Your Questions About Business Online Degree Programs

Jere answers:

While the Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is still the gold standard of business degrees, online programs struggle to command the same level of respect that face-to-face instruction does. That perception is beginning to shift dramatically, however, as online programs across the board are becoming de rigueur. For some, the benefits of earning an MBA online will outweigh the disadvantages of traditional on-campus programs.

Value to Employers
According to a 2012 study reported on in “Bloomberg Businessweek,” employers are beginning to let go of some of the prejudices that were once commonly held against online business degrees. That study in the “Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration” found that those in charge of hiring are more willing to consider applicants with an online MBA than in the past. For many professionals, an MBA degree is a means to an end — usually, a coveted position or long-desired promotion — and online channels can help them get that diploma quickly and in a more convenient fashion.

Flexibility
For those in the business world, being able to work full-time while earning an advanced degree is an enticing concept, and online MBA programs are built around this high level of access. Most online instruction delivery models allow students to complete assignments and review lessons when and where it works best for them. This flexibility is simply not possible with traditional classroom programs. Even part-time, on-campus MBA programs designed for the fully employed still require the student to commute to school and attend class during prescribed times. Even though online MBAs are typically just as costly when it comes to tuition, flexibility can translate into savings if the student factors in time and travel spared.

Learning Model
It may seem counter-intuitive, but learning in the online realm has been shown to outperform classroom teaching, according to research by the U.S. Department of Education and covered in 2009 by CBS News. Eric Richards, chair of the online MBA program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, tells CBS that online learners are better able to break down and absorb information, because they do it on their own time. Also, online scholars each get the opportunity to process and then post thoughts for discussion. In a classroom, the most outspoken may dominate the conversation. Other studies, such as 2010 research published in the “American Journal of Business Education,” found that online and traditional MBA coursework come out about even when measuring student learning.

Gaining an Audience
One of the greatest benefits of earning a business degree is the network of colleagues — alumni, faculty and fellow classmates — students gain in the process. Online MBA scholars get the same access to this core group, even as distance learners. And with big-name business schools like Duke University offering competitive online MBA programs, it’s an opportunity for students to earn that career-advancing diploma no matter where they reside.

Considerations
A top concern among MBA candidates is making sure the degree program is backed by an accredited college or university. Rigorous online MBA programs at established institutions tend to mirror the curriculum offered in the face-to-face format. Also, online MBAs are not completely free of stigma. The survey research published in the “Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration” noted that some employers judged candidates with an online degree as less career-driven than candidates who earned MBAs the traditional way.

Jere answers:

As long as the college is regionally accredited any degree you earn should be recognized by potential employers and other academic insitutions. That having been said not all colleges have the same reputation (either online or campus), in fact even within the same university the education program might have a better reputation than say the business school or vice versa. But there is nothing unique to an online program that would make it look worse. In fact many colleges do not indicate whether a degree was earned online or on campus.

This site has some good info on online bachelors degree programs in elementary education and the colleges that offer them:
http://www.ecollegefinder.org/bachelors-degree-in-elementary-education.aspx

I would definitely recommend contacting a number of schools to find the best fit for you and your needs if you choose to go the online route. Good luck!

Jere answers:

Yes, as long as they are accredited. A few years ago they were considered a poor alternative, but they have become mainstream.

I work for a Medical University and their masters and Ph.D. Level nursing programs are 100% online. Quite a few nurses at my institution are getting their advanced degrees online through university of Phoenix. I am taking courses at my local technical college, and some of them are offered online.

There are quality programs available, but you have to do your research and make sure you pick a good school. There are a lot that are crap; but there are a lot that are quite excellent.

Jere answers:

Good lord, stay away from U of Phoenix, and other “for profit” online colleges! You should only consider reputable state or private brick and mortar universities with distance education programs. Degrees from “online universities” are not taken seriously. (Recent articles from the New York Times and the Chronicle of Higher Education — or speaking with any admissions officer from a REAL college, or any human resources professional –will confirm this.)

Start by looking at the distance education offerings from your own state university. If they do not offer the classes you desire, then look at others. Penn State and University of Maryland come to mind. And state universities will be less expensive than any for-profit online program.

The links below will give you a place to begin.

Finally, you need to know that your earned credits from years ago have almost certainly not “expired.” You should be able to transfer some of these credits in toward your new program.

Best wishes to you!

Jere answers:

I would strongly suggest that you only consider an accredited online universities because without accreditation anybody can start up a online school without any oversight as to the curriculum being taught. Paper its printed on.

As for the whether a online degree is just as good as a degree from a brick and mortar university, both types of degrees will teach the same basic material. However, at a traditional school you have the opportunity to talk, interact, and create personal connections. Especially in business, personal contact with future potential employers is highly beneficial when you are job hunting. Additionally, since business professors are known within the local business community if you list them as a reference or ask for a letter of recommendation, employers will give more weight to your job application because the employer trusts and respects the professor and the professor personally got to know you and evaluated your work.

While an accredited online degree is just as good as a traditional degree, don’t underestimate the value of expanding your personal network. If were an employer and had to decide between two candidate with identical resumes, would you hire on that you are familiar or a complete and total stranger.