Even As They Proliferate, Online M.B.A.s Remain Controversial

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Too often, perceptions lag reality. Many people offering opinions about technology-facilitated learning are not basing their comments on careful research and analysis. Instead, the more common and unfortunate starting point for these opinions is an instinctive bias for the familiar. In other words, the vast majority of people offering an opinion about technology-facilitated learning have no personal experience with this education format.
I have spent more than a decade as a university administrator responsible for technology-facilitated programs. I know how the accessibility of this learning model has served to connect great faculty at a highly regarded institutions with a group of students who meet all of the same academic requirements as the on-campus cohort, but who would otherwise be unable to join the school simply because of logistics (i.e., schedule and geography).
With time, I am confident that perception will catch-up with reality and that the quality of a learning experience will not be judged by the format alone.

Daniel Szpiro of NY 4:54PM May 04, 2012

As a graduate of an Online MBA program, I can assure you it is not as easy as one may think. I am blind and was unable to travel to the school of choice. I was supported in studies by the State of Texas with a full scholarship.
When persons like Mr.Cohen put down online MBA programs perhaps they should reconsider their position. Learning can be stressed at any level and setting foot on campus does not always improve student performance or instructor directives.
Essentially at the end of the day, if the student fails to manage time, resources and complete reading and written assignments they are graded accordingly. Security methods are placed for examination and most faculty are adjucnt faculty from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, George Washington University, and other proprietary schools.
Why would Mr. Cohen think online education reflective of MBA studies would be any less productive and resourceful than other institutions. More than 98 percent of all colleges and Universities in America offer online course work.
Mr. Cohen seems to think he is an expert, and yet with dependency on the www for both national and international business acumen it would appear that Mr.Cohen would reconsider his statement.
Regarding SHRM representatives most fail to simply know current ADA laws and often tend to personalize decision making rather than applying laws and standards that reflect EEOC practices in the current global economy.

CL Jones of CO 1:45PM February 29, 2012

This is absolute rubbish. Since completing an online MBA and Msc at Heriot Watt University in the UK my salary has tripled, I have been promoted 4 times and now into Senior Executive management and now looking at doing the online doctorate to take the next step. My business knowledge is widely recognised in the company and I have been able to apply in real life the things I learned during stuyding thus creating a much richer learning experience that if I had left work to do the MBA full time.
You need to sort out the good and credible universities form the degree mills usually found in the USA

Alex of TX 3:09PM January 01, 2012

What about active military who don't have the option of attending brick and motor schools? I'd like to see someone sit across a desk from me and say "no you've earned your degree online" what other option did I have sir while serving your country overseas.

Tony of ME 12:39AM December 14, 2011

I haven't earned a graduate degree, but would suggest that one from a recognized and highly regarded school (like Penn State) would hold more weight and not have the stigma as might a purely online school that doesn't have the history or standing of traditional universities. Are they attracting the same caliber of professors (or students, for that matter)? Of course, programs can be what you make of them, but I think students would be wise to spend their money carefully.

Paula of NJ 3:46PM December 13, 2011

Since graduating from the Penn State iMBA program slightly more than 5 years ago, I have been promoted by my employer 3 times. My base salary has grown by nearly 50% and my annual bonus potential has more than tripled. Thanks to tuition reimbursement, my out-of-pocket expense for the MBA was less than 25% of total cost. So, from an ROI perspective, it was definitely worth my resources.
Personally, I don't place much weight in Mr Cohen's comments for they are too general or sweeping in nature. I suspect that some on-line programs might fully validate Cohen's position; but, Penn State's cannot and should not be included in the mix.
The flexibility to attend class while performing a job that required significant travel attracted me to the Penn State iMBA despite proximity to several well regarded resident programs.

Jeff W. PSU iMBA 2005 of PA 1:32PM November 14, 2011

I earned my MBA from Penn States iMBA program in 2009 and it was worth every second. Those who criticize the program are obviously short sighted and haven't looked into how challenging the curriculums are. To me it was less about the degree itself and more about the skill sets and tools I was able to walk away with and not only apply to the job I had at the time, but parlay into a new more rewarding position. Degrees in and of themselves are merely a starting point. If I am not mistaken, the geniuses who developed all of those wonderful financial products like credit default swaps came from traditional brick and mortar business schools like Harvard and Yale. How did that work out?

Jim S. of NC 12:12PM November 09, 2011

Worth it to me and I didn't see a stigma to it. I received my degree from the Penn State iMBA program in 2010. In mid-2011, I got a new job and a 30% increase in pay with it - in this economic environment. One reason, that helped me get into the interview - my MBA. And it didn't matter it was online or distance. It was an advanced degree that taught me plenty. I also used the experience in the interview. Must have helped, I got the offer.

Scott C. of IL 6:04PM November 04, 2011

I don't think Mr. Cohen really understands the dynamic of online MBA's. I got mine from Penn State's iMBA program in 2005 while a full time Naval Officer working Quality Assurance and Maintenance on Navy Jets. I went to work everyday and applied what I had learned the day before. If you want to really absorb subject matter and learn how to apply material, immediately putting it to work in the real world is the best way to do it. I'll also say that all of my classmates were working professionals, many of them at the top of their field, who didn't want to take time off from their upwardly mobile careers to get their MBA so they just did both at the same time.
I've since left the military and started several businesses - and I did it in real estate under the worst possible business conditions imaginable. I'd have fallen flat on my face within 6 months had it not been for my Penn State iMBA.

Chris Ognek of VA 9:20PM November 03, 2011

In my opinion it is inappropriate to bucket all online MBA programs as ineffective. There are good online MBA programs and bad ones - just as there are good traditional MBA programs and bad ones.
In the 'world is flat' age, when most people in the workforce are already working with global teams virtually, the 'channel' through which a program is offered should not dictate the quality of the program. The quality of the program should be judged by its content, professors and program outputs.
In fact, some online MBA programs are more rigorous and enriching than traditional programs as students are working on the same case studies but with a more globally diverse cohort, who are all working full-time, applying their MBA learnings to their work and providing real time feedback on what works and does not back into the program.
Again - it is important to clearly understand what you want from your MBA. If you want a strong management foundation and a global network of cohorts without giving up on your current career and are willing to work hard through the 3 years, then an online MBA program is a great fit. If you think an online MBA is a free ride, then you are in for a surprise.
Disclaimer - Graduated from Penn State's iMBA program Fall 2011 (and loved every hour of it)

Aninda Bhunia 12:15PM November 03, 2011