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.
What is a Master of Business Administration degree?
Reduce tuition with grad assistantships
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.
Supportive environment
SAU creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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 $189,520 in May 2022.
- About 311,600 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.
News and events at SAU
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Spring Commencement Ceremony
Join us for our Spring Commencement Ceremony to celebrate Spring 2025 degree recipients.
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As SAU and MMU Work to Combine, High School Sweethearts Katie and Bob Gaffney Now Share a College Connection
High school brought together Katie and Bob Gaffney, and now their chosen universities have created a new mutual connection.
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From baseball to accounting firms: Adam’s grad story
For Adam Like, MAcc ‘24, his path to St. Ambrose University began in an unexpected place: the baseball field.
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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.
