When does it make sense to earn your MBA?

From a young age, we’re taught that education is the vehicle that can take you wherever you need to go in your career. While increasing your level of education is never a bad thing, it requires more critical thinking and tough decision-making with each additional level you pursue.

Many professionals are faced with a tough question once they enter the workforce: Is a graduate degree necessary to pursue my career goals? For many, the question is whether to pursue a master’s of business administration degree. MBA programs are one of the most common graduate degree programs for professionals, because this type of graduate degree can be applied to so many professions.

So how do you determine if earning an MBA is what’s best for you and your career? Here are four reasons getting an MBA could make sense for you.

* If your employer will cover part or all of the costs. Many employers want their employees to grow with the company and be able to transition easily into a management role when the time is right. Obtaining your MBA is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a management role, so your employer may be happy to assist you in that venture. Online MBA programs are becoming more and more popular, and usually offer the flexibility to learn while you remain in your current job – a bonus for you and your employer.

* You find yourself needing another marketable skill. You may find that your resume falls a little flat for the types of careers you want to pursue. Obtaining an MBA is an effective way to bolster your qualifications, and you’ll be able to market what you’ve learned in your master’s program when the time comes for an interview – and then apply that extra knowledge once you’re on the job.

* You know you want to be in management. It’s possible to advance to the ranks of management without earning a graduate degree, but an MBA can improve your chances. Not only can it help you get a job in management, it can give you the managerial skills to excel in your role once you get the job.

* You have time to do it. Even if earning an MBA makes sense on other levels, you should have the time you need to commit to a graduate program. Finding flexible online MBA programs with course options that fit perfectly into your schedule might be exactly what you need to successfully obtain your degree.

Getting Rid of Misconceptions About Online Executive MBA Programs

Can online executive MBA programs actually improve your career opportunities? Whatever your specific career goals, you can be sure that the Executive MBA can provide a solid boost for you. However, no one can deny that for many nowadays, there are certain commitments that make its pursuance a bit difficult.

Those with a lot on their plate can still pursue the degree through distance learning, fortunately. Prior to applying for the course, you must of course learn as much as you can. That out of the way, we now move on to some false assumptions people often make about the course.

One often-made assertion is that it is faster and less expensive. Frankly, this is untrue given that most schools charge more or less similar rates for the actual lessons in the two kinds of courses. Even the packages offered by some colleges cannot present major budgetary advantages, at least not if the primary consideration is cost per credit.

Truth be told, there is indeed an element of truth to the statement that Web-based courses let you cut down costs. The true financial benefits of the Net-based classes are found in the fact that you need not pay for things like commuting to campus. And because many online instructors tend to save their studying materials in PDFs, you may skip buying more textbooks.

The typical number of credit hours asked of students is going to be around thirty-six credit hours. Thus, the average length of the course would be about a couple of years. Although there are several accelerated online EMBA options offered, if you encounter a program promising an EMBA in just a short year, you could be coming across a fraudulent school.

The Internet programs also suffer from a regularly cast disparagement that they are easy compared to the regular programs. The actual ease associated with EMBAs is more properly given to their accommodation. This obviously does not mean that you have simpler or more elementary lessons with which to contend.

It is in fact just as hard. The basic course demands and activities, even if adapted for the Internet format, are still the same. The absence of professors from your side may even render it harder than the conventional course if you are not used to studying by yourself.

Of course, there are other ways of communicating with class members, including instant messaging and so on. However, the response rate can be somewhat slow. There can be no doubt that only self-motivated people who do not need to depend on others can prosper in these courses.

One more misconception is that all Web-based courses are equal. One should refrain from holding them all in equal regard. To determine legitimate schools from fraudulent ones, check the school’s accreditation and visit the US Department of Education site if the online school you are eyeing is indeed legit.

It would be irrational to expect every last college in the country to be included in the USDE’s compilation, however. College Navigator can be a good alternative if the school is not on the USDE list. Overall, executive MBA programs are still worthwhile alternatives for those who cannot pursue an EMBA the conventional way.

How to Choose an Online MBA Program ?

Search for "online MBA programs" and you'll be met with a staggering array of options. These days, it seems every institute of higher learning offers an online MBA program.

Demand for business degrees is high, especially among engineering and IT professionals, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, studies show that professionals who hold master's degrees earn more money than those with bachelor's degrees, says Bonnie Diehl, chief academic officer for the SANS Technology Institute, a for-profit educational institution offering advanced degrees in IT security management and engineering.

Second, many IT professionals who've worked in the field for a few years decide to pursue an MBA because they realize they may not be able to progress in their careers without one, says Susan Cates, executive director of the University of North Carolina's online MBA program, MBA@UNC.

"Engineers, for example, come out of their undergraduate experience and go into a functional role in a company with a very specific set of skills. As they grow and are given broader sets of responsibilities, they reach a point where their job becomes more about their leadership and management skills, their ability to think about strategy and financial decision-making, rather than about tech skills," says Cates. "When they need to broaden out their skillsets, it's a natural conclusion for folks with an IT or engineering background to see an MBA as a good path for expanding their career opportunities within their company or industry."

About half the students currently enrolled in UNC's online MBA program have a background in science, engineering or IT, adds Cates.

Martha Heller, president of Heller Search Associates, a retained executive search firm specializing in technology leaders, says that MBAs can be advantageous to CIOs with traditional technology backgrounds and to some of their direct reports, such as business relationship executives.

"What CEOs looking to hire CIOs care about is the CIO's ability to contribute as directly to the business as possible," says Heller. "The best way to demonstrate that experience is to have worked in the business, to have run a non-IT operations group, to have been a general manager. If you have that experience, the MBA is redundant."

However, if you lack that business management experience and are gunning for a career in industries that want their CIOs to make a direct contribution to the business, "an MBA will help," says Heller. "All things being equal as a recruiter, when I'm looking at a resume, I would rather see an MBA than not."

These trends have led online MBA programs to flourish. But with so many options, how can IT professionals determine which have the best reputations and meet their specific or needs Here's some advice.

1. Identify the characteristics of an online MBA program that are most important to you. Don't apply to an online MBA program just because you've heard of it, says Cates. Do some research first and consider what's most important to you in a program, whether that be the school's reputation, the quality of the teaching, the rigor of the academics, a particular concentration in a subject area, or the flexibility the program provides, she says. Your employer's HR personnel might be able to tell you which MBA programs have worked well for other employees.

2. Make sure the institutions you're considering are accredited.Some employers don't recognize degrees from non-accredited schools, notes Cates. Moreover, if a school is non-accredited, you may not be able to transfer any of your credits if you decide to enroll in an MBA program at a different institution.

3. Find the program that best fits your lifestyle and learning style.Cates says that professionals turn to online MBA programs for a variety of reasons: Many can't afford to drop out of the workforce for two years to pursue a traditional MBA. Others, due to demanding business travel schedules, can't be geographically tied to an evening or weekend executive MBA program. And some need the flexibility to take courses and complete the academics on their time.

Since online MBA programs vary in structure in style, to find the one that best suits your needs, Cates recommends asking the following questions:

• What learning formats are part of the program? Books? Webinars? Video conferences?

• Does the program repurpose on-site coursework for the Web, leaving you largely learning on your own? Or does it promote interaction with other students and faculty throughvideo conferencing and/or online discussion groups?

• Is there on-demand access to course materials?

• Is there real-time access to faculty for office hours?

• When are classes held? Are they offered during times that are clearly built for working professionals, such as evenings and weekends?

• Can you take classes anytime?

• Can you scale up or down the number of credit hours you're taking during any given term?

• Can you begin the program at different times of the year, or only in the fall?

4. Talk to current students. "There's no substitute for talking to current students to give you a sense of what is really happening in the program," says Cates. Conversations with professionals currently enrolled in the program will help you determine whether the program may meet your needs, she adds.

5. Evaluate whether the program offers career support. Good online MBA programs will offer leadership development and career coaching, says Cates. They also offer robust alumni networks that can come in handy when you're looking for a new job.

Meridith Levinson covers Careers, Security and Cloud Computing for CIO.com. Follow Meridith on Twitter target="_new">@meridith. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline and on Facebook. Email Meridith at mlevinson@cio.com.

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The Advantages of Online MBAs for Parents

Working parents have major obligations which can be as rewarding as they are demanding. Is it realistic to earn an MBA while juggling a full-time job and a family? While it might not be easy, most most worthwhile endeavours aren’t — and online MBA programs, like Kenan-Flagler Business School’s MBA@UNC, now deliver some of the world’s highest-rated business education curricula in a more flexible and accessible format than ever before. While highly motivated and intrepid working parents have earned MBAs from all types of programs, online MBAs offer certain definite advantages.

Flexible Scheduling

Online MBA programs eliminate the time required for commuting to campus and allow much greater flexibility in scheduling than traditional, campus-centered graduate education. Asynchronous coursework can be completed at the student’s leisure, and advanced learning technology makes it easy to collaborate on projects with classmates around the world. Even those aspects of the program that do take place on a fixed schedule, like weekly virtual class sessions, can be completed from the comfort of the home or office. While the coursework is rigorous, these programs are designed to remove all unnecessary impediments between students and a high quality business education.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Technology

The best online MBA programs use a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning technology to recreate the personal feel of a traditional MBA program while affording students maximum flexibility in how they complete about their coursework. Synchronous technology, such as video-conferencing for virtual classrooms, allows groups of students and faculty to interact in real time. Asynchronous technology, such as a specialized social network, message boards and email, allow students to respond to each other on a longer timeline, which is particularly important for working parents or students in different timezones. This mixture of balanced educational technology provides many of the benefits of face-to-face interaction, while offering the flexibility and accessibility that only online education can provide.

Work From Home

For parents who work from home, or those who would like to, an online MBA program provides a unique advantage. In many ways, business professionals must make their own schedules, meet with challenging deadlines, and communicate with distant clients and colleagues. These skills will be exercised and strengthened by an online education, while students learn the concepts and practices that will help them sharpen their business skills, expand their networks and advance their careers.

Acquiring a graduate level business education is a challenging and exciting process for anyone, but online MBA programs are particularly well suited to the lifestyles of working parents, who would miss out on priceless family moments by spending nights or weekends commuting to a campus. After all, bettering yourself and your career should not need to come at the cost of family. And online MBA programs will give you the most flexibility in how you choose to balance the demands and rewards of your personal, professional and educational commitments.

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Start evaluating: The pros and cons of the online MBA

Online MBA courses are designed for convenient access from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. If they choose, students can embark on the tough challenge of studying part time while working to pay the bills, looking after a family, or even studying full time on the opposite side of the world from where the actual business school is based.

For clarification, TopMBA.com defines online MBA programs as courses that are taught solely online, without visiting the school. Distance learning MBA programs are hybrid courses, where the predominant mode of study is online, but the student will be expected to attend some campus based lectures, such as a residential course during over a long weekend.

Choosing courses
But with so many different studying formats, and with few previous students as a result of the online MBA’s relative infancy, how does a potential MBA student decide which online MBA course is the right choice?

One option is to look at business schools that have already been accredited after operating regular MBA courses on campuses for many years. Many of these schools argue that MBA students are taught very similar if not the same curricula, and therefore graduate with the same skills.

“No matter which MBA platform a student chooses, everyone earns the same (qualification)” explains Jason Simmons, manager of admissions and recruitment, W P Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in the US. While he points out that options for elective courses may differ depending on which medium the MBA program is taught in, “all involve the same core curriculum, which includes a strong foundation in accounting, management, finance, marketing and supply chain.”

Drawbacks
While one obvious drawback to any MBA program taught exclusively online is the lack of face to face with fellow students, many argue that learning deep online skills is essential for the technologically evolved world.

“Teamwork is still a key component so students learn how to work in geographically dispersed teams, which is becoming commonplace in the corporate world,” says Eric Richards, chair of the Kelley Direct Public Programs at Indiana University’s Kelley Business School, USA. “Our online courses are very interactive, just as our face to face classes are. The only difference is the way in which the interaction occurs.”

A crucial aspect of online MBAs when compared to traditional campus based MBA programs is the availability of the online lectures, usually 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As Richard Wheatcroft, masters program director and senior lecturer in management at Open University in the UK tells TopMBA.com, “sometimes it matters more what the individual is doing, than the institution they are studying at.

“From a recruiter’s point of view, at a top business school with both full time and online MBA programs, graduates come out having studied a very similar syllabus. However, a graduate who has studied full time can only claim they can work hard. An online MBA graduate has already been working hard (while studying part time) for the last two years,” Wheatcroft notes, drawing attention to the benefits of gaining work experience while studying.

However, Wheatcroft, whose distance learning MBA at Open University is predominantly taught online did concede that there are drawbacks to an online MBA. “Networking is a problem, as online meetings simply can’t replace face to face interaction with fellow students,” he explains. “Also, there clearly isn’t the same (on campus) recruitment going on, as it’s a disconnected network, so it’s impossible.”

Eric Richards at Kelley Business School points out that the need for an online MBA student to have a great deal of self-discipline to graduate. “Since you are not required to be in a certain location at a certain time you must be disciplined enough to join in discussion forums, chat sessions, team meetings, and do your class assignments on a regular basis throughout the week,” he explains. “If you need to be at a class at a certain time to motivate yourself to keep up with your studies, an online program like Kelley Direct is not for you.”

Value to recruiters
Finally, probably the most important consideration for any online course, MBA or otherwise is how much it is valued after graduation. “Accreditation is very important here,” points out Wheatcroft, whose MBA course is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The other international accrediting body that accredits schools overall is EQUIS, based in Brussels. AMBA (the association of MBAs) is based in London and accredits individual programs rather than schools. There are a number of schools that have one, two or even all three of these heavyweight accreditations.

“There are also national accrediting bodies in separate countries,” says Ross Geraghty, managing editor of the TopMBA Career Guide. “As there is little to stop almost anyone starting a business school or online MBA, it’s very important that online MBA candidates seek out and research a school’s accreditation before handing their fees over.”
In fact, many experts are becoming concerned over some online business schools that seem to operate purely for profit, rather than to educate their students. “Sometimes you want to ask, are you running a business or a business school?” Andy Policano, chairman of the board of AACSB International and dean of the University of California at Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business enthuses, before giving his advice to prospective students.

“Some schools really do appear to be more concerned with making money than educating their students,” Policano worryingly points out, reiterating the importance that prospective students check that a business school is properly accredited before handing over their tuition fees. Accreditation really is that important. Just because an organization calls itself a business school, it does not necessarily mean they are genuinely interested in educating their students. It appears that, unfortunately something that many would assume to be an essential part of selecting, and paying thousands of dollars in tuition fees is all too often overlooked by eager students.

Richard Burns

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Finding Importance in Online MBA Programmes

Because of the current state of the economy, you might be thinking about going for an online MBA program so that you can pursue your MBA without having to leave the job that you are currently in. Here, you have something that made an impact on all types of MBAs from the conventional ones to those that can be sourced online especially now that more and more people are considering the online options. Nowadays, MBAs are being changed because of the constant changes that are happening in the economy and this is why you should factor in the latter in your overall decision.

The fact is that offline as well as online MBA programs used to be very highly regarded some years ago. MBAs no longer have this reverence thanks to the downward spiral of the global market. When the economy took a plunge, a number of international financial institutions were questioned for the event and most of the people working for them had MBA degrees.

Because of the way things turned out, MBA degree holders were no longer seen as the smart ones and the theories that they have learned were deemed as ineffective. Maybe these firms and MBA programs have some responsibility when it comes to the economic downfall but they are not the only parties that caused this to happen. Nevertheless, a lot of people still think that they are the ones who made this happen.

Because of this, students in MBA programs are facing tons of problems. For individuals who will still be taking up their MBAs, they need to be critical of their options especially now that MBA programs have suffered a confidence demotion. More than ever, you should be vigilant in seeking out universities that do not only have high standards but which also provide lessons that are more in keeping with the economic theories of the day.

Educational facilities no longer rely on the same curriculum after the economy spiraled out of control. Before, MBA students dreamt of joining the highest corporate ranks but now, they are concerning themselves with the needs of small- and medium-scale businesses. Because of the kind of education being provided through such programs today, those who are focused on entrepreneurial elements will surely succeed.

These days, it is important for potential students to engage in online MBA programs that focus on the micro and macro perspectives of economics. It is better if people had a more comprehensive understanding of financial elements and this is exactly what most companies are looking for these days. This is vital at a time where the small business ventures are proving the most successful, and where major companies are forced to walk a treacherous tightrope for survival.

As much as possible, you want to enroll in a university that has a multidimensional approach when it comes to their business programs. Keep in mind that the recession was somewhat pinned on the past models of business and commerce that used the one dimensional approach. In this case, by changing the old models that led to the crisis, there are hopes of a complete economic reversal in the future.

Given that a lot of people still look down on MBA graduates, the curriculum is not the only thing that you should concern yourself with. Here is where you really need to find a well-known institution. Here, you are doing something to fend off the negative views that individuals have for MBA programs.

A good idea would be to seek out a university that is not only well-known school but also accredited. You will surely have better job opportunities if you manage to graduate from online MBA programs from accredited educational facilities. If you are eyeing positions in various fields of business, you should really make an effort to take advantage of all the professional credentials available to you.

If you are looking for online MBA programs, remember to take these into consideration. Remember that there is no point in making an effort to pursue something that will not be beneficial in the long run. Spend time researching schools and programs before you engage in any particular course.

Accredited and well-known school offering online mba programs should your priority in pursuing a degree online. Guaranteed that you will be well trained and developed.

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Top Value Online MBA Programs Globally

I was researching the fees for the various Online MBA programs , interestingly the Online MBA program by the London College of Business, UK is a couple of times cheaper than the cheapest ones here in the list , despite the reputation of its validating university, University of Wales, UK.

Here is the article

This is Top Colleges Online’s ranking of the best online value MBA programs for under $50,000. We’ve tried to balance between quality of education and affordable, low-cost tuition to show you how you can get the best bang for your buck. This is not a ranking of the cheapest MBA programs available. If you go that route, you will very likely end up getting a cheap degree from a sketchy school. Instead, our list contains all highly respected, regionally accredited MBA programs, all of which are rooted in real, traditional programs at reputable schools.

So what’s more important to you in choosing an online MBA degree program: high prestige or low cost? Choosing a highly regarded program will generally cost you more pfront in tuition and fees, but may pay off with better job prospects and higher earnings in the long run. Choosing a less prestigious, lower ranked program will probably save you money in terms of tuition and fees, but may cost you more over time if you’re unable to get the position or salary you would be able to demand with a degree from a higher ranked program.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed either way. Many students graduate from the top MBA programs in the country and struggle for years to pay off their debt because they can’t land a job. Other students earn their degree from second and third tier programs and become CEOs of major corporations. Indeed, a recent study showed that less than half of the highest-paid CEOs have an MBA degree at all! Finding an online MBA program with the right balance between reputation and cost is key.

The programs in our best value online MBA ranking offer the best combination of prestige and affordability we could find. All of the business schools on our list are accredited by the AACSB (the premier accreditation for business schools) and are nationally ranked. They also all offer an online MBA for less than $50,000. With the hiring of MBAs on the rise and the average starting salary for an MBA graduate now over $91,000 (having risen each of the last three years), these programs may be an excellent investment in your future.

#1. Florida International University (Chapman Graduate School of Business)

The Chapman Graduate School of Business at top-ranked Florida International University in Greater Miami, FL is an AACSB accredited leader in international business and entrepreneurship.

Program information

FIU offers an online Corporate MBA Program. Taking two classes each term, this accelerated distance MBA can be completed in as little as 18 months of dedicated study. Admitted students will be assigned to a peer cohort that they will stay with for the duration for the program. No GMAT is required for admission and no travel is required.

Financial information

$37,500 will cover tuition and fees for the entire program. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#2. University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg School of Management)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, MA is among the best public universities in the U.S. and the AASCB accredited Isenberg School of Management frequently earns top business school rankings.

Program information

UMass Amherst offers the Isenberg Online MBA for part-time students. The entire program can be completed in as little as two and a half years of part-time study. Students are allowed to take up to two courses before deciding whether the program is a good fit for them or not. An asynchronous class format allows students to access courses at their convenience. No travel is required.

Financial information

$27,750 will cover tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#3. Washington State University (College of Business)

The nationally ranked Washington State University College of Business in Pullman, WA brings over twenty years experience in distance education to its AACSB accredited online MBA program.

Program information

WSU’s Online MBA Program is designed to be completed in two years. With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, students in the program must complete a full business plan in order to graduate. WSU also offers the Online Executive MBA Program for student with significant business experience. Travel is not mandatory, but students may attend graduation ceremonies at WSU’s campus.

Financial information

$29,250 is enough to cover tuition and fees. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#4. University of Scranton (Kania School of Business)

The University of Scranton’s AACSB accredited Kania School of Management is a top-ranked Jesuit business school in Scranton, PA with an emphasis on ethics and responsibility.

Program information

The University of Scranton’s Online MBA Degree can be completed in about two years and requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. In addition to the general track, students may choose from concentration tracks in Enterprise Resource Planning, Healthcare Management, and Operations Management. No travel is required.

Financial information

$30,312 covers tuition and fees for the minimum 36 credit hours. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#5. Quinnipiac University (School of Business)

Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT has taken its AACSB accredited and nationally ranked School of Business to new heights with significant recent investments in academic infrastructure and facilities.

Program information

Quinnipiac University offers a 46 credit hour online MBA program for working adults. Students can choose from electives in Computer Information Systems, Finance, Health Care Management, General Management, and Marketing. An intensive Health Care Management Track is offered for those planning to enter management in the health care industry. No campus visits are required.

Financial information

$39,330 will cover your tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#6. University of Florida (Hough Graduate School of Business)

The University of Florida’s globally ranked Hough Graduate School of Business in Gainesville, FL was one of the first AACSB accredited business schools to put a complete MBA program online.

Program information

The University of Florida offers its Internet MBA Program in one-year (16 month) and two-year (27 month) options. The one-year option is only open to students who earned a bachelor’s in business within the last seven years. Both formats require students to travel to the University of Florida campus one weekend each term to meet with faculty and other students.

Financial information

$46,000 (1 yr.)/$52,500 (2 yr.) covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#7. University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal School of Management)

The AACSB accredited Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas in Dallas, TX perennially ranks among the very best business schools in America.

Program information

UT-Dallas offers their Online Professional MBA as a part-time, 53 credit hour program. Students are given 24 hours of electives with which to craft their own specialization. Courses can be completed at the student’s own pace. No travel is required.

Financial information

$45,000 covers tuition and fees. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#8. Auburn University (College of Business)

Auburn University’s AACSB accredited College of Business in Auburn, AL has been moving up in the business school rankings in the last few years, establishing itself as a top public school for business degrees.

Program information

Auburn University offers a 36 credit hour Distance Learning MBA that can typically be completed within three years. All instructions, assignments and tests are identical to the campus-based MBA program. Students must attend a mandatory five day residency at the Auburn campus before graduating.

Financial information

$26,064 covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#9. Oklahoma State University (Spears School of Business)

The AASCB accredited Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK is an established leader in business education with a history of offering innovative distance learning opportunities.

Program information

Oklahoma State University offers its Distance Learning MBA as a part-time, 36-48 credit hour program. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork and team building throughout. Professional experience is preferred but not a requirement for admission. Travel is not mandatory, but graduates of the program are invited to campus for commencement ceremonies.

Financial information

$14,000 (in-state)/$37,000 (out-state) covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

#10. Florida State University (College of Business)

Florida State University’s AACSB accredited College of Business in Tallahassee, FL is among the highest ranked public business schools in the country with an excellent job placement and minority graduation record.

Program information

Florida State University offers its Online MBA as a 39 credit hour program designed to be completed in a little over two years. Students can specialize in Marketing, Management Information Systems, Real Estate, or Risk Management and Insurance. Travel is not required.

Financial information

$28,350 covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Getting to Know MBA Online Degree Programs

Author: DonnaCheatwood

Like all other things in life, MBA online degree programs have good and bad features. There will definitely be some drawbacks and advantages to earning your masters degree online. What is paramount is that you know all of them before you settle on this path.

All graduates can safely expect a wage raise, but the degree to which their wages rise is uncertain. Many individuals from MBA schools online find that public schools might not be able to present them with a sizeable increase in pay. This would then make it difficult to earn back what you invested for your education.

However, finishing such programs shall still give you an advantage over many other persons aiming for the same professional openings as you are. Furthering your studies gives you a nice competitive edge in the job market. Unfortunately, most companies and organizations are looking for individuals they can hire on the lower range of the pay scale, especially in this time of economic turmoil.

Literacy and learning levels are currently being questioned by citizens of the United States. Net-based studies are no longer treated as negatively as they were some years ago, however. With a lot of other international institutions offering online degree programs, you can still get the best possible education with the best learning institutions.

Part of what makes the distance learning programs so intriguing is that they do not place restrictions on when you can study or take a look at course materials. This would allow the students to find a convenient time for them to do their coursework. If you are a full-timeemployee at a company, though, you shall nevertheless find it hard to make time for everything you have to do.

Curricula are almost equal for the two kinds of masters degrees, though. If you happen to be a distance learner, though, you are going to find yourself developing traits like responsibility even faster than those in the traditional courses. It then provides the organization with tangible proof of these skills versus a hypothetical one.

However, most academic works are completed online with little opportunities for personal interaction. For specific programs like business, this is a great loss because you lose out on opportunities to meet and connect with the leaders of other organizations. Of course, if you are not in a field that demands this, it might turn out all right.

There are also many monetary savings to be had with Web-based study. This is wonderful if you live far away from a school and do not want to have to pay money each day just to make the trip to and from it. Students can then channel their energy into something more productive instead of wasting the time commuting.

Students have to figure out as well if the university they are eyeing is worth it. There are a great number of scammers in this industry, and you should do your best to avoid them. Invest some time in researching colleges in order to figure out which ones are scams and which are real.

MBA online degree programs and their conventional equals are just that, in most cases: equals. A graduate diploma can unlock doors you never even considered before, whether earned online or offline. You shall find that there are more pros than cons to actually finishing the course.

When you need to have more information on how you can find a reliable and great college education, be wise enough and click this. You’ll be enlightened.

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A Level Look at MBA Online Degree Programs

Author:- Mary Rose Bellaswan

As is the case for other courses, MBA online degree programs sport upsides and downsides. There are always going to be benefits as well as disadvantages to distance learning. It is of grave importance that all would-be students assess these matters first before they do go for a distance learning program.

Increased wages are natural outcomes of the program, but different increases are also observed. The amount by which your pay goes up may be dependent on the name of your academy, sometimes. This could give you a headache if you spent a bit on your education and were expecting your raised wages to help you in defraying what you owe.

That said, you may well find yourself being selected more often for jobs with your degree. More corporations are likely to consider you if you have credentials of this type. Because people with your qualifications demand better pay, though, you are unlikely to find positions as easily as those with only undergraduate degrees, since this is a time when economies are still downsizing.

Increasingly more people are doubting the worth of American education too. Fortunately, most companies and organizations don’t really mind if you earn your degree online. This learning style has inspired a good number of colleges to provide classes of this type.

The crucial selling point to any MBA program online is the ability to access lectures and readings 24 hours a day and 7 days a week online. Such a format permits people to make more time for other things. However, many individuals are finding the stress of studying and working at the same time overwhelming and sometimes, even unmanageable.

As for the subjects covered, they are more or less similar in the two types of MBA programs. The beauty of studying in a Web-based degree, however, is that it will force you to become even more responsible than campus-based students. Many HR officers recognize the Web-based degrees as evidence of such discipline in applicants, as a result.

There are very few interactive face-to-face sessions with Net-based learning, though. In the MBA especially, it is a downside because you do not get to network as easily. However, people who are not looking for professions that demand intensive networking need not worry.

Distance learning is commonly touted as having lower expenses than other types of learning. This is on top of eliminating the need to travel to and from the campus. Because you no longer need to waste time on the trip, you can use that freed-up time for study or work.

Another major consideration in the matter is the educational establishment offering the course. The popularity of online degree programs has also contributed to the creation of online degree scams. Make sure to do thorough research and if possible, take the time to visit the campus to speak with the administration and faculty.

Keep in mind that MBA online degree programs aren’t always less desirable than campus ones. What is important is that your degree opens up more avenues for you. If you do undertake distance learning for an MBA, you shall be gratified to discover that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

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