How to Choose an Online MBA Program - Tips to Consider

So, you've decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. You know that with your busy schedule, an online program is the best choice. You're already well on your way to starting your higher education journey.

An MBA is an important degree for anyone looking to run a business. As one of the most popular degree paths in the country, MBAs are considered a powerful baseline credential for many industries, from finance to healthcare.

“An MBA gives you instant credibility when you walk into the room,” Dr. Helen Eckmann, former associate professor of business administration at UMass Global, says. She goes on to explain that most of us associate an MBA with individuals who have more authority and influence throughout their careers. This is largely because it educates professionals across a variety of business subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, and leadership. Dr. Eckmann notes that these areas are critical to understanding the cross-functional workings of almost any business.

Knowing how to choose an MBA program is the first hurtle to overcome. There are many online MBA programs available. The ability to compare, contrast, and choose the right course path will begin your journey. Keep reading to learn about some important factors to look for.

What Is an Online MBA Program?

We are living in the digital age. An era where online courses, textbooks, webinars, and study groups make it possible to pursue an education without attending a physical campus or classroom. For any skill that does not require literal hands-on experience, online learning is an empowering possibility. 

Earning an MBA involves learning concepts, codes, decision-making, best practices, and technology procedures — none of which require you, your teacher, or your fellow students to be directly in the same room. This unlocks the door to online MBA programs, making it possible to earn a complete MBA without the limitations of campus life or classroom attendance.

Each MBA program is unique, based around the curriculum, learning styles, and online resources of the educational organization providing the program. Knowing what to look for will help you choose the best online MBA program for your career goals and remote learning preferences.

What to Look for in an Online MBA Program 

When choosing an online MBA program, the key is to balance relevant priorities to ensure the program is both professionally relevant and suited to your needs. Each student will likely have their own unique goals, budget, schedule, preferences, and online learning style. These priorities will help guide what to consider when choosing the right MBA program.

Cost and Affordability 

Cost is a major consideration for any student. The cost of enrollment, cost per credit hour, and cost per semester all play an important role in your educational plans. Whether you are a young graduate or enhancing your professional credentials, your choices are defined by programs that meet the right price point for your budget and learning pace.

Graduate education is notoriously expensive and some online MBA programs can soar above $200,000. However, there are more practical and affordable options. UMass Global offers MBA programs that range between $23,000 and $33,000 based on your baseline credits transferred when you begin your chosen program. It is also possible to waive equivalent courses that you've already taken at regionally accredited institutions.

The good news is that compared to the upfront cost, your earning potential with an MBA is paramount. The average salary for MBA graduates three years after earning the degree is $165,372. This return on investment (ROI) soars above school costs and makes the investment more than worthwhile.

Skill Development and Career Goal Alignment 

Not all MBA programs are exactly the same. In fact, you can pursue a specialized MBA tailored to your career goals. Dr. Eckmann notes that students with clearly identified goals in mind — ones that pertain to a specific job or industry — may benefit most from a specialized program. In this case, selecting an MBA specialization could give you a head start by arming you with the targeted expertise you'll need. Choosing a specialization that aligns with your career aspirations can position you for leadership roles in your chosen industry.

UMass Global offers seven specialization options: 

• Accounting 
• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics 
• Finance 
• Health Administration 
• Human Resources 
• Marketing 
• Organizational Leadership 

Experience and Expertise of Faculty

You can ensure that the coursework is aligned with current business practices and valued skills by considering the professional experience of the teaching faculty. Online business courses are most effective when the instructors have firsthand insight into the subject matter they're teaching. MBA programs where professors who actively combine academic expertise with professional experience provide a richer curriculum ready to position you for success.

The faculty members at UMass Global are all seasoned professionals with corporate backgrounds brought directly into the coursework. The curriculum is regularly updated by an advisory board of industry executives to ensure it remains relevant to current business practices. This combination of strong academic credentials and real-world industry knowledge makes them invaluable resources for students determined to advance in their own careers.

Quality of Online Learning Resources 

Your learning experience and chance for success can be defined by the online learning resources. Study materials, interactive worksheets, project platforms, online textbooks, webinars, teaching videos, and information centers all make a difference.

Each person has their own learning style. You may learn more effectively by reading, listening, watching, or interacting. You may prefer lessons that are long-form or broken into bite-sized chapters. The simple question of whether the materials are easy to navigate and cross-reference can shape your learning experience. This depends both on the educational institute's digital toolkit and how each teacher builds lessons with the available technology.

There will also be significant differences in how students interact with each other, whether there is a digital classroom environment, collaborative projects, instructional study groups, or more self-directed learning. Ensure the MBA program you choose aligns with your preferred learning style using an intuitive combination of technology and collaboration.

At UMass Global, students use tools such as Google Docs for collaborative projects and Zoom for group meetings, ensuring they can work effectively with their peers. The institution also provides access to writing and math tutors, as well as multimedia support for presenting data creatively. 

Online students should also look into useful student services such as tech support, career counseling, and academic advising when considering what to look for in an online MBA program. These can help facilitate your online learning and ensure you're supported throughout your educational journey. 

Flexibility and Learning Formats 

Balancing work, personal life, and education can be challenging. Many online accredited MBA programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering the inherent flexibility and time savings that come with taking classes from home. 

At UMass Global, for example, MBA students can choose from two online learning formats: 

• Online: Instructor-led, session-based. The online courses feature scheduled assignments, lectures, and exams. There are also required group sessions. 
• Self-Paced: A 100% online, competency-based model that allows students to complete coursework at their speed. This format, known as UMass Global MyPath, allows students to progress once they show mastery of the section/topic. 

This flexibility is essential for adult learners who need to juggle multiple responsibilities while advancing their education. 

Not sure which modality is best for you? Take our quiz to find out:

Which type of online program is right for you?

Verified Accreditation

Accreditation verifies that an MBA program meets necessary educational standards. It ensures your coursework provides a proven quality, structure, and content of education that must be met by all educational institutes. Accredited MBA online programs have been reviewed and approved by a recognized accrediting body. 

There are two main types of accreditation in higher education: regional and national. While both types signify that a school or program meets certain criteria, regional accreditation is generally more prestigious and widely recognized. UMass Globals's MBA program is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This type of accreditation is essential if you're planning to transfer credits in the future or pursue certain professional licenses, which often require education from a regionally accredited institution. 

Why does accreditation matter? This status can determine your ability to transfer credits, take out student loans and more. You can learn more in our article: What is an accredited college or university? 

Program Reputation

Reputation is equally important. When considering how to choose an online MBA program, research the program's standing within the business community.

• Does it have partnerships with industry leaders?
• Do graduates from the program work in well-known companies?
• Do MBAs from this university have high professional success rates and salary gains?
• Is the program respected by business professionals in your industry?
• What rankings and awards does the program have, if any?

These factors can help gauge whether the degree will open doors in your chosen industry and future roles. You should also consider how the degree program will translate directly into your chosen career path.

Relevant Courses Immediately Applicable to the Workplace 

An MBA offers the greatest value when you can apply it immediately to your career. Most MBA students enter the master's program with professional experience. In fact, they often continue working full-time while completing their degree. This makes the skills and qualifications earned during the coursework uniquely applicable, both during the learning experience and once the degree program is complete.

The MBA curriculum at UMass Global is designed to leverage your existing knowledge while deepening your understanding of advanced business concepts and theories. MBA students examine real-life business case studies, equipping them with practical knowledge and tangible skills that can be immediately applied in their current roles. 

For instance, courses in strategic management allow you to analyze complex business situations and develop actionable strategies — skills you can use right away in your job. Similarly, classes in organizational behavior and leadership help you better understand team dynamics and how to motivate employees effectively, which is invaluable for those in or aspiring to management positions. 

Unlock Your Potential with an Online MBA Program at UMass Global 

"I don't want to sugarcoat it — earning an MBA is hard," Dr. Eckmann acknowledges. "But you come out as a changed person in the end." Earning an MBA is a significant accomplishment that can take your career to new heights. By choosing an online MBA program that is both accredited and well-suited to your needs, you'll ensure your hard work pays off with a valuable degree that employers respect. As you evaluate different programs, keep in mind the factors outlined above to find the option that best fits your goals, budget, and schedule. 

If you're ready to unlock your potential, consider UMass Global's online MBA program. With flexible learning options, dedicated support, and a curriculum designed for today's business world, it's an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers.