Are you confused about enrolling in an Online MBA program? Are you weighing the pros of getting an online versus an onsite management degree? Then this article is for you!
Depending on your learning style and personal preferences, attending an online MBA can be a huge investment of your time, money, and energy. However, the virtual experience can boost your life both professionally and personally.
If you are still unsure about the online MBA program, read the advantages of getting a virtual degree below.
Types and Worth of Online MBA
An online MBA is worthwhile if done from a reputable university. While many virtual universities claim to offer their MBA degrees over the internet, you should still need to check two points before choosing:
- Accreditation from a reputable education system
- Number of credit hours offered
An online MBA has tremendous perks when compared with a traditional MBA. Below, we have mentioned the types of distant MBA that give you more control over your pace of study:
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- Self-Paced: Self-paced programs, as the name indicates, are completely flexible. In most cases, students can complete their studies at their own pace, whereas some programs require them to finish their studies within a certain amount of time.
- Real-Time: A real-time program allows students to take lectures online, delivered live on scheduled dates and timings.
- Hybrid: A hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning. For instance, an online marketing MBA program that focuses on Digital Advertising mandates hands-on training on the projects. Students may either have to attend campus for the experience or work with an agency for the training.
Benefits of Online MBA over Onsite MBA
Now that you know the different types and requirements for an online MBA program, let’s check out the myriad of benefits you can avail while pursuing a distant degree:
- Flexible Schedule
Students can benefit from the flexibility of online learning. They can submit classwork and assignments anywhere they have Wi-Fi, like on an airplane or in a hotel room.
Moreover, one can complete an online MBA program in as little as 18 months or spread out the coursework over a longer period. This flexibility allows you to balance both personal and professional responsibilities. If you are about to have a baby or are working on a challenging job at work, you can take a break from your studies.
- International Exposure
The student profile of online MBA programs often differs from on-campus programs, with students from around the world and a variety of professional and personal backgrounds enrolled. Often, online students bring a wealth of professional experience to their programs, offering them a different outlook.
In a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report, online MBA students were on average 33 years old, compared to on-campus students who were 27 years old. As a result, online students have access to more diverse experiences. These experiences enable business professionals to work with diverse teams, consider ideas from multiple viewpoints, and obtain a global perspective.
- Higher Salaries
Most online MBA students work while completing their degrees, so they don’t typically begin a new career immediately after graduation. Instead, MBA graduates use their degrees to gain promotions that boost their salaries. On the contrary, a person pursuing a full-time on-campus MBA starts from scratch with little or no experience and hence less pay.
- Affordability
It is also cost-effective to do an Online MBA. The low cost of an online MBA, when compared to an onsite program, sounds appealing to students, especially singles or lower-income earners.
There are several reasons why distance programs are cheaper, including no physical classes, saving up several expenses for the universities. Further, the professors are paid hourly rather than full-time since they are employed remotely. Thus, these programs offer low-cost opportunities to students to improve their financial standing and career prospects.
- Easy Admission
Many online MBAs do not require long eligibility requirements, including GMAT, CAT, or XAT scores. It is because most of the students still prefer onsite (considering it a better option), leaving several spots vacant for an online MBA. Also, online degrees do not limit the number of enrolments, so they don’t filter students by tough competition. So, if you are a professional who doesn’t have time to prepare for GMAT and other entrance exams, an Online MBA offers an easy process to get into the program. All you have to do is meet their credit hours requirement from your bachelor’s degree.
- Technical Exposure
Online MBA programs are at the cutting edge of business technology because they deliver quality curriculum directly to their students’ computers. For MBA students, online learning offers two key benefits: Firstly, you gain familiarity with business technology while having the flexibility to fit your schedule and needs. Secondly, online MBA programs provide comprehensive tech support to troubleshoot any problems via online platforms.
Many MBA programs offer an eLearning portal where students can access the following interactive tools:
- Google Docs/Drive – Allows file creation, editing, and sharing, all at one time
- Join. Me and Voicethread – Facilitates real-time online meetings, presentations, and feedback
- Yammer – Connects with fellow students, faculty, and staff
- Sakai – Helps access course materials, submit assignments, and see grades from your professors.
Online MBAs expose students to the language of technology, which is essential for business success today.
Conclusion
While numerous advantages of an online MBA over onsite management programs exist, one of the most prevalent ones is its convenience and flexibility. However, as an online student, you are very much responsible for making the most of the course. As a result, you will have to be self-motivated, disciplined, and persistent to advance in your career.
