Online MBA Degree


An MBA is a most sought degree for those who want to establish a career in the field of business management. However, pursuing an MBA degree is not feasible for everyone. A traditional MBA degree is most often a two-year-long program that you have to attend in person and is quite expensive. However, over the years and especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, pursuing an MBA has transformed and evolved. Now an MBA can be even done online. So, let us take a look at how online MBA has transformed the educational sphere and what it entails.

What is an Online MBA? 

Before we begin, let us understand what an online MBA entails. An online MBA is a mode of education that is suitable for professionals with full-time jobs. It employs online techniques of learning and offers flexibility. With the advent of technology, an online MBA has become popular amongst those who find it difficult to pursue the MBA program in person due to professional and personal obligations. Unlike the traditional MBA, the duration of an online MBA is 12 months and classes are usually held on the weekends. The classes are conducted online through video-conferencing, video lectures, and at times recorded lectures as well. As you can see, pursuing an online MBA is not only flexible but also convenient. Recently online MBA programs have gained popularity, especially after the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Ideally, it is best suited for working professionals because they can give their career a boost and enhance chances of promotion within the company. Many times, the employers themselves sponsor the education. The program generally takes 2 to 3 years to complete. 

As already mentioned, flexibility is one of the main reasons why some students choose an online MBA program. Not only can you study and watch the lectures at your own pace but you can also take exams at  your convenience. Most working professionals choose this program as they can study while they earn. Due to its virtual nature, it is also comparatively cheaper than a traditional MBA program. However, at the same time, this hinders the networking potential of B-school students. There is almost no scope for connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds which helps gain rapid growth in the business world. You also have limited or no direct contact with your professors. Even though the trend is now changing, we still observe some recruiters preferring a regular MBA candidate over an online MBA one.

Now, let us take a look at how an online MBA can benefit you.

How is Online MBA Transforming the Educational Sphere?

With the advent of technology, online MBA has transformed the educational sphere. You must wonder how so? Let us explore that in this section. 

Flexibility: To begin with, an online MBA offers you the opportunity to pursue an MBA from any part of the world. This makes pursuing an MBA accessible to students and professionals alike. 

Convenient: The duration of an online MBA is only about 12-months long and the classes are usually held in the evenings or during weekends. This makes it convenient for most professionals to attend classes after a full-time job. Additionally, since the course lasts only for 12 months, you are likely to complete the course quicker allowing you to reap the benefits of the course sooner. 

Economical: An online MBA is economically feasible to most people as it is relatively cheaper than the traditional MBA program. A traditional MBA would require you to move to a country that offers an MBA and that would incur additional expenses such as accommodation and living costs. Since the online MBA can be pursued from home, you save up on living costs, cost of accommodation, and cost of travelling as well. 

Learning Environment: A common notion is that online programs are less advantageous as they do not mimic the traditional classroom set-up where the students interact with the instructor. However, this is a common misconception because with advanced technology there are various online platforms and chat forums where students can interact with their professors and classmates alike. Additionally, learning becomes fun and innovative with visual aids such as presentations.

Accreditations: Yet another misconception is that online programs do not carry relevant certifications or accreditations that a traditional MBA might have. This is not true as most online MBAs have valid certifications and accreditations. Most online MBAs are offered by the top universities that also offer traditional MBA programs. Hence, anything that might you might acquire from a traditional MBA program is also what you will acquire from an online MBA program. 

High Returns on Investment: According to a survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) in 2019, MBA graduates saw a 22% increase in salaries within three months of graduation. Another survey conducted in the same year depicted that those who graduated with an online MBA saw a similar increase and a little over 22% increase in their salaries within three months of graduation. Hence, pursuing an online MBA will not only boost your profile but will also ensure higher returns on investment. 

As you can see, the online MBA has transformed the educational sphere by making it feasible to all and by offering the same or more benefits than a traditional MBA would offer but from the comfort of your home. Now, let us take a look at the top universities that offer an online MBA. 

Both traditional and online MBA programs help you accelerate your career substantially. To answer the question, is an online MBA worth it? It depends on your personality and post MBA goals. An online MBA demands a certain level of motivation and focus from your side as you will be working at your own pace. Some people fit better in a structured curriculum and face-to-face interaction so for them, the traditional MBA might be a better choice. If you are at an early stage of your career, looking to expand your connections, discover new career opportunities, enjoy campus life and activities then an online MBA might not be the right choice for you. However, if you are self-motivated, prefer to work at your own pace, have personal obligations, and most importantly, are already working at an established company and do not want to leave your job,  then you should go for the online MBA program. Let us now view a few of the top universities which offer online MBA programs.

Top Universities Offering an Online MBA 

The top universities for business schools that offer an online MBA are as follows: 

University Course OfferedLocation 
Indiana University – Bloomington Kelley School of Business Online MBAIndiana, USA
IE University – IE Business School Online MBAMadrid, Spain 
University of Southern California – Marshall School of BusinessOnline MBA California, USA
Syracuse University – Martin J. Whitman School of ManagementOnline MBA New York, USA
Durham University – Business SchoolOnline MBA (Blended)Durham, UK
University of Reading – Henley School of BusinessFlexible Executive MBA Reading, UK
Imperial College – Imperial College Business School Global MBA (Online)London, UK
Hult International Business SchoolGlobal Executive MBA ( Online), Global Executive MBA (Blended)London, UKDubai, United Arab EmiratesShanghai, China
University of Birmingham – Birmingham Business School Online MBA Birmingham, UK
University of Warwick – Warwick Business SchoolMBA by Distance Learning Coventry, UK
University of Kent – Kent Business School Executive MBA for Corporate Professionals Canterbury, UK 
London School of BusinessOnline Global MBALondon, UK
Amity University Online MBA New Delhi, India 
Indian School of Management and Administration Online MBA Hyderabad, India 
NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education  Online Executive MBAMumbai, India

As you can see, various top universities offer an online MBA. The list we have curated depicts the top sought after programs and is not exhaustive. Upon research, you can find an online MBA that is most suited to your academic needs.

We explored how online MBA transformed the educational sphere in more ways than one. It has made learning innovative, pursuing an MBA accessible, and helps you reap benefits similar to a traditional MBA from any part of the world. Now that you are aware of the benefits and the top universities that offer an online MBA, what are you waiting for? Get started and begin applying for an online MBA now!


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