The Best Free Online MBA Courses

A Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) is a worthy goal that opens exciting career opportunities around the globe. Getting an MBA is traditionally quite expensive, but does it have to be? Is there such a thing as free MBA programs online?

The good news is, yes, there are free online MBA programs, offering an invaluable opportunity for learners to access business education without the financial burden of traditional programs. These free MBA programs allow students to gain essential business knowledge and skills that can significantly impact their careers.    

By removing the cost barrier, these programs make business education more accessible and inclusive, providing a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to advance their professional skills and enhance their career prospects without incurring debt.   

Ready to break it down? Let’s first learn about what an MBA is. 

What is an MBA?

In 1908, Harvard University created the first MBA program with 15 faculty members and 80 students. In its early years, the MBA wasn’t considered to be on the same level as other programs like law and medicine, but it slowly and steadily gained traction and standing. Today, the MBA is the most popular, sought-after degree with an excellent international reputation.

An MBA program is a generalist type of degree which means that your studies will be holistic and wide-ranging, covering accounting, finance, marketing, and leadership. You’ll study business theories and have opportunities to put your skills to the test in real-life situations.

Business schools have evolved over the decades and now offer in-person, full-time, and part-time classes, executive-level studies, and even free online MBA programs and courses.

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What Will You Learn in an Online MBA Program?

Online MBA programs cover the same comprehensive content as traditional in-class programs, spanning several key business disciplines. You’ll delve into:

• Accounting and Finance: Manage financial records and strategic decision-making.
• Marketing: Understand market research and consumer behavior.
• Operations Management: Enhance production and service efficiency.
• Leadership and Management: Develop team leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Business Ethics and Law: Learn the legal and ethical frameworks of business.
• Entrepreneurship: Start and manage new ventures.

Online learning provides flexibility for those balancing work and personal commitments. Courses are offered asynchronously (self-paced) or synchronously (scheduled live sessions). Programs use platforms like Moodle and Zoom for course delivery.

These programs integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, equipping you to excel in various business environments. 

Let’s explore some schools offering free MBA programs or certificates online.

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Free Online MBA Programs

The costs for an MBA can range from tuition-free to over $100,000 at Ivy League colleges. There are also other learning opportunities called MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses – which allow people to take college-level courses for free or at a significantly reduced cost.

While MOOCs aren’t transferable college credits, they are recognized as valuable business education tools, and many companies will often reimburse any tuition costs incurred by their employees.

Let’s look at some colleges with MBA programs that also offer free online MBA content on MOOC platforms like Coursera and edX.

University of Colorado (Denver) Business School

UC (Denver) Business School’s online MBA program features 9 different specializations.

Students take 30 core credits and then choose a specialization. All courses are asynchronous – students have a great deal of flexibility around scheduling study time. The MBA program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

UC Denver offers MOOCs advanced business courses such as Business Analytics, Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence, and Researcher Management and Leadership Training.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Can be completed in as little as 16 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree; specifics about work experience or GMAT scores are typically outlined on the program’s admission page. 
• What You’ll Learn: Offers advanced business courses including Business Analytics, Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence, and Researcher Management and Leadership Training.

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Florida International University

Florida International University offers a completely online Professional MBA (PMBA) that can be completed in 18 months. This highly-rated program also offers performance-based scholarships up to $15,000 for eligible students. The Professional MBA has three different tracks, five-term starts, and ten specializations to choose from.

FIU offers free online MBA courses such as Project Management Essentials through its open-source learning page and updates courses regularly.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Can be completed in 18 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, professional resume, and for some tracks, work experience. Specifics can vary by specialization. 
• What You’ll Learn: The PMBA program covers a wide range of topics including Project Management, Advanced Corporate Finance, and Global Financial Strategy.

University of the People

The University of the People is unique among business schools because it offers a tuition-free MBA program. UoPeople has removed the common barriers to a college education by eliminating entrance exams and having a 100% acceptance rate.

Students seeking admission to the UoPeople’s MBA program need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent, two years of work experience, one reference, and English language proficiency. UoPeople also offers Business Administration certificates in five specialties.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: The MBA program requires completion of 36 credit hours, typically over a 15-week term for each course. 
• Accreditation: DEAC accredited. 
• Requirements: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, two years of work experience, one reference, and proficiency in English. 
• What You’ll Learn: Students will learn about Leadership, Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, and more, across various business disciplines.

West Virginia University – John Chambers School of Business and Economics

WVU’s online MBA program is a hybrid model. Students complete most of their coursework online but are also required to participate in two 3-day on-campus seminars that allow them to network and engage in experiential learning.

Through the Coursera platform, West Virginia University offers courses such as Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, Account Management and Sales Force Design, and Sales Force Management.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Varies, as most coursework is completed online with two required 3-day on-campus seminars. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Generally requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores unless waived, and a formal application with essays and references. 
• What You’ll Learn: Courses in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, Account Management and Sales Force Design, and Sales Force Management.

William and Mary – Raymond A Mason School of Business

The first course that W&B MBA students take is Renaissance Manager. Developed around the ideals of DaVinci and adapted for the modern world, it teaches students to approach business with intellectual curiosity, develop broad knowledge, and think systematically and logically.

Although William and Mary don’t offer MBA courses on any MOOCs platforms yet, they are one of the least expensive MBA programs in the nation and have a low student-to-instructor ratio.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Varies; typically designed to be completed within 24 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores (waivers available under certain conditions), and relevant work experience. 
• What You’ll Learn: Starts with the Renaissance Manager course, then covers a broad spectrum of management and leadership skills tailored for modern business challenges.

UC Davis 

UC Davis offers California’s first and only online STEM-designated MBA program focused on preparing students for management opportunities in STEM fields. This MBA program is both asynchronous and synchronous, so students should be prepared to meet online at designated times for some classes.

UC Davis offers several courses on MOOC platforms, including Coaching Skills for Managers, Market Research, and The Growth Mindset.

Key Points:     

• Program Length: Typically completed in 24 to 36 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, and significant work experience. 
• What You’ll Learn: Focuses on management skills in STEM fields, with courses in Market Research, Coaching Skills for Managers, and The Growth Mindset.

University of North Carolina – Kenan Flagler Business School

UNC’s online MBA program offers full and part-time options and is designed to be completed in 18 to 36 months. The program’s five concentrations are entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, strategy and consulting, and data analytics and decision making. Students in this STEM-designated program also participate in two in-person, immersive experiences called Summits held at different locations around the world.

Keenan Flagler offers a 100 hour MOOC certificate course called Capital Markets, taught by visiting UNC professors.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Designed to be completed in 18 to 36 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, satisfactory GMAT or GRE scores, and strong professional recommendations. 
• What You’ll Learn: Offers concentrations in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, strategy and consulting, and data analytics and decision-making.

Syracuse University Martin J Whitman School of Business

The hallmark of MBA classes at the Martin J. Whitman School of business is small 20-person classes that set the stage for engaged discussion and learning. The MBA program features six specializations – accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing management, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management. Students are also required to attend three in-person residencies held in locations around the world.

Syracuse University offers several courses on various MOOC platforms including Strategic Change Management and Enterprising Computer strategies for those interested in IT.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Typically requires two to three years depending on student pace and program structure. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, professional resume, GMAT or GRE scores, and personal essays. 
• What You’ll Learn: Specializations in accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing management, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management.

ASU – W.P. Carey School of Business

There are several MBA and Master’s programs at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. Their online MBA program is ranked #10 by the U.S. News World and Report.

ASU offers several free online MBA courses on the edX platform, including Microeconomic Principle, Global Leadership and Personal Development, and States Markets in the Global Economy.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Varies based on student commitment, typically around 21 months. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, and a comprehensive application including essays and references. 
• What You’ll Learn: Courses cover Microeconomic Principles, Global Leadership and Personal Development, and States Markets in the Global Economy.

Wharton School of Business

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1881 and is recognized for producing graduates who are skilled across all business specialties. They offer many individual courses and business and management classes for an MBA certificate online.

The learning is asynchronous, and each course is divided into four modules designed to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Wharton Online offerings are certified CEU (Continuing Education Units) which is an advantage if you work for a company that will reimburse education costs.

Key Points:   

• Program Length: Each course is designed to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. 
• Accreditation: AACSB accredited. 
• Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, and a comprehensive application including essays and references. 
• What You’ll Learn: Offers courses and certificate programs in various aspects of business and management, providing continuing education units (CEUs).

Things to Look for in Free MBA Online Courses   

When exploring free MBA online courses, it’s crucial to consider several factors that impact the quality and value of the education you will receive. Here are key aspects to evaluate:   

• Accreditation Status: One of the most important factors is the accreditation of the course or program. Accreditation ensures that the education meets high-quality standards set by an external body, enhances degree recognition, and affects credit transferability. 
• Reputation: The reputation of the institution offering the MBA courses is significant. Well-regarded institutions offer more robust and respected programs that can positively influence your career trajectory. 
• Teaching Methods: Look into the teaching methods and learning platforms used in the course. Effective, innovative teaching that adapts to online learning environments can greatly enhance your understanding and retention of the material. 
• Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from former or current students. These can provide insights into the overall student experience and the practical benefits of the course content in real-world scenarios. 
• Support Services: Effective support services, such as tutoring, technical assistance, and career advising, are crucial for online learners. These services can help overcome the challenges of remote learning and enhance the educational experience.

Get an MBA Without the Crushing Costs

The landscape of business education has evolved remarkably, offering numerous opportunities to pursue an MBA without incurring significant debt. Today, students can choose from in-person classes, online studies, and even free MBA programs. This evolution makes business education more accessible and inclusive, allowing you to advance your career without the financial burden. 

If you’re considering an MBA, now is a great time to explore the diverse options available, including free online MBA programs and courses. Take advantage of these opportunities to achieve your educational and professional goals.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for online MBA programs?

Admission requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, work experience, and sometimes GMAT or GRE scores. Specific requirements can vary by program. 

How long does it take to complete an online MBA? 

Most online MBA programs can be completed in 18 to 36 months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. 

Are free online MBA courses as good as traditional ones? 

Many free online MBA courses offer high-quality education, especially those from accredited institutions. They often mirror the curriculum offered in traditional settings and are developed by experienced faculty. 

Are there reputable universities offering free online MBA programs? 

Yes, several reputable universities offer free online MBA programs, often through partnerships with platforms like Coursera and edX. 

Are there limitations to the courses offered in free online MBAs?

Free online MBA programs may have a more limited selection of specializations and elective courses compared to paid programs. 

Can I expect the same level of support in free online MBA programs? 

While support services can vary, many free online MBA programs provide significant student support, including access to tutors, career services, and technical assistance. 

How do employers view graduates from free online MBA programs? 

Employers increasingly recognize the value of online education, especially from accredited and reputable institutions. The perception continues to improve as more businesses experience the benefits of remote learning and work. 

How do free online MBA programs handle accreditation? 

Accredited free online MBA programs meet the same standards as traditional programs. Recognized agencies handle accreditation which is a critical factor to consider when selecting a program. 

Are there opportunities for networking in free online MBA programs? 

Many free online MBA programs offer networking opportunities through virtual events, forums, and group projects, although these might be less extensive than those in traditional MBA programs. 

Are there any restrictions on enrollment for free online MBA programs? 

Enrollment restrictions can vary. Some programs may have caps on enrollment numbers or require certain qualifications for admission. Always check the specific program details for more information.