Is Online MBA Programs Worth It? Absolutely! This comprehensive guide explores online MBA programs’ growth, benefits, specializations, and job prospects, helping you make an informed decision about pursuing this flexible and career-boosting degree.
Expectations for Online Education Growth
Online education is expected to grow to $1.96 billion in the next five years from $0.25 billion in 2016, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 52%. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for online MBA programs from universities and students, as these programs are specially designed for working professionals and are job-oriented.
Introduction to Farakdekho
Welcome to Farakdekho! This article will discuss online MBA programs‘ eligibility criteria, duration, subjects, specializations, and other essential aspects. We will also compare universities offering online MBA programs using Farakdekho’s compare feature, which provides unbiased guidance and the opportunity to take the Distance Education Scholarship Test – India’s first distance education scholarship test.
Is Online MBA Programs Worth It?
Yes, an online MBA Programs is worth it for several reasons:
- Job Opportunities: An MBA program equips you with skills to work in almost all sectors, and many universities offer dual specializations, such as MBA in Marketing and Finance. This gives you double skills and more job opportunities.
- Flexibility: With an online MBA, you can study from home and take exams at your convenience, making it easier for working professionals to pursue the program alongside their jobs.
- Cost-Effective: Online MBA programs often have lower tuition fees than on-campus programs, as you don’t have to pay for accommodation, hostel fees, or book fees.
Approvals Needed for Online MBA Programs
For an online MBA program, you need the following approvals:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| NAAC Accreditation | The university offering the program should be NAAC accredited. |
| NAAC Ranking | The university should have a NAAC ranking. |
No other approvals are explicitly required for online MBA programs.
Do Recruiters Value Online MBA Programs?
Yes, recruiters value online MBA programs because:
- They are technology-driven programs that include futuristic courses from reputed universities.
- Students develop dual skills by working and pursuing education simultaneously, gaining experience and knowledge.
Online MBA Program Specializations
Online MBA programs offer various specializations, including:
- Finance
- Operations
- Marketing
- Human Resources (HR)
- Data Analytics
- FinTech
- Dual Specializations (e.g., MBA in Finance and Marketing)
Some university, offer dual specialization programs.
Online MBA Classes and Learning Management System (LMS)
In online MBA programs, students access an LMS (Learning Management System) with features like:
- Live or recorded video lectures
- E-books and e-library
- Faculty and industry expert interactions
- Chat boxes for mentor support
Difference between Online MBA and On-Campus MBA
While both online and regular MBA programs have pros and cons, the key differences are:
| Aspect | Online MBA | Regular MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Allows you to study from anywhere | Requires 9-5 campus attendance |
| Placement Drives | May have fewer placement drives | Typically has more placement drives |
| Working Experience | Can be pursued alongside a job | Requires full-time campus attendance |
Online MBA Placement and Job Opportunities
After completing an online MBA, students can pursue various job profiles across sectors like:
| Sectors | Potential Job Roles | Top Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Banking | Human Resource Management | Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Citigroup |
| Finance | Marketing Management | Deloitte, Facebook, Accenture, IBM |
| Telecom | Account Manager | Infosys, TCS, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank |
| Events | Sales Manager | Other banks and MNCs |
| Sports | Brand Manager | |
| Branding and Advertising | Equity Research Analyst | |
| Digital Marketing | Research Manager | |
| Foreign Trade | Project Manager | |
| Management Consultant |
How to Pursue an Online MBA
To pursue an online MBA:
- Duration: The program typically takes two years.
- Eligibility: You need a Bachelor’s degree (BA, B.Tech, or any UG program) from a recognized board with a minimum of 45-50% marks.
Future of Online MBA Programs
The online MBA program is becoming increasingly popular, with admissions doubling in 2018 compared to previous years. As technology advances and everything moves online, the demand for online MBA programs is expected to increase.
Farakdekho’s Compare Feature
Farakdekho offers a compare feature that allows you to compare up to 5 universities offering online MBA programs based on various factors, including:
- Courses
- E-learning system
- Fee structure
- Semester exams
- Approvals (NAAC, NBA)
- Dedicated placement cell
- Farakdekho score (an AI-powered score considering all factors)
This feature helps you make an informed decision by evaluating and comparing different universities based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Online MBA programs offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and job opportunities for working professionals. With reputed universities providing futuristic courses and an LMS for efficient learning, an online MBA is a valuable investment. Use Farakdekho’s compare feature to find the best university for your online MBA journey.
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FAQ
Here are the FAQs regarding the value and respect for online MBA programs , as well as the potential disadvantages:
Yes, online MBA programs have value in the job market. They are accredited by the same bodies as regular MBA programs and provide the same curriculum and quality of education. Many top recruiters value and hire candidates with online MBA programs .
Employers respect online MBA programs from reputed and accredited universities. However, some employers may still prefer traditional on-campus MBA degrees over online ones, although this perception is gradually changing.
Some potential disadvantages of an online MBA include:
Lack of face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities
Self-discipline required for online learning
Potential for less recognition from certain employers (although this is changing)
Fewer opportunities for hands-on group projects and activities
Lovepreet Sachdeva is a skilled digital marketing professional with experience in the education sector since 2022. He has a strong interest in learning and enjoys sharing his knowledge on education, technology, digital marketing, and wellness through his writing. Singh has a passion for music, technology gadgets, and travel.