Classes such as Negotiations, Business Communication and Leading in the Middle
How the UNC Online MBA Can Make You a Sought-After Leader
Earning an MBA is a powerful investment in your future—and it isn’t easy. But the right program will transform the way you think about yourself, your potential and the global business landscape.
At UNC Kenan-Flagler, we are guided by our core values of impact, innovation, integrity and inclusion. That’s why our No. 3-ranked, STEM-designated online MBA program1 has been thoughtfully crafted to give you the skills that matter most—so you can become a more strategic, inclusive and influential business leader.
Turn Your Talents Into Actualized Ambition
This program’s hyper-relevant core curriculum—including more than 40 electives—empowers you with the business acumen and essential soft skills to galvanize cross-functional relationships, build thriving, agile teams, and lead through disruption.
Explore the top six ways our online MBA amplifies your existing strengths and shapes you into the leader you were meant to be:
Learn to Better Collaborate and Communicate
Highly developed communication skills are one of the top soft skills employers report having difficulty finding.2 And it’s crucial because the most successful leaders are the ones who can facilitate meaningful connections and communicate strategy clearly and purposefully. You’ll develop in these areas every day in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s online MBA program.
Key opportunities:
Extensive and consistent interaction with a diverse set of experienced professionals from all over the country, and the world.
Group workshops (like the Leading with Impact series), team-building events, and direct contact with peers, faculty and staff during the in-person orientation and Summits.
“The most important skill that I’ve learned in the program is collaboration. I came from an industry that was very solo driven. The small class sizes, virtual breakout rooms, and group projects have all allowed me to strengthen my approach to collaboration.”
Lee M., Online MBA Class of 2022
Hone Your Executive-Level Analytical Skills
Our online MBA is STEM-designated and ranked among the best online MBAs for business analytics.3 It’s a focus area because today’s most sought-after business leaders don’t only understand the data and financials—they’re prepared to act on them at the executive level. They apply analytical skills to make data-driven, strategic decisions that guide organizations, influence outcomes, and drive positive change.
Key opportunities:
Core and elective courses on data, finance, marketing and programming
Research- and industry-leading faculty who specialize in data analytics and other quantitative fields
Optional concentration in Data Analytics and Decision Making
“My experience…got me in the room, but it was the business acumen I got from my MBA that gave me a place at the table with executives. Previously I didn’t know a lot about government, tech and particularly financial markets. Now I use that knowledge nearly every day.”
Chrissie C., Online MBA Class of 2018
Build Leadership Confidence
Alongside a range of specialized coursework, this MBA program cultivates the executive presence required to navigate professional environments with confidence as you advance along your career path.
Key opportunities:
Coursework that provides a broad knowledge base in all areas business leaders need to thrive
Faculty who support your educational and professional aspirations
Career coaches who help prepare you for interviews and events
“The confidence that I’ve gotten from this program, just from learning the concepts, has allowed me to perform and present better at work. And, honestly, has helped get me a promotion. I’ve been more confident asking for what I want and being intentional.”
Rae H., Online MBA Class of 2022
Form a Strong Network
Leaders don’t work in a vacuum—and they never should. That’s why this MBA has been built with community in mind. Between online and in-person learning experiences, you’ll get to know your peers and faculty members, and collaborate in ways that create new opportunities and lasting trust.
Key opportunities:
Bonding and networking opportunities in the virtual classroom, during the in-person orientation, and at Summits and leadership workshops
Student organizations, clubs and active social media groups run and accessed by more than 46,000 UNC Kenan-Flager graduates
Career coaches who can introduce you to influential contacts
“My favorite part of the program was the people. Despite being online, the program fostered a highly supportive community. The program’s structure (like synchronous classes, lots of teamwork on simulations and case studies) created authentic connections, and my peers became friends. Plus, faculty went above and beyond to mentor students, even outside ‘classroom’ hours.”
Lisa P., Online MBA Class of 2025
Receive Personalized Career Support
Every dimension of your online MBA experience is designed to help you translate your world-class business education into real professional advancement.
Key opportunities:
Individualized career coaching to help you clarify your goals, build a strategy, and take action at every stage of your MBA journey
Targeted programming and industry engagement to connect with employers, alumni, and peers (such as during the Leading With Impact workshop series)
Flexible, lifelong access to career resources, including resume and personal brand development, interview preparation, and curated job opportunities
“The thing that’s quite amazing about the alumni and current students in this program is that I have never had anyone say no, and I had a lot of career informational interviews and asked for a lot of help. I’ve asked people to introduce me to people at their company and help me prepare for job interviews.”
Janine C., Class of 2019
Ready to Take Control of Your Career?
For more than 15 years, UNC’s online MBA program has equipped ambitious professionals with the tools to make a lasting business impact—worldwide. If you’re ready to become part of this passionate community, begin your application today.
Related Pages
1 University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) Rankings (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 10, 2026.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 Soft skills and their importance in the labour market under the conditions of Industry 5.0 (2023). ScienceDirect. Retrieved March 11, 2026.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 10, 2026.arrow_upward