Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Enhance your career or begin a new one with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from McKendree University. McKendree’s MBA program provides students the business skills necessary to develop and implement value creating ideas and solutions for current or perspective employers. Through the McKendree MBA program, students will gain a broad understanding of business operations with a focus on real-world application through critical and creative thinking. Students will become leaders by challenging themselves intellectually, while engaging and collaborating with their equally driven peers, in order to achieve their personal success story. Submit a free application.

An MBA for Working Professionals

Why McKendree University?

McKendree University Graduate School expertly combines academic excellence with the flexibility and convenience that working adults need to pursue an advanced degree while maintaining their busy schedule. Whether you take courses online or on campus, you can be sure you’ll receive one-on-one attention from faculty whose real-world business backgrounds give you rare career insights.

Learn about the benefits of an MBA from McKendree...

MBA Programs

MBA 36 credits

The general MBA degree gives you a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed in the modern business world. Through professional case studies, you’ll discover how theoretical concepts apply to real issues business leaders face today. Develop your skills in the areas that are in highest demand among executives: analysis, problem solving, leadership, and communication.

MBA in Corporate Finance 36 credits

The MBA in Corporate Finance will prepare you with specialized knowledge and skills related to the context of corporate finance and further explore the strategic implications of corporate financial management.

MBA in Cyber Defense 36 credits

The MBA in Cyber Defense will prepare you to be a business leader in technology and information security. You will receive a solid foundation to excel in leading cybersecurity. This program is aligning with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommended knowledge requirements.

MBA in Digital Marketing 36 credits

The MBA in Digital Marketing will prepare you with specialized knowledge and skills needed to leverage developing information technology in order to actualize strategic marketing plans.

MBA in Human Resource Management 36 credits

Do you enjoy working with the people side of business? Are you interested in a leadership career creating a friendly and fulfilling workplace for employees? If so, then the MBA in Human Resource Management will give you the advancement opportunities you seek in an exciting field. Our program aligns with guidelines established by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Upon completion, graduates with this degree are well prepared for the SHRM Assurance of Learning exam or one of the Human Resource Certification Institute’s (HRCI) professional certification exams.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in:

Corporate Finance

Cyber Defense

Digital Marketing

Human Resource Management

Accreditation

The MBA program is accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

Format

There are two ways to complete your MBA coursework at McKendree. Your student service specialist will work with you to help you choose which format best suits your lifestyle and learning preference.

Online

The online format allows you to take all your courses completely online. Each class lasts eight weeks, and students complete their assignments independently with certain fixed deadlines.

Blended

In the blended format, classes meet on campus one evening per week from 6-9 p.m. Additional class work is completed online per the instructor’s directions. Courses in this format are also eight weeks long.

Locations

Lebanon, Illinois Campus

Online

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the Master of Business Administration degree during the 2025-2026 academic year is $555 per credit hour. Graduate financial aid opportunities are available.

For military using Tuition Assistance (TA) the tuition rate is $250 per credit hour.

Application Process (Free)

McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following documentation is required for consideration of admission:

1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).

2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.

4. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.

5. A current resume or vita.

6. Three professional references.

7. Essay describing the personal and professional goals that will be met by completion of the degree.

Foundation of Business Knowledge

If you have not completed undergraduate courses in accounting, management/marketing, microeconomics, and statistics, you may be required to receive foundation knowledge in the deficient area(s). Foundation courses provide students with broad introductory knowledge in key subject areas of business. The courses are:

MBA 501 Foundations of Accounting and Finance
MBA 502 Economics for Managers
MBA 503 Marketing and Management Concepts
MBA 504 Quantitative and Statistical Tools

Students pursuing the MBA in Cyber Defense may have to complete MBA 570 Foundations in Cyber Defense if they have no education or certificates in the field of information security with the requisite knowledge to be successful in the remaining cyber defense courses of the program.

McKendree offers these courses in the online format specifically for students who are deficient in any of the foundation areas. A foundation course must be completed prior to taking an MBA course in that area.

Transfer Credit

Once you’re enrolled at McKendree, you’re expected to complete your coursework at McKendree. However, prior to your enrollment, up to 12 credits from another accredited institution may be applied toward completion of the requirements for the MBA degree at McKendree. All transfer courses are evaluated by the director of the MBA program.