Online MBAs have never been more popular. Here's why applying to business schools online is a great option for you in 2021
Online MBA programs have been a popular option for some time, but the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the trend. Here’s why studying your MBA online is a great option in 2021.
Online MBA programs have increased in popularity in recent years, a trend which only accelerated when the coronavirus pandemic forced education to move online.
As many as 47% of online MBA programs in the US reported growing application numbers in 2017, however, that number rose to 86% in 2020.
Lockdowns and social distancing rules have forced students to become used to working remotely. Now the prospect of logging into a webinar or online lecture has become second nature.
BusinessBecause spoke to Dr Krish Muralidhar, OU’s professor of marketing and supply chain management who has been involved in the shift to online teaching, to find out why now is the perfect time to study an online MBA.
Business school online is more flexible
Online MBAs offer students a much more manageable experience than in-person study.
Courses can be easier to manage financially, as tuition fees are often lower. OU’s new online MBA will cost $35,460 for students to enroll in, substantially less than the full-time option, which costs $54,000 for a streamlined 16-month course.
“There is a whole group of people who simply cannot afford to do a regular MBA in person,” says Krish. "An online MBA opens up an option for those people.”
Students on online courses are also able to work alongside their studies, with classes usually scheduled for evenings or weekends. At OU, online MBA students will study at their own pace, taking anywhere between two and five years to complete their courses.
Allowing students to continue working throughout their studies means online MBAs have to make less of a commitment than their counterparts on full-time programs, who usually have to set aside two years to study.
Earning while completing the course also reduces the opportunity cost of an MBA program, making it easier for students to manage their finances and pay their tuition fees.
Time management is another area where online students may have an advantage. The daily cycle of getting to campus, attending classes, spending time between classes, and then returning home uses up a lot more time than simply joining an online session.
Studies have shown that physical learning can take up as much as 60% more time than studying remotely. Online students can, therefore, benefit from a more efficient learning experience.
“The time commitment required for an in-person regular MBA is much higher than the time commitment required for an online MBA,” Krish says.
“Being on campus at regularly scheduled hours is a commitment that, for some people, is simply not feasible.”
The flexibility an online MBA gives students, therefore, reduces the commitment candidates must make when they enroll into a course, making MBAs more widely accessible.
Online MBAs foster independent work
Online MBA students will largely pick up the same skills as those studying in person, with courses covering the same mixture of broad business knowledge, finance, marketing and more.
However, working remotely can pose unique challenges for online students which can help them develop different skills.
“While studying online, your contact with the professor and your friends is limited, so you figure things out on your own a bit more,” Krish explains.
“Doing an online MBA does breed a certain level of independent analysis and thinking that might not be required if you are in a regular course.”
A 2019 survey found problem-solving and initiative were among the five most important skills employers looked for in job applicants. By enrolling in an online course, students could give themselves a good chance to develop these skills by working independently.
More important for Krish is the self-motivation online MBA students have to show. While students in courses taught in person may be motivated by competition with their fellow classmates or their relationship with tutors, online students must do the bulk of that motivating themselves.
“Students are forced to be independent and not have somebody to ask questions to; being able to adapt to that scenario is definitely going to help them,” says Krish.
Covid-19 has improved online MBA delivery
The coronavirus pandemic has forced schools to become well practised when it comes to teaching online, meaning the standard of teaching in an online MBA has never been higher.
While the world has been in lockdown, Krish says this has given schools an opportunity to improve their online teaching methods.
“A lot of us, especially professors, weren’t too comfortable with doing online material before, simply because that’s not our style, but now we feel that we can do it better,” he says.
If there were ever fears about the standard of online MBA grads being lower than those who complete a physical course, they are now gone.
“Employers are going to be much more amenable to viewing online programs as equal to regular programs,” Krish predicts.
Remote courses have been around since 1987, when the first official distance learning MBA was launched at Aspen University, but the Coronavirus has helped learning online become mainstream.
“If there is anything that has come out of the pandemic, it is that you can do online education now,” Krish says.
University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business
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The University of Oklahoma has been a great experience for me. The professors are all very knowledgeable and willing to help where needed. The campus is also very beautiful and there are plenty of activities going on all the time. The student body is also really friendly and I have made a lot of new friends here. Overall, I'm really glad I chose OU and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great college experience.
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Good institution for in class courses. Online classes are pretty hard because the instructors are most of the time not available. The student has to do everything on their own without any assistance.
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11/06/2022
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This has been the best experience. of my life! Freshman year completely changed my life in so many ways! Through club’s organizations and social events the university of Oklahoma became my home. I loved being there
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25/04/2019
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OU is an amazing university. Love the athletic department so much. They have so much hype and love for their athletes and students typically maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m engineering student and OU has one of the best teachers and facilities I had so far. I know their engineering program is prestigious but I don’t know much about the other departments. Beautiful campus and amazing social events. Diversity is enormous. LOVE IT SIMPLY.
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19/12/2023
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I am a current student at the University of Oklahoma and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the quality of education and resources available here. The professors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' success. The campus is beautiful and there are always events and activities happening. The community at OU is welcoming and diverse, making it a great place to grow and learn. I highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. Boomer Sooner
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The university has beautiful buildings and scenic fields with benches for enjoying the weather. There are a lot of nice students, so it's a pleasant experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and gained valuable knowledge from the professors. It was a pleasure to work with my professors during my first year, as communication was easy and they consistently made themselves available during office hours, accommodating any scheduling conflicts. I had a smooth academic transition into college thanks to the great faculty.
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The OU campus is truly breathtaking with its vast green spaces and modern facilities. These facilities are contemporary and meticulously maintained, housing state-of-the-art science labs, a vast digital resource library, and cozy study areas perfect for late-night cram sessions. As someone from Oklahoma, attending this university has been a dream come true and has provided me with the most fulfilling years of my life. My freshman year was incredibly enjoyable, filled with fantastic friends and daily adventures. The friendships I've established here are lifelong, and I feel immense gratitude for my time at OU.
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Attending the University of Oklahoma brought back nostalgic memories for me. My sister graduated from this university in May 2019, and while she had spoken highly of it, she hadn't quite captured how much I would come to adore this school. It has become a home away from home, with its welcoming atmosphere, kind professors, stunning campus, and impressive football team that resonates with my high school football experiences. I am grateful for the chance to study at the University of Oklahoma and receive an exceptional education.
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Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy the University of Oklahoma (OU), but I ended up falling in love with it. Your college experience at OU largely depends on what you invest in it. While it was sometimes challenging to build friendships and step out of my comfort zone, the university offers numerous clubs and opportunities to engage with new people. As a psychology major at the University of Oklahoma, I firmly believe that the professors and the quality of education surpass those of any other university psychology program. This enables students to connect with professionals globally and fosters personal growth. In terms of academics, I find that professors are highly accessible to students, and there are abundant resources available to support academic achievement.
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The campus offers a wide range of dining choices and excellent accommodation. It is reasonably affordable and offers support in locating scholarships and financial advisors to help students manage their finances. My overall experience has been far more positive than I anticipated, and I am completely satisfied with my decision to enroll at OU.
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