Should I Get an Online Mba

Should I Get An Online MBA?

Read this and other great articles about Online MBAs at http://www.MBAonline.me

Ever greater numbers of students and professionals alike are finding obtaining a Masters in Business Administration essential to reach the professional goals they seek. While there are numerous types of MBA Programs to choose from the predominant decision is between several types. Traditionally, the full time, two year Masters Program, the part time and the newer accelerated programs have been given in person at institutions of higher learning. More recently Online MBA Degrees have been offered raising several questions about both their quality in the learning experience as well as what they gain the degree holder in the workplace. Quite simply, is it worth getting an MBA online? The answer as with many things is…it depends.

While the top ten MBA Programs at Ivy League and select institutions remain the ‘gold standard’ that top Fortune 500 firms recruit from and expect to see on resumes for their executives, for many these institutions are not a realistic option. While there are numerous second and third tier school programs available, more recently the Online MBA has become a legitimate option to pursue the Masters Degree. These internet distance learning degrees provide much of the same curriculum and case study material one would find in a full or part time traditional program but enable the student to work at home and often proceed at their own pace. Homework and assignments are often emailed in and tests are taken with computerized tests.  

But there are trade-offs. First, Online MBA’s don’t enable the student to take part in valuable real world networking opportunities nor take part in group and one on one interaction with other students.   The skills learned during these types of engagements can be extremely valuable, especially to younger students who are just entering the workplace and don’t have much real world work experience. 

In addition, much of the value obtained from a traditional MBA program is in the intangible things you learn by from your fellow students. Top MBA programs are reknown for accepting stellar applicants from around the world bringing a wide variety of experience both professionally and culturally all contribute to the learning experience of the other students as well. Finally, Online MBA Programs don’t usually permit the meeting of real world professionals who they can speak with and learn from in addition to often create mentoring relationships with.   With all the limitations of obtaining an MBA online however, there are situations in which it can be a viable option. 

In situations where a student is already in the workplace and simply needs the credential, distance learning programs are an option. In addition, when costs are too exorbitant for traditional programs, online learning can provide an inexpensive and fairly thorough academic learning experience but without some of the personal benefits of university programs. 

Finally, with recent improvements in technology, some of the more progressive schools have started trial programs where they offer MBA’s Online with some of the benefits of in-class participation. This enables lecturers and guest professionals to communicate with students via Telepresence or live video through the computer. In addition, students can communicate with each other via chat and message board systems, helping add another dimension to the online learning experience.   In summary, while Online MBA programs don’t provide the panache or prestige of traditional top mba programs, they do serve as an important alternative in certain situations. 

One should not be misled that they will obtain all the benefits of the traditional MBA through a distance learning program, but with new technologies helping to flesh out the weaker elements, they are progressing quickly as a viable alternative. While this might change in the future, for now online programs should be looked upon as mostly an option for those already in the workforce who are more interested in obtaining the credential for advancement, or for those who are interested just in the learning process such as those running their own businesses. If you fall into one of those two categories then perhaps you should look into forgoing the expense and time commitment of an in-person program and consider a progressive Online MBA.  Read more articles about obtaining an Online MBAs as well as great information and links for Online MBA programs at http://www.MBAonline.me

With Degrees in Film, Real Estate Finance and Development as well as PhD in Psychology, Robert Levin writes expert articles covering a broad range of issues. Some of his websites include: www.toptenmba.com,
www.MBAonline.me, www.lawdegree.me, www.topvirtualserver.com and www.tvwriter.me

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