The Online MBA Revolution

There are some differences between the online and on-campus UNC MBAs. For example, the ‘live’ student-professor interaction occurs in a smaller setting than in a typical MBA class and there is less face time.

Cates says, for this reason, the online MBA at Kenan-Flagler is designed for working professionals looking to enhance their prospects rather than those looking to switch into new careers.

Crucially for the validity of the program, there are also many similarities between the two, which include using the same curriculum. The programs are also designed and taught by the same professors and the total contact hours for completing the online course will be 471, as per the residential course.

However, for those sceptical about online MBA programs, which includes many recruiters, the real issue lies in how much online students will miss out by not being on-campus.

After all, the alumni network, contact making and support from fellow students could prove difficult to replicate in an online MBA environment, and are often cited as being amongst the most valuable parts of studying for an MBA.

Judy Grundy, London recruitment manager at Boston Consulting Group, says: “I can see ways of doing it but I would be interested to see how business schools go about replicating key areas such as interactive study groups and networking opportunities.”

But Cates is adamant that it can happen. She explains: “Students begin to build their professional network of peers from day one through intimate online class discussions, break-out sessions and case study exercises. Outside of class, discussion and ideas are exchanged utilizing wall posts, online team study groups and even online clubs.”

While UNC, placed 20th in the QS Global 200 Top Business Schools Report for North America, is the first top 100 school to make a foray into internet study, the past ten years has seen numerous schools launch programs.

The University of Phoenix’s School of Business has offered an online MBA for around seven years. Rick Castellano, director of public relations at the school, says it launched its online MBA because it understands that students have many demands on their time.

“The National Center for Education Statistics reports that working learners or non-traditional students make up more than 70% of today’s national student body,” he explains.

The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) has taken the idea of online learning even further with the launch of its Facebook MBA last autumn, which has already garnered 90,000 fans. It is open to anyone interested in the core skills taught during an MBA and offers free access to up to 80 hours of lectures and video resources from high profile recruiters, including Deloitte and Accenture. Only students that wish to process into accredited study, which is currently validated by the University of Wales, pay a fee.

Vitaly Klopot, managing director of interactive learning at LSBF, says the school believes that MBA study is about sharing knowledge with a broad network and Facebook, as the largest social network, is the obvious place to do that.

“Using Facebook allows MBA students to cross both physical and social boundaries,” Klopot says. “It gives people access to good quality education which can be accessed at their convenience, so whether they want to learn around current work or family commitments, they can – at their own pace.”

Online MBA learning, like the numerous methods of flexible study such as distance and part time before it, has the potential to make MBA study accessible to more potential students than ever before. However, some recruiters still sound a note of caution.

Zoe McLoughlin, international recruitment manager at Boston Consulting Group, says that presently it would not view an online MBA graduate in the same way as their on-campus counterpart, although she admits it would be short sighted to say this will never change.

“If a school such as Harvard, INSEAD or London Business School decided to do one, we would consider it differently,” she says.
Klopot believes that the future of MBA study lies, at least partly, in the online MBA.

“There are real barriers for people to take the time to do an MBA, whether its cost, location, family or work commitments. Learning online or blended learning enables students to learn how and where and when they can, around their commitments.”

As well as online MBA courses, those wishing to study remotely may also be interested in distance learning MBA programs.

To find out more, and read about the differences between MBA modes of study, visit TopMBA.com's page on MBA program types >