On March 5, Financial Times announced in its fifth annual online MBA rankings that the University of Nebraska–Lincoln online Master of Business Administration program ranked No. 1 in the world for alumni salary increases.
 
The international daily newspaper also ranked the MBA@Nebraska program No. 1 in the nation and No. 3 in the world for best value for the money. The 48-credit-hour College of Business program was rated No. 13 in the world, a two-spot jump from 2017 rankings, and was named No. 3 for career services programming.
 
In the No. 1 global ranking for alumni salary increases, Financial Times reported that on average, MBA@Nebraska alumni earn 40 percent more money after obtaining the degree.
 
“This ranking demonstrates how MBA@Nebraska is a global leader. I am most proud of the high return on investment our alumni reported,” said Jake Messersmith, executive director of graduate programs and associate professor of management. “Our college’s faculty and staff work very hard to create a purposeful, collaborative and personalized experience at a fair price that prepares our students to move their careers forward.”
 
Factors that propelled Nebraska Business to a top 13 global ranking include career progress, online delivery, program diversity, idea generation, program value and average degree completion time. Financial Times reported that the average completion time for students in the MBA@Nebraska program is three years.
 
“For more than 50 years, this program has been a pioneer in distance and online education,” said Dr. Tammy Beck, associate dean of graduate programs and external engagement. “We continue to innovate. We made strategic investments to combine engaging, intuitive technology with our world-class Big Ten faculty for a dynamic online learning experience. This format enables students to enjoy a consistent online class structure that reduces tech stress and allows them to make more personal connections with peers and faculty.”
 
Students in two new master of science programs in business analytics and finance will also benefit from the investments in consistent, engaging course technology. With classes beginning in August, the part-time, fully online master’s programs join a growing portfolio of online programs offered by the college.
 
Nebraska’s new 30-hour programs come in the age of “big data” and at a time when there is a significant shortage of talent in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. with these specialized skills. While companies have consistently relied on statistics to make business decisions, enormous strides in data collection transformed analytics into a critical business function. More data analytics has led to the need for increased financial analysis and stronger investment and financial management skills. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Statistics reported in 2016 that more than 130,000 new financial and management analyst jobs will be created over the next 10 years. These demands and the expertise of Nebraska Business faculty led to the creation of the new programs.
 
“As big data continues to transform business, we are focused on preparing students for the dynamic workforce,” said Dr. Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “There is a growing demand from employers for quantitative skills. With our proven track record in online learning, graduates of these new programs will be poised to advance their careers by translating insights into business decision-making, solutions and results."
 
Business analytics and finance graduate students will receive the career advancement resources currently offered to MBA@Nebraska students. The recent Financial Times ranking recognized Nebraska for providing online students with some of the best career resources in the world. Students have access to a personal career coach, online résumé reviews and a strong alumni network. The No. 3 ranking for career services was based on the college's effectiveness in career counseling, personal development, networking events and recruitment.
 
“The career services ranking is a testament to our talented staff and the college’s support of the Business Career Center to have our online students and alumni see our effective career coaching and innovative career programming as one of the best in the world,” said Dr. Rachel Larson, director of the Business Career Center.
 
The inaugural class of students for both master’s programs will begin in August. With students following an eight-week course schedule, they can work towards advancing their career with the graduate degree while also excelling in their current position anywhere in the world. Prospective students must apply by July 1.
 
For more information on the college’s online graduate programs, visit http://onlinebusiness.unl.edu.  Published: March 13, 2018