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With more professionals balancing work, family, and education, online MBA programs have become a popular alternative to traditional full-time study. But many prospective students still ask: Are online MBA degrees truly respected by employers and the business world?
Quick Answer:
Yes, online MBA degrees are increasingly respected, especially when earned from accredited and well-known institutions. In fact, many top business schools now offer online MBA programs that match the academic rigor of their on-campus counterparts, and employers often value the flexibility, self-discipline, and professional experience that online MBA students bring.
Keep reading to learn which online MBA programs are most recognized, how to choose a reputable one, and what employers really think.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Popularity of Online MBA Programs
- Are Online MBAs Respected by Employers?
- What Makes an Online MBA Credible?
- Top Online MBA Programs with Strong Reputations
- Online MBA vs. On-Campus MBA: Key Differences
- Tips for Choosing a Respected Online MBA Program
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Popularity of Online MBA Programs
Business education is evolving. As a result, MBA degree programs online have become more popular.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), since 2020, more candidates have applied to online MBAs than to on-campus programs.
Why are online MBA programs popular? Well, professionals want flexibility, lower opportunity cost, and accessibility. Further, online MBAs appeal to people who need an MBA to advance in their current roles but don’t want to change careers.
Additionally, prospective MBAs are considering part-time online MBA programs and 1-year online MBA programs to accelerate their current careers.
KEY FACT:
Online MBA programs offer more flexibility and lower opportunity costs than full-time MBA programs.
Are Online MBAs Respected by Employers?
So, are online MBAs respected by hiring managers, recruiters, and companies?
It depends.
Specifically, a program’s respectability depends on:
- The school’s reputation. An MBA degree from a top-ranked business school — whether it’s online or in-person — means something. Specifically, schools such as Carnegie Mellon, University of Michigan, and Indiana University offer online MBA programs that are globally recognized.
- Accreditation. Programs accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA meet specific academic standards. In fact, accreditation signals the quality of the education — regardless of the format.
- Curriculum. Some top online MBA programs have the same professors and a similar curriculum. However, only a subset of employers is aware of these similarities. As a result, the recruiting opportunities will be different.
Research online MBA programs and talk with current students and alums to understand how an online degree will help you.
KEY FACT:
The respectability of an online MBA depends on the school’s reputation, accreditation, and curriculum quality.
What Makes an Online MBA Credible?
When evaluating online MBA programs, consider the degree’s credibility. Specifically, review the following factors:
- school brand and global ranking
- accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, etc.)
- faculty credentials
- career services and access to alumni networks
- interactive, synchronous learning formats
Which of these factors are important to you?
Ultimately, credible online MBA universities offer support, live interaction, and access to career resources.
TTP PRO TIP:
Consider factors such as school brand and faculty credentials to evaluate online MBA programs.
Top Online MBA Programs with Strong Reputations
Many schools offer online MBA programs. However, not all of them are recognized for their quality, rigor, and career opportunities.
Therefore, you must evaluate programs and their benefits carefully. Specifically, consider programs with a strong reputation and a track record of career outcomes.
Some of the top-ranked online MBA programs include:
| School | Accreditation | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) | AACASB | Live classes, strong focus on analytics |
| Indiana University (Kelley) | AACASB | Top faculty, highly customizable |
| University of Michigan (Ross) | AACASB | Access to recruiting and alumni network |
| University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) | AACASB | Flexible timeline and experiential learning opportunities |
| University of Southern California (Marshall) | AACASB | 2-year program and career support |
Compare the programs here to the top MBA programs in the world.
KEY FACT:
Some online MBA programs offer access to campus recruiting for students planning to change jobs or careers.
Online MBA vs. On-Campus MBA: Key Differences
Is an online MBA the same as a regular MBA?
Generally, no.
A few of the key differences include:
- Flexibility — Online MBA programs are more flexible than traditional MBA programs, which usually require 2 years on campus.
- Networking — Online MBA programs provide access to virtual, global networks; on-campus MBA programs have more in-person networking opportunities.
- Cost — Online MBA programs are generally more cost-effective; on-campus MBA programs cost more and have opportunity costs.
- Reputation — The perception of online MBA programs varies; however, on-campus programs are traditionally favored.
- Duration — Online MBA programs may be completed in 1–3 years; on-campus MBA programs usually take 2 years.
As you evaluate online MBA programs, decide which of these factors is most important to you.
Are you debating a full-time vs. part-time MBA program? Read more about the differences between these formats.
TTP PRO TIP:
Identify your career priorities and select the MBA program format that best supports your goals.
Tips for Choosing a Respected Online MBA Program
If you’re wondering how to choose an online MBA program, ask yourself the following:
- Is the school AACSB-accredited?
- Does the program rank well in publications such as U.S. News or Financial Times?
- Are the faculty and curriculum the same as the on-campus program?
- Does the program offer access to career services and alumni?
- Does the school have strong relationships with employers?
Determine which program is right for your career goals and your target ROI. With this in mind, talk with admissions, students, and alums to find your best fit.
TTP PRO TIP:
When choosing an online MBA, consider factors such as accreditation, faculty, and access to career services.
Key Takeaways
So, is an online MBA worth it? Yes — if you choose wisely!
The respectability of an online MBA depends more on where you get it than how you get it. In other words, employers care about your capabilities and the program’s relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an online MBA worth it?
It depends on your goals. Online MBAs are flexible, have lower opportunity costs, and could be a great option if you need an MBA to advance.
How long does an online MBA take?
Most programs take between 18 and 36 months. However, some schools offer 1-year online MBA programs.
Are online MBA degrees taken seriously by employers?
It depends on the program. That is to say, employers are more likely to take the best online MBA programs and accredited institutions seriously.
What are the most respected online MBA programs?
Top programs include Carnegie Mellon (Tepper), Indiana University (Kelley), University of Michigan (Ross), University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler), and University of Southern California (Marshall).
Do online MBA graduates earn as much as those from on-campus programs?
It depends. Check the employment reports for each of your target online MBA programs. Then, compare results to those of the full-time MBA programs.
Will an online MBA hurt my chances at top consulting or finance firms?
It depends. Some of the elite consulting and finance firms prefer to recruit from traditional full-time MBA programs. However, others recognize online MBA programs — especially when combined with strong professional experience.
What’s Next?
Understanding the pros and cons of an online MBA program can be challenging. However, we can help! If you’re weighing options, let’s talk through what makes sense for you.
Book a free consultation with one of our expert admissions consultants today.
