Choosing an MBA program is a significant commitment. It may affect your career for years to come.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider what motivates you to pursue an MBA. Ask yourself if you’re doing it for yourself or because someone else wants you to.
Online programs are a great option for earning an MBA on your terms.
Flexibility
One of the most attractive benefits of an online MBA is flexibility in terms of time and location. As online programs have become more accepted by employers, students find it easier to access MBA class materials when and where they want — though a commitment to studying and submitting assignments regularly is still required.
Online students can listen to recorded lectures on their phones while traveling, attend virtual office hours on a computer in their workplace break room, or watch presentations at home. This freedom and convenience make an online MBA a good option for people with full-time jobs or established careers who are hesitant to pause. However, online students may need more access to on-campus resources and student groups.
Flexibility in Time
MBA class online students can work around their professional and family lives to fulfill coursework requirements. They can watch recorded lectures during a break at work, take advantage of asynchronous discussions on the weekend, or complete assignments while watching their children play.
Online courses at La Salle University also allow students to prioritize schoolwork and meet deadlines on their terms. However, this flexibility can make it easier to lose focus and stay caught up if a student needs better time management skills.
Online schools also tend to be more flexible with standardized test requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving waivers to candidates with significant work experience or high undergraduate GPAs. However, a successful online MBA program requires careful planning and consistent commitment to study. Those who are naturally more organized and committed to their studies can thrive in the online format.
Flexibility in Location
Online MBAs offer flexibility because students can study from anywhere with an internet connection. This is great for those with full-time jobs or other responsibilities requiring them to travel or take time off work.
On the other hand, traditional MBA programs require in-person attendance on campus at set times for classes and other school activities. This can be a big commitment for some people, especially those who want to build their professional network and have in-person interactions with professors and peers.
Fortunately, many traditional schools have built robust online learning communities that give distance students access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts. Additionally, online students often save on boarding costs and fees associated with parking at a physical location, which can add up throughout an MBA program.
Flexibility in Cost
Many online MBA students are juggling jobs and families, so the fact that they don’t need to quit their jobs to study is a significant draw. This flexibility allows them to avoid the opportunity cost of forgoing salary while in school, which can be an expensive investment even for a high-quality program.
In addition, a flexible format can reduce costs associated with travel and lodging, which can be costly for traditional MBA programs. It can also foster a global perspective by connecting students with classmates from different parts of the country and world, a perk unavailable to on-campus MBA students.
Flexibility in Relationships
In online MBA programs, students typically have more flexibility in working with professors and completing coursework. However, they must be able to prioritize their schoolwork and keep up with deadlines. This can be challenging for busy professionals who must maintain their careers and other responsibilities while pursuing an MBA.
Traditional MBA programs often have a tighter schedule and require students to be on campus at certain times of the day. While this may benefit students who like to network with their peers, it can be difficult for those unfamiliar with this environment. In addition, some traditional MBA programs require standardized test scores as part of their application process, while online MBA programs may waive these requirements altogether.
Featured Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash
