Is an Online MBA Worth It?
From not having access to case studies and internships to potentially increasing your earning potential, here are seven answers to the question, “Is an online MBA worth it?”
- Does Not Give Hands-On Experience
- If You Choose a Credible School, It Could Be
- It is Cost Effective and Flexible
- You’re Not Getting the Full MBA Benefits Online
- Learn Correctly and You Will Succeed
- No, Learn by Doing
- Consider Your Long-Term Goals With an MBA
Does Not Give Hands-On Experience
Sure, online MBA programs can be convenient and flexible, but they cannot give students the hands-on experience that they’ll need in the real world.
So many of the fun and practical aspects of learning, like solving real-world business problems with a team of classmates and a faculty advisor in person, may be missing. Alongside this, they may not have access to the case studies and internships that traditional campuses offer.
Jess Rodley
Director of Operations, Dialed Labs
If You Choose a Credible School, It Could Be
Researching programs and selecting one that is accredited and well-respected within the industry is essential for ensuring that your degree will have value in the job market.
Many employers prefer employees who have completed their education at respected institutions. Therefore, finding a quality program should be your top priority. When researching programs, consider the institution’s reputation, program objectives and learning outcomes, curriculum strength, and student support services.
Mariusz Michalowski
Community and Career Expert, Spacelift
It is Cost Effective and Flexible
If you prioritize affordability and flexibility and will embrace online engagement with your peers and lecturers, online MBAs may be worthwhile. The flexibility of an online MBA is a big part of its appeal.
Students don’t need to move or even quit their day jobs because they can partake in lectures and complete group projects from behind a computer screen. Because of this, online MBA programs have become quite appealing to those who may have families to support or established careers they are unwilling to leave behind.
An online MBA can open opportunities for you and help you develop professionally, personally, and yes, financially. While you gain the skills necessary to start and run a business, online MBA programs can match your daily obligations.
Janie Doyle
Marketing Director, SC Vehicle Hire
You’re Not Getting the Full MBA Benefits Online
Believe it or not, I’ve asked myself this question so many times. One of the major reasons to do an MBA is to get yourself out of your comfort zone and network with talented, highly intellectual people from different walks of life. With an online MBA, ask yourself how you are going to get the benefits by looking at a computer screen.
It depends on what you want to get out of your MBA program. If you’re looking for a new career or to become more qualified for a managerial role, an online MBA could be a great way to give yourself a leg up. But if you’re looking for networking opportunities in your current or a new field, an online MBA won’t be nearly as effective as attending an in-person program.
Aruna Krishnan
Marketing Coordinator, Achievable
Learn Correctly and You Will Succeed
Yes, it’s similar everywhere, online or offline. And it’s worth it when you study correctly, and add value to a company or your business no matter where you learn. Learn correctly, in today’s world; if you add something valuable, you will succeed no matter where you learn.
Soham Das
Founder, Business Tub
No, Learn by Doing
Sadly, many of the online degrees are little more than cash grabs by for-profit companies seeking to prey on people through clever advertising seeming to bring dreams within reach. The actual education is minimal, loans plentiful, and the jobs promised often cannot materialize. Unless you are taking an online course from a reputable university, I would skip it and work.
Scott Sereboff
GM, Deeping Source
Consider Your Long-Term Goals With an MBA
An online MBA can be a valuable investment for many individuals seeking to advance their careers in business. However, if it is worth it depends on several factors.
First, consider your personal and professional goals. If you are looking to advance in your current career or switch to a new industry, an MBA can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. It can also increase your earning potential and open doors to new opportunities.
Second, consider the reputation and accreditation of the online MBA program you are considering. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized organizations such as AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS. Research the program’s curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes to ensure that it aligns with your goals and expectations.
Third, consider the cost and return on investment (ROI) of the program. Online MBA programs can vary in cost, with some programs costing significantly less than traditional on-campus programs.
Nick Cotter
Founder, newfoundr
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “Is an online MBA worth it?”