The University of Nebraska–Lincoln online MBA program – called MBA@Nebraska – surged seven spots to No. 19 for best online MBA in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings and jumped three places to No. 15 for best online programs for veterans. For the first time, Nebraska also earned the No. 14 spot for best online business master’s programs in the nation.

The three programs earning the No. 14 ranking include the Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Finance and Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Each program requires 30 credit hours, and online courses are delivered in eight-week sessions designed to fit professionals’ schedules.

“Our online master's programs add power to our students' resumes because they fuel their careers with purposeful curriculum and opportunity to grow in-demand skills,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance. “The high rankings of these relatively new programs in addition to the MBA@Nebraska program are a testament to our students and alumni who lead the future of business around the world. They also underscore the dedication of our faculty and staff who personalize the experience for each student’s success.”

The four graduate programs provide professionals with skills that translate immediately to the workplace as well as practical tools to advance their career. Regardless of their undergraduate majors, graduate business students are prepared to make better business decisions and solve problems.

Professionals wanting advanced skills, but not ready for a full master's program can start with an online graduate certificate. The 10 certificates include four online courses. Upon successful completion, the certificate courses can be rolled into a master’s program at the College of Business.

“I started with Nebraska's business analytics graduate certificate because the upfront commitment of hours was not as extensive, and I could still roll all of the courses I completed successfully into a full master's if I continued. I was able to immediately apply and try out models, processes and concepts learned in class at work,” said Casey Christensen, ’21, business insights engineer for Spreetail. “I have been promoted several times throughout my time pursuing the certificate and master's in business analytics. I credit the program for equipping me on how to generate new analytical concepts and processes at work.”

The new Nebraska master's programs and certificates feature curriculum designed to meet industry needs and coursework from the highly-regarded MBA@Nebraska. The business graduate programs’ fully online, mobile-optimized classes are structured the same way so students can start a new class without tech stress. The eight-week courses use the Canvas platform and feature guided video walkthroughs and live group discussions.

“We focus on offering the highest return on their investment, which means offering a high-quality business education at a competitive tuition rate. Our graduate programs are reasonably priced without losing the value of the curriculum design, instruction and access to leading professors at a Big Ten university,” said Gretchen Holthaus, director of MBA and online graduate programs. “Additionally, there are optional in-person opportunities – such as national case competitions, career expeditions and our adaptive leadership course with a one-week residency – for those who want to build relationships face-to-face.”

First established in 1964, the MBA program at Nebraska was converted to an evening program in the early 1990s and then offered courses through satellite technology primarily to fill the gap in business training in western Nebraska. With a long-standing partnership with Offutt Air Force Base since the 1960s, Nebraska moved its MBA program online in 2001 after the events of 9/11 to allow students to remain enrolled while serving overseas. The move made the MBA@Nebraska one of the first fully online MBA programs.

“With roots serving the military and veterans, we continue to prioritize meeting the needs of those who need the flexibility in the program’s design and course structure,” said Aaron Crabtree, associate dean of master's programs and executive development, KPMG Faculty Fellow in Professional Accounting and associate professor of accountancy. “Specifically for veterans, Nebraska is certified for the G.I. Bill and recognized as a college best for vets by Military Times. We offer a tuition discount to honor their service, and students benefit from a wonderful team in the university’s Military and Veteran Success Center.”

U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of factors including student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. Part of students' satisfaction stems from the college’s career resources. Financial Times recently recognized Nebraska for providing online graduate business students with some of the best career resources in the world.

"Our college's career coaches help our students assess their current career stage, think strategically about new opportunities and help them market themselves more effectively," said Holthaus. "Many students share how they reap the benefits of their MBA while still enrolled by applying what they learn at work. Our students report a high return of investment from earning their MBA@Nebraska."

MBA@Nebraska alumni reported a 33% salary increase to Financial Times for its 2022 ranking, and a recent survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council™ (GMAC) showed that the program's graduates earned approximately $26,000 more in their annual salary after earning their degree, which is nearly the full cost of the MBA@Nebraska program.

The application deadlines for the MBA@Nebraska, M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Supply Chain Management are November 1, April 1 and July 1. The M.S. in Finance admits students once a year with an application deadline of July 1. Learn more about the college’s online graduate business programs at: https://business.unl.edu/masters.

To view the U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: https://go.unl.edu/zygt.