If you’ve made the decision to choose an MBA, it’s paramount that you choose a high-quality program, one that will provide you with a solid business education, special academic experience and big professional credentials. Consider the following factors:
Faculty
When it comes to an online MBA program, the importance of faculty members who are experienced, educated and innovative cannot be underestimated. Students should be wary of a program in which instructors act more as course managers doing administrative work than actually teaching students. Ideally, there should be little to no difference between online and on-campus professors when it comes to education levels, academic background and professional experience.
Curriculum
Quality online MBA programs consist of the same, or extremely similar, curriculum as that of on-campus ones. Most programs consist of the same assignments, readings, research and activities as their on-campus counterparts. This ensures that there is little difference in education between the traditional and online student. Remember that getting an MBA online doesn’t mean less work, and sometimes may require even more academically from students in terms of activities as they are not required to be present for class time.
Technology
Considering that an online MBA program is delivered completely electronically, technology is a key aspect to consider here. A high-quality program will take advantage of the most recent technological advances and utilize them to enhance the virtual learning experience of the student. Most programs will be facilitated through a virtual classroom where students can conduct school related activities such as accessing course materials, turning in assignments, streaming instructional videos, participating in discussions, responding to lessons and keeping track of grades.
Ranking
Each year different reputable publications, websites and organizations release their lists of annual college rankings. These rankings are designed to show how academic institutions stack up against one another in terms of faculty, instruction, reputation and student mix. While each publication or organization uses its own methodology to determine ranking placement, common factors include student selectivity, quality of faculty, curriculum, methods of instruction, student satisfaction and employment outcomes.