Ten years ago, the University of Kansas School of Business launched the online MBA with a clear goal: to deliver a rigorous, high-quality business education in a format that worked for professionals balancing career, life, and ambition.
Now, as the online MBA program marks its 10-year milestone, KU is also introducing the online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), signaling the next evolution of its graduate business portfolio. Together, these accomplishments tell a larger story: one of continuous innovation, intentional growth, and a deep commitment to preparing professionals for the realities of modern business.
Building more than a degree
From the beginning, the online MBA was designed to shape how students think, lead, and contribute.
Program Director Adi Masli describes the outcome this way: graduates leave with “not only a world-class graduate business education but also the highest standards of professionalism and the mindset of a knowledge leader—creating, applying, and sharing expertise that generates value within their organizations and throughout the communities and industries they serve.”
That emphasis on impact has guided the program’s development over the past decade and continues to define its future direction.
A faculty-driven experience
A major factor behind the program’s success has been its faculty. With both their expertise and ability to drive engagement, they set the tone of the programs and a high bar for performance.
“We are proud to have attracted, and are committed to retaining, the very best faculty,” Masli explains, noting that professors are not only subject-matter experts but also deeply invested in student success.
That investment extends beyond the classroom. Faculty are continuously supported in refining their teaching and embracing new approaches.
“We support and encourage our faculty to continuously innovate and elevate their capabilities, embracing new pedagogies, technologies, and approaches that deliver exceptional learning experiences,” Masli says.
Staying ahead of a changing business landscape
Over the last decade, the pace of change in business has accelerated dramatically. In response, the online MBA has continuously evolved its curriculum to stay relevant.
Masli emphasizes that commitment: “We are committed to ensuring our curriculum stays ahead of the curve, continuously evolving to reflect the realities of the business environment, including emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, labor market shifts, and global changes.”
That same forward-looking mindset is a driving force behind the launch of the online MSBA.
Expanding access with the online MSBA
The introduction of the Online MSBA reflects both market demand and institutional momentum. Designed for professionals looking to deepen or pivot their expertise, the program blends technical analytics skills with business strategy in a flexible, online format.
“We know many capable professionals want to deepen their analytics expertise but need a program that fits their lives,” said Dean Jide Wintoki. “This online program creates more pathways for people to access a KU Business graduate degree that can help them turn data into better decisions.”
Dee Steinle, executive director of MBA and M.S. programs, highlighted the broader need the program addresses: “Across industries, organizations are looking for professionals who can not only analyze data but also translate it into strategic insight. Expanding the KU MSBA to the online space allows us to prepare more graduates with the analytics skills needed to support smarter decision-making.”
The program integrates topics like artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, and data management to prepare students to apply analytics in real business contexts while communicating insights effectively.
Flexibility without compromise
Flexibility has always been central to the online MBA’s design and it remains a priority as KU expands its online offerings.
“We want to offer the most flexible program experience possible,” Masli says, “continuously improving our curriculum design, platform, and delivery to accommodate the priorities of the working professionals we proudly serve.”
At the same time, KU has worked to ensure that flexibility does not come at the expense of connection.
“We are committed to ensuring that even within an online environment, our students feel connected to one another, to their faculty, and to the KU Business School community,” he adds.
A growing ecosystem of opportunity
As the online MBA has matured, so has its ambition.
“We aspire to sustain a program that is respected nationally as one of the very best online MBA programs in the country,” Masli says, pointing to a long-term vision centered on quality, reputation, and impact.
The addition of the online MSBA further strengthens that vision, creating opportunities for students to build complementary skill sets, including the option to pursue a fully online dual MBA/MSBA pathway.
Looking beyond graduation
For KU Business, the student journey does not end at graduation.
“We aspire to build a lifelong relationship with our alumni,” Masli says, emphasizing continued access to knowledge, faculty, and community.
That long-term connection is paired with an expectation of engagement.
“We want to inspire our alumni to stay engaged with current and future students as valued network members and mentors who give back.”
The next chapter
The throughline across the online business programs remains clear: a commitment to relevance, flexibility, and impact, preparing graduates not only to adapt to change, but to lead through it.
As KU Business enters its next decade of online education, that mission continues to evolve and will remain grounded in experience and focused firmly on the future.