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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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What is a Master of Business Administration degree?

St. Ambrose University MBA program provides you with essential leadership, management, and strategic skills for today's business landscape. Gain knowledge in business principles and ethical decision-making. Our regionally recognized program empowers you to be successful through rigorous coursework that will enhance your understanding of business and your problem-solving skills. Prepare for impactful leadership roles in diverse industries and sectors.

Earn your degree in as little as 12 months through our MBA Plus One program. Current St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy students with a 3.0 GPA are automatically admitted to the one-year MBA program.

Reduce tuition with grad assistantships

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Why earn a Master of Business Administration?

You’ll excel online where lively discussions and projects are designed to provide you with tangible experiences to learn business models and techniques. The skills you learn here will take you to new heights inside any company or organization.

Best in the region

The Quad Cities Business Journal named our MBA program “Best in the Region” two years in a row—2022, 2023

Industry-aligned curriculum

Our program aligns with industry trends, ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge employers seek.

12-month pathway

Save time and money with our MBA Plus One program, earning your degree in as little as 12 months.

Real-world projects and practical skills

Work on real-world projects, collaborate with professionals, and experience using statistical tools and technologies.

Small class sizes

Our intimate class sizes allow for meaningful and insightful classroom discussion.

Supportive environment

SAU creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.

What you’ll learn in your MBA program

In our Master of Business Administration program, you’ll learn to reposition a business based on the external environment, gain an understanding of models of competition and competitor analysis, and learn to manage while keeping various stakeholders in mind.

Mastery of business strategies from a management perspective
Analysis of business ethics
Mastery of quantitative research skills
Understanding of human behavior within an organization and how this impacts organizational goals

Explore Master of Business Administration courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 36 credits.

View degree requirements

View all courses

Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
MBA 600	Data Analysis and Decision Making	3 credits
MBA 615	Ethical and Social Responsibility of Business	3 credits
MBA 621	Human Behavior in Organizations	3 credits
MBA 690	Leadership Through People Skills (LTPS)	3 credits
MBA 800	Strategic Management	3 credits

How much does a Master of Business Administration cost?

The cost of your MBA degree will depend on several factors, including your specific scholarships, finances, the number of credits you take per semester, and your start date. New students also pay a $10 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies and materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

MBA Plus One (12-months)

Expense	Summer Session	Fall Semester	Spring Semester	Total Program Cost**
Total Tuition ($800/credit hour)*	$4,800	$9,600	$14,400	$28,800
Technology fee	$70	$140	$140	$350

Total direct charges (billable)	$4,870	$9,740	$14,540	$29,150

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on Summer start date. Total includes one Summer session, one Fall semester, and one Spring semester.

15-month accelerated program

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Per Summer Session	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition ($800/credit hour)*	$9,600	$4,800	$28,800
Technology fee	$140	$70	$420

Total direct charges (billable)	$9,740	$4,870	$29,220

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on summer start date. Total includes two summer sessions, and one each in the fall and spring.

Part-time program (~28 months)

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Per Summer Session	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition ($800/credit hour)*	$4,800	$2,400	$28,800
Technology fee	$70	$70	$490

Total direct charges (billable)	$4,870	$2,470	$29,290

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Estimate based on fall start date. Total includes three fall semesters, two spring semesters, and two summer sessions.

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How does SAU support MBA students?

St. Ambrose University’s Master of Business Administration faculty are disciplinary experts, have professional experience, and focus on student learning and success. They are actively involved in advising and offer one-on-one coaching so you’ll be ready to advance your business career.

MBA program faculty

Jessica Greenwald, PhD

Jie Peng, PhD

Liang Zhao, PhD

Liquan Wang, PhD

Michael Cipriano, PhD

Monica Forret, PhD

Xiaowei Liu, PhD

Other support resources

Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

Discover career support

Are there cost savings available for the MBA program?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.

Employer tuition assistance

Many employers offer tuition assistance. Check with your human resources office to determine if these benefits are available. Learn more about employer tuition assistance.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit and save $7,000 on your master’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

Military benefits

Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.

What’s on campus for Master of Business Administration students?

Grow your community-minded leadership skills through Future Business Leaders of America. This club helps you develop your career by building relationships with mentors in the business community and networking with employers through community service projects. Members also have the opportunity to attend regional and national FBLA conferences

Make connections in the business world through our Marketing and Finance Clubs. Meet marketing and finance professionals, take trips to area and regional businesses, and network at on-campus job fairs.

Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test with Bee Entrepreneurs. Students in this club help execute business ideas on campus and in the community.

What are the admission requirements for the MBA program?

Start your Master of Business Administration career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admission requirements for our MBA.

Complete an application for graduate admission at St. Ambrose University
Submit official grade transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
Provide a professional resume and prompted writing sample
GMAT scores are not required for admission
No interview is required

Apply now

International student requirements

Submit official international transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: Varies by program; typically TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with an MBA?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Master of Business Administration program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Chief executive officer (CEO)
Chief operations officer (COO)
Chief financial officer (CFO)
Marketing manager
Financial analyst
Human resources director

Potential employment settings

Large corporations
Startups and entrepreneurial ventures
Manufacturing companies
Marketing and advertising agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies

Traits of an MBA graduate

Leadership
Analytical
Results-driven
Strategic
Communicative
Visionary

Industry facts

The median annual wage for chief executives was $206,420 in May 2024.
About 331,000 openings for top executives are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

For more information on Master of Business Administration employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.