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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's online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management transforms professionals through a comprehensive 36-42 credit hour program. Tailored for business and non-business graduates, the curriculum develops advanced skills in logistics, quality control, and global market strategies. AACSB accredited and offering flexible learning formats, students gain specialized training in supply chain dynamics and strategic decision-making. Military-friendly and featuring an accelerated B.B.A./M.B.A. option, the program prepares leaders to optimize complex operational challenges across diverse industries.
- 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
University of South Dakota's online MBA in Business Analytics equips professionals with cutting-edge analytical skills through a 39-45 credit hour program. Students master descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics techniques applicable to manufacturing, customer relationship management, and supply chain sectors. AACSB International accredited, the curriculum offers non-thesis and thesis tracks, enabling comprehensive business process optimization. With an affordable $35 application fee and flexible delivery options, the program empowers professionals to drive strategic decision-making through advanced data-driven insights.
- 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 MBA in Finance develops financial leaders through a rigorous 36-42 credit hour program. AACSB accredited, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and complex financial modeling. Students explore equity and debt markets, portfolio management, and international finance perspectives. Designed for both business and non-business backgrounds, the flexible program features core business courses, investment focus, and leadership development. An accelerated B.B.A./M.B.A. option enhances career advancement opportunities.
- 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
University of South Dakota's online MBA with Sustainability concentration prepares forward-thinking professionals to drive environmental innovation. The AACSB-accredited program offers flexible learning formats including full-time, hybrid, and online options. Students develop critical skills in strategic sustainability integration, social responsibility, and complex industry challenges. With a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA requirement and a $35 application fee, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Ideal for professionals seeking to incorporate sustainability principles into strategic business decision-making.
- 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 MBA offers seven unique concentration areas, enabling professionals to customize their educational journey. With business leadership as a core focus, the program provides asynchronous learning options accommodating diverse career trajectories. Students benefit from stackable course credits, flexible on-campus and online formats, and comprehensive professional development opportunities. Designed for ambitious professionals, the program supports strategic skill enhancement across multiple business domains.
- 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
University of South Dakota's online MBA delivers comprehensive leadership development through seven specialized concentration options. The program empowers professionals with flexible, asynchronous learning formats compatible with dynamic work schedules. Featuring business leadership and sustainability tracks, students gain stackable credentials and advanced strategic thinking skills. The AACSB-accredited curriculum supports career-driven individuals seeking comprehensive business knowledge and adaptable professional growth opportunities.
- 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
University of South Dakota's Executive MBA provides a cutting-edge hybrid leadership program for senior professionals. Developed collaboratively with the Sioux Falls business community, this two-year cohort-based curriculum spans 30 credits across 10 courses. Focusing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, business analytics, and operations management, the program balances academic theory with practical applications. With competitive pricing, AACSB accreditation, and employer nomination requirements, the program prepares executives for strategic leadership roles.
- 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
University of South Dakota's innovative M.D.-MBA Program bridges medical expertise with business acumen. This hybrid four-year program integrates 33 MBA credits within the medical curriculum, preparing physician-leaders for strategic healthcare management. Primarily online with select in-person experiences, the program develops comprehensive skills in healthcare business, strategic decision-making, and leadership. Designed for medical students seeking to transform healthcare delivery, the program offers a unique pathway to holistic professional development.
- 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 offers an online MBA in Healthcare Management designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare. This IACBE-accredited program can be completed in 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time, with rolling enrollment and no application fee. At $430 per credit, it covers healthcare systems, legal regulations, and strategic problem-solving. No entrance exam is required, and the program emphasizes a Christian university setting with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- 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
University of Sioux Falls provides an online MBA in Organizational Leadership focusing on ethical leadership and strategic thinking. This flexible program, requiring no GMAT, can be finished in 12-21 months with rolling enrollment and multiple start dates. Priced at $15,450 total, it features small classes and personalized guidance, ideal for working professionals. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and includes options for up to 9 transfer credits in a Christian 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
This online MBA with a Business Innovation and Marketing concentration at University of Sioux Falls blends core management with specialized marketing skills. The 36-semester-hour program includes 12 credits in innovation and marketing research, with rolling enrollment every 7 weeks and no application fee. IACBE-accredited, it requires a personal statement and transcripts but no entrance exam, set in a Christian university with start dates from September to June.
- 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
University of Sioux Falls' online MBA with a General Management concentration offers a 36-semester-hour curriculum in strategic leadership and organizational dynamics. Flexible options include online and on-campus formats, completable in 12-21 months with classes starting every 7 weeks. No application fee or entrance exam is required, and it emphasizes critical thinking for career advancement in a Christian setting, with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- 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 ˅
*Reference: U.S. DOE, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data release.
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.
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