Online MBA programmes: offering students the flexibility they need to succeed
Posted on: 1 October 2024by Ben Nancholas
The landscape of higher education and business schools is changing rapidly, thanks in large part to the surging popularity of online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes.
These postgraduate programmes offer unparalleled flexibility, adapting to meet the evolving needs of today’s MBA students while helping them achieve career advancement and build a global professional network as part of their business education.
The differences between an MBA degree and online MBA degree
While the core curriculum of an online MBA will typically mirror its in-person counterpart, the delivery differs significantly.
A traditional MBA degree is usually studied over one to two years, and happens in person on campus. Online MBA courses, meanwhile, provide a learning environment that transcends geographical boundaries, offering a blend of face-to-face virtual interactions and self-directed study. This format is particularly beneficial for those who need to juggle time management between their studies, career, and personal life.
In fact, a 2022 article from the Financial Times reported that flexibility actually helps students handle online MBA pressure:
“Since the pandemic pushed much of work and learning online, an increasing number of professionals are opting for online MBAs over in-person courses. But MBAs are still time-consuming, regardless of format — so, for students having to adapt to new working arrangements and managerial responsibilities, flexibility can be key,” the article states, noting that most students are mid-career professionals trying to balance their business education with jobs and family lives.
The core components of an online MBA
At its heart, an online MBA programme offers the same academic modules and insights, with the same practical, real-world applications, as a traditional in-person MBA. Courses are designed to build upon the foundational knowledge of business principles while emphasising leadership skills and international business acumen. And like a traditional MBA programme, the learning experience often includes group work, explores case studies, and requires consultancy projects – but the key difference is that all of these are delivered through an online learning platform.
“Video is used extensively as a study tool for online MBA programs, and a typical module might include up to 20 short videos,” adds Postgrad.com. “Webinars also feature regularly, either as live events for participants or else available as catch up podcasts. Students will also gain access to online journal resources and databases.”
While programmes will vary between different institutions and providers, Postgrad.com says that most online MBA students can still expect to be allocated a personal tutor, and that support is available through phone, email, and even face-to-face channels. Teaching methods and study resources will also vary, but may include workshops, multimedia lecturecasts, live seminars, and comprehensive eLibraries.
An overview of the different types of online MBA programmes
Online MBA programmes come in various formats to suit different career goals and lifestyles.
The majority are offered part-time, typically over three years to five years, and many will provide a blend of synchronous (live online classes) and asynchronous (course materials available to study at one’s own pace) methods, catering to diverse learning preferences and schedules.
Many online MBAs also offer niche specialisms or subject areas, such as healthcare, marketing, or sustainability, which allow students to focus their studies based on their individual interests or professional industry.
Beyond flexibility: understanding the other benefits and advantages of an online MBA
In addition to the flexibility that an online MBA provides – allowing students to balance their studies with work experience and personal commitments – pursuing an online degree offers other advantages.
For example, online MBA programmes often attract students from around the world, meaning that all students benefit from a more diverse and expansive professional network, one that gives them access to global networking opportunities and insights into international business trends.
Other benefits commonly cited for online learning programmes are reductions in cost – with students saving on relocation or travel costs – and the ability to study without making sacrifices to professional commitments or salaries.
According to a Forbes article, Five Reasons Why Professionals Love Online MBA Programs, other benefits include:
- Support. Through technology, support can be found immediately, whether it’s through a Zoom call, a text, or a phone call.
- Immediate returns. Students studying their online MBA while remaining in post with their employer are able to immediately apply their learnings to real-world business challenges.
- Being part of the future. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that everything from business and networking to learning and studying will be increasingly online as technology advances, so learning in an online environment immediately gives online MBA graduates an advantage over less tech-savvy professionals.
What to expect: a day in the life of an online MBA student
An online MBA student will typically schedule in dedicated daily study time for their coursework, ensuring that they have a balanced mix of study time, personal time, and meeting the requirements of their job. Remember that time management and self-discipline are key, as students navigate their learning journey at their own pace.
During their allocated MBA study time, they’re likely to engage in a mix of activities: watching lecture videos, participating in virtual discussions, collaborating on group projects, and completing assignments.
The day might also include studying course materials, engaging in online forums, and networking with classmates from around the world.
Other flexible MBA options
In addition to traditional and online MBA programmes, there are also hybrid options that blend online distance learning and in-person experiences. These programmes aim to offer the best of both worlds, providing the convenience of online education with occasional face-to-face sessions for networking, workshops, or intensive study modules.
Many universities also offer part-time in-person MBA degrees, which can be helpful for students who prefer face-to-face, on-campus study but can’t commit to a full-time study schedule.
There are also Executive MBAs, or EMBAs, which are geared towards professionals with years of experience and who want to elevate their careers with an advanced degree while continuing to work. These programmes are typically offered part-time.
Advance your career with a flexible online MBA degree
Get the flexibility you need to take your career to the next level with a 100% online MBA from Sheffield Hallam University. Our online MBA degree programmes include:
