MBA Programs Online: The Best Option for You?

If you’re considering an MBA program but aren’t sure which one to choose, then this article is for you. Here we’ll discuss the various types of master’s degrees available online so you can make the right choice for your needs.

Full-time MBA vs Part-time MBA

The first and most important decision you need to make is whether to enroll in a full-time or part-time MBA program. Keep in mind: the more time you spend earning your MBA, the more you’ll need to earn. For example, full-time MBA applicants who score below 35 on the GMAT need to spend at least five years in school to earn the degree. Part-time applicants need only four years. The more time you put in, the more you’ll get out.

A full-time MBA program is a demanding course of study that requires a lot of your time. Most traditional full-time MBA programs require about 60 hours of classes each week, and many classes can range from four to six weeks in length. So, not only will you have to commit to classes, but you’ll also have to commit to spending at least 20 hours a week studying for those classes. For students who are also working and trying to juggle school and a career, this can be quite the challenge.

A part-time MBA program is a good choice for students who want to earn their MBA but don’t have the time to devote to a full-time program. A part-time MBA is a great choice for students who want to accelerate their careers or who want to take a step back from their busy schedules and focus on their studies. A part-time MBA allows you to earn your degree in four to six weeks instead of the usual four years, and it only takes between 30 and 45 hours per week. Although you won’t have as much time in your schedule as you would in a full-time program, you will have more freedom and will be able to attend to things that are more important to you.

Online vs On-campus

Another decision you need to make when choosing your MBA program is whether to pursue an online or on-campus program. There are numerous benefits to an online MBA program. You can take classes at any time that suits you, no matter where you are. You don’t need to worry about finding an on-campus location that suits you, or even if one exists at all. When it comes to scoring job interviews and getting your resume to the top of the heap, an online MBA can help you out a lot.

At the same time, an online MBA program can be considerably more expensive than its on-campus counterpart. Depending on which school you choose, the cost of an online MBA can range from $30,000 to $40,000. However, online MBA programs are a great value if you consider the cost of an on-campus MBA, which can range from $60,000 to $70,000 or more (not including room and board).

GMAT or GMAT

Some students, especially those who are applying for a business school in the US, will need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for admission. If you’re applying for an MBA program in the US, then you’ll need to decide whether to take the GMAT or the Graduate Marketing Association Test (GMAT). The GMAT is one of the most popular standardized tests that admissions committees use to evaluate applicants. The average score on the test is usually around 500 (out of 600), with a three-digit score considered “highly competent”.

The GMAT measures your reasoning skills and analytical abilities, as well as your knowledge of business and economics. The GMAT, on the other hand, measures your knowledge of marketing and advertising. If you qualify for a For-profit school, then the GMAT is usually required. If you qualify for a more selective, Non-profit or Public school, then the GMAT is usually required as well.

Which Credentials?

Another important decision you need to make is what professional credentials you need to pursue your MBA. Just because you have a master’s degree doesn’t mean you’re automatically qualified to be an MBA. You need to make sure that the school you choose honors your degree and that the program you are applying for is compatible with your newly acquired credentials. The following are some of the most common professional credentials that students have when they earn their MBA:

  • Accounting: Certified public accountant (CPA), certified financial planner (CFP), etc.
  • Finance: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Banking Analyst (CBA), etc.
  • Business: Chartered Business Administrator (CBA), Chartered Management Accountant (CMA), etc.
  • Economics: Master of Economics (M.E.), Ph.D.
  • Marketing: Master of Marketing (M.M.), Ph.D.
  • Operations & Management: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Ph.D.
  • Information Technology: Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
  • Education: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Ph.D.
  • Non-profit (all types): Master of Non-Profit Administration (M.N.P.A.)
  • Law: J.D.
  • Design: B.F.A., M.Arch.
  • Research: Ph.D.
  • Health Care: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Human Resources: Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR)
  • Journalism: Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ)
  • Political Science: Master of Political Science (M.P.S.)
  • Communication: Master of Communication (M.C.)
  • Arts: Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Master of Dance (M.D.), Master of Music (M.M.O.), Master of Visual Arts (M.V.A.)
  • Religious Studies: Master of Religious Studies (M.R.S.)
  • Languages: Master of Arts in Spanish (M.A.S.), Master of Arts in French (M.A.F.)
  • Germanic Studies: Master of Arts in Germanic Studies (M.A.D.S.)

Which City?

One more decision you need to make is where you want to study your MBA. You have your choice of many different cities, so consider the location of each school as well as the cost of living and how easy it is to get around in the area.

If you’re looking for a city with a large number of attractions and culture, then you might want to consider Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. If you’re looking for a more practical choice, then you might want to consider Chicago, Houston, or Phoenix. And, if you prefer a smaller city with a more intimate feel, then you might want to consider Nashville, Seattle, or Boston. Just remember: the more expensive the city, the more you’ll need to pay in student loans. However, if the city is relatively inexpensive, then you can afford to spend a little more money on travel and living expenses.

Final Word

Choosing an MBA program can be difficult. There are a lot of different variables to consider – from the type of degree you want to earn to the city you want to study in. Hopefully, this article will help you make the right choice for your needs.

Choosing a program is only part of the equation. Once you’ve made this decision, you need to begin considering what city you want to live in and what type of work environment you want to enter once you graduate. Just remember: you’ll have to put in the work to make it happen!