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An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a graduate-level program (meaning, one must already have achieved a bachelor’s degree) that teaches students managerial, technical and leadership skills. An MBA degree program can impart advanced business acumen and create new opportunities. It’s an option for anyone who wants to continue learning, open new career possibilities, transition to a new industry or start a business. Let's talk more about this advanced degree and options for studying online.

Why get an MBA? Going back to school for an MBA can be a great way to enhance a career, whether working in the business world or as an entrepreneur. But in this interconnected world, many people wonder: Are online master’s degrees taken seriously?

The good news is that yes, many are. An online MBA can be just as impressive and effective as an in-person MBA. There is a growing recognition around the quality of certain online master’s programs. Another benefit is the motivation and self-discipline required to complete an online program while also working full or part-time.

Here's a brief overview of how an MBA program can help students and why they may be a good fit:

1. An online MBA is just as impressive and effective as an in-person MBA.
2. MBAs are becoming more and more frequent in the professional world and in some instances are required to advance in a career.
3. Depending on the career path, MBA graduates make more money than those without them.
4. They're more flexible to students' needs and most offer support for full or part-time students.
5. They benefit a work-life balance since students can work on earning their degree from the comfort of home.
6. Reduced costs associated with in-person universities such as gas, parking fees, tolls, etc.
7. Digital books are often a fraction of the price of physical books.
8. Online MBA programs are often faster than their in-person counterparts.
9. Students can cut down how long it takes to complete a program by joining an accelerated MBA.
10. Some online MBA degree programs are available online 24/7.

An MBA is one of the quintessential calling cards in business. Suppose a student is hoping to be an entrepreneur or an executive at an established corporation, or they want to compete against millions of business school grads. In that case, an MBA degree may be able to help.

Furthermore, an MBA could lay the groundwork for future business-related endeavors, such as starting a business. An MBA could also potentially help improve an existing company. Applying the skills gained in economics, accounting and marketing courses in an MBA program can help improve leadership and management skills.

The best part is that in as little as 18 months, a student can earn an online MBA in some programs. 

While online and traditional MBA programs may not share the same format, reputable and accredited programs do impart the same skills. Both online and traditional programs emphasize collaboration. Although, in-person programs require students to attend classes and lectures on a fixed schedule. Online classes generally allow greater flexibility with regard to where and when the material is completed.

According to U.S. News & World Report, " and student-faculty interaction, but also allows students to apply course material directly to their job, and vice versa."

Each school puts its own spin on the MBA program when it comes to length. Some offer "full-time" programs, usually completed in one to two years. Some offer "part-time" programs that take a little longer (three or more years). Which program to pursue depends on the student's situation. Are they able to devote themselves to studies full time? Or do they need to complete an MBA while holding down a full-time job?

Other options include an Executive MBA (EMBA), which is ideal for experienced working professionals. There are also accelerated MBAs. These ramp up the course load to cut down on the time investment. As well as distance-learning MBA programs, which are like online programs except students are required to occasionally meet in person.

In a culture where almost everything is available online and many Americans freelance or work remotely, businesses have adapted quickly and do recognize the validity of online MBAs. But are online MBAs respected in most places?

According to one  featured in U.S. News & World Report, "Interviewers generally seem accepting of [my] online degree given the strong reputation of the school." This is especially true, he’s found, when interviewers are familiar with his school or if the perks of an online (vs. traditional classroom) education could be identified and explained to the hiring company.

Recruiters tend to agree, noting that many employers believe online MBA degree programs have increased in quality to the point where they are typically just as effective as their traditional, in-person counterparts. Some hiring managers move on to other topics as long as the degree is from an accredited university.

Skills learned in a Master of Business Administration program are both valuable and transferable. These include communication, decision-making and leadership, all of which help develop effective managers. Business professionals can utilize the skills across industries and roles.

Skills learned in a Master of Business Administration program are both valuable and transferable. These include communication, decision-making and leadership, all of which help develop effective managers. Business professionals can utilize these skills across industries and roles.

Business managers, managers of administrative services and facilities managers play crucial roles in the business world. These career paths can provide many avenues to explore, especially for managers who are effective planners or trusted coordinators in charge of essential activities that keep corporations running at peak efficiency. Plus, this can potentially develop the necessary skills to run an entrepreneurial business.

An operations director (or director of operations) is usually in charge of implementing new procedures and overseeing departmental functions. They also makes sure business operations are running smoothly, staying on or under budget, that the company is growing at a rate that earns profits for the business and shareholders and that employees are meeting implementation targets for new product offerings in manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. An operations director might even research new revenue opportunities to boost their company’s profits.

Consulting can be a great way to get in the door at a major business or embark on a long-term, independent freelance career. As the BLS notes: "Although some management analysts work for the organization that they analyze,  on a contractual basis."

MBA degree holders working in the consulting field may help companies strategize to reach goals, offer advice on major and minor business decisions, foster collaboration, look over the books for the finance team and conduct research on the company’s competition. 

Finance is a competitive industry. A finance manager or financial manager can be right in the thick of it. An MBA graduate could potentially work at an insurance firm, bank, investment company or on Wall Street. Financial managers often keep tabs on a company’s current financial picture. They generate frequent reports, monitor investments (especially stocks) and craft strategies for the company’s financial future.

An MBA can provide additional, foundational skills useful in finance, consulting or other business-related careers. Better yet, the BLS reports that  is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. As new companies scale up and established corporations expand, demand for consultants, finance managers and operations directors could increase. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s in business administration and have wondered “why get an MBA online?” ���۴�ý offers online business programs, including an online MBA and an online competency-based MBA.

Contact ���۴�ý for more information.