Many business students and professionals continue their education path with an MBA. Some choose a finance concentration; others go for entrepreneurship, depending on what they’re aiming to achieve with the degree.
However, there is also the dilemma of choosing a traditional program or an online one.
If you’re wondering whether brick-and-mortar education is right for you, or if you should take a more modern route; read on to find out which MBA is right for you.
Online MBA
Online MBAs are a growing popular option for many aspiring business students. Considering the flexibility that any online program offers, it doesn’t come as a surprise to see that a significant number of students have turned to online studies.
There are many reasons as to why someone would choose an online program over a brick-and-mortar version, from having other obligations to simply considering the online option more effortless.
Currently, there are around 330 online MBA courses being offered in the US. However, seeing the rise in popularity of online MBAs, we can only imagine that number will continue to grow. Given that, let’s see what both the advantages and disadvantages of an online MBA program are.
Is an online MBA worth it?
It’s hard to give a straight and one-dimensional answer to such a question. An online MBA degree might be the best decision for a certain business student ever made; however, to someone else, it might be a grave mistake and wasted opportunity.
Some students will benefit more from face-to-face traditional teaching. However, for those that have responsibilities outside of the classroom and do not have the luxury of dedicating two additional years to school, an online MBA is exactly what they need.
So, is it worth it? It definitely is, depending on the situation.
Online MBA benefits
There are numerous benefits that come with an online MBA program, which consequently are the reasons because of which students like such programs. Although we cannot name all of them, here are the main advantages of an online MBA program:
- Flexible schedule
- Location is not a problem
- Improved self-discipline
- Better writing skills
- Better technology skills
Online MBA disadvantages
MBA disadvantages are not many, but for some, they might be reason enough to not even consider it. For instance, there is no opportunity for creating an extensive professional network, all responsibility for structuring and time management falls on you, and there is no daily access to on-campus resources.
Traditional MBA
Traditional MBA refers to programs that offer lectures and courses held in traditional face-to-face classrooms. Such programs are usually appealing to those that benefit from hands-on guidance and are often sought out by undergraduates who just finished their bachelor’s degree.
Traditional programs also offer more space for socializing. So, if you’re a person who enjoys catching up with colleagues during breaks, the weekend, and study sessions, it might just be the thing for you.
Here’s some additional information to help you decide whether a traditional MBA is the right choice for you.
Is a traditional MBA worth it?
If you’re a student who best learns in traditional classrooms, by having in-person discussions and simultaneously listening to lectures, then a traditional MBA is the right course for you. Such programs offer endless resources and opportunities that many students can benefit from.
Although an online MBA program offers flexibility, some students tend to learn better under organized conditions and structures. Apart from that, they also enjoy having access to on-campus services that would otherwise be unattainable.
As with an online MBA, a traditional MBA is worth it for specific situations.
Traditional MBA benefits
The main advantage of a traditional MBA program is that it is a designed construct that, while limiting flexibility, allows for discipline to be built. Such programs are great for students who have trouble keeping their own timelines and keep up with to-do lists.
Among the traditional MBA benefits are these:
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- Structured environment
- In-person discussions
- Professional network
- On-campus resources
- Easy access to advice, counseling, and other services
Traditional MBA disadvantages
Traditional MBA disadvantages are often considered online MBA pros—for instance, a traditional MBA offers a structured environment, therefore, a lack of flexibility, while an online MBA offers the opposite. Some traditional program cons include lack of self-discipline and limited opportunities for those that live farther away from their university of choice.
Which One Is Right for You: Online MBA vs Traditional MBA?
Seeing how both of these MBA options have their own pros and cons, there is no definitive answer to which one is right or wrong. Both traditional and online MBA programs appeal to different students and have supporting strong points.
You should make your decision based on the way that you study and grow best. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to professional and academic achievements; so, in the end, you will have to weigh in the pros and cons of each and see which one of them fits you best to come to a final conclusion.
We hope this guide on MBA programs will help you decide whether you’d rather get your education taking regular or online courses, whether you want to be an entrepreneur or study specialize in global business. If you think that a traditional classroom would benefit you more, you can start your journey by enrolling in BAU’s Master of Business Administration program with a concentration of your choosing!