Online MBA Degree Basics

Online MBA Articles : Online MBA Degree Basics
What You Need to Know Before Enrolling in an Online MBA Program By Jamie Littlefield

Online MBA programs are a popular choice of older adults and mid-career professionals who want to earn a degree without sacrificing their job and home lives. Such programs are also becoming a fast favorite of the younger crowd, who are looking for ways to earn a graduate degree while keeping their current employment. Many find that online learning offers a flexibility that can’t be found in traditional schools. If you’re considering earning an online MBA, make sure you do your homework. Knowing the basics will help you make an informed decision about whether or not these programs are right for you.

Why do people earn online MBAs?

Online MBA students come from all walks of life. Many distance learning students are mid-career when they decide to get another degree. Older professionals with jobs and family responsibilities often find the flexibility of online programs to be a good fit. Some online students are looking for a career change but still want to maintain their current job until they get their MBA. Others are already working in business and earn their degree in order to be eligible for job promotions.

How long does it take to earn an MBA online?

The time it takes to finish an online MBA degree varies according to the school and the specialization. Some intensive MBA programs can be finished in as few as nine months. Other programs can take up to four years. Adding specializations to a degree can take even longer. Some schools allow students greater flexibility to work at their own pace while others require that students adhere to more demanding deadlines.

How much will it cost to earn an online MBA degree?

One online MBA degree can had for $10,000, another for $100,000. The cost of tuition varies substantially from college to college. Pricey doesn’t necessarily mean better (although some of the more expensive schools have some of the best reputations). Your employer may be willing to pay for part or all of your educational expenses, particularly if he or she thinks you’ll be sticking with the company. You may also be awarded grants, receive institutional or private scholarships, or qualify for financial aid.

Is earning an online MBA worth it?

Many online MBA graduates have used their new degrees to excel at the workplace, gain promotions, and achieve career success. Others have found that their time could have been better spent elsewhere. Those who find their degrees to be “worth it” share several traits in common: they knew they wanted to work in the business field beforehand, they chose a school with proper accreditation and a positive reputation, and their specialization was appropriate for the type of work they wanted to do.

Enrolling in an online MBA program is not a decision to take lightly. Accredited programs require hard work, time, and effort. But, for the right person, an online MBA can be a great way to get a jumpstart in the world of business.

Source: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlinecourses/a/OnlineMBA.htm