Online MBA programs allow students to juggle their busy careers, family, and life. But online doesn’t mean easy; students should expect to work hard to complete their coursework.
Admission requirements vary but typically include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, GMAT scores (waivers available), and a statement of purpose.
Accreditation
Accreditation of online MBA programs is a sign that the institution meets standards set by an authority. It also makes the program more eligible for financial aid. Students can learn more about accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education website, which lists regional and specialized accrediting agencies.
While an MBA can be expensive, many students can fund the degree with loans or scholarships. Additionally, some employers will reimburse MBA students for their expenses. Regardless of how you finance your degree, it would be best if you could find online MBA programs accredited.
Many top online MBA programs offer flexible course schedules and small class sizes. These features allow students to tailor their studies to busy lives and careers.
Coursework
Whether students attend MBA classes online or on campus, they should be prepared to invest the same time and effort. A prestigious business school does not hand out MBA diplomas for half-hearted work.
In addition, an MBA program’s curriculum should provide career-building opportunities beyond coursework and lectures. This includes internships, networking events, and mentoring sessions with faculty and fellow students. Some MBA programs also include international residencies, which give students a chance to study abroad.
Some online MBA programs have accelerated courses, allowing students to earn their degrees in less than a year. Other schools have cohorts, grouping students with similar goals and aptitudes to progress through the program’s curriculum as a unit. Other programs offer asynchronous communication, text chat windows, and videoconferencing to facilitate student interaction in different locations. This format allows for more significant student interaction and fosters connections that can last well into a student’s career.
Flexibility
The flexibility of online MBA programs allows students to work around their existing obligations and schedules, making it easier to pursue their education. Many business schools offer synchronous and asynchronous classes so students can choose the best time to access course material and participate in discussions.
In addition, many MBA programs allow students to earn their degrees at a part-time pace, which can help them juggle work and family commitments. Additionally, most schools have flexible admissions requirements, allowing them to accept applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs or standardized test scores.
Finally, many programs provide scholarships to deserving candidates, including current or former military personnel. In addition, some employers reimburse some or all of the cost of a degree, which can further offset tuition costs. These factors can make an online MBA worth it for some prospective students.
Careers
Online MBA programs are excellent for working professionals who can’t take time off to attend campus-based business school. They typically offer fine-tuned curricula on management theory and leadership that can be applied immediately in the workplace. These programs also provide a wide range of specializations in international business, management information systems, and real estate.
Some schools host virtual networking events and rely on videoconferencing for class discussions.
Some online MBA programs offer asynchronous courses that allow students to view class materials conveniently, while others require weekly meetings with professors and peers. Some also combine asynchronous study periods with a short, on-campus residency. This is the aspect of the program that most resemble traditional classroom learning. Prospective MBA students must understand that online is not easy and should be prepared to work hard on their degrees.