Online MBA Provides Options for Working Professionals

Career, family, and your MBA. How can you find time for life and study? Online MBA degree programs offer a flexible alternative to campus-bound degree programs.

by Karen Lawson
MBA Business Schools Columnist

Online learning programs are rapidly increasing in popularity. MBA degree programs are no exception. If you want to advance your career by earning an MBA, an online program may provide the versatility you need. Here are some things to consider when comparing MBA degree programs. Achieving Balance: The Key to MBA Success

You’ll want to discuss your MBA plans with your family and employer. An MBA program requires a great deal of time for research, writing, and study. Graduate school is a rewarding experience, but can also be stressful.

Online courses can help alleviate some of the stress by offering flexibility in scheduling and shorter completion time than traditional campus-based courses. You’ll need plenty of self-discipline to complete your coursework on your own time. Distractions like e-mail, IM, and other interruptions can sabotage your progress. Procrastination can also create a significant obstacle to meeting your study schedule. Success in an online program calls for commitment and focus.

Accreditation and Accessibility

It’s essential to verify that the institution providing your online MBA degree is properly accredited through one of the regional accreditation agencies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. Otherwise, you risk spending time and money on an MBA that won’t be recognized by employers and other academic institutions.

There are plenty of diploma scams out there; a website featuring ivy covered buildings and a prestigious name is not a guarantee of the MBA degree program’s accreditation or legitimacy. It’s a good idea to compare course content for online MBA degree programs with that of traditional graduate business schools. Online programs offering an “instant” MBA degree with little or no coursework should be avoided. With selectivity and self-discipline, you can help ensure a positive online MBA experience from the start.

About the author

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with extensive business experience. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on May 6, 2007 at 5:27 PM

Share this article: