With today’s economy, there is nothing more necessary for upward mobility than a bachelor’s degree. To add to one’s qualifications, more and more students are taking to earning graduate degrees as well. They choose degrees that not only further their careers, but also their level of education and abilities to handle certain work-related positions. One exceedingly popular graduate degree option is an online MBA in marketing. However, as with all degree options, there is the hesitation and the question of whether or not it is the “right option.” Unfortunately, while there is no straightforward answer to this, there is a smart way to look at it, and that is by considering the various advantages and disadvantages of an online MBA degree.
Advantage – No Traditional Classroom
For some students, classrooms are the surest way to kill drive and motivation. The reason behind this usually stems from an inability to withstand a traditional and closed-up setting. Some students need room to roam, explore, and navigate through the educational system. With an online marketing degree, this option is widely available. Many students are able to break free from the traditional classroom and let their minds truly fulfill the creativity that is called for.
Advantage- Own Pace
Most students that find themselves in online MBA marketing programs are those that are working professionals, and as such, flexibility is imperative to success at work and school. With an online MBA marketing program, students can learn the coursework at their own pace and on their own time. They are not limited to a classroom and a certain schedule that may conflict with work and other life and family obligations. Overall, this increases the chances that students have for success.
Disadvantage- Less Guidance
One of the major disadvantages of pursuing an online MBA in marketing is that there is far less guidance and interpersonal communication with the instructors. Essentially, the material is simply provided for the student online, and the “teaching” aspect is gone. Students may need to basically teach themselves the material. When it comes to marketing, this type of scenario may not work to the advantage of the student, since it is a highly communicative and creative field. The more connection that one has with other students and professors, the higher chance of success one has in using the knowledge and skills learned to their advantage.
Disadvantage – Professional Imprint
Lastly, one of the greatest disadvantages to this degree option is that it may be off-putting to the traditional workplace. When hiring, most companies prefer students that did not use online degrees to supplement their education, unless it is a certificate course. Therefore, the stigma against online marketing MBA’s can sometimes hurt rather than help.
Overall, when choosing an MBA in marketing program, it is vital to choose one that will ultimately pose as an advantage and not a disadvantage (see: The Top 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs). To do this, look for programs that are perhaps both online and in the classroom, which provides flexibility while also allowing the student to retain the image of their MBA and to hone in on their academic and professional skills. Bloomberg Businessweek reported that more and more business schools are now tweaking their programs to make them more convenient by allowing students to take portions of the course work off campus and onto the Internet. So rather than simply asking, “What are the advantages and disadvantages of a getting an MBA in marketing online?” students need to consider what option is most advantageous for their lifestyle, personality and career.
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