Choosing the right online MBA programme

Thinking about studying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and want to do so online? We’ve answered some common questions relating to online MBA study to help you make an informed decision about your options and – with any luck – find a place on a programme that’s perfectly suited to your needs.

What are the benefits of choosing an online MBA programme?

Online and distance learning MBAs offer learners a wide variety of benefits – making them the ideal professional development route for many focused, career-driven individuals.

Here are seven of the most common benefits to pursuing an online MBA degree programme:

• Flexibility and personalised learning experience – The asynchronous nature of many online MBA degrees – where learners access an online learning environment and work through modules and content at their own pace – means you’re free to study when it suits you, and in a way that suits you. This is particularly useful for students with work, family or other commitments.
• Accessibility – Pursuing an MBA from the comfort of your own home removes many of the barriers associated with on-campus, in-person business programmes. For example,
• Career continuity – Working professionals can engage in their online MBA studies without the worry that it’ll interrupt their careers.
• Greater choice – Opting for online study means the number of suitable MBAs you can apply for are likely to be much broader. With geographical and time zone limitations removed, you’re free to apply for high-quality graduate programmes anywhere in the world.
• Self-directed study – Studying online gives you  skills that are highly transferable to the world of work, including time management, independence, self-discipline, and organisation.
• Cost-effectiveness – Of course, any postgraduate or master’s degree represents a significant investment. However, online learning often ends up working out cheaper than traditional, campus-based courses. As well as lower tuition fees, you’ll also cut costs associated with travel and accommodation.
• Diverse peer group – Another huge benefit of online education is that you’ll join a more diverse, international cohort with a richness of perspectives. This is not only a bonus for your  personal development but can be hugely beneficial in terms of your business network.

With all of these advantages making an online MBA an attractive choice, it’s  time to start thinking about how to choose the right course for you.

How do I choose the right online MBA degree for my needs?

Deciding which online MBA to apply for can be an exciting – but also daunting – task. MBAs vary considerably – and factors such as course content, teaching modes, cost, and student support will likely all feed into the ultimate decision. Plus, with various types of MBAs on offer – including accelerated MBAs, Executive MBAs, traditional MBAs and MBAs with specialisms – what’s the best way to identify the ideal online MBA for you?

The Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) suggest some key questions prospective students should ask themselves before deciding to apply for an MBA:

• Does the university or business school have a reputation for excellence? An institution’s reputation and ranking is often a key indicator of the quality of the MBA.
• Is the programme accredited? Choosing an MBA that has accreditations from professional bodies – such as AACSB, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), EQUIS, and Association of MBAs (AMBA) – is evidence that the programme meets industry standards – which can also make you more attractive to potential employers.
• What makes the programme distinctive? Does it allow you to specialise in a particular area of business or choose from a wide range of electives?
• What are the work experience requirements? Or, rather, what are the eligibility and entry requirements more broadly? You’ll need to consider whether or not you meet the professional experience, academic credentials (including GPA/GRE/GMAT scores), and any other admissions stipulations.
• Does the programme offer work or entrepreneurship opportunities? Some courses offer internships, networking opportunities (with recruiters and industry experts), skill development workshops, experiential learning activities, and short-term work placements.
• Does the programme support academic skill development? Many prospective MBA students have spent years out of academia, so checking that a training provider offers support with study skills – such as referencing, academic writing, and time management – may be useful.
• Is student wellbeing prioritised? Increasingly, MBA providers recognise the value of offering high-quality, comprehensive student support services. Finding out what support is available, and how easily it can be accessed if and when needed, is essential.

Getting a real feel for an institution – by exploring virtual open days, speaking to advisors, and chatting with current MBA students and MBA graduates – all help you to gain a sense of whether it’s the right fit for you. Additionally, finding a programme that suits your personal needs – whether that’s related to part-time or full-time MBA options, coursework and assessment types, financial aid and support, strength of alumni network, flexible enrolment and start dates, or anything else – is critical, so make sure to cover all bases.

What is the difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA?

Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes are designed for students who have a greater depth of experience and are further along in their careers. Traditional MBA courses, on the other hand, are ideal for students with fewer years of industry or work experience. Additionally, EMBA programmes are particularly suitable for prospective students who wish to study alongside full-time employment. As a result, EMBA degrees tend to schedule classes and teaching sessions in the evenings and over weekends, creating a greater degree of flexibility.

However, the increase in distance learning programmes enable all online MBA students – regardless of specific MBA programme – to access the same level of flexibility due to self-guided study and asynchronous online classes and learning structures.

How do I choose an MBA specialisation?

Most importantly, your choice of MBA should be closely aligned with your professional goals and personal interests. If you’re keen to change careers, it probably makes sense to select a specialisation that’s closely related to your new career path. Similarly, if you want to advance in your current industry, you’ll need to identify a specialisation that will give you  the specific skills and knowledge base needed to progress to the next level. For example, if you plan to launch your own startup venture, and have skill and knowledge gaps to plug, opting for an MBA with Entrepreneurship might be the right route.

There is a huge range of specialist pathways to choose from. Common examples include MBAs with: supply chain management, marketing, healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, data and business analytics, international business, and human resource management.

Find the best online MBA programmes to help achieve your career goals

Choose transformational business education that sets you apart in today’s competitive job market, with Sheffield Hallam University’s range of online MBA programmes.

Gain the business acumen to manage, lead and deliver results, on a highly flexible, 100% online course that allows you to study at your own pace. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career – and develop into a creative, effective and inspirational leader – join us and gain the key knowledge, skills and behaviours to forge ahead in challenging, competitive business environments.