Advantages and Disadvantages of Online MBA Course
There are more options available for today’s business and management students than ever when it comes to earning an MBA degree. With an increasing choice of options, it also becomes overwhelming, especially when finding the best online MBA programs. As online MBA programs are becoming more prevalent, a question arises can they compete with traditional MBA programmes? To help you with this, we have brought you this article to look at the advantages and disadvantages of an online MBA course.
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A Graduate Management Admission Report found that there is a 36 percent of growth in enrollments for online MBA programs, compared to 24 percent of full-time, two-year programs. When considering jobs after an MBA degree, the US Bureau of Statistics report shows that MBA jobs are expected to grow 15 percent by 2022.
Online MBA - Advantages and Disadvantages
It is no wonder that whether you pursue an MBA degree online or offline, you will have various promising opportunities ahead. However, there are always two sides to a coin and the same goes with an online MBA. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of an MBA in India.
The below table shows the online MBA advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Flexibility | Lack of Campus Experience |
Credibility | Study Balance with Other Commitments |
Cost Efficiency | Longer Time |
Reputation | Technology Cost |
Resource Links for Online MBA
The Advantages
Today’s online MBA has numerous, unprecedented advantages one can think beyond. Let’s get started with the benefits of online MBA programs.
1. Flexibility
One of the online MBA benefits is flexibility. Unlike a conventional MBA degree, an online MBA offers you the flexibility to pursue the programme even with your busy schedule. You can complete an online MBA course from anywhere in the world and at your convenience. Apart from this, online MBA programs provide you with flexible learning schedules, with coursework that lets you watch live video lessons, join discussion forums with classmates and answer quizzes anywhere anytime.
2. Credibility
One of the other benefits of online MBA programs is credibility. As not all online MBA programs are the same and it differs from one institution to the other, the credibility of the program is also affected by accreditations. Most companies always look for MBA graduates who have qualifications from reputable institutions with good accreditation. This significantly intensifies their value and credibility. Furthermore, the best online MBA programs possess increasing familiarity with technology. So, whenever you think of pursuing an online MBA, thinking of its credibility, too, is important.
3. Cost Efficiency
One of the most important online MBA benefits is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to offline MBA programs, online MBA programs have fewer fees. This is mainly because of their low operating costs. You can choose a longer online MBA course by paying your monthly payments which makes it more affordable. This payment option is not only easier for lower-income students but also more appealing to employers who think of sponsoring some or all of your continuing education.
4. Reputation
Another crucial benefit of online MBA programs is reputation. There are many best online MBA programs offered by reputed universities and business schools across India and the world. Pursuing these online MBA programs will not only instill in you essential business and management skills but also increase your reputation and make you a valuable asset to organizations. You will also be highly valued by recruiters. Through this, you will develop your business network worldwide and be able to participate in world affairs and global events.
The Disadvantages
Besides the advantages, there are several disadvantages of MBA online programs that you should consider before enrolling.
1. Lack of Campus Experience
One of the major disadvantages of MBA online courses is that you will lack campus experience. When it comes to online learning, you will probably miss out on the experience that in-person or on-campus learning offers. When you join a conventional MBA degree, you not only learn the curriculum but also get experience. In some cases, the same feel and atmosphere can become difficult to replace with short projects and programs on campus conducted for online students. Apart from this, you will not gain the same experience of listening to a professor’s class or making lasting relationships with your classmates in an online MBA course. It means you will lack social life with other students. Online students may also miss out on career support systems and job fairs that are organized in schools or colleges.
2. Study Balance with Other Commitments
Other significant disadvantages of online MBA programs include study-work balance. In a full-time, on-campus MBA program, you can prioritize your studies and focus on your program. Conversely, the online MBA requires you to balance your work and other commitments with your study. You will have to find time in a busy schedule to complete your coursework through your self-discipline and time management skills. As in an online format students study alone, they may procrastinate tasks and miss tests and assignments. Furthermore, some students look for instant feedback and guidance which is not always possible or may not be available in the online format.
3. Longer Time
Most students enrol in an online MBA course while working or engaged with other commitments. This may take a longer time to complete the MBA degree online compared to regular MBA programs. This is why most universities/institutions offer online MBA programs with an extended duration of four years. However, there are also many short-duration online MBA programs that may be cost-effective but can result in a rushed experience. As a result, it creates uncertainty for recruiters regarding you. So, the time duration is another one of the crucial disadvantages of an MBA in India.
4. Technology Cost
The technology cost factor is among the major disadvantages of online MBA courses. It is no surprise that the tuition fees for online courses, in some cases, are lower than the offline ones. But you might need to spend money on advanced, secured devices that make online learning possible. The same goes for the best online MBA programs. You will need to invest in a personal computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, along with reliable, high-speed internet. You will also need to have a power backup system to overcome power outages. So, to have these facilities for your online MBA course without any interruptions, you will spend some money.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Online MBA Course: The Final Thought
There are numerous pros and cons of online MBA in India. However, the choice is yours, whether you go with an MBA degree online or on-campus. You can choose any mode of learning that suits you best as you can more about other online MBA pros and cons. It is reportedly seen that online MBA graduates get lucrative jobs with handsome salary packages and get promotions right after they graduate.
Top Universities Offering the Best Online MBA Programs
The below table shows the top universities/institutes in India that offer the best online MBA programs.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Online MBA Course
Question: Who can pursue an MBA degree online?
Answer:
Anyone interested in learning business management and organizational operations can apply for an online MBA course.
Question: Where can I find the best online MBA programs?
Answer:
Online learning platforms like upGrad, Coursera, Great Learning and Simplilearn offer the best online MBA programs.
Question: What is the fee of an online MBA course?
Answer:
The online MBA course fee depends on the institute you choose and the program you enrol in like full-time online MBA, part-time online MBA, one-year online MBA training or online executive MBA.
Question: Can I get a job after completing an online MBA course?
Answer:
Yes, many top companies offer online MBA graduates lucrative jobs with handsome salary packages after an online MBA course, including Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, and more.
Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of online MBA?
Answer:
There are several pros and cons of online MBA courses, including flexibility, cost-efficiency, and accreditation, along with disadvantages such as lack of campus experience, technology costs and others.
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