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Educational leaders play a vital role in society. They work not only to ensure that schools operate efficiently, but also that they provide students with the best education possible. Leaders with a foundation in theory, practical knowledge and strong ethics—particularly those with a master’s in education—are in demand in educational systems everywhere.
At the same time, today’s education leaders face a complex set of financial, regulatory and administrative issues. Earning an online MBA with a Chief School Business Official Specialization from Concordia University Chicago prepares graduates with the strategies and tactics needed to meet these challenges.
This on-campus or 100% online Master of Business Administration program is designed for professionals who aspire to work in influential leadership roles within the educational system.
- Ahmed Montasser Abdalbaqi
MBA '16, DBA '20
The Chief School Business Official MBA helps students:
Concordia University Chicago offers a variety of specialized MBA degrees in many disciplines and industries, including options for students interested in earning a master’s in education. The online MBA with a Chief School Business Official Specialization is designed for professionals who wish to move into educational leadership roles.
This MBA includes many of the courses featured in the core MBA degree program, plus four additional courses in specialized school management topics as well as a two-semester, six-credit internship opportunity:
The 42-credit MBA with a Chief School Business Official Specialization includes 36 hours of online coursework and a six-credit internship opportunity. The academic calendar features three 16-week semesters per year, with each semester comprised of two consecutive eight-week terms. With a total of six sessions per calendar year, students can complete the MBA program in two years by taking one class per term. However, students are encouraged to partner with their advisor to create a customized degree plan that is comfortable for their unique circumstances. Students also have the option to pursue an Illinois CSBO Management endorsement, which is highly recommended for those who plan to work in Illinois.
Students who enroll in the Chief School Business Official MBA specialization are eligible to earn an Illinois Chief School Business Official (CSBO) endorsement. The university’s curriculum adheres to state-mandated requirements for endorsement, including six credit hours of clinical experience. Students must also pass the CSBO content test #224 to attain endorsement.
Illinois CSBO endorsement is an optional component of the specialized MBA program; students from other states and countries can complete their online MBA degrees without pursuing endorsement. However, those who intend to work in Illinois may find that CSBO endorsement provides an advantage when applying for leadership positions at educational institutions and school systems throughout the state.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 5% increase in employment of school principals between 2021 and 2031.
A master’s degree in education is often required for leadership and administrative roles in the education system, along with prior teaching or administrative experience. An MBA degree with an education specialization demonstrates that graduates are knowledgeable in business theory and education system challenges, making them uniquely prepared for administrative roles.
Earning an online MBA with an education specialization prepares graduates for a variety of leadership and administration positions, including:
Salaries vary depending on the position. According to BLS data from May 2021, the median pay for school principals was $98,420 while the top 10% of principals earned more than $153,520 per year.
As these job growth numbers and earnings potential illustrate, qualified educational leaders remain in demand. Earning an online MBA with a Chief School Business Official Specialization from Concordia University Chicago will prepare you for educational leadership roles and a career that focuses on providing the best education possible for all students.
| ID | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MBAC 6000 | Managing and Leading Effective Organizations | 3 |
| MBAC 6050 | Ethics, Law and Communication in Decision Making | 3 |
| MBAC 6100 | Global Marketing in the Digital Era | 3 |
| MBAC 6155 | Organizational Behavior for Competitive Advantage | 3 |
| MBAC 6200 | Economics for Managers | 3 |
| MABC 6250 | Strategy for Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 |
| EDL 6510 | School Funding Accounting and Budgeting | 3 |
| MBAC 6350 | Managing Human Capital (HR, HCM, Global Teams) | 3 |
| EDL 6150 | School Evaluation and Change Process | 3 |
| EDL 6211 | Principles of School Business Management | 3 |
| EDL 6986 | School Business Management Internship I | 3 |
| MBAC 6690 | Capstone | 3 |
| EDL 6520 | School Finance Law | 3 |
| EDL 6987 | School Business Management Internship II | 3 |
If there is no interruption in your course of study at Concordia University Chicago, you are guaranteed there will be no increase in tuition rates. Contact us to confirm the current tuition and fees for this online MBA degree. Students who enroll in the online MBA program as a degree candidate are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Active-duty military service members, veterans and eligible dependents can take advantage of financial programs available to assist in paying for a college education. For more information, please visit the active-duty/veterans website.
To be considered for admission into the online accounting MBA degree program at Concordia University Chicago, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Complete and submit all required admission materials as follows:
International applicants may be required to submit additional supporting materials, such as proof of English language proficiency, a copy of their passport and a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved credentialing service. For full requirements, visit the Admission & Tuition page.
There is no application fee and no GRE requirement to apply for the online MBA program at Concordia University Chicago.
Concordia University Chicago
Admission Counselor
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Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.
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For more on Concordia-Chicago’s on-campus programs, visit here.