Is a One-Year Online MBA Worth It?

As online MBA programs become more popular, more people are looking into one-year online MBA programs. In addition to the convenience of studying from home, you could get your MBA in half the time. But are there any accredited online MBA programs out there? And is a one-year online MBA worth it?

The majority of one-year online MBA programs come from for-profit or regionally accredited universities. Since these programs are not accredited by EQUIS, AMBA or AACSB, there is no guarantee that you will be provided with a quality education. In addition, US MBA employers usually look for graduates from AACSB-accredited programs.

The lack of AACSB-accredited one-year online MBA programs will change on August 3, however, when Cleveland State University’s Monte Ahuja College of Business launches their Mobile Accelerated MBA program. Since this is the first one-year MBA program from an AACSB-accredited school, it is being marketed as the AACSB-accredited online MBA program. The Mobile Accelerated MBA program is taught entirely on an iPad 4G, which is included in the cost of tuition. The program is offered in conjunction with textbook publisher McGraw-Hill through the McGraw-Hill Connect learning platform.

It should be noted, however, that AACSB accredits business schools, and not MBA programs themselves. So, while the Mobile Accelerated MBA program is being offered at an AACSB-accredited school, it doesn’t mean that AACSB endorses that particular program.

One-year online MBA programs lack one of the biggest online MBA selling points: the ability to continue working while getting your MBA degree. It is impossible to get a part-time MBA degree in only a year. In addition some MBA experts feel that a one year isn’t enough time to get an MBA education through an online program. We may not know for sure, however, until the first group of MBAs graduates from the Mobile Accredited MBA program.

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