Online learning opportunities have grown in popularity in recent years, and with the right course of study, students can enjoy the chance to further their education at their convenience and increase their job prospects. The decision should be made carefully, however. Students interested in pursuing an MBA online need to consider the credibility of a particular educational institution and their degree thoroughly.
Views of Online Schools
In a 2006 article by The New York Times, professor Chris Dede of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education stated, “I think that in the very early days of online learning, people wondered if this is of equivalent quality,” Dede continued. “But now that many programs are established and many high-reputation institutions are offering online programs, I think that concern has diminished.”
For all the positives an online degree may offer, though, problems with diploma mills or other institutions without proper accreditation can make prospective employers and students wary of the programs advertised online. “True, no virtual MBA can make a recruiter’s heart race the way a Harvard or Wharton sheepskin can, but that’s an exceedingly high hurdle,” Maggie Overfelt of BNET explained. “The real point is this: In the right circumstances, an online MBA can indeed boost your career (and hiring someone bearing one can indeed help your company).”
Overfelt advises people to remember that online MBA programs vary in quality. Certain online schools tend not to be as selective about the number of students admitted to their program, which can be an indicator of the quality of the student body. Brick-and-mortar institutions with online course offerings often require more of their students in terms of GMAT scores and work experience. John Fernandes, president of AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, also added that while some schools focus more on managing numbers of students, others are “about limiting access to a few potentially outstanding students and placing them with outstanding faculty.”
Learning Comparison
Most people will readily admit that attending online schools doesn’t quite compare to the experience of attending a class in person. The spontaneity of class discussion, and a chance to build networks may be lacking. However, online degree programs have taken several steps to improve the quality of learning experiences. With the help of virtual technology, schools have created simulated classrooms, allowing students and teachers to talk with each other more. In fact, some studies indicate online learning may even exceed in-person studies because students have time to process class material at their own pace.
But can I get a job?
The 2009 Corporate Recruiters Survey from The Graduate Management Admission Council indicates that recruiters still tend to hire graduates from traditional institutions over those who chose online programs. But a graduate’s appeal to an employer depends, too, on the type of career move he or she is trying to make. Those with established careers already may have a better chance at advancing than those fresh out of an online program with little work experience. With more time, BNET says the views of online master’s degrees can only improve.