Program Deep Dive: Explore the Online MBA Experience at Howard University

The online education landscape is expanding, offering graduate students more options than ever to earn an advanced degree without relocating or studying full-time. Prospective online Master of Business Administration (MBA) students are no longer limited to a handful of options. With many schools offering online business master’s programs, they can shop for the one that best suits their career goals and lifestyle.

The Howard University Online MBA program enables students nationwide to access Howard’s renowned high-quality instruction from one of the country’s preeminent historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This article spotlights the Howard Online MBA and explores the program’s design, outcomes, and application process. 

Online and In-Person: How Howard’s MBA Combines the Best of Both Modalities 

Howard’s Online MBA program accommodates the needs of experienced working professionals from diverse business and cultural backgrounds, offering an interactive online classroom experience. A three-day immersion in the fall semester to meet their faculty and peers adds face-to-face engagement to the mix. Most students complete the 48-credit program in 2.5 years. 

In-Person Collaboration

Howard’s Online MBA program includes a five-day on-campus immersion during which students meet cohort and faculty members, experience the campus, and begin to build their professional network. The in-person immersion typically includes graduate student council presentations, interview workshops, lunch and learn panels, and more. 

Immersive Online Classroom 

Howard’s Online MBA program combines the flexibility of asynchronous coursework with the benefits of connecting with faculty and peers during live, instructor-led discussions. Students complete coursework and assignments before class to prepare to engage fully in the live session. Small class sizes — averaging 15–20 students — encourage collaboration. Live class sessions typically include discussions, presentations, and group breakout rooms with fellow students.

Howard Online MBA graduate Monique Davis says: “One surprising thing I love about Howard’s Online MBA program is the synchronous component. We meet for one hour or an hour-and-a-half every week for each class. It gives you a chance to really get to know your cohort and your professors. Professors at Howard don’t just see your assignments or read your comments. They hear your voice and see your reactions in live sessions.”

What Will You Learn in the Howard University Online MBA?

The Howard Online MBA curriculum develops culturally aware change agents prepared to solve challenges and make impactful decisions in business and socio-economic environments. Courses include “Economics for Global Business,” “Organization Management,” “Financial Accounting,” “Statistics and Business Analytics,” “Entrepreneurship,” and “Marketing Management.” 

Upon graduation, you should possess the skills and competencies to: 

• Create solutions-oriented business plans that address complex business challenges
• Develop a framework for analyzing and examining the complexity and diversity of the international business environment
• Leverage data analysis and statistical concepts to inform your business decisions
• Examine and improve the efficiency of production and service operations from a systems perspective

The Benefits of Joining the Howard Community 

As an Online MBA student, you can study at the prestigious Howard University without relocating. The Howard University School of Business ranked 28th on Bloomberg Businessweek’s list of best business schools in 2022. Since 2004, the Princeton Review has ranked it first on its list of greatest resources for minority students. 

Howard’s global business network cultivates Black excellence and can open doors to career-changing opportunities. The program’s virtual activities and lecture series allow online students to network and build lifelong connections with alumni, faculty, and business professionals.

In addition, online students can access the Howard University Center for Career and Professional Success, which provides superior career and professional development, including partnerships with leading corporations, startups, and nonprofit organizations. The Center also offers networking connections and resources to help you transition into a new position or advance in your current role. 

As Online MBA student Sandy Joseph observes: “There is in-class collaboration, and there are group projects that involve meeting with your peers offline to work together, which has helped build relationships… The opportunities I’ve enjoyed in the online MBA program, including being exposed to different employers and different industries, have been eye-opening.”

Find the Right Online MBA for Your Goals at Howard 

The Online MBA program at Howard University enables you to earn your advanced degree in a way that fits your lifestyle and professional journey. It offers the same high-quality curriculum as the on-campus program, preparing students for management and leadership roles. During the program, you will explore the ethical management, problem-solving, and decision-making strategies needed to lead, manage, and network in real-world business settings. You will also benefit from Howard’s global business network, which can open doors to new opportunities. 

Attend one of our virtual events to learn more about the Howard Online MBA, or schedule a one-on-one meeting with an enrollment advisor for personalized advice on whether this program meets your needs. If you are ready to move forward, start your application today.