MBA@UNC

The online MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School places a strong emphasis on engagement and connection.

“We built our online program with the intention to be the premier online MBA program,” Brad Staats, Associate Dean of MBA Programs at Kenan-Flagler, says. “That means no compromise. We are offering our MBA in an innovative format with top-quality students, faculty and curriculum; a transformational education; and deep engagement among our students and their professors that build lifelong relationships and networks.”

In-Depth, Flexible Curriculum

The MBA@UNC features an in-depth curriculum with the highest credit-hour requirement of any top-ranked online MBA.

Kenan-Flagler OMBA students generally take two classes per quarter to complete the OMBA program in 24 months. However, they have the flexibility to schedule their classes to complete the degree in as few as 18 months or even 36 months, if they choose so.

“For people who don’t want to leave their jobs or sacrifice their income while they earn their MBA or can’t travel to campus regularly for an executive MBA program, our online program removes barriers to earning an MBA at a top program,” Staats says.

The Kenan-Flagler OMBA curriculum is built upon core courses and electives. Students can choose from concentrations including data analytics and decision making, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and strategy and consulting.

“As with all of our MBA programs, the rigorous coursework prepares them for long-term career success, and as working professionals, they have the added advantage of taking what they learn in class and applying it at work right away,” Staats says.

Building Relationships

Relationships are central to any MBA…

The online MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School places a strong emphasis on engagement and connection.

“We built our online program with the intention to be the premier online MBA program,” Brad Staats, Associate Dean of MBA Programs at Kenan-Flagler, says. “That means no compromise. We are offering our MBA in an innovative format with top-quality students, faculty and curriculum; a transformational education; and deep engagement among our students and their professors that build lifelong relationships and networks.”

In-Depth, Flexible Curriculum

The MBA@UNC features an in-depth curriculum with the highest credit-hour requirement of any top-ranked online MBA.

Kenan-Flagler OMBA students generally take two classes per quarter to complete the OMBA program in 24 months. However, they have the flexibility to schedule their classes to complete the degree in as few as 18 months or even 36 months, if they choose so.

“For people who don’t want to leave their jobs or sacrifice their income while they earn their MBA or can’t travel to campus regularly for an executive MBA program, our online program removes barriers to earning an MBA at a top program,” Staats says.

The Kenan-Flagler OMBA curriculum is built upon core courses and electives. Students can choose from concentrations including data analytics and decision making, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and strategy and consulting.

“As with all of our MBA programs, the rigorous coursework prepares them for long-term career success, and as working professionals, they have the added advantage of taking what they learn in class and applying it at work right away,” Staats says.

Building Relationships

Relationships are central to any MBA education. Although online, the Kenan-Flagler OMBA is centered around small, live class sessions, group projects, and in-person Summits.

After students watch recorded lectures, they meet for discussion in live classes, where they can see and interact with a small group of classmates and their professor.

“Classes are kept small, no more than 20, so students foster strong connections with their classmates and faculty,” Staats says. “They share ideas and gain meaningful insights both inside and outside of the classroom. Together these experiences build strong both professional and personal relationships that last long after graduation.”

Experiential Opportunities

Kenan-Flagler OMBAs have the opportunity to attend in-person Summits, quarterly immersive experiences where students meet face to face in major business centers around the world.

In September 2019, students returned from Helsinki, where they develop global competencies by learning from executives at Nokia, Amcham Finland, MySpeaker and more. Because of the global pandemic, Kenan-Flagler plans to resume Summits in 2021, with the majority held in Chapel Hill, and Vancouver is scheduled for fall 2021.

“In addition to the course work, students spend a great deal of time creating and strengthening their networks and relationships,” Staats says. “Many students plan personal trips together before or after the Summits.”

That strengthening of relationships is key. And it’s something UNC Kenan-Flagler sees as central to its identity and purpose.

“The business school is no longer a building in Chapel Hill – it is a community of people bound by shared values and common goals,” Staats says. “With the online MBA program, we are increasing our impact on people’s lives, business and wider society.”