How to Choose an Online MBA Program

Not all online MBAs are created equal. Use these questions to find the best program for you.

As more and more online MBA programs became available, it can be difficult to determine which program will suit you the best. What’s most important to you? And how do you evaluate the quality of an online program when there are so many options?

As you research various online MBA programs, be sure to ask these questions to determine if an online MBA program is the right fit for you.

Who teaches the classes?

Are the faculty teaching in the online program the same who teach on-campus students? Will you have full-time faculty teaching your weekly, live classes or does the program use mostly part-time adjunct teachers?

How do the full-time and online MBA curriculums compare?

Are they the same or different? If they are different, how are they different? Is the program rigorous enough to equip you with the skills that you will need to compete in today’s marketplace?

Are the admissions standards high and the same as the on-campus program?

If not, how does that impact the caliber of your class and quality of your future network?

How many credits do you earn from the Online Program in comparison to the Full-time Program?

If online credit hour requirements are lower, what are you missing from your curricular experience?

Will I have access to career services?

Are the career services available to full-time students also available to online students? Can you access resources such as on-campus recruiting, industry-focused career counselors and career workshops that are critical to your post-MBA career growth?

Will I be able to network and make connections?

How much interaction takes place between students and faculty? Is it a cohort-based program in which you consistently see the same classmates? Will you ever meet in person?

Can I sit in on a live class?

Can you visit an actual class to see what it’s like before you apply? Pay attention to how many people are in the class, how much interaction occurs with the faculty and the quality of the conferencing platform.