Advanced business knowledge can open doors to leadership roles and long-term career growth across the most competitive job markets. Earning a graduate degree is an effective way to build essential business skills and prepare for new opportunities in a changing economy.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program from Emporia State University equips students with the tools to succeed in a wide range of industries. With a focus on core business areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy, this program prepares working professionals to lead and make decisions that drive results. Students graduate from this program in a strong position to contribute to growing companies and expand their career options in Kansas and beyond.
The Expanding Business Landscape in Kansas
Kansas continues to strengthen its reputation as a hub for business growth and innovation. The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Framework for Growth focuses on several priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, electric power generation, livestock processing, logistics, and business services. These industries need business professionals with strong financial, marketing, and management skills, exactly the kind of expertise developed in an MBA program.
Courses such as Advanced Financial Management and Accounting Information for Management provide students with hands-on experience in analyzing budgets, managing financial resources, and building decision-making tools. These are vital skills for companies in Kansas that are expanding their operations and need professionals who can quickly contribute.
Local Opportunities for MBA Graduates in Kansas City
Companies across Kansas are actively seeking professionals with business training who can take on management and leadership roles. The online MBA program equips students to meet this demand. In the Marketing Strategy course, students learn how to evaluate the needs of a rapidly evolving marketplace and shape marketing plans that align with company objectives.
This is especially important in regions like Kansas City, the 15th-largest industrial market in the U.S. and where new businesses and large corporations continue to fuel job growth. According to the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), Kansas is likely to experience steady job growth across multiple sectors, particularly in areas such as professional services and logistics. Business professionals who can manage teams, solve complex problems, and enhance efficiency will play a crucial role in shaping that future.
As highlighted in Staffing by Starboard, Kansas City has emerged as a top market for both employers and job seekers. The area has attracted companies such as Eastern Airlines, which recently selected the region for its new headquarters. The airline cited Kansas City’s central location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment as key reasons for the move. MBA graduates with strong communication and planning skills can help companies like this grow and thrive.
Accelerate Career Development With an MBA
MBA graduates can expect to earn substantial salaries in today’s market. In Kansas, the average annual salary for someone with an MBA is just under $150,000, according to ZipRecruiter. Senior-level roles and specialized positions in finance, marketing, and operations often come with even higher salaries, with the top 10% of earners receiving nearly $180,000 per year on average.
As businesses grow and industries shift, employers seek candidates who can lead with confidence and adapt to change. The online MBA program develops critical thinking, decision-making, and strategic leadership skills. These are especially useful in industries that are undergoing rapid transformation — from manufacturing to healthcare and technology.
Courses in the online MBA program go beyond theory to teach real-life skills in each of these specialized areas. For example, in the Accounting Information for Management course, students work with spreadsheets and real-world case studies to sharpen their analytical skills. These lessons translate directly to the workplace, helping graduates manage budgets, lead projects, and communicate ideas clearly to stakeholders. Whether you’re managing supply chains, leading marketing teams, or helping a business scale its financial operations, an MBA helps you stand out and take on more responsibility with confidence.
Unlock New Possibilities With a Kansas-based MBA Online Program
Pursuing an MBA online is a big step, but it can lead to lasting rewards. With a strong focus on leadership, financial management, and real-world problem-solving, Emporia State’s online MBA program gives you the flexibility to learn on your schedule and develop the skills to grow your career.
Kansas is investing in its business future — and you can be part of it. Earning a graduate degree gives you the credentials and confidence to take on more responsibility, explore new opportunities, and play a key role in shaping your organization’s success.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online Master of Business Administration program.
