Years ago the only way to earn a ‘respectable’ MBA degree was go to a traditional brick and mortar institution. That’s no longer the case.  In fact, many old regime universities have already made the transition to offering their MBA programs online—and more colleges are increasingly following this pattern.
In my opinion, this not only provides an effective means for adult learners and those too busy working to build their careers to earn a ’traditional’ MBA degree, but now the online MBA degree programs are on equal footing with those offered on campus.

Now, before moving on with the topic of online MBA degrees we do need to separate the wheat from the chaff.  When I speak of online degrees, particularly with respect to, well, respectability, and acceptability in the job market, I’m talking about accredited universities and programs. In the United States, that generally means regional accreditation, (or one that is accredited by a body recognized by the US Department of Education, for example the Distance Education Training Council (DETC). But be aware that some employers are still looking for graduates of regionally accredited institutions ONLY, so you’d be wise to check with your employer or potential employers first.

Whatever you do, stay away from fake online MBA programs and diploma mills. An online MBA degree that can be earned by sending in a fee and a short summary of you experiences is not going to be respected by anyone—including you!

Again, stick with accredited schools and schools with a good reputation. And many online MBA degree programs are offered by schools with outstanding reputations.

In my opinion online MBA degree programs not only replicate the traditional classroom experience, they enhance it. With chat rooms and the ability interact with other students and professors and to be able to replay audio / video lectures over-and-over until you’ve mastered the material, why bother going the brick and mortar path—anyway. But I do. Of course, recognize that some students are more comfortable with traditional classes and better suited for this learning model.

In the end, online MBS degree programs are well worth looking into….

Peter Loughlin

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