Online MBA Programs by Type
Online MBAs accommodate students in varying circumstances, including those who want to keep working while earning a degree, cannot relocate, or prefer to learn in their own time. Each online MBA program is unique, offering different admissions requirements, delivery structures, and face-to-face requirements.
Of course, certain features make online MBA programs more attractive to specific candidates. These include whether or not test scores are required during the application process and how much professional experience candidates need (if any), as well as the program’s duration and accreditation status.
Read on to learn more about what prospective MBA students should take into consideration when choosing a degree program.
Programs For Experienced Professionals
Online MBA programs can accommodate the working schedules of busy professionals. While all MBA programs are designed to enhance a person’s leadership skills and core business knowledge, there are different types of distance-based MBA programs depending on one’s level of experience.
Executive MBA Programs Online
There’s a growing number of reputable business schools bringing their EMBA programs online to accommodate working professionals, people living far away from campuses, or those with other time commitments.
Professional MBA Programs Online
For the prospective business professional student, relocating or attending classes during normal business hours can prove challenging. Fortunately, many online professional MBAs are designed for those with busy schedules and set geography.
Programs Without Entrance Exams
The GMAT is touted as one of the most difficult entrance exams for graduate schools. This computer-adaptive test comprises several sections: a quantitative assessment, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. Some aspiring MBA candidates spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on preparation courses. Fortunately, there are some online MBA programs which do not require candidates to submit test scores or may waive the requirement under specific circumstances.
GMAT Waiver Online MBA
One of the most difficult parts of the MBA application process can be taking standardized tests. Some applicants just do not "test well", or do not have the time to prepare and sit for a GMAT exam. Conveniently, there are several business schools offering GMAT waiver online MBA programs, where the GMAT exam requirement is waived for qualified applicants.
No GMAT Online MBA Programs
One of the common impediments to enrolling in an MBA program is the test score requirement. The GMAT is widely considered one of the most difficult standardized entrance exams, and many students, especially those who don’t excel at the test-taking process, may rather avoid taking it altogether.
Part-Time Programs
Online MBA programs require a significant investment of time and money. Fortunately for working professionals and candidates with other time commitments, a part-time program’s coursework, assignments, and exams can be spread over a few years, reducing the weekly workload and giving incremental gains toward earning the degree. Part-time MBA programs generally take longer than two years but no more than six.
Flexible MBA Programs
The range of options provided by flexible MBAs include evening and online courses; alternate admissions deadlines; and the capacity to complete coursework one class at a time instead of having to complete multiple courses simultaneously.
Part-Time Online MBA Programs
Enrollment for two-year full-time MBA programs has dropped by 60 percent in just the past few years, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council. As a result, schools have restructured some of their degree programs to allow students to complete an MBA degree on a part-time basis.
Full-Time Programs
Full-time MBA programs typically take one to two years to complete. They are ideal for ambitious candidates eager to earn the advanced degree and willing to devote much of their time to coursework, exams, and projects. Many online executive and professional MBA programs can be taken full-time, with or without a concentration.
Full-Time Online MBA Programs
Outside of the opportunity for increased pay and job promotions, earning an MBA also introduces students to a broad learning community as they become part of a thriving alumni network. For some business professionals and students, the personal satisfaction that comes with earning a graduate degree is the most critical aspect of all.
One-Year Online MBA Programs
Among aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, obtaining a master’s of business administration (MBA) is seen as a crucial stepping stone towards a successful career in the business world. Reputable MBA programs provide students with valuable knowledge and hands-on training to help them thrive in the job market upon graduation.
Online Dual-Degree MBA Programs
One of the single biggest advantages of pursuing an online dual-degree program is the money it can save students in the long run. Many colleges design dual-degree programs that can be completed in a shorter period than if the degrees were pursued separately. And even should online tuition rates be identical to those on campus, online programs can present more cost-effective alternatives to on-campus programs because of savings on costs like relocation, childcare, and transportation.
Programs By Accreditor
One of the most important considerations for online MBA candidates is accreditation. This process demonstrates that a program or institution has achieved certain measures of excellence in terms of curricula, faculty, facilities, administration, resource availability, student outcomes, and other markers of quality. For business schools, there are three main entities which evaluate programs and/or institutions: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs
More and more business schools offer flexible online and traditional MBA programs. This guide explores schools nationwide that offer AACSB-accredited online and flexible MBA programs.
ACBSP-Accredited Online MBA Programs
A new set of options is available to make obtaining an ACBSP-accredited MBA more accessible to working professionals. The emergence of a wide array of online MBA programs in recent years provides the flexibility for students to study from home and on a schedule that best fits their situations.
IACBE-Accredited Online MBA Programs
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is one of three organizations that offer accreditation to MBA and other business programs. The IACBE provides accreditation based on the mission of a school, as well as the performance of students in their programs.