Which is better, a distance MBA or a regular MBA?
As an MBA graduate myself, I experienced the upsides and downsides of an MBA degree. While I received a regular MBA, I know this topic well enough to weigh whether the distance learning MBA is worth it.
As a rule, a long-distance MBA from a reputable nationally recognized MBA program is worth it, especially if you have previous valuable employment experience or work skills.
But before we indulge in a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of distance learning MBA, let me mention few essential things. I repeat this mantra in most of my articles which means it is critical.
For an MBA, of great importance is the rank of the MBA program, local and national recognition of that MBA program by employers, type of program or specialization, and your previous educational and work background.
These significant factors are equally important for a distance learning MBA. And for online MBA, previous work and educational experience may play an even more substantial role than regular MBA graduates.
These four whales can make or break your MBA career. So let me explain why such a setup is the case.
Why Distance Learning MBA May Be Worth It
Distance learning MBA programs have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Here are several reasons why a distance learning MBA might be worth pursuing:
- Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of a distance learning MBA is the flexibility it offers. Students can complete coursework and assignments at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it a great option for those who have busy schedules or other commitments.
- Convenience: With distance learning, students can study from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to an internet connection. This means they can save time and money on commuting, relocating, and other expenses associated with traditional MBA programs.
- Cost-effectiveness: Distance learning MBA programs are often more affordable than traditional MBA programs, and students can save money on various expenses such as books, housing, and meals.
- High-quality education: Many reputable universities and business schools now offer distance learning MBA programs, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is on par with traditional MBA programs.
- Career advancement: An MBA can be a valuable asset for anyone looking to advance their career or start a new one. With a distance learning MBA, students can balance their education and work, making it easier to transition into a new role or increase their earning potential.
Overall, a distance learning MBA can be a great investment in one’s future, providing flexibility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, high-quality education, and career advancement opportunities.
Why Distance Learning MBA May Not Be Worth It
The distance learning MBA is a popular option for those who don’t have the time or money to attend traditional on-campus classes. While it may seem like a great option for those who are looking to advance their career, there are some drawbacks to distance learning MBA programs that must be considered.
One of the major drawbacks of the distance learning MBA is the lack of face-to-face interaction. In traditional classes, students are able to interact with their professors and peers. This type of interaction is essential to learning and developing skills. Without it, students may find it difficult to keep up with the material and ask questions.
Another disadvantage of the distance learning MBA is the lack of networking opportunities. Traditional MBA programs provide students with the chance to meet other business professionals and make contacts that can be helpful in their future career. Without these networking opportunities, students may struggle to find job opportunities.
Finally, distance learning MBA programs often require a high degree of self-discipline and motivation. Without a professor in the classroom to keep students on track, students may find it difficult to stay motivated and complete their coursework. This can lead to a lack of progress and ultimately a lack of success.
For these reasons, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of a distance learning MBA before making a decision. While it may seem like a convenient and affordable option, the drawbacks may make it difficult to succeed in the program.
It is important to consider all of the options before committing to a distance learning MBA, as the lack of face-to-face interaction, networking opportunities, and the need for self-discipline may ultimately make it not worth it.
Therefore, before making a decision to enroll in a distance learning MBA program, it is important to carefully consider all the pros and cons. While it may be a convenient and affordable option, the lack of face-to-face interaction, networking opportunities, and the need for self-discipline may ultimately make it not worth it.
Does distance MBA have value at all?
Distance MBA has value but not for everyone. The value of an MBA depends on your goal.
Distance learning or online MBA may be precious for those mid-level professionals who already enjoy a career or are too busy to attend MBA full-time or even part-time. Say you want a better chance for promotion or salary increase by moving into higher management.
Check with your company or boss before making such a significant investment decision. MBA is a serious investment of money, time, and energy. But it is an interesting experience.
Also, those who need MBA to advance their career or make a career change by capitalizing BOTH on their previous work experience leveraged by an MBA degree.
There are other categories of people who will benefit from online or long-distance MBA and for who such MBA may be worth it. They include busy business owners or regular folks who want to obtain an MBA to learn core business concepts.
I will be honest: my MBA did not kick in until later in life. That knowledge that I obtained allows me to understand a little bit better how the global world turns around and economy and politics work. So, for me, MBA was generally worth it.
Finally, some people cannot attend MBA for money reasons or in foreign countries. Then others may be disabled but still want to get their MBA degree or knowledge. Think your decision very well as a job is not guaranteed after MBA.
Important note: Ensure that the online MBA you are considering is appropriately nationally accredited by AACSB for USA business schools. You may disregard that going for a pretty cheap price tag and business school’s accreditation is of no importance.
I always recommend going to better-ranking MBA programs, especially if you get into a full-time schedule. So, a full-time program at Wharton or Northwestern or UCLA, or Arizona state is most of the time much better choice than an online MBA from an unknown or unaccredited college. But it depends on the goal you want to achieve by completing the MBA program.
Is doing MBA from distance learning useful?
Whether distance learning MBA is worth it is a matter of argument. Some people say yes, others say not. The truth is somewhere in the middle. I went to MBA to find out how the world of business thinks and works. For me, an online MBA could be a good choice, but online options were few to none at that time.
Why long-distance MBA may be worth it:
Global approach and reach.
You can interact with multiple people and professors across the world. And from anywhere in the world where there is an internet.
Flexibility.
More and more MBA programs offer more flexible options to attract students due to somewhat lame enrollment. You may enjoy flexible classes or at least a flexible exam schedule in an online program. Usually, full-time programs are less flexible in schedule and exam settings.
No more getting stuck in traffic.
You do not have to spend hours per day driving in traffic, and you save money on gasoline. You do not even need a car. You also do not need to spend time using public transportation to get to business school. You can spend that time more wisely – studying and working.
Online MBA is often shorter.
Online MBA usually takes less time to complete than a regular MBA. Approximately 10-18 months vs. two years, respectively. And long-distance MBA is way shorter than a part-time MBA, which can take up to four yeast to complete.
A long-distance MBA may be cheaper.
Business schools often charge less for online MBA. Still, top MBA programs cost a lot of money. If that is the case, you may obtain a return on investment into an online MBA by recouping your MBA expenses and fees sooner than those who went into a regular MBA program at a full-ticket price.
Online vs. regular MBA cost
Cheaper online MBA programs may cost 350$+ per credit hour. Source.
But the average online MBA cost–per–credit is $1,100, ranging from $302 to $1,765, depending on the institution. Arizona State costs $512 per credit hour. George Washington MBA charges $2,105 per credit, even for an online program. Source.
Arizona state’s regular online MBA program cost is $61,545 for everyone regardless of residency. Their full-time MBA costs $59,794 for residents, $99,398 for non-residents and $103,845 for international students.
George Washington full-time MBA costs $113,090, but their online MBA with 46.5 credits required racks up to $97,882.
And some low-ranking colleges may offer online MBA for as low as $4,000-$6000 for a complete program—your choice.
You can see that the price tag difference can be substantial, even excluding significant expenses associated with room and board because an online MBA does not require those expenses. Essentially, an online MBA can be 1.5-2 times cheaper than a regular full-time MBA when counting room and board.
You can work during study.
Usually, a long-distance MBA schedule allows you to keep working. Therefore, you do not incur what is called “opportunity cost.” Opportunity cost means money or career opportunity you lose from a job you cannot be performing because you must sit in a classroom for your MBA.
You may jump up the MBA rankings.
You may be able to get into a higher-ranking MBA program if you would get otherwise by pursuing a regular MBA. This is not set in stone rule, but I have heard that people who could not get into traditional high-ranking MBA programs could enroll in their online versions.
Why long-distance MBA may not be worth it:
Lack of personal contact with professors
We humans learn better from other humans. Online MBA lacks that personal conversation with the professor in the classroom. The professor may reveal some details otherwise not available in the online curriculum. Some personal vs. academic life and work experience can be precious.
Lack of communication with fellow students
The same goes for making a connection with other students. Online long-distance MBA offers no exchange of intimate details with other students outside of the classroom and during 5-10 minute breaks. Those quick chats could be vital because you may find out some good news and build connections. This moves us to the next point:
Lack of professional network-building opportunities
Studying together makes people connect and learn about each other. Then they trust each other by observing and judging. Going to physical classes allows me to make friends easier.
And that allows building a professional network of connections that may help you with employment or even business opportunities in the future. Generally, a long-distance MBA does not offer that.
Modern MBA business programs try to develop virtual networking and teamwork opportunities, like brainstorming via video conference. But that is not the same as sitting together in a coffee close to midnight, preparing a report or presentation, and exchanging almost intimate jokes.
Laziness and distractions
They say that your integrity is measured by what you do when nobody sees you. So, being in a classroom makes you listen and causes you to prepare for class just out of fear of embarrassment or a bad grade if anything else.
In an online MBA, when nobody hears you talk in class and you sit at home drinking tea, you do not have that strong incentive to jump and study as hard. Your lazy side may win over.
While a majority of MBA students are motivated, things can happen. Distractions from family members from surrounding events can interfere with your studying. If you can discipline yourself into staying on schedule with your studying, then you will be fine.
Do employers care if your MBA is online?
Long-distance MBAs do not enjoy the same level of recognition as full-time programs. This is due to a long-standing bias of personal presence during the education process. I find that employers generally prefer full-time MBA or other graduates over online learners.
But it depends on whether you can differentiate yourself. And this distrust of online degrees is gradually changing in favor of online degrees. Especially now that the world is moving more into remote work and high-tech communications, online distance MBA learning should progressively gain more recognition among employers.
Your ability to obtain employment after an online MBA also depends on the type of degree. (I think quantitative is better as you can show specific results of your calculations in the form of grades.
MBA business school rankings play a significant role here. The higher is the rank; the more likely employers will give greater weight to your online MBA degree and thus to your CV.
Can we get a job after a distance MBA?
MBA is generally not the best option for complete newbies who are seeking starter jobs. However, suppose you have current or previous work experience valuable to an employer. In that case, even a long-distance MBA can give it leverage strong enough to consider you on par with graduates from regular MBA.
Your interpersonal communication skills, or quantitative skills, or both, are also of great importance, depending on the position you are seeking.
Employers hiring MBAs are looking for managers and leaders in their respective industries. They want to see sharp individuals who can work in a business environment or complete some specific tasks, like a financial valuation.
The key is that employers want you to effectively work with other people under pressure and accomplish specific tasks and goals. Therefore, employers want to see that you interacted with other people during your MBA.
They want to see that you learned teamwork skills, responsibility, multi-tasking, managerial aspects, self-management, interaction skills enough to trust you with the project. Building a team, leading a team, winning with the team’s help, or as a part of the team are vital skills.
A long-distance MBA usually does not allow an employer to see that you gained those skills. Without mentioned skills, MBA, especially online MBA, is just an academic exercise not enough for a leadership position. But again, it could be enough for a quantitative job in finance or economics areas.
Modern employers often demand the caveat – heavily quantitative MBAs with specific quantitative skills.
So, make sure the reputation and type of MBA program you want to pursue matches your career or personal goals. Most likely top consulting firm will not hire online MBA graduates from tier 3 business schools.
But local businesses may employ them, especially if they already have some skills that match open positions so that they could hit the ground running from day one.
For example, the University of Washington, Rochester Institute of Technology, Washington State University, Syracuse University schools of business, and many more are offered decent online MBA programs. Source.
And it would help if you looked at ranking first and then at whether the business school is recognized in a local job market where you plan to work.
Overall, online MBA graduates can get employment after they graduate, depending on a range of factors. One trick you may do is accept a slightly lower salary than you would if you graduated from a full-time program. You do it for the sake of a better position and better work experience. To get your foot in the door and to shine.
Long distance MBA is worth it for some of you
Whether distance learning MBA is worth it depends on your goals, current state of career, and life situation.
But if you decided on completing MBA, then MBA from a reputable ranking educational institution is a worthy option to consider for many reasons I mentioned above.
Especially if you already have a career and do not want to take extended breaks by falling out of the business loop.
