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What to Look for in an Online MBA Program

So you’ve decided that it’s time to go back to school and finally earn that MBA degree you’ve been talking about for years. You have the time, money and support from your employer and family – the only thing left is to find the right program.

Because so many MBA students are balancing work and family responsibilities with their studies – and quality MBA programs aren’t available in every area – the popularity of online programs, like the online Scranton University degrees, has exploded in recent years. The combination of flexibility with challenging academics is appealing, but it’s important to realize that not all online MBA programs are created equal.

So what should you look for in an online degree program?

Time Commitment

Earning an MBA degree takes time, and anyone who suggests otherwise is not telling the truth. If a school claims you can earn a degree in little to no time, with little to no effort, run, don’t walk away. However, even legitimate schools vary in their time requirements. Some schools operate on a five or six week class rotation, while others follow a more traditional 12 or 14 week semester system. Carefully consider which arrangement works best for you, keeping in mind that shorter classes often require the same amount of work in a shorter period, which might make it more difficult for you to manage your responsibilities.

Specialization and Course Options

These days, few students receive a straightforward Master of Business Administration degree. Most specialize in a particular area, such as finance, marketing or management, or in a particular field, like nonprofit management or organizational leadership. When you are evaluating potential MBA programs carefully examine the required courses and the specialization areas to ensure that they align with your interests and goals.

Offline Requirements

Some online MBA programs are not 100 percent online. Some may require that you attend an on-campus orientation, a short “residence” period where you attend courses on campus and/or internships. If you live a great distance from the campus, or have work and family responsibilities, these requirements may be difficult for you to meet, so consider them carefully when comparing programs.

Accreditation

Chances are you’re familiar with the concept of accreditation, in which an independent organization evaluates a school to ensure that the school and its programs, faculty and finances are of the best quality. When you are comparing MBA programs, it’s important to look for one that holds this credential. Your best bet is an AASCB accredited online MBA program. The AACSB—Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—is the gold-standard accreditation program for business schools. Programs with this designation have met rigorous standards for quality and they tend to have better faculty, more challenging courses and, perhaps most importantly, AASCB programs tend to impress employers.

Faculty

Most schools, both online and on-campus, provide bios of their professors and instructors on their websites. Read them when you are comparing programs, not only to see where the faculty has studied and worked, but also to see if the faculty interests align with yours. Consider contacting a faculty member or two to ask some questions.

In addition to checking out the faculty, explore the resources that are available to you as a student from the school. Just as you wouldn’t attend a campus that doesn’t offer a library, you shouldn’t enroll in an online school that doesn’t offer online access to the library. See what will be available to you as a student to help you get your work done.

Money Matters

Getting an MBA degree is expensive and you want to make sure you are getting the most for your money. Compare the cost of each program, but don’t necessarily pick the least or most expensive. An expensive program may become affordable if you qualify for financial aid or get tuition assistance from your employer. Look into the school’s financial aid options. Many offer scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance for qualified students.

Choosing the school and program where you will earn your MBA is a major decision. Take some time to compare and explore your options and make a decision that will keep your career on track for success.

About the Author: Blogger Connor Stowe has spent the last two years earning his MBA in organizational leadership online. It took him nearly as long to find the right program to enroll in.

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