Here’s a detailed review of the Arizona State University (ASU) W. P. Carey School of Business Online MBA program, covering what makes it strong, what to watch out for, and whether it could be right for you. If you like, I can also compare it with similar programs in your region.
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Table of Contents
- Overview & Reputation
- Curriculum & Academic Structure
- Flexibility, Delivery & Key Features
- Costs, Admissions & Entry Requirements
- Strengths / Advantages
- Drawbacks / Limitations
- Who It’s Best Suited For
- FAQs
- Verdict
1. Overview & Reputation
- The Online MBA is delivered by ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, which is one of the better-known schools in the U.S. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- According to U.S. News & World Report (2025), the ASU W. P. Carey Online MBA is ranked No. 7 among online MBA programs in the U.S. (US News)
- It also has strong specialty rankings: general management, business analytics, finance, marketing etc. (news.wpcarey.asu.edu)
- ASU invests in online business education, and the online programs (MBA + other grad business) are consistently in or near the top 10 in national rankings. (news.asu.edu)
So the reputation is solid, especially among online MBA options. It is credible, recognized, and has proven consistency.
2. Curriculum & Academic Structure
Here are how the academics are set up:
- Program Length: 24 months typical duration. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Course Format: One core course at a time, each lasting 5 weeks, with 3 credits per course. (ems.wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Core Courses: Key business fundamentals: leadership, teams/org behaviour; statistics; financial performance; strategy; sources of competitive advantage; etc. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Electives / Concentrations: Several options to tailor the MBA, including specialties in areas like Business Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, among others. (live-wpc-wpcarey.ws.asu.edu)
- Concurrent degrees: Option to do additional credentials along with the MBA in some cases. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Same curriculum and faculty as in the full-time and evening MBA programs. Thus, students online are learning from faculty who teach on campus as well. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
3. Flexibility, Delivery & Key Features
- Start Dates: Multiple per year — typically January, May, August and sometimes other months. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Delivery Mode: Fully online for most coursework. There is a face-to-face orientation once at ASU campus, after which coursework is online. (news.asu.edu)
- Class Format: Online modules, team-based projects (case-based), interaction with faculty and classmates. Emphasis on “connected leadership” and learning by doing. (ems.wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Support Services: Access to career coaching, online student services, etc. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Customization: With electives and concentrations, so you can steer toward your interest. (live-wpc-wpcarey.ws.asu.edu)
4. Costs, Admissions & Entry Requirements
Cost
- The tuition/fees estimate for the program is ~$72,000 (same for resident, nonresident, international) in U.S. dollars. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Though expensive, W. P. Carey claims this is competitive for a top-10 online MBA program. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
Admissions & Requirements
- No GMAT or GRE required. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree, plus professional work experience. (While the exact minimum years may vary, typically 2-5 years or more is expected for most U.S. online MBAs.) (wpcarey.asu.edu)
- English proficiency if applicable. Also the online application, essays / statements, resume etc.
Other Application Info
- Deadlines are rolling / several rounds each year. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
5. Strengths / Advantages
Here are some of the things that make ASU W. P. Carey Online MBA quite attractive:
- Strong reputation and ranking among online MBAs, so your degree carries weight.
- Same curriculum / faculty as on-campus program, meaning no compromise on academic rigor.
- Flexibility: multiple start dates, online delivery, pacing with working careers.
- Elective variety and concentration options, allowing alignment with your career goals.
- Career services and coaching support, even for online students.
- Global reach and network: ASU is large with a broad alumni base; online offerings broaden access.
- AACSB accreditation ensures recognition and quality. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
6. Drawbacks / Limitations
No program is perfect. Here are some things to be aware of / potential trade-offs:
- Cost is high: ~$72,000 is a significant investment; you’ll want to ensure ROI justifies it.
- Online vs in-person networking: While online students get some interaction, they miss out on some of the spontaneous networking of full-time programs.
- Workload & time pressure: 5-week intensive courses mean fast pace. If you are working full-time or have other commitments, balancing could be tough.
- Geographical / time-zone issues: Depending where you are, live sessions or collaboration may happen at odd times.
- Perception in certain sectors: Some employers (especially in consulting, IB, etc.) may still prefer full-time / on-campus MBAs or prestige school in-person programs.
- Travel requirement: Though minimal (orientation once), it may still require some travel depending on resident.
7. Who It’s Best Suited For
Given the features, Strengths, and limitations, the ASU W. P. Carey Online MBA is best suited for:
- Mid-career professionals who need to continue working while studying.
- Individuals who want a strong, recognized MBA but cannot leave their current location or job.
- Those who prefer flexible pacing and concentrated course formats.
- Learners who want to specialize or focus in data analytics / AI / business analytics, etc.
- International students who want a U.S. degree with strong online presence and reputation.
It may be less well suited for those needing intensive in-person networking, or making radical career pivots into sectors that almost always recruit from full-time MBAs (e.g. certain consulting firms), unless complemented by other efforts.
8. FAQs
Q1. Will the diploma say “online” MBA?
A: Usually, ASU’s online MBA is the same degree as the on-campus/evening program, so the diploma doesn’t explicitly say “online.” The content and faculty are the same. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
Q2. How long do I need to complete it if working full time?
A: Typically 24 months is standard. You can spread out, but the pace is structured with 5-week courses. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
Q3. Is GMAT required?
A: No. ASU does not require GMAT/GRE for its online MBA. (wpcarey.asu.edu)
Q4. How credible is the online MBA from ASU in the job market?
A: Very credible, especially given high national rankings, recognized accreditation (AACSB), and that the online MBA uses the same faculty and curriculum as the in-person programs. It may depend on employer context, but many online ASU MBAs are respected.
Q5. What concentrations are available?
A: Among others: Business Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and some others. (live-wpc-wpcarey.ws.asu.edu)
9. Verdict
The ASU W. P. Carey Online MBA is a strong program. It offers good reputation, flexibility, academic rigor, and credible credentials. If you’re able to commit the time and expense, it’s likely to deliver strong value, especially for working professionals or those seeking to grow in business leadership, analytics, or similar paths.
If I were advising you personally, I would suggest comparing this with a few peer programs (online MBAs from schools similarly ranked) to check cost, networking opportunities, and post-MBA outcomes (salary uplift, promotion chances) to ensure it matches your goals.