Business Schools: Tips and Stats

Advantage of an online MBA program

As a business student one might want to save on 'on campus' costs and enroll in an online program and get the same diploma from a reputable school.

@ Steve of MD

I staunchly disagree. Evaluation of average student background and core competencies must preclude any decisions made regarding the holistic "value" of a program. Online MBA students are generally more disciplined and have higher reading and writing competency levels than traditional students. Students are also often very disciplined and rely on online programs as a means of education to coincide with other responsibilities. Since they have more to lose than traditional students at high-end universities, who often ride the coat-tails of parental alumni, there is no shortage of pressure to succeed. Maintaining a GPA that will generate a sufficient ROI for their educational investment is a key concern for people who are seeking to better themselves. Business savvy is a balanced combination of street smarts and academia, so online students increase the value of a degree because of the wealth of real-world experience they procure before entering the program.

Quality education should not be reserved for undergrads who are just now being weened off of parental support. If anything, a quality advanced education should function conversely to this tradition. To think otherwise would suggest that the individual has never been forced into a situation of self support, or self motivation. If abundant, that characteristic would be more likely to devalue a program than online learning. I would much rather trust my business to someone who has experience managing multiple initiatives successfully and addressing issues than a smug ivy-leaguer who has limited experience in the trenches.

Online and Hybrid Programs are just a revenue stream for these schools

This online mba trend mentioned above will only dillute the value of every MBA degree that is awarded from Duke, Carnegie Mellon, Babson, etc.

Growth of Online & Hybrid MBA Programs at Top Schools

It's interesting how the current economic situation has sparked a rapid, and likely permanent, growth of new online & hybrid MBA programs. This is a great trend for prospective MBA students, as they can keep their jobs, stay in their current city and keep their families together while pursuing their degree. Top schools now offering hybrid programs include Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, Babson College, Penn State and Fuqua School of Business at Duke University among others. Learn more: http://bit.ly/Nqd4v