Articles

MBA Options - Online, On-Campus or Both

2008-11-03

The business world is universally recognized as one of the fastest paced environments in the job market, which is what draws many professionals to pursue a career in business. However, many business professionals find that, by the time they are ready to take the next step in their career, they don't have the time to commit to earning an MBA. An MBA, while instrumental in attaining higher pay, greater respect and increased marketability, is often prohibitively taxing in regards to time and money. Institutions have begun to recognize this conundrum and are responding with flexible options for those who want to continue their education without sacrificing their career.

In a world where business is conducted by phone, teleconference, email and fax, it's no surprise that earning an education can be achieved in a similar fashion. Because professionals in the business world recognize the efficacy of corresponding electronically, an online MBA degree has increasingly more clout on a resume. Still, some still prefer to attend an MBA program on-campus.

The main perceived benefit of earning an MBA in person versus enrolling online is networking. Full-time MBA students have ample opportunity to socialize and network with peers, professors and administrators at colleges and universities. These relationships sometimes endure after graduation, leading to business deals and other ventures.

However, the opinion that distance learning programs afford no opportunities for interaction is a perception. Online learning programs are structured to facilitate a highly collaborative education. With students and teachers accessible 24 hours a day via email, chat rooms, message boards and online learning modules, some online programs are even more collaborative than a packed lecture hall.

In an attempt to offer the best of both worlds, some colleges and universities are now offering "blended" MBA programs. These programs allow students to take as many classes that can fit into their schedule and are based off of on-campus classes. Students enrolled in blended MBA programs have the option of attending the class in-person, completing the course online or a combination of both. This flexibility ensures that students get the same level of education as on-campus students while still allowing them to work around a busy work and life schedule.

The first step in choosing which type of program is best for is to diligently research your options. As more schools begin offering online programs, there are an increasing amount of choices. It is important to choose a school that will meet all of the following criteria:

• Offers a strong program in your concentration
• Is flexible around your time commitments
• Is accredited by a regional or national accreditor
• Is a reputable and respected institution

In order to find schools that meet these requirements, the best practice is to consult a specialist website such as mbas.com. Sites like mbas.com are highly useful for those comparing schools. MBAs.com is an easy-to-use source with information on all the top school offering MBA programs, distance learning MBA programs and online MBA degrees. By beginning your search at mbas.com, you can ensure that you make an informed decision on where to apply for an MBA.