How Tulane Online MBA Alumni Are Prepped For Leadership Success

The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University has always prioritized outcomes for MBA students, and with their cutting-edge Online MBA program, even more graduates across the country are being set up for success.

In the spring of 2025, the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University celebrated a huge milestone when the first Online MBA cohort graduated. 

The first graduating class of the online program brought a varied group of individuals together, with professionals from traditional industries like business, real estate and finance learning from those leading in the automotive industry, food and beverage and sports. 

Tulane’s Online MBA is a collaborative program where students get hands-on experience thinking strategically, critically and creatively. Coursework aligns with the top-requested skills from employers, and students can customize their MBA with multiple concentrations: business analytics, finance, marketing and strategic leadership (coming soon). 

But one of the greatest features of the online program is that it’s accessible for working professionals, who are often the ones who need flexibility the most. Take Connor Pellerin, 2025 Online MBA graduate and professional baseball player, for example: “The biggest thing for me was the flexibility. I always knew when I got into baseball that it wasn’t going to be my be-all and end-all. I wanted to have a backup plan, and having the opportunity to start my MBA while I was still playing was fantastic,” he says.

“I have a young family, so being able to plug into business school and still be a room or two over from my kids was a big plus. It felt like they were bringing the Tulane MBA directly to my house.” — Hunter Ball, Online MBA graduate (2025) and commercial real estate firm owner

REAL CAREER BENEFITS: ONLINE MBA STUDENTS GET PROMOTED

Current Tulane Online MBA students are finding success, even prior to graduation.

Lindsey Friedfertig was working as a wealth management professional when she decided to enroll in the Online MBA program, where she could build essential leadership skills at an accessible cost. As a Tulane undergraduate, Friedfertig was acquainted with the school’s academic excellence, and that combined with affordable tuition and a convenient program format made choosing her alma mater a no-brainer.

Friedfertig found her footing in the program easily and secured a promotion shortly after starting the program, which she knows will continue to support her career goals in the future. 

“I plan to build my career at my current company, and I’ve already started to build out more leadership skills which I’ve applied to my new promotion. Setting myself up for success in the future is the reason why I’m getting the Online MBA. It has helped me so far, just in the last year.”  — Lindsey Friedfertig, Online MBA student (expected graduation Spring 2026) and United Airlines Principal, UAX Strategy & Analyst, Chicago, IL

HIGH ALUMNI SATISFACTION: HOW TULANE IS SHOWING UP FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

Tulane’s Online MBA is thoughtfully designed to give online students the full Freeman School of Business experience: the same rigorous curriculum, the same exceptional faculty and the same support as those studying on campus. Online MBA students aren’t isolated; they can participate in online events, live sessions with faculty, office hours and career support.

And why does Tulane make this commitment to online students? To maximize student return on investment through a commitment to career development and alumni success. 

HIGH-TOUCHPOINT VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: HOW ARE STUDENTS ENGAGING?

Much of the Online MBA coursework is completed asynchronously, with students completing assignments on their own time. This gives working professionals the flexibility they need, but the program also includes professor-led roundtable sessions so students can discuss assignments, ask questions and stay engaged with their peers. Live sessions aren’t just an “on paper” benefit, students get to improve their teamwork and communication skills, which are crucial for current and aspiring leaders. 

Jamari Tansmore, a 2025 Online MBA graduate, was initially worried that the online learning environment wouldn’t include as much peer conversation or collaboration, but he was pleased to find the opposite. “One thing I loved about this program is that there was a lot of project work and opportunities for interaction between cohort members. Even though we weren’t in the same location, that interaction still took place, and it was very beneficial for my learning.”

PEER-TO-PEER CONNECTION: WHY DOES COHORT LEARNING MATTER?

Cohort learning allows online students to create meaningful bonds with their peers, even when they’re never in the same room together. This of course enhances student engagement, because you’re seeing the same names throughout the course of your program, but it also is crucial to professional development and networking. 

Tulane’s Online MBA program welcomes students from around the U.S., all of whom have a unique professional and personal perspective that they bring to the table. Through those wide-ranging perspectives and years of professional experience (Online MBA students at Tulane have 8.6 years of professional experience, on average), students can learn about industries they may be interested in, practice their interpersonal skills and gain valuable connections that can lead to career opportunities down the line.

Pellerin appreciated learning from his cohort. “I’ve loved the program since day one, and we’ve all gotten pretty close. It was interesting to see the different perspectives everyone brought based on their industries,” he said.

THE FREEMAN DIFFERENCE: CONCIERGE-LEVEL CAREER SUPPORT 

Perhaps the biggest differentiator of the Freeman School of Business is its commitment to career support that truly leads to stronger outcomes. The Career Management Center takes a highly personalized approach to career support, which begins before a student even takes their first class. 

“We start connecting with students at the very beginning. I connect with incoming students as soon as they are accepted into the program and learn about where they are and where they want to go in their career.” — Erin Revere, Assistant Director, Career Management Center

In addition to Erin’s support, students have opportunities to meet with career consultants who collaborate with them on a strategic plan that considers their past experience and future goals and identifies what they need to do during and after their MBA program to get them there. 

“I had a one-on-one meeting with career services, and it was very supportive,” said Laura Henley, an Online MBA student at Freeman School of Business at Tulane and Doyle Land Services database & documentation specialist. “We went line by line through my resumé and found how each thing is serving the purpose that I’m trying to fill with my resumé, and discussed what other things I could do to present myself better.”

“Our career consultants are amazing. They bring excellent coaching prowess and industry experience,” said Sarah Covert, director of operations and career development at the Career Management Center. 

The Career Management Center’s website also houses on-demand resources that students and alumni can access whenever they need them. 

“Our online platform includes information about job searches, resumé building and career cover letters. All of our outside platforms are also hosted there, so that everything is in one spot,” said Revere.

Support doesn’t end at graduation — Tulane alumni receive continued career support for as long as they want it. 

“It’s helpful to have a sounding board and someone that can talk to you about your career plans.The most successful people in the business world all had some kind of formal or informal career coach.” — Gans Narayanamoorthy, Professor in the Tulane Online MBA.

CONNECTIONS BEYOND GRADUATION: TULANE’S ALUMNI NETWORK 

Tulane is known for its alumni, and graduates find ample opportunities to connect with each other. This robust network features virtual and in-person events across the globe, opening doors to meaningful professional relationships.

Current students can also connect with alumni who have similar career paths. These supportive professionals build on what the Career Management Center offers: helping students determine what courses they might need to take, what skills are necessary and how to ensure they can find the role they’re dreaming of.

ABOUT THE ONLINE MBA AT THE FREEMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT TULANE UNIVERSITY

The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers an AACSB-accredited Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other MBA options based in Louisiana. The Online MBA program builds core competencies in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and operations, and also allows for in-depth exploration in your areas of interest. While a concentration is not required as part of the 46 required credits, you may pursue up to two of the following: Business Analytics, Finance, Strategic Leadership, or Marketing.

The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Regardless of your desired concentration or industry, you’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of business and managerial concepts and the practical skills to make informed business decisions and lead in your organization.

In 2026, Freeman made significant gains across six categories in U.S. News & World Report Best Business School rankings. The full-time MBA climbed to No. 53, the program’s highest rank in more than 15 years and a 28-point improvement since 2023. The Executive MBA shot to No. 39 and the Professional MBA vaulted 19 spots to No. 49. Three specialized master’s programs also joined the Best Grad School ranks: Master of Finance ranked at No. 46, Master of Business Analytics and AI ranked No. 54 and Master of Accounting ranked No. 56. 

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