Should You Do an Online MBA?

Should you do an online MBA? There are now more online MBA students than ones in real life, and for obvious reasons - you can do one from anywhere, don't have to quit your job and normally pay a lot less - but no one (apart from the people selling online MBAs) would suggest you get the same value as a full-time MBA.

Does that mean online MBAs are not worth it? Angela Guido's here to help you work that out!
#mba #onlinemba #mbaadmission

00:00 In short...
03:24 Our framework for whether an MBA is worth it
07:18 The MBA Credential
09:44 MBA Network
12:13 MBA Opportunities and Recruitment
15:10 The MBA Education

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[CareerProtocol]

Please prove us wrong! We're happy to update as Online MBAs evolve.

[charlesan]

I saw this video the morning it was posted and knew I had to respond. My online MBA worked for me despite agreeing with everything mentioned. Interestingly, I completed the program a few weeks ago and simultaneously accepted a job offer resulting from my education. The job offer is a 50% increase in salary, breaking me into a six-figure income, and it came with a signing bonus. Although my response would echo your concerns, it will explain why I believe the online degree was worth it for me.

[Tbot]

Well…whether it’s worth it or not, I’m doing one…got 2 weeks left 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[mrmartywaring]

The online MBA program I completed was well worth it!

[dantepeterson]

I appreciate all your qualitative advice that really reads between the lines!

[husainismaeel]

I've been searching the internet for an answer to this question for a while and from the many websites/forums/channels I visited, I must say this video offers the best advice. Thank you!!

[eliseomata]

I really value your channel and content.
I will religiously continue to watch your content.
Clearly your target audience are the best and brightest that are seeking to get in the best 5-6 B schools.
I would love to see you drop a video on B schools in the lower ranks and educate me/us about those specific schools. Benefits/concerns/strengths. Also discuss the Augment Program.

[mrchopsticks]

I did 80% of my MBA online and, even though I preferred the in-person classes, the way online classes were structured at my school was nearly as good as the in-person experience. Online is not for everyone and it requires a great deal of self-motivation, but if that’s not a problem for you, I would definitely consider doing it online.

[federicoleguizamon]

I was ready to disagree, but I think I agree with nearly everything you said.

I'm interested to hear what you have to say about Masters of Science in a specific branch of business. For example, I am doing an MS in Supply Chain Management fully online at a reputable school and I think it was the right move for me.

One of the main reasons why I did not go for an MBA is because I was and am certain that I want to continue my career in supply chain. I am aware that not everyone feels that way.

So, in that light. would you say that if you are certain you will continue your career in Marketing, Finance, or MIS and you are considering doing it online, that it could compensate for areas an online program lacks? (Meaning doing the MS in Marketing, MS in Finance, MS in MIS as opposed to an Online MBA)

[RM-dczd]

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on him not understanding it” - Upton Sinclair.

This woman’s job depends on people believing the myth that residential, full-time degrees are better. They are not, and that is why online students now outnumber traditional students. She admits she has no experience or specialized knowledge of online MBA programs, and yet she made a video on the topic anyway. Spoken like a traditional MBA graduate indeed.

[chrisdavis]

Online MBA’s are worth it, however, you need to do the research to determine which universities offer the best bang for your buck.

Top schools based their admissions on “affirmative actions” or a “supply and demand” based model (depends on the university). Like Harvard charges enormous amount for students who doesn’t have “rich parents.” The university gets most of their revenues from donations (scholarships, grants, etc), and so they have to charge other students that are not “scholarship based” because they have to keep up with the economic costs of running the company (university). If the University didn’t have as much donations from the wealthy, then the cost of Harvard would be significantly lower across the board since most students would have to pay tuition.

This isn’t difficult to understand.

So, a person who is not from a wealthy background and desires to pave their way in workforce, an online program is the best way to go. If you are a family head, you have bills, you can’t go to class like a 18 year old can. So, online programs are legitimate. Another thing too, is that the GMAT and GRE exams are just an absolute way to be judged on your “success”. Who gives admissions the power to determine if you will be successful or not?— nobody has that power. So, for an adult with family obligations, the last thing you need to worry about is studying for and coming up with the money to pay for an exam that has no purpose in life except to make money for either the university or third party affiliate.

So just do your research…

[ChiamakaObianke]

I just watched this video, and I am so grateful! After a lot of introspection, I’ve concluded that I cannot afford to forego two years of income and work experience for a degree at this stage in my career. I’ve also evaluated all four values you mentioned against my decision to pursue an online MBA, and I’ve come up with a plan to 'boost up' areas where an online MBA might fall short.

My question is: On the degree awarded by these top business schools, will it explicitly state "ONLINE MBA"? Will the degree be different from what is awarded to students who completed a full-time MBA?

[cjmhall]

Having just completed an online MBA I would say that the biggest value is for mid-career professionals who just need the credential or are looking for a career change. In my program there were plenty of physicians and engineers who wanted to break into corporate and management roles. It doesn't make financial sense for many of these types of people to quit their jobs to study an MBA full-time.

[peterkoncz]

I understand why a full time MBA is better in many ways than an online one. What if the comparison is between a part-time MBA or an online MBA for working professionals?

[rogi]

I work in pricing and had been waffling between pursuing the Certified Pricing Professional credential vs an online MBA in Finance. Not looking to leave my current position but rather to enhance my skills and fine tune our processes. I think the MBA accomplishes 2 things for me: 1. Teaches me additional skills I can use throughout my career and 2. Increases my career opportunities since an MBA is more well known then a CPP credential

[richardhuey]

An MBA is not worth it at all unless you have experience to back the need for a Masters degree. That being said, most people earning a masters degree should be working professionals. Balancing work/life/education is where an online MBA outweighs the benefits of an in person degree.

I know online programs try selling networking, but in my experience, there was none, zero. So, if you need that, an online degree will not be able to deliver. Also, there isn't much in the line of assistance with job placement. But again, if you are a working professional, you may be getting the MBA for an internal promotion or polishing your resume to get a new job. An online MBA will be your best bet.

An online degree can be had for a fraction of the cost of an in person degree if you do your research. So I don't see spending 3 or 4 times the amount for an in person degree just to obtain some networking. Join a professional association, and attend conferences if you need the networking.

[theclown]

There are state schools that offer courses online as part of their normal curriculum. Are you considering these alongside full time online programs at basically online universities?

[aedocruz]

I loved it thank you so much. I am thinking of starting an online mba because I work at night and most grad schools classes are from 6pm to 9pm. USI was my pick if you know other affordable ones with out of state tuition fixed fees and AACSB accredited let me know. 🙂

[monicasanchez]

the way I see it at the end of the day an MBA is an MBA. If you feel better learning in a class in person or if you like the online you go for that. It also depends on the your experience and knowledge an MBA will get your resume select it but is you in the interview who will show your value and knowledge to get the job. This is my way of thinking I respect everyones why of thinking and value all the different opinions.

[jamesgriffin]

Most fortunate 100 companies require MBA for internal promotion. They don’t care where it from. I understand your reasoning however you are completely incorrect.