Online MBA Programs

It’s no secret that the face of higher education is changing. Technology is transforming not only the way we learn, but the schools we attend. Today, online degree programs are available for nearly every level of higher education, offering an excellent opportunity for adults returning to school while maintaining a job, for those in the military, and for adults faced with busy family schedules.

One of the more popular degrees pursued by online students is the Masters of Business Administration, or MBA. Students can choose to focus on one of many areas including finance, international business, marketing, health care management, business administration, or technology management. Because the career options for students with advanced degrees in these fields are plentiful and varied, it comes as little surprise that so many students are pursuing them. Other students choose to pursue Masters of Science degrees in Strategic Leadership, another popular online degree program for those interested in management careers. Some of the best online MBA programs even offer online Doctor of Business Administration programs for those already in possession of an advanced degree.

Choosing to apply to online MBA schools is a wise choice for those interested in increasing their job marketability. With specializations including accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management science, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, project management and strategic leadership, there are a variety of directions available for pursuit. The 30,000 students enrolled each year in an MBA program find themselves immersed in degree programs that are relevant to their interests and relevant to the job market. For that reason, it seems hardly surprising that on average, those who graduate from an MBA program earn $10,000 to $20,000 more per year than students holding bachelor’s degrees, or that in 2010, 90 percent of MBA students had jobs lined up when they graduated.

Affordable accredited online mba programs also have the distinction of offering a degree that costs more in time and effort than in money. Many of the best online mba programs are remarkably affordable, enabling students to graduate without debt, but with an excellent education. Given that the median annual salary for an IT director was $104,644 per year in 2011, it is not difficult to see how an affordable online MBA program can pay for itself.

Since online learning is still a relatively new process, there are some who feel slightly unsure about earning a degree without ever setting foot in a classroom. Fortunately, hybrid programs are also available through many programs, allowing students the opportunity to mix traditional classes with online study. A typical hybrid program might meet once weekly and complete the rest of their degree work online. For those who have no qualms with the online learning process, however, geographic options are unlimited. Online schools don’t require that students live anywhere near their campus of origination, so they can be completed from anywhere in the world where there is reliable internet access.

The best online MBA programs are certainly comparable to traditional MBA programs and can offer the opportunity for an advanced degree to many who would otherwise find it difficult to pursue study. Such programs can help military families, those in the workforce, and those who are geographically isolated from college campuses to improve their marketability and increase their knowledge exponentially. Great references here: calmu.edu