Drake University launches Iowa’s first AACSB-accredited and fully online MBA program

The University’s online MBA and MPA bring the ultimate in flexibility and convenience to the working professional

Drake University, a leader in business education, is now accepting applications for its new online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA), scheduled to begin in August.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals locally and across the world, the new online programs combine the quality of a Drake degree with the flexibility and convenience of online learning.

Drake is the first institution in Iowa accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) to offer a MBA program fully online.

“We are excited to move our program offerings online to expand our reach and better serve the needs of the working professional,” said Dan Connolly, dean of the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration. “Through technology, we can bring our rigorous and high-quality business programs and our talented faculty directly to our students, wherever and whenever they want. This allows graduate students to better balance school, work, and family.”

Connolly said the online offerings were created to meet the evolving needs of today’s working professional, and are in direct response to requests from students and employers. The online programs will not replace Drake University’s face-to-face offerings. Instead, Drake will provide more delivery options from which students can choose based on their learning styles and professional and personal circumstances. In addition to online and on-campus degree options, the University offers a hybrid format, combining online and in-person interactions.

The online MBA and MPA are 39- and 36-credit hour programs, respectively, that can be completed in as little as two years, attending part-time. Curriculum for the MBA focuses on a balance of strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and analytical reasoning, with specific tracks in healthcare and data analytics leadership. The MPA emphasizes human resources, public policy, ethics, and decision making with areas of focus on healthcare management and executive leadership development. The MPA curriculum is enriched by experiential learning, including a real-world capstone project designed to positively impact the student’s community. Both MBA and MPA programs allow students to tailor the degree program to align with their specific interests and career goals.

The online programs will offer start dates six times per year. The application deadline for the first start date is Aug. 20. To apply, visit online.drake.edu or contact 844-254-4221.

Drake’s online MBA and MPA follow the launch of its online Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Science in Education earlier this year. Later this summer, the University will be accepting applications for its new online certificate and Masters in Data Analytics Leadership programs set to launch in January. The University is committed to delivering online education in a way that is consistent with and upholds the University’s strong reputation for academic excellence.