Online MBA programs are rising in popularity, due to their flexible format allowing busy working professionals to fit studying around their careers.
However, the lack of face to face interaction can be off-putting when considering online MBA tuition. Interacting in a real-world setting allows students to forge deeper connections with classmates and faculty, providing valuable networking opportunities and deeper knowledge.
On average, online MBA programs have around 7 percent of overall coursework delivered in a face-to-face setting. However, by attending any of the nine schools below, expect to spend at least 20 percent of your time interacting with colleagues in a face to face manner.
Rank | Institution | Location | Percentage of face to face interaction |
1 | Spain | 20 | |
5 | United States | 20 | |
6 | United Kingdom | 20 | |
8 | Australia | 20 | |
10 | Europe | 25 | |
18 | Europe | 25 | |
=20 | Italy | 35 | |
25 | United Kingdom | 25 | |
39 | India | 20 |
IE Business School
Percentage of face to face interaction: 20
IE’s online MBA takes 18 months to complete (with intakes in April and October), with 80 percent online teaching and 20 percent face-to-face interaction. The course is divided into three core periods online, two face-to-face periods in Madrid, and one optional face-to-face international trip. Fees for this academic year are €51,200 (approx. US$59,466).
Global Immersion Week allows students to pick one of four destinations and gain new perspectives from companies and industry leaders. Other face-to-face sessions are immersive 10-hour days in a series of seminars, workshops and conferences.
Through the online component, students can watch pre-recorded lectures, take part in dynamic high-participation live video conferences and online discussion forums.
University of Florida, Warrington College of Business
Percentage of face to face interaction: 20
Students at Warrington have the option of pursuing either a 100 percent online MBA, or one of two hybrid options, with on-campus visits included in the program.
Residency electives in the Fall and Spring terms include modules: The Art & Science of Negotiation and Customer Analysis. Another face to face element of the program is the Global Immersion Experience (GIE), where students can take an international trip to learn about business environments in foreign countries.
The degree takes between 16 and 27 months to complete, with residencies carried out at their Gainesville campus. Ranked fifth in the global rankings, tuition for this program will set you back US$59,807.20.
Alliance Manchester Business School
Percentage of face to face interaction: 20
The Global Part-time MBA is a two-year part-time MBA (with 18-month accelerated pathways), with intakes in January and July. The tuition fees for the UK center are £28,665 (approx. US$37,576).
The blended delivery includes residential workshops, a live business project and online learning. Residential workshops make up around 24 hours of teaching per course, and the online lectures are delivered in a virtual environment, plus discussions and self-study.
Before starting the course, you have a face to face induction at your home center, where you meet classmates and the support team.
In terms of face-to-face interaction, you can expect a total of 16 days of interaction (in your home center) in your first year, and 13 days in your second year in your home center and overseas (for electives only).
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