Introduction
MBA, Master’s in Business Administration, is a Graduate Degree.
The Business Administration academic Discipline researches aspects of initiating, managing and running a business successfully. The studies deal with various areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, sales, operations, human resources, etc.
in MBA program there may be subject areas (i.e. specializations) where a student can select and master general businesses in a certain area of business study in an MBA degree, for example – International Business, Business development and Marketing, Finance, Leadership or HR.
Enhancing Career with an MBA degree
If you are looking forward for enhancing your career prospects then obtaining an MBA degree would surely be the best idea.
These days it has become quite important to obtain a higher educational degree for attaining a stable career. Perhaps, it is more important to secure a professional degree or diploma. MBA happens to be one of the most popular degrees worth pursuing.
The reason for this is extensive globalization has created a need for MBA graduates who can manage business, supervise organization units/departments, oversea projects, manage enterprises and churn profits.
Where to Study
An important question arises, “Where should you get your MBA degree from?”
Should you consider applying for GMAT examination and then choose upon an MBA college? Or should you consider enrolling for online MBA programs?
Well, frankly, most of the individuals face this dilemma. Each one of them feels a brick and mortar MBA College is better than acquiring an online MBA degree.
Innumerable colleges and institutions do offer MBA courses but unfortunately, the fee structure happens to be a ‘notch higher’ than what a common man can afford.
In such situations, online MBA degree programs have come into picture.
But, are these degree programs good enough?
1. Are they worth our time and effort?
Let us try to break the myth around online MBA degree programs.
2. What is an online MBA program?
An online MBA program enables a student/working professional to pursue the course via the Internet. He/she can access the course material, attend virtual class-rooms and submit assignments online.
There are two types of online MBA programs:
- Online MBA programs: Students can access course materials and take tests via the internet only.
- Classroom online programs: Students can avail distance education and attend classes as well.
Should you get an online MBA degree?
- Accessibility: Online programs can be accessed from anywhere at any time via the internet. Geography of an area is not a constraint for the student. Students can access the course material, attend virtual classrooms and seminars, hold discussions with teachers and submit assignments online.
- Value: An online MBA program holds the same value as its traditional counterpart. The degree is widely accepted by employers across industries and countries.
- Curriculum: These programs have similar course curriculum as that of traditional colleges. Further, online MBA programs are offered by numerous universities and colleges.
- Cost factor: Online programs have lesser fee and they happen to cost less than the traditional colleges. How come? Students do not have to go to the colleges and thus, it saves them time and money. There are absolutely no commuting and boarding costs involved.
- Financial aid and grants can be applied for while enrolling for an online MBA program. Scholarships are also available for bright students.
- Work and Study: student has the choice to work in a job alongside the online MBA program. Moreover, many employers encourage and financially support employees to pursue online MBA programs.
- Zero infrastructures required: A student requires only a computer and an internet connection for pursuing an online MBA program. Most of the infrastructural requirements like software and course material is provided by the online college.
- Open book tests: Most of the online MBA colleges conduct open book tests and thus, cut out anxiety attached to examinations.
- Time table: Online MBA programs are conducted in every four weeks. Thus, interested individuals do not have to wait for a semester for getting enrolled.
Which online program to choose?
Choose an accredited program.
*Whatever program you choose, make sure it is accredited by a regional or national accreditation agency that is recognized by United States Department of Education.
Remember, an accredited online MBA program is just as worth as the traditional one.
Pros and Cons of an online MBA program
Let us try to evaluate the worth of an online program by weighing its Pros and Cons –
Merits of an online MBA program:
1. Online programs have the ease of accessibility. Students can access course material and take tests from anywhere around the globe.
2. Online MBA programs work out as cheaper than the traditional ones. Why? A student can keep pursuing his/her job and take online MBA classes as well. This saves time and money.
Demerits of an online program:
1. Perhaps, the only disadvantage of an online program is the non-existence of face to face interaction that may help in building a professional network.
2. It might doesn’t work good for certain types of students who do not like using e-learning tools and prefer the traditional studies.
Leaving aside this, online MBA degrees are widely being accepted across the world. Employers consider online MBA diplomas at the same value level as a traditional one.
Conclusion
Does Online MBA Degrees worth the Time/Cost and effort?
It is quite subjective to talk about the worth of an online program, for many people have benefited from online MBA programs.
As per the survey, it is revealed that students who rate online MBA degree programs as ‘Worth your time and money’ have the following traits in common:
- The students were aware of their inclination towards a business oriented job and thus were better prepared for the academic rigor. Further, they were clear about the specific specializations they would look forward to pursuing in.
- The students got themselves enrolled in an accredited online MBA program and thus, escaped being fleeced by ‘diploma mills’.
- The students wanted to pursue a job alongside an MBA diploma program and thus, were comfortable of not having a face to face interaction with teachers and their peers.
All in all, MBA online programs are worth pursuing if you get yourself enrolled in an accredited online MBA college.