This is an MBA (Master of Business Administration) program offered by the University of Massachusetts in the United States, whose business school holds the international accreditation AACSB. The program can be completed online, and the foundation stage is taught by Japanese instructors.
About the UMass MBA
What is an MBA?
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is an academic degree—a master’s degree in business administration/management—awarded upon completion of a graduate-level master’s program. It is different from a “certification” obtained by passing an exam.
MBA programs provide a broad range of business knowledge needed in practice (e.g., accounting, strategy, organizational management, and more).
By developing a managerial perspective through not only theory but also practical case studies, an MBA serves as a credible proof of capability in business and can significantly contribute to career advancement (job changes/promotions and increased income).
What is UMass?
“The University of Massachusetts (UMass)” is a public university system headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
“UMass Lowell” is one of the five campuses within the University of Massachusetts system.
With a history of over 100 years, UMass has produced many successful alumni through an education philosophy that emphasizes practical learning. UMass Lowell has offered an MBA program since 1971 and established its online MBA program from the mid-1990s. It is a large, highly diverse business school with multinational students from around the world, and it is ranked within the top 2% globally in the 2025 World University Rankings (Times Higher Education).
Why Choose the UMass MBA
Holds the International Accreditation “AACSB”
The program holds AACSB accreditation, an international credential held by only about 5% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation has a history of over 100 years and signifies that the school has passed rigorous evaluation standards spanning hundreds of criteria.
Even among graduate schools and business schools that grant MBA degrees, only a limited number in Japan hold international accreditation—an important benchmark for determining whether an institution truly delivers MBA-level education.
Earn a U.S. MBA Degree Wherever You Are
Although the UMass MBA is an online MBA, you can earn the exact same degree as those who obtain it by attending on-campus in the United States. Because it is online, it can be earned at about one-tenth of the cost of studying abroad from Japan.
Online delivery enables you to pursue an MBA without interrupting your career and allows flexibility not only financially but also in consideration of life events and family circumstances.
A Hybrid Approach in Japanese and English
The program adopts a hybrid, two-stage curriculum: a “Foundation” stage taught by Japanese instructors and an “Advanced” stage taught by faculty based in the United States. Abitus supports the English curriculum of the University of Massachusetts thoroughly with Japanese support materials.
By learning each MBA subject from both English and Japanese perspectives, you can develop the ability to perform as a business professional in either a Japanese-language or English-language environment.
Study at Your Own Pace
You can plan a completion period from as short as under two years up to five years. During periods when you have less time, you may reduce the number of courses you take or set a period of non-enrollment, allowing you to study at a flexible pace.
Non-Degree Student Program
The Non-Degree Student Program is designed for professionals who wish to study MBA-level subjects on a course-by-course basis without committing to a full degree program from the outset. Participants enroll in individual graduate-level courses and engage in the same academic content and learning activities as degree-seeking students, including assignments and class discussions.
This option is often used as a “pre-MBA” pathway, allowing learners to experience the rigor and learning style of an MBA curriculum while building practical business knowledge and skills. At UMass, credits earned through the Non-Degree Student Program are transferable to the degree program should you decide to apply for full admission at a later stage, in accordance with the university’s policies.
Key Features
Study alongside degree-seeking students: Participate in the same lectures, assignments, and discussions as MBA candidates.
Flexible for working professionals: Designed to be manageable alongside full-time work (e.g., weekend and/or online formats, depending on the course schedule).
A pathway to future degree enrollment: Subject to university policy, credits earned may be applied toward the degree program.
Subjects Available in the UMass MBA (Non-Degree)
The UMass MBA Non-Degree Student Program offers the following five courses: Marketing Fundamentals, Organizational Behavior, Fundamentals of Finance, Financial Accounting, and Operations Fundamentals.
Of these five courses, non-degree students may enroll in up to three courses through the Non-Degree Student Program.
Notes
Please note that course availability, eligibility, and credit-transfer conditions are determined by the university and may be subject to change. We would be pleased to provide further details based on your goals and preferred timeline.
Tuition and Fees for the Program
You may choose between two payment methods: lump-sum payment or installment payment. Please refer to the tables below regarding discount application.
Full MBA Program
（１）Lump-Sum Payment
You pay the following tuition in full at the time of enrollment. The total amount is lower than under the installment plan.
At enrollment: List Price / Contracted Corporate Clients (discount applied)
- Enrollment fee (for first-time Abitus students): $100 / $0 ($100 OFF)
- Foundation tuition (6 courses) + Advanced tuition (10 courses): $32,000 / $30,500 ($1,500 OFF)
（２）Installment Payment
You can split tuition into Foundation and Advanced payments.
1st payment (Foundation tuition): at enrollment
2nd payment (Advanced tuition): upon promotion to the Advanced stage
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At enrollment (1st payment): List Price / Contracted Corporate Clients (discount applied)
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Enrollment fee (for first-time Abitus students): $100 /$0 ($100 OFF)
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Foundation tuition (6 courses): $15,063 / $15,063
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Upon promotion to Advanced stage (2nd payment): List Price / Contracted Corporate Clients (discount applied)
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Advanced tuition (10 courses): $19,177 / $18,177 ($1,000 OFF)
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Non-Degree Student Program
At enrollment: List Price / Contracted Corporate Clients (discount applied)
- Per course (Tuition): $ 2,550 / $2,350 ($200 OFF)
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