The Benefits of an Online MBA

The internet is one of the world’s greatest innovations. In a field where innovation wins, it makes sense to consider pursuing your business degree online. In addition to revamping physical spaces for 21st -century learners, many top-notch MBA programs have online options. According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council Application Trends Survey, 57 percent of online MBA programs reported increases in their applications, compared to 50 percent in 2015. In 2016, 63 percent of online MBA programs plan on an increase in class sizes, compared to 2017. Let’s take a closer look at five reasons why pursuing you MBA online may be the best option for you.

1. Same Courses, Curriculum, and Objectives

The biggest similarity between online and brick-and-mortar options? Content. As an online MBA student, you will have access to the same content, curriculum, and objectives as a traditional MBA student. While content delivery and forms of assessment may differ, the information stays the same. Do a little digging and you’ll find exclusively online schools that offer nothing but online degrees—the business schools that follow this model adapt their courses and programs from traditional schools.

2. Flexibility

Not only can you work at your own pace, you can also decide where you work on your degree. Have a job you love and want that MBA to continue to do what you love? Consider working on your MBA online. Sure, the pace will be a bit hectic, but you can opt to work after work time, nights, and probably on the weekends. You can also choose where you work—at home, the library, a coffee shop, your child’s soccer practice… Another perk? You don’t have to pick up and move—an especially compelling reason if you have a family. Flexibility is a primary reason so many students opt for the online MBA.

3. Cost

Let’s face it. It’s a lot less expensive to get your MBA online than it is in a traditional program. Not only are tuition and fees less, but you also don’t have to change locations (see #2), so you have no moving costs. Another benefit? Employers will often subsidize at least part of the cost of your online degree—their investment in you, your education, and your overall value to the company is worth it to them. It’s also worth it for you.

4. Tech Experience

Give yourself a competitive advantage over your brick-and-mortar MBA colleagues. Once you have your MBA—regardless of how you earned it—employers will expect you to understand how to use technology to conduct global business. It’s par for the course. Get a head start on remote cloud storage, telecommuting, data-based markets, and familiarity with tools and applications for global communication by earning your MBA online. You won’t regret it.

5. Unique Networking Opportunities

Think you can’t build a business network without face-to-face interaction? Have you seen Facebook and Twitter? Think again. You can—and you should. Digital networks are among the fastest growing human networks on the planet. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and talk with your peers in digital face-to-face meetings, using cutting edge technology. You’ll also learn how to work across time zones, which can be tricky—and is essential in the business world.

Online MBA’s offer you the same quality of course content from traditional programs, wide-ranging flexibility, reasonable cost, and valuable tech and networking experiences. If earning your MBA is something you’ve wanted to do, but weren’t sure how, the online option might be just the right fit for you.

Learn more about earning your Online MBA.