Advanced degrees like Masters and MBA programs are always beneficial to career and job prospects. But, pursuing a full-time regular program might not be feasible due to various reasons. Online degrees are good alternatives. In this post, Frank Smith will talk about the pros and cons of online MBA programs.
Pros and Cons of Online MBA Programs
By Frank Smith
Online education has grown significantly over the past few years. This includes the rise of online course programs. You can actually study online and get career flexibility and increase earning potential once you have completed your course.
First things first, what is Online Learning?
Online learning is an educational medium that allows students to get the education they want, anytime and anywhere.
But at times, it can be daunting to decide if you want the traditional or the online method of learning.
To help you choose, we compiled a list of PROS and CONS of enrolling in an Online MBA Program.
Read: Are Online Courses and MOOC Certificates worth it?
Pros of Online MBA Programs
1. Flexibility
There are two types of the online MBA program: synchronous (life, set time classes with other students in attendance and asynchronous (archived classes that may be completed on your schedule).
Online MBA courses let you experience the ease of studying anytime and anywhere with just a few clicks of your mouse. The best part? You can earn your degree in the comfort of your couch, at your pajama clothes.
Plus, you can keep earning while studying. For students who are balancing different responsibilities, online course programs, like Online MBA in Canada, are designed to accommodate your needs.
2. Affordability
With the right research, there is no doubt you can find a quality online MBA course at an affordable price. Admittedly, there are expensive online MBA programs out there.
But dig deeper and you can find world-class quality at a reasonable rate. And if you think about it, online MBA studying means no commuting costs, physical textbook expenses and other campus-related costs. It’s fair to say it’s cost-effective.
With the affordability of Online MBAs, you can get your career and education plans both on track. Make sure to verify the whole cost of the online course to avoid hidden charges.
3. World-class quality
Experience what it feels like to study on a global scale. The world-class quality of Online MBA programs will help you conquer the business world in many ways. For one, it guides you to global opportunities that can be your one-way ticket to business growth.
4. International network
Online MBA courses are designed to accommodate people with different backgrounds. It means you will meet students from all over the world. This will prepare you to tackle business on a global scale.
These are all made possible by using chat forums or live online discussion sites.
5. Experienced faculty
Experience quality teaching at the hands of experienced and leading authorities in business. It is one of the greatest perks in getting a degree online.
Look for an online MBA that is taught by faculty with industry experience. You’ll learn both the theory behind the practice and how to apply them in real-world situations.
6. Credibility
Online MBA courses tend to originate from prestigious academic colleges and universities. Earn this invaluable recommendation by getting one from the online program of your pick.
7. Technology
The opportunity to work with constantly evolving technology, such as video conferencing and educational management systems can help you handle your business better. It will also help you communicate particularly well through online mediums like email, message boards, chat rooms, and video chats.
Cons of Online MBA Programs
1. Bypassing the campus’ experience
Campus life still plays a big role in our education, and you might miss out the experience of it by taking classes online.
The inter-college games, club activities, study sessions in the library and graduation -— the list goes on. All of these college experiences that you will miss out might leave a bitter regret when you get older.
2. The stigma of online degree
You guessed it. Even today, online degrees still tend to have a bad rap for some. The lack of accreditation of some online classes is looked down upon by some traditional professionals in your field.
Earning a degree from a school with no accreditation can impair your career on business. To avoid this ongoing stigma, check that the program is accredited and verify this information with the accrediting agency.
3. Lack of 1-to-1 interaction
For some students, one-on-one interaction is vital when studying. The importance of face-to-face learning still persists in some circles even with the advancement of technology.
Studies have shown that students have a higher chance of completing online courses if they feel fully engaged. If you like to listen to lectures or watch videos, you can easily learn at a shorter time.
But if you’re a hands-on learner, you will find it hard to do your study. Before applying on online MBA degree, make sure that you can handle a remote learning condition.
4. No accountability
If you’re not totally committed to earning your online degree, it will be a hard and rough journey for you.
And it’s not surprising. An April 2013 study published by researchers at Columbia University suggests that community college students who take online courses are less likely to complete or perform well during the courses.
At times, you will tend to procrastinate, especially if you lack the will to discipline yourself. You will miss deadlines for assignments, tests, commenting on lectures, etc.
There is the accompanying loss of accountability, unlike its overwhelming presence in traditional education. Online courses are primarily self-directed, so you need even more motivation and self-discipline. You’re on your own!
Utilize management and calendar applications to get your schedules organized.
5. Expenses of technology needed
You need advanced devices to study online, and the bad news is it can be expensive. First of all, you need a fast, reliable, and up-to-date computer that will work fine for your needs. Also, you also need high-speed internet to load videos and download resources.
Most online schools will post the technology required to take their courses, so before plunging into this whole online learning, make sure that you have the pieces of equipment ready.
TIP: Have a back-up plan when your computer experiences an operation failure or when a huge storm knocks out your Internet connection.
6. Online degree scams
Online degree scams are real threats nowadays. In case you encounter the promises of guaranteed degree, lack of accreditation, super-short programs, and nonexistent admission requirements, you better trust your guts and turn away at once.
All of these thriving online education scams prove that meticulous research beforehand is crucial when applying to online schools.
7. No instant feedback
The professor of your online course isn’t necessarily available always. This can be frustrating if you’re the type of learner that educate themselves to responsive interaction with instructors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right MBA requires careful deliberation, and it does inevitably come down to what you can afford. A full-time MBA demands full-time commitment. Not everyone can, for example, afford a year’s sabbatical or more. The part-time MBA meanwhile tends to demand more hours than its online counterpart in terms of on-campus attendance.
If an online MBA is looking to be your most viable option, make sure to triple check the program’s credentials. If the school offering the program is top-ranked by a reputable rankings provider you’re halfway there. AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA, EPAS, and ACBSP are the accreditation bodies accepted for inclusion.
Neither conventional nor online MBA programmes are “better” than the other in a vacuum, they do each offer a different route to the same objectives and outcomes. The key when deciding between the two is matching your wants, preferences, and needs with the specifics of each prospective programme.
When deciding whether to study online or on campus, students should consider their personal needs as well as learning style with each format and learning objectives (and even long-term career goals). As both the options have their pros and cons, today’s education market is truly the choice of students.
Author Bio: My name is Frank Smith (MBA), an advocate of educating people in any way possible. At present, I am focusing on online MBA, since I know the need of busy people and working professionals to get ahead in the business world.
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