Is an Online MBA Worth it?

An online MBA can make you a better business leader, help advance your career, and lead to a salary increase. Whether or not an online MBA is worth it for you, however, depends on your career status and educational needs, along with what program you choose.

How do employers view online MBA degrees? It depends on the school where a job candidate got their degree. Employers are usually more concerned about the quality of your MBA program than your method of study.

Mark Taylor, the dean of Warwick Business School, told the Financial Times, “We see no evidence that recruiters discriminate between the way in which someone has studied their MBA. In fact, the feedback from employers is that our distance learning students are particularly impressive; because they are still in the workplace, will often have high levels of commercial awareness of the challenges and issues potentially facing the sectors involved and are able to utilise up-to-date and applied experience.” Taylor goes on to say that employers value the focus and determination exhibited by online MBA students as they balance work, school, and family.

An online MBA program is not for everyone, however, which is why you need to look at whether an online program will help you meet your MBA goals. In addition, not all online MBA programs are created equal; the amount you benefit from an online MBA will also depend on the quality of your program.

You also have to consider your learning style. As an online MBA student, you’ll be working at your own pace; this requires a certain level of motivation and focus. If you work better with a more structured curriculum and face-to-face interaction, a traditional brick and mortar MBA program may be a better choice.