Arcadia University Online MBA

Arcadia University, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished private liberal arts university with a long history of providing high-quality education. Founded in 1853, the university has earned recognition for its strong academic programs, commitment to global perspectives, and dedication to student success. Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Arcadia University is known for its academic rigor, practical approach to learning, and the emphasis it places on preparing students to be leaders in their fields. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business. Among its graduate offerings, Arcadia’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program stands out, particularly for its focus on flexibility, global perspectives, and specialized areas of study.

Arcadia University offers an innovative Online MBA program designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The online MBA program allows students to pursue advanced business education without having to leave their jobs, combining academic excellence with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. It offers five key concentrations: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Practice Management, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Leadership. These concentrations reflect the university’s commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge required for success in diverse sectors. Each concentration consists of a set of specialized courses that focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, and the courses are designed to help students develop expertise in their chosen area of business.

For example, the MBA in Finance offers courses such as Investment Banking, Shareholder Value Management, International Finance, and Securities Analysis. These courses are designed to give students a deep understanding of the financial landscape, including the tools and strategies needed for success in investment banking, financial management, and international finance. Similarly, the MBA in Entrepreneurship prepares students to manage or start their own businesses, with courses like Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leadership for Effective Organizations, and Multinational Marketing. The focus is on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and developing practical skills for business growth, innovation, and marketing in a global context.

The MBA in Health Practice Management is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Courses like Health Economics and Finance, Legal and Human Resource Issues in Health Practice Management, and Healthcare Systems prepare students to navigate the complexities of healthcare management, blending business acumen with an understanding of healthcare policies and practices. For students interested in global affairs, the MBA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution offers a unique perspective, incorporating courses such as Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution, Field Studies in Costa Rica, and Economic Development and the Environment. This concentration is ideal for those looking to work in international organizations, NGOs, or governmental institutions, providing a global understanding of peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategies.

The MBA in Leadership concentration focuses on building leadership capabilities with courses like Managing the Global Workforce, Contemporary Issues in Leadership, and Global Issues of Social Responsibility and Law. The goal is to help students develop the skills to lead diverse teams, manage complex organizations, and understand the global issues that impact modern businesses.

One of the standout features of Arcadia's MBA program is its International Perspective. This aspect of the program includes two required study abroad experiences in both a developed and a developing economy. These international residencies are designed to give students hands-on exposure to global business practices and cultural differences, enhancing their ability to operate in international markets. What makes this feature even more attractive is that there is no additional cost for the one-week study abroad experiences, making them a highly valuable component of the program. The inclusion of study abroad is indicative of Arcadia’s global approach to business education, providing students with the kind of international exposure that is critical in today’s interconnected world.

The MBA with an International Perspective is structured over five semesters spanning 22 months, offering a part-time format that is ideal for working professionals. The flexible schedule enables students to complete their degree while continuing to work full-time, making it accessible for those with other commitments. Graduate students at Arcadia are also eligible to apply for financial aid, and the university offers graduate assistantships to students enrolled in nine credits or more per semester, further helping to make the program financially feasible.

Accreditation plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of an academic program, and Arcadia University’s School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The university is also a member of AACSB International, a prestigious body that accredits business schools worldwide. This accreditation is a mark of distinction and reflects the quality of the business education offered at Arcadia University. In addition to these accreditations, the university has consistently been recognized for its academic excellence.

Arcadia University has been ranked among the Top 25 Master’s Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report (2009), which highlights its strong regional reputation. The university is also known for offering programs with a strong international focus, as indicated by its inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s list of "Best Programs to Look for in Study Abroad" (2009). Additionally, Arcadia University is recognized for its affordability, as reflected in its placement on the Great Schools, Great Prices list by U.S. News & World Report. The university's commitment to providing quality education at an affordable cost makes it an attractive option for students seeking value in their higher education.

Arcadia has also been included in The Princeton Review’s Best Northeastern Colleges (2007), further solidifying its standing as a reputable institution in the region. These rankings and recognitions reflect the university’s strong academic reputation, quality of its programs, and its commitment to providing a well-rounded, accessible education to its students.

Arcadia University’s Online MBA program is a highly attractive option for working professionals who seek a flexible, high-quality education in business. With its focus on specialized areas of study, a global perspective, and a strong emphasis on leadership, the program is designed to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in a dynamic, interconnected world. The program’s integration of international study abroad experiences, as well as its flexibility and part-time format, make it an appealing choice for those looking to advance their careers while maintaining a work-life balance. Arcadia University’s dedication to providing quality, globally-oriented education makes it an excellent choice for prospective MBA students.