The Lowdown on the Online M.B.A.

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Allen: Many traditional universities offer online MBAs today. The University of Mississippi offers an online MBA as does Southern Arkansas University. Both are AACSB accredited. I mention those two because I have personal connections to both schools. I believe the MBA at UM is around $12k and at SAU it is around $8k.

www.olemiss.edu

www.saumag.edu

Mark of MS

grimster of MS 3:15PM May 24, 2011

What about an online MBA that is AACSB accredited and is part time so you can do it at a slower pace? I would like to pursue a graduate degree, but still need to focus most of my time on my career. Which part time/online MBA has the best national rank to price per credit hour? Looking for a quality graduate degree that is respected by recruiters, flexible enough to progress at my own pass, and won't cost me a kidney to obtain. Any thoughts, advice?

Allen of KY 5:53PM May 14, 2011

Hello Stacy,

I saw your write-up while searching for MBA options online. I would like to know if you could assist me with securing an affordable online MBA from any of the good schools in the US.

I believe I have the basic requirements which is a bachelors degree, over 3years work experience with a multinational, and of course some money in my savings account. Please, kindly let me know if you have any concerns.

Thank you and best regards.

Jada 9:56AM April 28, 2011

I don't know, I tend to agree with Stacy. Stacy did not commit to "rating" an non-AACSB school as "sub-par." She objectively stated that the level of business classes are not that of those approved by AACSB. I already have my Doctorate and now seeking information on my MBA. The expectation I have for a school as do my employers is to have as top notch a degree as possible. I want to know the facts of AACSB vs. non-AACSB then it's up to me to make a decision.

Great article, btw - exactly the information I needed to assist in making the right decision for myself, career and resume.

Val

Val of NY 12:48PM April 06, 2011

I have wanted to do an MBA for many years, but I travel a lot (mainly to various Asian countries) and at short notice. Initially when I first heard of online MBAs I thought they would be like those degrees people sell you where you don't have to study - i.e. worthless. Then I started to understand what was involved and realised that for it would be very interesting to broaden my horizons. I have worked in IT for over 30 years, so really wanted to get some more knowwledge of Finance, Marketing, Knowledge Management etc.

I am now about 3/4 of my whay through an MBA program with U21 Global Business School. It has been hard work and I have given up many evenings and weekends to study, participate in team exercises and take exams. I think regardless of how people value the online MBA as opposed to bricks and mortar ones, it seems to me that you can learn as much or as little as you like. Obviously those who work hard will tend to get higher grade points for each subject than those who don't.

Doing the online MBA takes a lot of self discipline, but I would certainly recommend it for those who do not have a schedule that allows them to attend bricks and mortar classrooms.

Tony 3:11AM April 01, 2011

Dear Stacy,

As a graduate of both AACSB and Non-AACSB schools, I think it is appalling to rate a school as sub-par without the AACSB distinction. St Mary's of California is not AACSB, but is in the Forbes top 100 MBA programs. Does this mean that the program is bad?

I would highly recommend that when you report next time, use the proper metrics to provide helpful information to potential students. This shows a lack of integrity on your part and infers favorably to your suggested schools.

A of CA 2:39PM March 20, 2011

I am happy to see online MBA programs get some recongition, I finish an online MBA in 2004. If I had to make the choice between a birck and mortar structure and online I would choose online. The rush to get to class does not exist, how convenience to attend classes any time you want.

Rose Ashman of MI 4:30PM February 26, 2011

I'm in my last term in the Kelley program at Indiana University, and I can't recommend it more highly! There are two one-week residencies, during which you will immerse yourself in the program, fully experience the campus and some of its rituals, meet your professors face to face, and meet many of your peers/teammates. The residency experience is also extremely energizing, and makes you feel like you are part of something much bigger than an online school.

I completely agree with the author - choose an MBA with a residency program if at all possible - it is only two weeks, and try to stick with the brick and mortar AACSB schools to maximize your investment. I will finish with the same degree as the full-time Kelley students.

Kevin of NY 11:36PM February 22, 2011

Aren't ALL schools for profit? I seriously thought they were with their astronomical tuition prices! To me, accredited is accredited. The AACSB accredidation is purely optional and breeds hostile snobbery in my humble opinion.

A of KY 8:51AM February 10, 2011

I am very happy to see an article about Online MBAs.

Some interviews with AACSB MBA top recruiters on how the Online platform is seen today vs a decade ago would also be useful.

Cris of CA 1:03PM February 05, 2011

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MBA Admissions: Strictly Business

Stacy Blackman launched her MBA admissions consulting company in 2001 and has since helped thousands of clients gain admission to the most selective business schools in the world, many with merit scholarships. Blackman is the author of The MBA Application Roadmap: The Essential Guide to Getting Into a Top Business School, and has published a series of online guides which contain in depth guidance on the admissions process at top schools. Blackman has degrees from both the Wharton School of Business and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Got a question? E-mail her at strictlybusiness@usnews.com.

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