An Innovative Online MBA For Full-time Working Professionals

Searching for a well-rounded business education centered around innovation, leadership, and hands-on learning? The University of Missouri’s Trulaske College of Business offers the uniquely forward-thinking Full-time Crosby MBA program in the United States. Delivered 100% online, this program produces career-ready graduates with the skills and mindset to thrive in a modern business environment.  

Joe Miller, Trulaske’s Admissions & Recruitment Manager, shares his insights and advice on maximizing your MBA experience and explains why pursuing an MBA online offers unique benefits for modern professionals. 

Standing Out in a Competitive Space

The University of Missouri has always been a hub of innovation. In 1882, electrical pioneer Thomas Edison donated a dynamo to the university. Just six years later, the university’s Academic Hall was one of the first buildings in the world to be lit electrically. This legacy of innovation lives on today, especially within the university’s dedicated business school, Trulaske College of Business.

Studying for an MBA at such a prestigious school demonstrates a certain level of knowledge, competence, and character, as Joe explains.

“It really shows, not just that you understand business concepts, but that you have certain critical thinking skills,” he says. (00:44)

The program is rooted in foundational business concepts, including finance, accounting, and marketing. Students are then introduced to more individualized competencies, including business ethics, consulting, and business analytics, with an aim to create well-rounded business leaders.

Teamwork, Problem-Solving, and the Digitalized Workplace

Trulaske’s Crosby MBA brings enhanced adaptability to its students. “Our program is one hundred percent online and asynchronous,” Joe shares. “So, it’s very much designed to be flexible for full-time working professionals.” (01:52)

The online format of this MBA program brings a host of additional benefits. Chief among them is the ability to effectively collaborate and work in a team via digital tools such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

“In our MBA program, we have several courses that are collaborative, where you’ll be in a group for the whole course,” says Joe. “Whether that’s consulting or strategic management, [you’ll] solve some of these complex business problems or do simulations, it’s very good practice for those work environments. Because, obviously, remote work and hybrid work are so much of the workforce at this point.” (03:05)

This forward-thinking program prepares professionals for the modern digital business environment. familiar with digital tools, including communication and project management platforms. This enhances digital literacy and provides hands-on experience of daily remote and hybrid work environments.

Expanding the MBA Network Online

For a traditional in-person MBA program, participants would either have to be local residents or have to relocate.

As a result of introducing an online MBA, Trulaske has diversified its cohort. “We have students in St. Louis, in Kansas City, in Chicago; across the country in all these different places… [with] building that network, you’re able to expand that geography pretty far,” explains Joe. (03:43)

With a broader ranging cohort, students can take advantage of better networking opportunities and a richer variety of perspectives.

Tailoring the MBA Experience With the Built-in Graduate Certificate

Truslake’s Crosby MBA offers an in-built, standalone graduate certificate. This acts as an additional credential that each student earns during their studies. This allows students to hone in on a specialization. This could be an area they are passionate about or a topic that will help them on their professional path.

The built-in graduate certificate offers a range of disciplines, as Joe elaborates, “Things like financial management, marketing analytics, global supply chain management.” He adds that there are,  “Different types of options for students to help them out professionally and just expand their horizons.” (04:27)

Other in-demand pathways include construction management, human resource management, investments, life science innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Deciding on the Right Time to Study For an MBA 

It’s one of the most frequently asked questions for those considering an MBA. Is there a ‘right’ time to pursue this life-changing experience? Is there a risk that you’re not fully prepared? And is it possible to leave it too late? 

As Trulaske’s Admissions Recruitment Manager, Joe has seen all kinds of students thrive during the MBA program. And for him, there’s no ideal time to study for an MBA.

According to Joe, he sees “students who come straight from undergrad, who are very high-quality candidates.” He adds, “They’ve gotten multiple internships, are very involved on campus, [and are] stellar candidates for the program.” (04:45)

“And then I see some candidates who come back, 15 or 20 years later, after completing undergrad,” he notes. “So, I think it really depends on the candidate themselves and when they feel ready for it.” (04:58) Although encouraged, the program does not require professional work or internship experience, adding to the accessibility of the program.

With the level of flexibility afforded by its online format, the University of Missouri MBA is an ideal fit for a wide variety of candidates. Whether you’re an experienced professional with family and work commitments or an undergraduate starting your career journey, it’s the perfect launching pad in the Midwest for a purposeful career. 

Trading Perspectives, Shaping Leaders 

Trulaske’s Crosby MBA program offers a rich variety of perspectives, with such a diverse cohort bringing differing experiences to the program. As Joe reflects, the mix of younger undergraduate and seasoned professionals creates an interesting dynamic.

“For the working professionals who have been out there for 15 or 20 years, it gives them that fresher experience,” he says. “A lot has happened in the past 15 or 20 years… economic lessons learned and changes in the industry and best practices. Joe adds, [For example] There’s more of an emphasis on social media marketing now.” (05:52)

And for the younger professionals? Joe states that, “They get the perspective of people who have worked for 10 or 15 years, seen different trends, had different work experiences that they can apply in the classroom.” He adds, “Instead of just talking about organizational behavioral theory, they have some examples from different managers or different workplaces they’ve been in.” (06:31)

Ultimately, students are provided a balance of theory and practical learning to strengthen their knowledge and best prepare them for future challenges during a long, successful career.  

Stay ahead of Industry Trends with our student insights from MBAs all over the world.