A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree is one of the most coveted and prestigious educational programs in the US, and rightly so. An MBA degree is a resume-boosting qualification that opens up endless career opportunities across several industry domains, right from academia and business to healthcare and IT.

MBA challenges students to develop the skills and insights to lead organizations in every sector of the economy. They help learners to develop the right insights and skills required to lead organizations and push them into senior-level managerial roles in top companies and organizations. 

In the US, most MBA programs require candidates to have a minimum of two years of work experience. This makes them professionally mature, goal-oriented, and capable of bringing real-world business expertise to the table.

However, with a plethora of accredited programs offered by reputed B-schools in the US, aspirants get easily confused between the choices. The choice becomes further complicated when learners choose between on-campus and distance (online) learning MBA programs. 

While on-campus MBA courses demand your full attention, online courses offer you the flexibility to progress through the coursework according to your convenience. Although online MBA programs haven’t always been massively popular, today, they are gaining as much importance as on-campus MBA courses.

According to the Application Trends Survey Report 2019 by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), “half of US online MBA programs received more applications this year than they did last year (50%), a greater percentage than any other US professional MBA program type.”

A vast majority of these applications were domestic (95%). Most US online MBA programs reported 40% growth and 30% stability in applications from underrepresented populations in 2019.

Source 

How to choose the right online MBA course?

As the age-old stereotype and reservations against online MBA programs are gradually lifting, here are ten factors that you must consider before deciding to opt for an online MBA program in the US:

1. Accreditation 

When choosing an online MBA course, the foremost consideration is accreditation. It is wise to enroll in MBA programs recognized and accredited by established universities or national/international B-schools.

Check if the course is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or AACSB International. Such accreditation proves that the course adheres to the global MBA standards and guidelines. It assures aspirants that the coursework and education delivered is of the highest standards.

2. Coursework 

The next criterion is to check out the course curriculum of your shortlisted online MBA programs. Typically, the standard MBA course curriculum will include modules covering six core areas – finance, accounting, marketing, economic statistics & operations, leadership & teamwork, and accountability & ethics.

To get a good idea of the standard MBA coursework, check out the curriculum of online and on-campus programs from reputed institutes/schools. While all courses may not have the same modules, they should cover these major specialization areas and additional interests like business development, operations management, human resources, entrepreneurship, etc. 

The best way to go about these criteria is to identify your MBA goals and interest areas and then look for courses that best align with your interests.  

3. Program Cost & ROI 

Granted that online MBA programs are cheaper (more affordable) than on-campus programs, you must pit the program cost (tuition, learning materials, etc.) against the ROI it promises to deliver.

This essentially means that you must not calculate the program cost to the end value that it offers. Since there are plenty of options for online MBA programs in the US, you must consider the course’s overall value – just because one course is cheaper than the others doesn’t make it a feasible option for you.

After all, what’s the value of an MBA degree if you do not get any return on investment (ROI) after course completion! 

4. Financing choices

This is a particularly useful criterion for aspirants who wish to avail of financial aid for pursuing an MBA education. It is essential to know whether an institution accepts and acknowledges financing options like education loans, grants, or national scholarships.

Often, many institutions offering online courses have their unique grants and scholarships for deserving students. Try to find out how to avail of this option and whether you can qualify for internal grants/scholarships. Furthermore, it helps if your preferred institution extends flexible payment options like EMIs.

5. Academic support

This goes without saying – you must dig deep to find out what kind of academic support your preferred online programs promise to students. Irrespective of the education delivery (online or offline) method, every MBA program must disclose its instructors’ and mentors’ list, qualifications, and professional experience.

Plus, when opting for an online learning platform, it becomes imperative to know if the institution is willing to help students. Here’s what you should look out for: 

• Are the instructors prompt with their feedback?
• Are all the learning resources delivered digitally?
• Can students access the course material anytime and anywhere?
• Is there a provision for faculty support for students during different time slots?
• Are the instructors available to answer questions or solve issues when students need them?

6. Placement assistance

Yes, just like on-campus programs, online MBA programs also offer placement assistance to students to help fast-track their careers. This comes as a massive advantage as you get the opportunity to land an excellent job with a standard salary package right after course completion.

You can narrow your search by shortlisting institutes or schools that offer placement support in their online MBA programs. Usually, these programs also encourage students’ overall grooming through mock interviews, resume building sessions, and offline networking events. 

7. Recruiter’s recommendation

Perhaps the most sound option is to take advice directly from recruiters and potential employers. Many companies often have set preferences for MBA graduates hailing from specific B-schools.

You could connect with recruiters or HR professionals who primarily deal in hiring talented MBA graduates and ask them about the top preferred schools and institutions that companies tend to prefer and those that hold little or no value to recruiters. Their recommendations will help you understand which institutes deliver the optimal education quality and value. You can then make an informed decision. 

8. Testimonials 

What better than getting a firsthand review from present students or alumnus of schools offering online MBA courses? This approach allows you to learn about their personal experiences and find out all the necessary information on the institution (what’s their academic support and placement record, how’s the learning material, how competent is the faculty, and so on).

You can also check out the testimonials section via the official websites of different institutions. While these reviews shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor, they certainly make the selection process easier. 

Given that you’ll put in considerable time, effort, and money into your MBA education, it is wise to invest your time in researching different schools and programs to know what’s your best fit. You can use these eight steps as a checklist to weigh the pros and cons of various online MBA programs.

Top MBA Specializations in the US

If you’re looking to pursue your MBA education in the US, here are the top ten specializations to consider:

1. General Management

General Management is one of the most pursued MBA specializations of all time. This is because the skills and knowledge students gain through this course apply to almost all industry sectors. It teaches learners to develop valuable skills like critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving mindset, and risk management, which come in handy for various administrative and managerial posts.

The course includes industry-relevant topics like Business Analytics, Thought Leadership, Professional Development, Project Management, Marketing Management, and Organisational Behaviour.

2. International Management

Candidates who desire to work in MNCs or overseas should opt for an MBA in International Management. The course trains students in various domains like finance, business strategy, operations management, international business, etc. The skills you gain through this course will qualify you for doing business with people and organizations on the global front. 

3. Marketing

An MBA in Marketing is the perfect choice for aspirants who wish to scale up to managerial or senior executive positions. The subjects covered in this course Product Development, Marketing Research, Branding, Advertising Management, Digital Marketing, etc.

Students learn how to strategize on product development, promote products/services, plan and implement marketing campaigns, and communicate with customers. These skills are relevant to both B2B and B2C companies. 

4. HR Management

Human Resource Management is designed to help learners take their interpersonal and people skills to the next level. It focuses on teaching students how to deal with matters on business administration and people management.

The course curriculum includes Organisational Behaviour, Business Law, Managerial Finance, Management Principles, etc. HR skills are versatile since they apply to all sectors. 

5. Management Consulting

Management Consulting focuses on training students to help organizations improve their overall performance. Students learn subjects like Marketing, Consulting & People Skills, Enterprise Resource Planning, Leadership & Managing Change, Managing People & Organizations, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, and Managerial Economics, among other things. This course is ideal for candidates possessing a knack for communicating with people and influencing them positively.

6. Finance

An MBA in Finance is the right choice for candidates who love numbers and possess an analytical mind. This course offers in-depth knowledge of Portfolio Management, Corporate Budgeting, Investment Analysis, Fund Management, etc. MBAs in Finance can bag promising roles like Investment Bankers, Finance Managers, Financial Controllers, and Chief Financial Officers.

7. Entrepreneurship

As the name suggests, an MBA in Entrepreneurship is designed for aspirants passionate about launching their business and becoming their own boss. It covers relevant matters such as Product Design, Marketing, Business Innovation, Business Development, Venture Feasibility, Resource Management, and Entrepreneurial Strategies. 

8. Operations Management

An MBA in Operations Management course exclusively focuses on planning, organizing, managing, and optimizing business operations and production activities to maximize efficiency. Students learn how to apply analytical skills and use statistical models to improve systems performance, enhance product quality, and minimize production costs.

9. Business Strategy

A Business Strategy program helps students understand and diagnose business challenges and develop appropriate solutions. It teaches students various concepts like business planning & development, risk management, consulting, and making actionable business decisions. The subjects include Business Policies & Strategic Management, Modern Business Organization and Management, Accounting & Financial Management, Strategic Marketing Management, and Strategic HRM.

10. IT Management

IT Management is best suited for aspirants who are passionate about technology. Students learn about System Analysis and Design, Strategic Management of Information Technology, Strategic Analysis, Managing IT-Enabled Services, Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Communication, and Information Technology Management. By gaining knowledge in these areas, candidates can find innovative IT solutions to help companies stand out in the market.

Emerging Trends in Online MBA Education

The environment of online MBA education is continually shifting, adjusting to new student needs and corporate world expectations. Here are some rising trends to keep an eye on in 2024:

• Mixed Learning: Many online MBA programmes are adopting a mixed learning strategy that combines the convenience of online courses with engaging in-person encounters. This gives students the opportunity to engage with teachers and classmates, attend workshops and networking events, and acquire hands-on experience.
• Specializations in High-need Fields: To fulfill the need for qualified workers in fields such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability, online MBA programmes are offering specialized concentrations. Specializations like data analytics, digital marketing, and healthcare management are becoming increasingly popular. Online MBA programmes are becoming more flexible in terms of course offers and schedules. Students can customize their learning experience and focus on their individual professional objectives by selecting from a choice of optional courses.
• Virtual Reality: As technology progresses, online MBA programmes are using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to provide immersive learning experiences. These technologies enable students to virtually recreate real-world business settings and build practical skills.

The Benefits of Pursuing an Online MBA in 2024

Pursuing an Low cost online MBA USA in 2024 has various benefits that make it an appealing alternative for ambitious business professionals:

• Flexibility and Convenience: Online MBA programmes allow students to study from anywhere, at any time, allowing them to manage their education with job and personal responsibilities. This adaptability is especially useful for working people who wish to improve their abilities without jeopardizing their careers.
• Diverse Learning Environment: Online MBA programmes attract students from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds. This diversity creates a vibrant learning atmosphere in which students may share ideas, receive insights from many views, and develop a strong professional network.
• Access to Top-Ranked Programs: Many prestigious universities and business schools offer online MBA programs that are on par with their on-campus counterparts. Pursuing an online MBA USA allows students to access top-ranked programs without the need to relocate or commute.
• Enhanced Technological Skills: Online MBA programs utilize advanced technologies and platforms, equipping students with valuable digital literacy skills. These skills are highly sought after in today’s tech-driven business landscape.

Career Opportunities for Online MBA Graduates

Earning an online MBA in 2024 opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Here are some potential career paths for online MBA graduates:

• Business Leadership and Management: Online MBA graduates often pursue leadership roles in organizations across various industries. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage teams, make strategic decisions, and drive organizational growth.
• Entrepreneurship and Startups: A distance MBA in USA prepares budding entrepreneurs to create their own businesses. The programme provides students with the business knowledge, critical thinking skills, and networking opportunities needed to flourish in the competitive startup ecosystem.
• Consulting: Many online MBA graduates go into consulting, where they use their knowledge to assist firms solve complicated problems and enhance their performance. MBA graduates are valued by consulting businesses for their diversified skill set and strategic thinking.
• Finance & Investment Banking: Online MBA graduates with a finance concentration can pursue lucrative careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial consulting. These positions need a thorough knowledge of financial markets, risk management, and strategic financial planning.
• Marketing & Brand Management: Online MBA graduates with a marketing specialization can pursue professions in brand management, digital marketing, market research, and product creation. They are capable of leading marketing initiatives, analyzing customer behavior, and driving brand growth.

Learn MBA online: The upGrad advantage

Online MBA programs are becoming the new favorite, particularly for working professionals, because they are incredibly flexible, affordable, and globally acknowledged. Anyone willing to pursue an MBA course can opt for online courses as they allow you to balance between your education/work commitments and upskill simultaneously. You need not compromise on your professional or personal life while studying an MBA specialization online. 

If you’ve been on the hunt for the right online MBA program, here are a few upGrad offerings that are worth considering:

1. MBA (Global), Deakin Business School (DBS)

This is a two-year Global MBA program offered in collaboration with Deakin Business School and IMT Ghaziabad. The course curriculum covers subjects like Business Growth Strategies, Financing Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Design Thinking, Change Management, and International Business.

It will prepare you for leadership roles in Business Development/Strategy, Management Consulting, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and HR Management. upGrad promises 360-degree placement support to all candidates. 

2. MBA, Liverpool Business School (LBS)

This 20-month MBA course is offered in partnership with Liverpool Business School and IMT Ghaziabad. Students can choose from six different specializations – Finance, Operations, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Strategy & Leadership.

They learn various subjects, including Business Growth Strategies, Marketing Strategies, Digital Business Innovation, Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Risk Management, and Project Management. Not just that, learners participate in a week-long immersion program at the university campus (LBS). On course completion, students get an MBA degree from LBS and PMP in Management from IMT Ghaziabad.

3. MBA in Digital Finance & Banking, Jindal Global University

This exclusive MBA course in Digital Finance & Banking trains aspirants to build a successful career in BFSI. The course duration is 24 months. upGrad has designed this course in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) – internationally acclaimed as an ‘Institute of Eminence.’

The course covers industry-specific topics like Financial Management, Fintech Ecosystems Management, Data Visualization in Finance, Design Thinking, Business Leadership, Artificial Intelligence in Business, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, and Digital Fraud & Risk Analytics. 

4. MBA from Liverpool Business School

Wrapping Up

Each of these online MBA courses is designed, keeping in mind global MBA standards. Students learn theoretical concepts and work on case studies and real-world projects and engage in live discussions, mock interview sessions, resume building sessions, and offline networking events. By the end of the course, students are groomed and ready to step into the job market. 

If you are keen on upgrading your career, check out Deakin Business School and upGrad’s Global MBA Program. The program has been designed to stand at par with the best on-campus MBA programs across the globe.

Learn MBA Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Masters, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certificate Programs to fast-track your career.