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The Best MBA Schools in South Dakota – Online, Fast, and Affordable Programs
South Dakota’s economy is driven by financial services, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, creating strong career opportunities for business professionals. Major employers like Sanford Health, First PREMIER Bank, and Raven Industries actively seek MBA graduates for leadership roles. An online MBA from an accredited business school in South Dakota equips professionals with the expertise needed to excel in these competitive sectors.
According to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, the state continues to experience job growth in financial management, healthcare administration, and agribusiness, making a Master of Business Administration a valuable investment for career advancement. With business hubs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, professionals benefit from networking and job opportunities in high-demand industries.
Online MBA programs in South Dakota provide flexibility, allowing students to specialize in fields such as MBA in Finance, Healthcare Management, and Agribusiness while continuing to work full-time.
Table of Contents
South Dakota MBA Schools, Programs and Tuition Snapshot
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Programs | 2 |
| Average Tuition Range | $14,114 – $15,960 |
| Online Availability | 2 fully online options |
| Most Popular Specialties | Business Analytics, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Applied Management |
| Top-Ranked School | University of South Dakota (Beacom School of Business), Black Hills State University (College of Business and Natural Sciences) |
| Projected Job Growth | Slightly Negative |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this table is for general guidance only and is based on publicly available data and projections. Tuition costs, program availability, and job growth rates can change over time. We encourage prospective students to conduct their own research, verify details directly with universities, and consult official sources before making any educational or career decisions.
2025 – Best Online Master of Business Administration Degree Programs in South Dakota
An online MBA from a South Dakota university equips students with leadership, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills. These programs offer flexible learning formats and career-driven curricula for professionals seeking upward mobility in the business world.
South Dakota universities emphasize faculty mentorship, networking opportunities, and career support services. Whether pursuing a general MBA or a specialized finance, healthcare, or agribusiness track, students can find programs aligned with their career aspirations.
Selecting the right online MBA program requires evaluating accreditation, faculty expertise, and industry connections. South Dakota’s universities offer highly respected programs to prepare graduates for leadership roles across multiple industries.
Learn more about our methodology
#1
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Operations and Supply Chain Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota offers an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management. This AACSB International accredited program requires no entrance exam and is designed for both business and non-business graduates. It focuses on logistics, quality control, and global market strategies, offering 36-42 credit hours of coursework. The program is military-friendly and provides flexible online and on-campus options, including an accelerated B.B.A./M.B.A. pathway.
- 36-42 total credit hours
- Online and on-campus delivery
- AACSB International accredited
- $35 application fee
- Specialization in Operations/Supply Chain
- Flexible for business/non-business backgrounds
- Advanced leadership development courses
- Accelerated B.B.A./M.B.A. option available
- National authorization for online programs
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Business Analytics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Explore the online Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at the University of South Dakota. This program, accredited by AACSB International, does not require an entrance exam and spans 39-45 credit hours. It emphasizes descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, preparing students for strategic decision-making in various sectors. The program is military-friendly and offers both online and on-campus formats, with options for a non-thesis or thesis track.
- Online and on-campus delivery
- 39-45 total credit hours
- AACSB International accredited
- Descriptive, predictive analytics focus
- Business process optimization
- Non-thesis and thesis options
- Specialization in Business Analytics
- Accelerated B.B.A./M.B.A. option available
- Application fee: $35
- Core coursework: 27 credit hours
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Finance - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota's online Master of Business Administration in Finance is an AACSB International accredited program that does not require an entrance exam. Spanning 36-42 credit hours, it equips students with skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management. The program is military-friendly and offers both online and on-campus learning options, catering to professionals with or without a business background.
- AACSB Accredited Program
- 36-42 credit hours total
- On-campus and online delivery
- Specialization in Finance
- Core business and finance courses
- Flexible elective options
- Investment and portfolio focus
- International finance perspectives
- $35 application fee
- BBA/MBA accelerated option
Master's - Business Administration
Concentration: Sustainability - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota presents an online Master of Business Administration with a Sustainability specialization. This AACSB International accredited program, requiring no entrance exam, is designed for professionals aiming to integrate environmental innovation into business. It offers flexible full-time, hybrid, and online formats, with a curriculum focused on strategic integration and social responsibility. The program is military-friendly and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
- AACSB International Accredited
- Full-time, hybrid, online formats
- Sustainability specialization available
- As little as 12-month program
- Graduate in 2 years online
- Minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA
- Application fee $35
- Three-week application deadline
- Resume required for admission
- WICHE Regional Graduate Program
Master's - Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Concentration: Business Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota's online Master of Business Administration offers a Business Leadership concentration among seven specializations. This AACSB International accredited program does not require an entrance exam and provides flexible on-campus and online asynchronous learning options. It is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and strategic thinking skills, with stackable course credits available. The program is military-friendly and starts in August 2023.
- Seven MBA specialization areas
- On-campus and online options
- Business leadership focus
- Sustainability specialization available
- Stackable course credits
- Starts August 2023
- Asynchronous online learning
- Adaptable professional development
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Business Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tailor your education with the University of South Dakota's online Master of Business Administration, offering a Business Leadership concentration. This AACSB International accredited program, requiring no entrance exam, features seven specialization areas and flexible learning formats. It is ideal for professionals looking to develop leadership skills and strategic business acumen, with asynchronous online options available. The program is military-friendly and begins in August 2023.
- Seven MBA specialization areas
- Online and campus options
- Business leadership focus
- Sustainability specialization available
- Stackable course credits
- Starting August 2023
- Asynchronous learning format
Master's - Executive Master of Business Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota's hybrid Executive Master of Business Administration is designed for senior professionals, focusing on leadership development in areas like AI and business analytics. This two-year, AACSB International accredited program requires employer nomination and does not specify an entrance exam. It offers a cohort-based curriculum with one evening class per week, blending academic theory with practical applications. The program is military-friendly and located in Sioux Falls.
- 10 courses, 30 credit hours
- Two-year cohort program
- 8-week accelerated courses
- One evening per week
- Employer nomination required
- AACSB-accredited program
- Focus on AI and analytics
- Leadership development emphasis
- Sioux Falls location
Master's - M.D.-MBA Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid M.D.-MBA Program at the University of South Dakota combines medical and business education for aspiring physician leaders. This program, requiring no entrance exam, integrates 33 MBA credits with the M.D. curriculum over four years. It focuses on health care business and strategic decision-making, with primarily online MBA coursework and some in-person experiences. The program is military-friendly and starts admission in spring 2022.
- Hybrid program format
- 33 MBA credits
- Four-year completion
- Online MBA coursework
- In-person experiences included
- Spring 2022 admission start
- Prepares physician leaders
- Focus on health care business
- Strategic decision-making skills
- Leadership development focus
Show 7 More Programs ˅
#2
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - usiouxfalls.edu
Master's - MBA in Healthcare
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Sioux Falls presents an MBA in Healthcare Management, tailored for professionals aiming to lead in the healthcare sector. This 100% online program, accredited by IACBE, offers flexibility with completion options in 12 or 21 months. Priced at $430 per credit, it covers healthcare systems, legal regulations, and innovative problem-solving, preparing graduates for roles averaging $134,794 in salary. No GMAT is required, and the program welcomes rolling enrollment, making it accessible for busy professionals seeking to advance their careers without stepping away from their current roles.
- 100% online degree option
- 12-month or 21-month programs
- Tuition: $430 per credit
- Specialized IACBE accreditation
- Christian university setting
- Rolling enrollment
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Maximum 9 transfer credits
- Seven-year program completion window
- No application fee
Master's - MBA in Organizational Leadership
Online Learning - Visit Website
Designed for aspiring leaders, the University of Sioux Falls' MBA in Organizational Leadership is a 100% online program that can be completed in 12 to 21 months. With no GMAT requirement and a total cost of $15,450, this program focuses on developing strategic thinking and ethical leadership. It features rolling enrollment, multiple start dates, and allows up to 9 transfer credits, catering to working professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills in a flexible learning environment.
- 100% Online Delivery
- No GMAT Required
- 21-Month Part-Time Option
- 12-Month Accelerated Path
- Total Cost: $15,450
- $430 Per Credit Hour
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Rolling Enrollment
- Multiple Start Dates
- Maximum 9 Transfer Credits
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Business Innovation and Marketing - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Business Innovation and Marketing, the University of Sioux Falls offers an online MBA that equips students with skills in innovation, marketing research, and sales management. This 36-semester hour program, accredited by IACBE, allows students to start every 7 weeks with rolling enrollment. No application fee and a streamlined admission process, including a personal statement, make it accessible. The program is designed for professionals at any career stage, offering a blend of core business management and specialized marketing insights.
- 36 semester hour MBA program
- Business Innovation & Marketing concentration
- Rolling enrollment, 7-week starts
- IACBE accredited program
- No application fee
- 12 credit hours marketing focus
- Personal statement required
- Christian university setting
- September-June start dates
- Online application available
Master's - MBA
Concentration: General Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
The General Management MBA at the University of Sioux Falls is a versatile program available online or on-campus, designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers. This 36-semester hour program, accredited by IACBE, can be completed in 12 to 21 months with classes starting every 7 weeks. It emphasizes strategic leadership and organizational dynamics, offering a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on general management. No application fee and rolling enrollment provide flexibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
- IACBE Accredited Business Program
- 36 semester hours total
- Online and campus options
- Rolling enrollment available
- Classes start every 7 weeks
- No application fee required
- Christian university setting
- Core MBA courses 24 s.h.
- Management concentration 12 s.h.
- Personal statement required
Show 3 More Programs ˅
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.
What Are the Fastest MBA Programs in South Dakota?
Professionals can advance their careers more quickly by enrolling in South Dakota’s Accelerated MBA programs, which can be finished in as little as a year.
Benefits of Accelerated MBA Programs:
- Earn an MBA in 12-18 months
- Reduce tuition costs and time away from work
- Quickly gain leadership skills for business advancement
Shortest Online MBA Programs in South Dakota:
| School Name | MBA Program Specialty | Program Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota | Business Analytics | 12 months | Online |
| Dakota State University | Cybersecurity Management | 14 months | Online |
| South Dakota State University | General MBA | 16 months | Online |
To explore additional options, visit Fastest MBA Programs.
What Are the Cheapest MBA Programs in South Dakota?
South Dakota offers cost-effective MBA programs that provide a strong return on investment without compromising quality.
Advantages of Affordable MBA Programs:
- Access to top-tier faculty and networking opportunities
- Competitive ROI for long-term career growth
- Lower tuition rates compared to national averages
Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in South Dakota:
| School Name | MBA Program Specialty | Tuition Range | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota | General MBA | $10,500 – $14,000 | Online |
| Dakota State University | Finance | $12,500 – $16,500 | Online |
| South Dakota State University | Healthcare Management | $13,500 – $17,500 | Online |
To explore additional options, visit Cheapest MBA Programs.
Are There Online MBA Program Options in South Dakota?
South Dakota provides a variety of online MBA programs that allow working professionals to balance education with their careers.
Pros and Cons of Online MBA Programs:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible learning schedules | Limited face-to-face networking |
| Continue working while studying | Requires strong self-discipline |
| Often more affordable than on-campus | Some employers prefer traditional MBAs |
| Access to national and global networks | Fewer on-campus career services |
What Are the Admissions Requirements for MBA Programs in South Dakota?
Admissions requirements vary by program, but most universities evaluate applicants based on academic background, work experience, and leadership potential.
Pros and Cons of MBA Admissions Requirements:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree required | Some applicants may need prerequisite coursework |
| GMAT/GRE waivers available | Some programs still require standardized tests |
| Work experience preferred | Competitive programs may have limited seats |
| Career support available | Application fees may be costly |
Common Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- No GMAT/GRE waivers available for experienced professionals
- Work experience (preferred but not always required)
- Personal statement outlining career goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Application deadlines vary by institution
Popular MBA Specialties in South Dakota
South Dakota’s business landscape supports the demand for specialized MBA programs tailored to industry needs.
In-demand MBA concentrations in South Dakota:
- MBA in Finance – Prepares graduates for leadership roles in banking, investment, and financial management.
- MBA in Healthcare Management – Supports careers in hospital administration and healthcare leadership.
- MBA in Agribusiness – Equips professionals with business strategies for managing agricultural enterprises.
- MBA in Cybersecurity Management – Helps professionals protect business assets and data.
- MBA in Business Analytics – Focuses on data-driven decision-making and competitive intelligence.
Your Next Step Toward an MBA in South Dakota
An MBA in South Dakota can accelerate your career, enhance earning potential, and provide critical leadership skills. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new industry, start your own business, or move into executive leadership, South Dakota’s top online MBA programs offer the flexibility and expertise necessary for success.
Start researching programs, preparing applications, and exploring financial aid options to take the next step toward achieving your career goals.
Stay informed with expert insights on MBA programs, career development, and leadership opportunities. Whether you’re evaluating schools, preparing for admissions, or exploring career paths after graduation, our carefully selected articles offer valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximize your MBA investment.
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