Online MBA (OMBA)
Online MBA
The Online MBA is a rigorous, two-year program designed specifically for ambitious professionals ready to take their careers to the next level. With a strategically integrated curriculum, the program provides the flexibility of self-paced, asynchronous coursework with the depth and connection of live, interactive learning.
The powerful blend of learning formats allows you to gain not only the knowledge, but the leadership skills needed to move into managerial roles – or pivot to new industries or job functions – with confidence.
What sets our Online MBA apart? It’s the synergy of four key elements: an industry-driven curriculum, purposefully designed course delivery, a collaborative cohort model, and instruction from expert faculty. Together, they create an immersive and dynamic learning experience from one of the top business schools in the country.
You’ll join a community of motivated professionals, experience academic rigor, and build lasting connections – all while maintaining the flexibility to balance your education with your career.
USC MARSHALL ADVANTAGE
Distinguished Faculty
Ayse Imrohoroglu is a macroeconomist who specializes in understanding business cycles, inflation, unemployment insurance, and social security. Her work has been published in the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Review of Economic Studies, and Journal of Monetary Economics. She received a National Science Foundation grant in 1992 to investigate the effects of social security programs on economies with imperfect insurance. From 2004 to 2007, she was Chair of the Department of Finance and Business Economics.
Peter Kim studies the dynamics of interpersonal perceptions and their implications for negotiations, work groups, and dispute resolution. His research has been published in numerous scholarly journals, received ten national/international awards, and has been featured by the New York Times, Washington Post, and National Public Radio. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Academy of Management Review and the Journal of Trust Research, on the editorial boards of Organization Science and Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, and as Chair of the Academy of Management’s Conflict Management Division. He received a teaching award from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Dina Mayzlin research focuses on how businesses manage social interactions. She also studies advertising and communication strategies. Professor Mayzlin's research has won a number of awards, including the John D.C. Little Best Paper Award, the ISMS Long Term Impact Award, the O'Dell Long Term Impact Award, and the Frank M. Bass Outstanding Dissertation Award. She served as an Associate Editor at Marketing Science and Journal of Marketing Research and serves on the editorial boards of several marketing journals. Prior joining USC, Professor Mayzlin served on the faculty of Yale University's School of Management.
Shane Heitzman specializes in the economic consequences of corporate and individual taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and information quality in capital markets. His research is published in top accounting and finance journals and he serves an associate editor for the Journal of Accounting and Economics and The Accounting Review.
Alumni Making An Impact
Heather Forst
"USC has an impressive reputation for having one of the country’s highest-rated online MBA programs. As a Southern California native, I wanted something that allowed me the flexibility to keep my job and be on campus when I needed or wanted to. USC’s “flipped classroom” approach allowed me to work at my own pace during the week, then meet twice a week with my cohort and professors to have lively discussions about what we learned in our self-study."
Marcus Brown
"I chose USC because of the professors teaching both online and in person on campus. To me, it was critical that I received as similar as possible of an education as a Full-Time on campus MBA student. USC was one of few schools that had professors that taught both in-person and online. This allowed professors to understand the needs of online students while being able to accurately represent the on-campus culture."
Ta’Sheema Taylor
"I chose OMBA over other programs because of its flexibility combined with the residential week experience. Due to my demanding career and work travel, meeting in-person requirements of other program types was not realistic. OMBA provided the flexibility I needed for work without compromising the quality of the curriculum or the student experience. Specifically, the residential week eliminated my concerns about making authentic connections with my peers, professors, and program staff by providing the same in-person experience of as other programs. In addition, living on campus allowed me to develop authentic relationships with my cohort as well as students from different Cohorts and Marshall programs."
Brandon Bessler
"The Trojan Network and the wonderful humans at USC Marshall. From my first official interview to countless zoom calls with previous graduates to “vet” the program, everyone who had an experience with USC Marshall had something great to say about it. Each conversation with an alum led to a plethora of new connections who were equally keen to discuss their experiences. There were no empty offers. For a top 10 program, I was delighted to experience such a strong sense of belonging, identity, and care for others. Regrettably, this was something I didn’t sense when interviewing for other programs. A big portion of an MBA experience is the network you develop, and I could not be more pleased with my professional connections at and from USC."
The Online MBA Experience
Key Features of the Cohort Model
Intentional Groups
Students are grouped into cohorts comprising driven professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. This intentional selection promotes rich discussions and varied perspectives, enhancing the learning experience.
Collaborative Learning
Students actively engage with one another through a mix of asynchronous coursework and live virtual sessions. This format empowers them to share knowledge, challenge ideas, and learn from each other’s professional experiences, fostering deeper connections and practical insights.
Supportive Community
The cohort structure encourages students to build strong, lasting relationships from day one. Throughout the program, they collaborate on projects and support one another through personal and professional milestones. This peer-driven environment encourages open communication, mutual accountability, and shared success.
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