Students pursuing an online MBA take a variety of courses in areas such as accounting, business decision-making and finance. For example, students enrolled in the University of Mississippi's online MBA program are required to complete courses such as Managerial Accounting, Statistical Analysis, and Organizational Behavior.
Online MBA programs are often designed for part-time students. Online MBA programs can be completed in as little as two years. The University of Mississippi's MBA program states that the program may be completed over a two-year period if a student takes two courses each semester--fall semester, spring semester and summer session. Alternatively, a student may choose to enroll in only one class a semester.
Online MBA programs can vary widely in costs. The University of Mississippi was recently cited as being one of the most affordable in the nation---out-of state residents pay just over $23,000 for the degree. Other schools, such as Duke University, charge more than $100,000 for their online MBA degrees.
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns pertaining to any online degree is how the degree will be viewed in the workplace. To ensure the degree is duly recognized, research the degree program to find out whether the online MBA program you are interested in is accredited.
According to AllBusinessSchools.com, "It's imperative that you earn your MBA from a school that is accredited. The top distance learning programs will be accredited regionally and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which includes online MBA programs from University of Michigan, Texas A&M University, Florida State University, University of Colorado and University of Massachusetts--Amherst."
Often the earning of an MBA can bring financial rewards in the form of pay raises and career advancement opportunities you may not have previously qualified for. According to AllBusinessSchools.com, "At executive levels, work credentials speak for themselves. But for those who are early-to-mid career, an MBA can definitely tip the scales."
In 2002, the median full-time MBA student earned $50,000 before obtaining an MBA, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council's "2003 Global MBA Graduate Study." Immediately after completing the MBA program, that same student expected to earn $75,000, excluding signing bonus, the study found.