SEMO placed on list of top 30 online MBA programs

AffordableCollegesOnline.org has named Southeast Missouri State University to a new list of the nation's Top 30 Online MBA Programs. Only 30 of nearly 8,000 online MBA programs considered were recognized.

Southeast is ranked 26th on the list of 30 online MBA programs nationally that stand out for academic excellence, student engagement, selectivity and strength of faculty. Accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business was required for inclusion on the list.

"The Donald L. Harrison College of Business is honored to be included on this list," interim dean Charles McAllister said. "It recognizes the faculty's commitment to the academic and professional preparation of tomorrow's business leaders, while maintaining affordable access for students."

Southeast's online MBA program offers a general management option for people aspiring to advance into upper managerial positions and holds the same AACSB accreditation as other options available on-campus. While focusing on business administration coursework emphasizing leadership, communication, information technology and financial analysis, students learn how to manage people and resources in the global marketplace.

"The option to earn a degree online benefits those whose schedules, location or time restraints would otherwise prevent them from coming to campus to earn a degree," said Kenneth Heischmidt, director of graduate programs in Southeast's Harrison College of Business. "This option is ideal for people who need flexibility because of their personal or professional circumstances."

Allen Gathman, associate dean for Online Learning, noted that the Southeast in the Year 2020 Steering Committee targeted the university's online degree programs several years ago as a means to provide high-quality education to more place-bound students.

At Southeast, students earning their degrees online experience the same academic curriculum taught by the same professors as the on-campus students. Interaction with classmates and faculty is supported through email, chat rooms, forums, bulletin boards and drop boxes. Evaluation methods are online, as well, and course materials are available either online or can be ordered online, meaning students can earn their degree from Southeast without ever setting foot on campus.

Students gain real-world experience through applied research projects. Students who do not have undergraduate degrees in business but want to earn their MBA degree can take the required foundation courses online as well, a news release said.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is a resource for college affordability and financial aid information.

For more information about Southeast's online MBA program, visit www.semo.edu/mba/online.