Online MBA vs. Part Time MBA program

[sharma_123]

Stacy -

I am looking for some advice regarding the value of an online MBA program. I have a MS in Statistics, 5 years experience in analytics area, got a 700 score on GMAT, and looking to pursue a career in Strategic Marketing after MBA.

I have ruled out full time programs and have found few MBA programs that interest me, namely
carlson part-time ( i live in MN)
kelley direct online
kenan-flagler online

Is value of an online mba considered at par with part-time programs? Any suggestions on schools I listed that I should consider would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Feel free to advice on any other school that you think may be a good fit for me.

Sharma

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sharma,

Online programs are still a new method of delivery for an MBA degree, so there is still some skepticism as to whether or not an online degree is the "same" as a one earned by sitting in a classroom. Much of the hesitation to see an online program as being on par with a classroom-based program has to do with the amount of teamwork and class discussion that has been part of business school for many decades--and what most educators feel contributes significantly to the learning experience. Thus the question remains as to how do you replicate those aspects into an online program? Nevertheless, many top business schools like Kelley and Kenan-Flagler have introduced online options to meet the demand. Whether or not you will see the online degree being held with the same value by future recruiters or the like remains to be seen as there has not been enough time or graduates of these programs to have the data to answer that question. What I suggest is to try and talk with current students of these programs about their experience--if they feel the online program is a good investment, as well as the admissions folks regarding program structure and feedback from corporate recruiters on these students. From there, you should get a sense of whether an online option meets your expectations. As for other options to consider, you might look at the Duke Cross-Continent if you have an interest in global business.

Good luck,
Lisa

[albertgmat]

Both part time and online options sound good. However, part time MBAs may have a fixed schedule and hold classes in the evenings or on weekends. If you want even more flexibility, then an online MBA degree is the way to go.

As far as the acceptability of an online/part time MBA degree is concerned, it would depend to a large extend on where you earn it from and how effectively you're able to convince your employers that the education you received is the same as classroom-based programs.