An MBA, regardless if it is earned from a top online or traditional academic program, is a valuable degree. As long as the online program comes with regional or national accreditation, such as through an accrediting body recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, the degree is valid and valuable. Equally important, the degree should have prestigious private accreditation through organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The best online MBA programs will offer weekend, workshop or limited on-site activities.
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Business Skills and Knowledge
MBA programs teach skills and knowledge that can easily be learned and applied outside of the classroom. For example, leadership theories and techniques can be learned through a distance education program, but applied every day at the student’s place of employment. Many MBA programs help their students learn effective leadership skills by working on interactive assignments and discussions. Online MBA programs will teach their students about everything from conflict mitigation to labor relations to organizational dynamics.
Many business professionals struggle with maintaining solution innovation and preventing creative complacency. MBA programs teach students how to approach problems with unique solutions by applying outside-the-box thinking. Online MBA programs, just like traditional programs, can easily revitalize the student’s ability to strategically think. MBA programs empower students with the freedom to try and fail challenging projects and assignments, which helps students to learn how to properly execute ideas into actionable results.
Personal Skills and Knowledge
MBA programs will also enhance soft skills related to teamwork and cross cultural understanding. Teamwork is learned through work in online teams who achieve objectives in simulated real-world, collaborative business environments. MBA programs may provide students with case scenarios that foster teamwork and collaboration. Competition assignments will test and improve the student’s teamwork capabilities and digital communication. After graduation, the students will be ready to successfully communicate in a globally connected world that primarily relies on email, text and phone services to conduct business.
Online learning programs help students gain confidence. This is perhaps the most important intangible benefit of earning an MBA degree. Confidence is boosted through successfully leading team projects, analyzing strategic risks and making the right decisions in digital environments. This will significantly improve confidence because the learning environment is safe and students receive real-time performance feedback. As students apply the things they learn in their jobs, they will fully test their strengths and cement their confidence.
An online MBA will open many career doors to new opportunities or advancements. Earning an MBA signifies to employers that the job candidate can handle the pace of a demanding job because they have the drive and determination. Online degrees are flexible and self-paced, so students must apply their organizational and time management skills to succeed in class. MBA degree programs are expensive, so online schools help students to study identical content of a traditional program at a lower cost of tuition. Online students also receive a return on their tuition investment within three to five years.