Master of Business Administration | St. Ambrose University

Master of Business Administration | St. Ambrose University
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Classes start 03/23/2026
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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
Get the details
Program at a glance
Online degree
36 credits
Enroll part-time or full-time
Rolling application
MBA Plus One: Earn your degree in 12 months
Reduce tuition with grad assistantships
Get the details
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.
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
Arthur Moreau, PhD
Dan Ebener, DBA
David O'Connell, DBA
Imtiaz Mazumder, PhD
James Bang, PhD
Janene Finley, PhD
Jason Senjem, PhD
Jennifer Palar, PhD
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
News and events at SAU
From A(mbrose) to (Gen) Z
St. Ambrose University is proud to the host International Conference on Faith, Hope, and Renewal in the Catholic Church on April 24–26, 2026.
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It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, Jaxson Eisenbarth ‘27 walked Ellie Seberger ‘26 to the SAU grotto with a ring box tucked in his pocket.
From game day to wedding day: A full-circle St. Ambrose love story
When Paige (Fiscella) ‘23 and Yemi Ward ‘23, ‘26 MOL, first met at SAU, neither could have guessed the moment would lead to marriage.
View all news and events
Become who you are meant to be
With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
Call: 563-333-6000
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