Online MBAs are flexible, cheap, and prepare managers better for the digital age. But which are the best?
The MBA has been the flagship degree of management education since its introduction by Harvard Business School over a century ago. Most schools deliver their education on campus, but that is rapidly changing with the proliferation of online MBAs. “Students benefit from the flexibility of distance learning, choosing how and when they study,” says Vikki Abusidualghoul, assistant dean for blended programs at Warwick Business School in the UK. Online MBAs also cheaper, and help prepare students for the travails of global management in the digital age.
For anyone hoping to boost their career prospects without leaving the workforce, US News' 2018 Best Online Programs rankings, are a useful resource.
Each year the publication ranks America’s top digital MBA degrees. Temple University’s Fox School of Business stayed at No 1 in 2018 for the fourth year in a row. Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business again ranked No 2, tying with Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, which rose from No 3 last year.
“What makes our Online MBA program truly special is the ability to tailor it to students’ needs and interests,” says Darin Kapanjie, academic director of the Fox Online MBA. “We are listening to the market and developing a diverse group of concentrations, dual-degree options, and international immersion opportunities for our online population.”
The Fox School admits around 550 students and has a rolling application deadline. Tuition is $1,245 per credit.
US News scored programs based on multiple criteria: student engagement; peer reputation; faculty credentials and training; student services and technology; and admissions selectivity.
The Fox School scored particularly highly for its admissions selectivity, with students frequently citing peer learning as a key benefit of the degree, along with engagement between students, who connect via the web from a distance. The program incorporates a face-to-face component: a weeklong residency at Temple University’s campus.
But it’s not the only course. Below are the top-20 US online MBAs:
Student Reviews
Honest Opinion on CMU
Finding yourself in CMU is such a great blessing. The amazing and great professors and lots of networking opportunities. I was in the faculty of engineering and here the course work was very interesting. The lecturers were very strict and couldn't accept late submission of assignments and work given. This made us very focused. The students are generally good and friendly
Excellence and Academic Integrity
CMU is one of the top class universities in Pittsburgh. It is a multi-diverse university with high regard for academic integrity, excellence, and innovation. It consists of different programs and departments that work together to achieve a common goal. I enjoy the convenience of moving from one building to the other. The faculty and staff are super friendly. It is relatively easy to make connections with other students, especially where collaboratory research is necessary. I would definitely recommend CMU to anyone looking for a muti-diverse academic experience.
Stressful yet worthwhile
I've been genuinely impressed with the fusion of creativity and innovation at CMU. The professors are a mixed bag-- some are great and life-changing, but I had a couple (mostly gen eds in freshman year) that were really frustrating. The workload can be intense, and it's no joke. Campus was very lively; clubs, events, etc. – there's something for everyone. Pittsburgh in general has some areas that are great, and others that disappoint-- Oakland is a very nice university town area. Overall, CMU is a hotbed of innovation and learning, but the pace and location do come into play.
Quite demanding here
Carnegie Mellon is a demanding academic institution where students are expected to put in a lot of effort. Despite the challenging coursework and constant workload, this environment teaches you how to speak for yourself and stand up for what you believe in. The institution also has a strong graduate network, which helps you succeed in the job hunt both while you are enrolled there and after
