responsibility knowledge in assessing business practices and decisions.

4. Communication & Research Skills:

Program graduates will exhibit logical and persuasive communication skills. 

Learning Objective 1 (Written): Students will demonstrate executive-level proficiency in writing and producing business documents for professional audience. 

Learning Objective 2 (Oral): Students will prepare and deliver business reports or actionable solutions for professional audiences.

5. Team Management:

Program graduates will have team management and leadership skills to coordinate and organize activities for managing change. 

Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate effective team management and leadership skills in accomplishing team goals and managing change.

6. Strategic Management:

Program graduates will develop strategic planning and management skills for gaining organizational competitive advantage. 

Learning Objective: Students will integrate business knowledge and apply management frameworks for strategic planning.

Why Choose UMass Lowell's MBA?

U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate MBA program.

Reputation

Our online MBA consistently ranks among the top programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Fortune.
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Accreditation

The Manning School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB accreditation is a distinction earned by less than 5% of business schools worldwide.
Student walks in front of the Tong Business Center at UMass Lowell

Affordability

Our MBA can be completed online for under $20K if your bachelor's course work satisfies foundation course requirements.
Two men speaking to each other: Students collaborate on a business project.

Alumni Network

Our network of more than 10,000 program alumni is an invaluable resource for students and graduates, providing internship opportunities, job leads, mentorship and professional connections.
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Where Our Graduates Work

  • Fidelity Investments
  • Beta Gamma Sigma
  • United States Airforce
  • UKG
  • Target
  • Mill City Consulting
  • The TJX Companies, Inc.
  • Raytheon
  • JLL
  • Epsilon
  • BAE Systems, Inc. 

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $655
Term Registration Fee: $30

Estimated Total Program Cost (30 credits): $19,650 

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

All Manning School of Business master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for Ph.D. applicants
  7. Resume

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal. Visit the Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Manning School of Business is participating in the common application for business programs (Business CAS). Applications are only being accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Apply for Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $75 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.


4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and that an automated request will be sent out after completion of your application. If you choose, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) for these; use of the form is optional.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.


5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions
GPS Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor’s degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee at:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Telephone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101
Center for Educational Documentation website
World Education Services website


test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Our Ph.D. program requires all applicants to submit either the GRE or GMAT score and this test score cannot be waived. If you are applying to a Master's program you do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, although these will be accepted. If you wish to submit test scores as part of your application, please have the appropriate agency send official test scores to the  to the Office of Graduate Admissions. UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911.

resume 7. Resume

Please submit a resume.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Meet Our Students

Masakazu Hasegawa and his fellow Arbitus graduates and their families
Masakazu Hasegawa '23
MBA

Masakazu Hasegawa earned an MBA online through UML's partnership with Abitus, an executive education firm based in Tokyo.

Everybody knows UMass, so it was very attractive. And it was important that it was accredited by the AACSB.
Read More About Masakazu Hasegawa 
ryan playing an instrument at a hockey game
Ryan Cormier '22
Mechanical Engineering, MBA

Graduate student Ryan Cormier is enjoying one extra year on campus before joining the workforce.

I think I've made the most out of my four, now five, years here. I don't regret a thing.
Read More About Ryan Cormier 
Dennis Patel with MSB Dean Sandra Richtermeyer
Dennis Patel '19, '20
Finance

By constantly building his network, Dennis Patel ’19 ’20 made the most of his undergraduate and graduate education — and landed a global supply chain analyst co-op job at Lockheed Martin.

I’m graduating debt-free and have been able to develop my career. And now, with my master’s degree, I think I’ll be able to take my career to the next level.
Read More About Dennis Patel 
  Meaghan OBrien stands next to a bus
Meaghan O’Brien '21, '22
Business Administration

Once unsure if she would physically be able to get through college, Meaghan O’Brien landed a director position at the Lowell Regional Transit Authority while wrapping up an MBA.

UMass Lowell was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.
Read More About Meaghan O’Brien 
Aaron Stella
Frank Stegnar
Business Administration

Toronto native Frank Stegnar excelled in the classroom and on the ice as an undergrad at UMass Lowell, so he chose to get his MBA online from the Manning School of Business.

The MBA has prepared me well in excess of where I will need to be in my next move... I’m forever grateful to UML for providing that opportunity.
Read More About Frank Stegnar 

Frequently Asked Questions

While MBA courses and curriculum may vary by university, most programs cover core subjects, including: 
  • Accounting: Accounting is the recording, classifying and summarizing of financial transactions to provide information for sound business decision-making. MBA students learn to prepare financial statements and use accounting information to make informed decisions.
  • Business Communications: You will develop the skills to communicate, verbally and in writing, with different audiences, such as employees, customers, investors and the media.
  • Business Ethics: You will learn about the different ethical frameworks that can be used to make decisions in business and discuss case studies of ethical dilemmas that companies have faced.
  • Business Strategy: Business strategy is planning how a company will achieve its goals. You will learn different techniques, how to analyze a company's competitive environment and how to give your company a competitive advantage.
  • Corporate Finance: Corporate finance teaches how companies raise and allocate capital. You will learn about the different types of financing, how to make investment decisions and manage financial risks.
  • Leadership: Leadership is influencing others to achieve a common goal. As an MBA student, you'll learn about the different styles of leadership and how to motivate and inspire others.
  • Marketing: Marketing involves creating, communicating and delivering messages that have value for customers, clients and society at large. You will learn different marketing strategies, how to conduct market research and how to develop marketing campaigns.
  • Operations Management: Operations management is the process that produces and services. As an MBA student, you will learn key facets of operations management, such as supply chain management, quality control and inventory management.
  • Organizational Behavior: You will analyze the factors that affect organizational behavior, such as motivation, communication and conflict resolution.
In addition to core subject courses, most programs enable you to take elective courses in areas. At UMass Lowell, you can pursue a general program of study or choose from nine different options in accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, health care, information technology, international business, managerial leadership or marketing. These options allow you to tailor learning to your interests and career goals.

Yes, where you get your MBA matters. The reputation of the school you attend can significantly impact your career prospects. Employers often recruit from top-tier business schools accredited by trustworthy and prestigious associations, such as the AACSB. They frequently view graduates of top-ranking MBA programs as being more qualified and having a stronger work ethic.
Beyond your program's reputation, here are some of the reasons why the school you choose for your MBA matters:
  • Networking: The alumni network from your MBA program can be a valuable resource for your career. Alums often provide job leads, introductions to potential employers and mentorship.
  • Recruiting: Top-tier MBA programs attract recruiters from prestigious companies. You will have more opportunities to interview for high-paying jobs at top companies.
  • Salary: Graduates of top-tier MBA programs typically earn higher starting salaries than graduates of less prestigious programs. Employers are often willing to pay more if they believe you are more qualified.
  • Career advancement: You are more likely to be promoted to senior positions if you graduate from a highly-ranked program. Employers view these graduates as having the skills and experience necessary to succeed in leadership roles.
Of course, your chosen school is not the only factor determining your career success. Your skills, experience, and work ethic will also play a significant role. However, attending a reputable MBA program can give you a considerable advantage in the job market

In general, no, you cannot get an MBA without an undergraduate degree. Most master of business administration degree programs require a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Master's programs are designed to build on the knowledge and skills you acquire during your undergraduate studies.
If you want an MBA but do not have an undergraduate degree, you might consider bachelor's to master's programs. Check out the bachelor 's-to-master's at UMass Lowell. You may qualify for this accelerated degree option if you're in your junior or senior year and maintain a 3.000 GPA. 

Yes, you can get an MBA without a business degree. Most MBA programs do not require a specific undergraduate major. In fact, many MBA students have undergraduate degrees in fields like engineering, science, humanities or social sciences.
That said, if you do not have an undergraduate education in business or a related field, you may be required to complete foundation courses to be well-prepared for advanced graduate course work in accounting, finance, marketing and other core subject areas. 
While a business degree can provide a solid foundation for MBA studies, it's not a prerequisite for success in the program. If you're considering pursuing an MBA without a business degree, here are some tips to enhance your chances of success:
  • Demonstrate strong academic performance: A strong undergraduate GPA, regardless of your major, indicates your ability to work hard, stay organized and succeed.
  • Highlight relevant work experience: If you have work experience in a business-related field, even without a business degree, it can demonstrate your understanding of business principles and your ability to apply them in a practical setting. Consider this when writing your statement of purpose. 
  • Complete a Graduate Certificate: At UMass Lowell, the Graduate Certificate program in Foundations of Business covers all the required foundation courses for the MBA. Not only will the courses in this program prepare you for entry to the MBA program, but it is also another excellent credential to add to your resume. 
With careful planning and preparation, you can successfully pursue an MBA without a business degree and open doors to exciting career opportunities in the business world.

An MBA is worth it to advance your business career, mainly if you aim for a leadership or management position. A master's in business administration degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in these roles. Whether you have several years of business experience or want to make a career change, an MBA can give you the credentials and knowledge you need to advance. MBA graduates typically report increased earnings, improved job opportunities, enhanced leadership and management skills and an expanded network of business professionals. 
It's imperative to research the reputation, affordability and overall value before making an enrollment decision to make your MBA worth it. An MBA's return on investment (ROI) can vary depending on the school you attend, your career goals, and your experience. However, MBA graduates generally earn higher salaries than those without an MBA. UMass Lowell's online MBA consistently ranks among the top online MBA programs in the country. In fact, on Fortune's list of top 10 programs in the U.S., we offer the only program that can be completed for under $20K for students who have already completed foundation course requirements. 

An MBA degree can open doors to multiple career opportunities across various industries. Here are a few career paths you might consider as an MBA graduate:
  • Management consulting: Management consultants work with organizations to identify and solve problems, improve efficiency and develop growth strategies. They have critical thinking and problem-solving skills and can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
  • Finance: If you have strong quantitative skills and an interest in financial markets, finance may be the field for you. Finance professionals work in various roles, including investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis. 
  • Marketing: Marketing professionals develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products, services and brands. MBA graduates with strong creative skills who are interested in consumer behavior do well as marketers.  
  • Operations management: As an operations manager, you'll oversee the production of goods and services. In addition to possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you'll need the ability to manage and motivate teams.
  • Entrepreneurship: If you're interested in running your own business, an MBA will give you a great foundation as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have strong leadership and business skills and the willingness to take risks and innovate.
In addition to these common career paths, MBA graduates succeed in many other fields, such as technology, health care and government. Your specific career path will depend on your interests, skills and experience.

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Phone: 978-934-2848
Email: MBA@uml.edu