Weighing the Pros and Cons of Online MBA Programs
Posted By admin on December 30, 2011
Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of taking online MBA programs to help you make an informed decision of whether to pursue distance learning or not.
PRO 1. Perhaps the greatest advantage of online MBA programs is that working professionals are allowed to be students without having to sacrifice their current job. Many working professionals have had this dilemma for years of wanting to pursue a higher education but not being willing to sacrifice their time and effort for school. With such innovative educational practices, students are then given the opportunity to work and study at the same time.
PRO 2. One essential characteristic that the best MBA programs have is accreditation, which many online MBA degrees share with traditional programs. Most reputable online MBA degrees are regionally accredited but there are other professional accreditations that offer more prestige status. Students are then assured that distance learning does not offer anything not at par with traditional MBA degrees.
PRO 3. Compared to traditional MBA degrees, online degrees offer a much cost-effective way to attain higher education. Tuition varies depending on whether the school is private or public, specialization and even location. There are many reputable schools today that offer financial aid for distance learning courses which allow students to save on a lot of school expenses.
PRO 4. It is the advent of technology that has made such innovative education methods possible. Video chat platforms and digital blackboard systems allow for a virtual classroom experience that becomes just as interactive as a traditional classroom. In fact, studies show that online programs may produce better learning outcomes than traditional ones.
PRO 5. Because online education is a relatively new form of learning, many have questioned the quality of its curriculum. However, it is this same scrutiny that allowed such courses to pursue cutting-edge curriculum that is just as rigorous as traditional business schools. With the assistance of curriculum consultants, distance learning has become an effective method of learning.
CON 1. Online education scams are seemingly the underside of distance education. Many students make the mistake of not ensuring proper accreditation of a school before enrolling. Make sure to not only check for proper accreditation but the faculty you are about to work with as well.
CON 2. Earning an MBA online requires a ton of self-discipline that many students might have a problem with. There are plenty of students who need a structured education environment for a more effective method of learning. If you are not comfortable with and willing to use technology, online education may be quite challenging.
CON 3. One of the prime benefits of MBA courses would be the vast networking opportunities they provide. Although it may be convenient to take classes from home, face-to-face discussions with the lecturer and your classmates are quite limited. Networking then becomes trickier with peers and professors if an appropriate strategy is not used.
CON 4. Most online MBA programs use an accelerated pace that tends to focus on a core curriculum compared to traditional programs. The result is fewer electives to take. This will depend on what kind of program the student is looking for as this may prove to be an advantage to some.
CON 5. Only a portion of a company’s recruits are graduates of online MBA programs compared to the majority, who graduated from traditional MBA courses. Although the number has increased in recent years, this still goes to show the rather limited perception many companies still have towards online education graduates. Online education is rapidly changing the perception of effective learning methods but not many people are yet as willing.
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