Articles

How To Find A Reputable Distance Learning MBA Program

2010-08-02

A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree can enhance the business professional's real world experience with multi-faceted business education. However, most business professionals do not have time to go through a traditional MBA program with a reputable university. Traditional programs may take any where from 15 months to 2 years for a full-time student. Professional MBA students can take as long as 6 years to complete traditional MBAs due to the multiple outside obligations. A distance learning MBA gives professional students a chance to take classes without stepping foot inside a physical classroom.

Researching a distance learning MBA is different than finding a traditional MBA program. The first step to finding MBAs online is to choose a specialty. MBA students can specialize in Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology/Systems, Operations, and Entrepreneurship. Though many schools are offering more exotic specializations, distance education programs generally offer the widely accepted options. If a prospective student already has the specialty chosen, the matter of finding a program is as simple as an Internet search of online MBA programs offering that specialty.

The next step in finding the program is to confirm its accreditation. The organizations that accredit schools and colleges of business are called The Association to Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and/or The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes both of these accreditation avenues. Some companies, though, refuse to reimburse expenses for programs that are not accredited by the AACSB. The difference between the AACSB and the ACBSP is usually insignificant when it comes down to employers choosing to hire a candidate; many are satisfied with the MBA degree regardless of which organization accredits the program.

All distance learning programs have websites and processes for requesting information online. Once the specialty decision has been made, all the information comes via e-mail or snail mail. Once the distance learning MBA program's accreditation has been verified with either the ACBSP or the AACSB, the decision is left to the prospective student. Often times admissions representatives help the student adjust to online learning by walking through the university sign-in and popular resources.

Earning an MBA is a big step in career advancement. Though the established business professional does not have time to continue education in a traditional setting, distance learning MBA programs give him the opportunity to earn MBAs that give him an educational edge and an advantage over other employees. Finding a reputable distance learning MBA means certifying that the program is accredited with the proper organizations and ensuring that program will fulfill all the needs of today's companies.