What Is Kaplan University's Online MBA Program Like?

Founded in 1937, Kaplan University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. The university is known for providing innovative online programs. To learn more about Kaplan's online programs, particularly the online MBA program, I interviewed Betty Vandenbosch, Ph.D., Dean of the Kaplan University School of Business. Here's what she had to say about the Kaplan MBA:

1) Can you start by telling us a little bit about Kaplan University's MBA program?

Kaplan University’s online Master of Business Administration program is a dynamic, 21st-century-driven program that is designed to offer the right balance of theory and practice to help prepare students for advancement in competitive business environments.

While the traditional MBA model segments disciplines into silos, the Kaplan program offers functional and multidisciplinary courses that mesh topics such as risk management, supply chain management and sustainable development into one class.

What also sets the Kaplan University MBA apart is its focus on the practice of management and the immediate application of learning in students’ organizations. Kaplan University designs its programs to help students obtain practical skills and knowledge to equip them to make sound business and management decisions.

The program has also been recently enhanced to include project portfolios. Rather than relying solely on traditional business school case studies, the Kaplan University MBA requires students to identify business challenges in their current workplace and devise business solutions. These projects become part of a portfolio that the students can use to implement improvements in their current organizations or to demonstrate skills as they apply for leadership roles. Company-specific projects are designed to deliver a rapid return on the educational investment.

Kaplan University’s MBA program consists of a minimum of 60 quarter credit hours and can take between one and two years to complete.

2) Kaplan University has a "Focused MBA" option that allows students to develop expertise in a particular area. What areas can students specialize in?

Choosing an area of specialization can help students stand out to potential employers and gain the respect of employees and staff. The Kaplan University MBA program provides students with the opportunity to specialize in entrepreneurship, finance, health care management, human resources, international business, marketing, project management and, supply chain management and logistics.

3) Can you provide a general overview of the Kaplan MBA admissions process?

The best way for students to learn more about the MBA admissions process is to speak to an admissions representative. To begin, students may simply fill out a student information form online at www.kaplan.edu/business or call (866) 527-5268 (toll free) to speak to an admissions advisor.

The minimum requirements for admissions include a transcript indicating receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a current professional resume and an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or greater. Applicants must also pay a $45 tuition deposit and complete an informational interview, which may be done by phone. Alternative admissions procedures are also available for students who do not meet the GPA requirements.

4) Do you have special requirements for foreign students?

The University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. Foreign students must have transcripts that meet equivalency approval and must meet minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirements, certifying English proficiency. They also must provide evidence of adequate financial resources, since the majority of U.S. government financial assistance is not offered to international students.

5) Does it matter where an applicant completed their undergraduate education?

No, it doesn’t matter where an applicant completed their undergraduate education as long as the college or university is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If the school is not — for example, students who attended school overseas — transcripts must be submitted and evaluated for equivalency prior to enrollment.

6) Is financial aid available?

Absolutely. As a regionally accredited learning institution, qualified students may receive Title IV federal financial aid for any Kaplan University degree program. In addition, we can help students determine if they are eligible for state and federal grants, including Pell Grants, the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and federal loans.