1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Kansas State University's online Professional MBA ranked among nation’s top 35...

K-State Today

January 27, 2021

Kansas State University's online Professional MBA ranked among nation’s top 35 programs

Submitted by Suzy Auten

The online Professional Master of Business Administration, or PMBA, program at Kansas State University was recently announced as rated 35th in the nation and 25th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report's 2021 Best Online MBA Programs rankings out of 324 programs considered. The program also ranks 22nd for veterans.

"Our PMBA program has proven to be a rigorous and highly competitive program nationally," said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration. "Since the program's debut in the top 100 in 2016, the soonest the program was eligible, students know they can count on receiving an education that will make them stand out from among their peers and propel their careers to greater heights."

Among all online MBA programs, K-State's PMBA program has ranked among the top 100 for the past six years, and in the top 50 among public institutions for the past four years.

The PMBA program was designed for professionals with at least three years of post-baccalaureate work experience who wish to earn their degrees online while simultaneously continuing to excel in their careers. The program's quality is evidenced by the prestigious accreditation from the internationally recognized Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business which has been awarded to fewer than 5% of programs worldwide in 53 countries. Students receive instruction from the same faculty who are teaching the campus students. These faculty are actively engaged in research which keeps the content current and immediately applicable to each student's day to day work life.

"The recognition of the PMBA program once again by U.S. News and World Report as a nationally ranked program is an honor," said Chwen Sheu, associate dean for academic programs and faculty of distinction/Paul Edgerley chair in Business Administration. "Being among the top 35 programs in the nation demonstrates that our effort at continuous improvement is making a difference. Additionally, the partnerships with other graduate programs in the College of Business provide PMBA students the opportunity to develop areas of concentration that will further help them stand apart as they seek new career opportunities."

Students can graduate with a general management degree or add concentrations in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and supply chain management.

In addition to the academic rigor of K-State's program, students receive a personalized approach to their programs of study and advisement.

"Helping students feel connected to the program and to each other has been a hallmark of the PMBA program," said Suzy Auten, director of the PMBA program since its launch in the 2013-2014 academic year. "Developing connections that cross the globe has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my position and identified by students as being a program highlight."

The program has rolling admission with five starts each year in January, March, June, August and October. Applications are due at least one month before the desired start date. To learn more about the program or to apply, visit k-state.edu/onlinemba.