Disclaimer: I'm not trying to get an IB/Consulting job, and I'm looking at top 25-15 MBAs, possibly online. My undergrad/macc is in the 100-200 rank.
I'm in big 4 audit and planning on staying for 5 years and leave shortly after making manager. I'm looking at management positions in finance/accounting in corporations and I was wondering if there would be enough benefit to consider an MBA. The job options of big 4 manager with no MBA vs big 4 manager w/ an MBA are not going to be too different, but I wonder if it will help management promotions go a little easier.
After debating the MBA vs no MBA, I also started thinking about whether I should do an online MBA. I would be foregoing the networking/recruiting aspect but I think that would be worth it if I could still work. Are online MBA's considered less regarded?
In particular, I'm looking at UNC's Kenan Flagler's online program.
Thoughts?
I had the opportunity last winter to listen to the presentation of a dean from a top-3 business school. I won't bore you with the details, but the gist of the presentation was that if an MBA degree is to remain relevant in the future, then business schools are going to need to adapt and change with the times and one way to do so would be to offer distance/online learning.
I know this does not fully answer your question, and I'm afraid I cannot comment specifically on UNC's online program, but I believe that there will come a time when the online MBA is no longer considered an exception but instead a valid and respected alternative to a traditional MBA program.
Can't comment on the value of the MBA as I have no experience with them or any intention of going to business school, but I will say that if you stay in Big4 audit for 5 years, that is at least 2 years too long. I don't know how long the CPA certification takes but I would strongly advise you aim to leave after that lest you get tarred with the brush of being an auditor for life.
If you plan on sticking in audit, then don't bother.
Yes, online MBAs are looked down upon. The purpose of an MBA is to provide collaborative learning and connections to occur.
Yes. The MBA curriculum is not hard. I had an engineering background and managed to do just as well in accounting as the CPAs (granted, I had to do a lot of studying and they basically slept in class). It's all about the experience and the network.....
MBA is mostly about the network you build with fellow alumni so I personally think it's a huge waste of money to do an MBA online.
Actually I am having more meaningful interaction with fellow students in my online MBA than I ever had as an undergrad at the U of Wisconsin-Madison. We have required, structured comment/discussions along with more informal sessions. Best decision I have made so far. P.S. The texts are online as well so no extra book fees.
Actually I am having more meaningful interaction with fellow students in my online MBA than I ever had as an undergrad at the U of Wisconsin-Madison. We have required, structured comment/discussions along with more informal sessions. Best decision I have made so far. P.S. The texts are online as well so no extra book fees.
There are plenty of opportunities for big 4 managers, I assure you. I'm not trying to get into banking, like I said, so leaving public acct after 3 years to go work for a corporation and jump into an internal audit/financial analyst role doesn't seem desirable. I guess to rephrase my question - for long term career potential in corporate accounting/finance roles, does it matter if one did an MBA online vs campus based?
:EDIT: Wow UNC MBA almost doubled in price from last year. Online MBA used to be 50k flat, now its 96k.
Yup...now you'll have to go to Pepperdine!
95k for an online MBA? That's ridiculous.
Online MBAs are worthless. The MBA itself is not a credential and has no intrinsic worth, contrasted with the JD, CFA, CPA, MD, PHD or licenses that entitle you to certain privlages and access. It is just a degree. It is only useful for catapulting you into a job, and if you're at the job you want.....or if there's no OCR......then there's not much point in getting one.
The people hawking online MBAs, especially for a laughable $95K, should be dragged out and shot.
In terms of your resume, there would be no difference between a full time MBA vs an online MBA, right?
Speaking as an ex-big 4 trying to climb ladder at a F500 - seems to me an Executive MBA would be a good option to consider. And several people in my group have done a PT MBA. Both of those programs have the networking advantage an online MBA does not, and suit the purpose you have (get promoted vs. trying to switch into banking, etc)
Agree. Just to clarify for OP, the eMBA program should be done at a reputable/relevant school. I'm beating a dead horse here but the MBA is a means, not an end, and does not carry the weight that other certifications after a few years of working.
The CPA, MD, and others will always convey a certain privelage, but the only tangible privelage an MBA will lend is access to the network of alums.
I think UNC is legit in your case. The price is ridiculous though. I, personally, would never do it but that's because I have different aspirations than you.
UNC is recognized name and should help you with your career. Just remember you get one shot at the MBA, make sure you make it count.
I believe online MBA's are just as relevant as the traditional campus MBA. With the world changing so quickly and technology leading the way it won't be long before universities adapt the same mindset. Universities are businesses also and offering online education is another way to bring in income. I know several people who have attained online MBA's to go on to higher paying jobs and bigger responsibilities within well respected organizations. I also know people with MBA's who have just amassed a large amount of debt and regret. In the end I believe it comes down to what it always comes down to. The person. If you have the determination and intellect you can make it. (I have been reading too much napoleon hill). You don't need grad school in order to make connections sure it's a better platform and convenient, but its not end all be all.
It depends on what you want to do. I go to a traditional program and I will say the huge things like working in a group or doing presentations is definitely not going to be the same online. I know we're still headed to a more tech oriented approach to things but at the core of business, it's based on human relationships and deals regardless of industry. I've gotten a lot of value out of my MBA but it really fit my situation. I think it all depends on what you want to do and where you're coming from. So my advice is really evaluate what you want to do and where are you coming from. As of now if you're looking to do a career switch then absolutely do a traditional MBA, if you're looking to do ti just to help advance where you currently are then in that case online might be a reasonable option.
Haha, UNC distance MBA advertises a ton.. especially on GMAT Club. Do you want a campus experience? As others have said, part of the value of the MBA is meeting people, gaining the network, recruiting, studying in the trenches, attending sports games, etc. It's difficult to obtain all of this at a distance. I want to feel connected to the school if I'm paying them that much to go back. I think doing an MBA while working in audit would be hell. I recently left audit for F100 Corp Acctg. Most of my superiors (within the accounting umbrella of the finance org) do not have MBAs, just CPAs. If you wish to stay in accounting, it's not necessary. It would definitely help you move into other roles within the company. I don't think Corporations would care if it's online or campus.
.
Here is my .02 and take it for whats worth. I am completing my undergrad at a online school. While it may not be an MBA, my college does offer the MBA and is structured the same way as the Undergrad programs. I personally think that the MBA programs are good, but not as good as going to an actual college campus. The online schooling is still relatively new and has not caught on yet. However, as some have already posted, online schools will be the future and technology is leading us in that direction. Also, look at some of the ivy league schools as they are starting to offer online courses. If online courses are deemed unworthy, then why are more colleges starting to offer online schools? Just a thought. I remember when online schools were getting criticized by a lot of brick and mortar schools. Now those schools are offering online programs. Now, going through an online program, I have learned a lot more than going to an actual college. I don't have to worry about trying to figure out what a teacher or professor is saying over what he/she is teaching when English is their second language. Another point I would like to make is that the online schools use "facilitators" that have an average 15 years in the industry of what the class is about. Some of my "facilitators" have been CEO's of small companies. In my current class, my facilitator is a CFO for a corporate health care company, prior to that he was in corporate finance for Texas Instruments, Dell Computer with offices in Japan, Singapore, and Italy. However, it also takes a lot of discipline to do the work on your own because of how easy it is to set things aside. Although, it simply comes down to you. Again, I personally think that online schools will be the future considering that many schools are now offering online programs. As for networking, many of the online schools are emphasizing the importance to network and developing stronger networking programs as well. It all comes down to you, simple as that.
Frickin GA Tech just came out with a $7K online MS in Computer Science which has the establishment freaked out about all the tuition they stand to lose.
I agree with you on many topics you touched on, but I do have to disagree on one thing: On-line schools may be the future for now, however our current technology has not reached complete virtual reality. Making the desirable connections that a current, traditional MBA program offers is almost impossible with the many different time zones that online students end up being on.
What's OCR?
Is an online MBA perceived as worse than actual MBA? (Originally Posted: 08/07/2015)
I recently received a Business Analyst position at a large firm (I do not wish to disclose) in the branch located in my town. The department is very large and I do not wish to transfer as their are a combination of factors I know here (status at my office , family in my hometown, easier professional mobility, etc.). I want to go back to school for an MBA but the only program in my range is at the school I attended for my undergrad. I have nothing against the school, I would just like to go to a university with a different school of thought as I my professors advised me that it would be pointless to attend a business school that teaches you the same thinking as the business major at my undergraduate college.
I was looking into several online MBA programs such as UNC and Carnegie Mellon they seemed to have the flexibility that I was looking for. While prestige is not a big deal for me, I wanted to go to a school that offered a reputable source of education as their seemed to be a lot of misleading MBA programs.
Do you think that online MBA's have less credibility than that of in person MBA programs? Do you think it is worth me getting/applying for these MBA programs? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I'd argue that it has close to zero credibility. You don't get an MBA for the "learning experience"
There's definitely credibility at online MBA programs if you just need to check the box to get a promotion or are in a similar situation. From the sounds of it, you might want to go with a Part time or Full time program where you have better access to recruiting as well as networking with your fellow students. That's really what you're missing out on. Also, if your undergrad degree was in business then I would argue that the education component for you should be lower on the totem pole. There will be classes you didn't take/more in-depth conversations but you will know quite a bit already. I would personally try to go Full time assuming you're still fairly young. Just take another year to reflect on your experiences, crush the GMAT, and put together a really good application.
Not if you do the MBA from a reputable school ie UNC has an online MBA.
I wouldn't openly mention that your degree was online
I know most use MBA's as a career change and would therefore need the networking and interaction that comes with a "normal" 2 year full time MBA education.
Getting an online MBA probably is a step above devry/univ phoenix/strayer.
IF you are going to go that route; I'd be weary of getting an online MBA from DUKE when your job and resume shows you haven't left the west coast. That will have interviewers raise questions you'd rather not want.
I am in a similar position where the next level of promotions tend to list MBA as a basic qualification, so if I do decide to pursue my MBA (online or not) while working, it will be from a local school. All just to check a damn box, a very expensive box.
Why can't you just say that you have an MBA from such and such school?
I don't think that this would be worth it because I am going to assume that you don't have very much experience. The people that part-time, executive, or online mbas make sense for are people already in high-up positions at a company looking to obtain that last bit needed to push them higher. I.E. perhaps they've hit a wall at vp, and they can't get to SVP without that MBA. Or they have families, debt obligations (mortgage, car loans, etc.) that require them to continue working. Or maybe they are just old enough that the idea of not getting paid for two years is basically unbearable. Maybe I am wrong here, but it sounds like you're pretty young. The point of an MBA, for most people, is to get you a better job than when you started. That's very unlikely to happen immediately after you finish your MBA with it being online, and even if it did get you a better job it wouldn't be as good as if you had done the program on-campus. You're much better off saving your chance to do an MBA, you only get one, for a time when you want to make a career change. In terms of actual information, the institutions hold most of that so you won't benefit purely for that reason. (The team you want to work for has been performing that function long before you went and got an MBA, so you probably aren't bringing anything new back to them)
Edit: I sort of ignored the fact that you are looking to go upwards in your company through this. You're going to leave money on the table by doing an online mba. Even if they give you the job that you want, they aren't going to be incentivized to pay you as much as they would be if they knew there are 50 other employers gunning for you, as would be the case if you did an MBA on-campus.
Yes. And it doesn't matter if the school is the "#1 ranked online MBA". The answer is still yes
I think currently, the online MBAs are considerably less valuable to employers. An MBA is not just about the learning experience, but the ability to demonstrate the application of what you've learned. Think about CFA vs MBA - both excellent curriculum but MBA provides an ability to apply the knowledge (discloser: I'm an MSF student, full time employee, and L3 candidate).
So MBA > No MBA, but in terms of value, online MBA MBA....yet. Schools like UNC, CM, and IU are at the forefront, and I've read excellent things about the programs, but the program's value is only what is value perceived by employers. I do truly believe over time these MBAs will be as valuable. But I am not going to spend 100K on an online MBA right now. The cost needs to come down substantially before it makes sense, no reason they should cost the same.
A lot of it is the reputation the schools themselves make for the programs. Duke said they will never offer an online MBA because it essentially tarnishes the reputation of their full time program. Sad.
U of Illinois is creating a MOOC based program that is made up of their own MBA classes: http://poetsandquants.com/2015/05/04/breakthrough-a-top-50-mba-for-2000…
Here's a great overview: http://poetsandquants.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PQ3_FULLMAG-1.pdf
In relation to what you're saying about employers eventually finding the online MBAs valuable; some companies do virtual career fairs where you go in and chat to recruiters, give your resume, etc.. When the company you want a job from is hiring for the position you want through one specifically for people doing your online MBA, then I think an online MBA will be worth doing. Cost still has to come way down.
think two typical recruiter questions:
why did you attend this online or local MBA?
What did you learn from this MBA? (and NOT same-old technical skills for an answer!)
that's why not all MBAs are equal.
Is this a joke...
The whole reason that most people go to certain MBA programs is because the employers come to you and the alumni are usually very helpful, as opposed to you hunting down opportunities...and some employers only go to certain schools. If you're only looking for a sheepskin to qualify you for promotions and your firm says some online MBA will help, and you can get that in writing, go for it. Otherwise, it's not that it's 'frowned on', it's just that it likely won't do anything for you, especially if you are trying to change jobs.
Also, in the US, you can only get one MBA, so you don't get a second shot....make it count.
value of an online EMBA program? (Originally Posted: 11/03/2012)
I know a guy who is a manager at a large publicly traded company (he probably manages 20 employees, but it could be a lot more). He has about 6 years of work experience and is doing an executive MBA online part-time at MIT.
What is the value of this EMBA?
My reaction was that online MBAs are not seen as legit, but he is a smart guy and I don't think he would spend his time and money doing a program if it didn't add any value.
Can anyone enlighten me on the quality of this program or these types of programs?
well you dont have to say on the resume that it was done online... all you have to say is you have an MBA from MIT... I bet 50% of the time, no one would even think to ask if he did his MBA online or in person.
There is zero difference in the value of an MBA done online or in person. Someone that has an MBA from UNC's online MBA program will be getting the same level of education as someone going to UNC's full time MBA program. As the world begins to adapt to the style of learning, more schools will offer an online MBA.
The issue here is an MBA is not a difficult degree, so you are not learning anything groundbreaking. The downside to the online MBA is, of course, the lack of networking, which is, in my opinion, the true value of getting an MBA in an in person class environment.
By EMBA, you mean an Executive MBA?
Online Business Schools (Originally Posted: 01/16/2014)
Greetings, I want to attend grad school, however I am extremely busy. So I've decided that I want to know what nice business schools you folks can recommend, other than Tepper and Duke. Assistance would be very helpful !!! Thanks,
Online business schools don't have much cred on the street. Have you consider a part-time MBA instead? Some great programs out there (Booth, Kellogg, Stern, McCombs...)
Your suggestion is indeed valid. Thank you !
Busy with what? Why do you want to go to graduate school? Who's paying?
Give a bit more info on your background, current state, and career goals, and it might be a bit easier to help. Although you are on WSO, where going anywhere that's not MBA business schools">M7, let alone an online program, is typically not thought of too highly.
Currently, I am a senior student attending non-US school, my degree is finance with concentration in corp. fin, school is non-target. After getting degree, I will move to Dubai and work as an assistant of financail manager at one oil company small but really great one. I plan on this to gain exp. in energy sector. 2-3 years later, will enroll in some B-school. And what I was planning before is keep working and pursuing MBA simultanously, is not an option any longer as I realised. After MBA, want to break into I-banking, hopefully GS :)
Have you done any research whatsoever? Obviously unc and indiana come to mind
Thanks, I appreciate all of your advices. I did some research and realised that it is better to attend top 10 MBAs or not to attend any at all. I found one school, btw ranked as #1 non-US B-school, - IMD in Switzerland. What you think about this one; it is one year just like I want. Anyone have ever heard of this school ? Do I-banks recruit there ? Maybe some of you know someone who attended IMD and broke into I-banking.
Online MBA Programs (Originally Posted: 02/15/2012)
Hi there,
This is Ilana Herring, Director of Marketing at California Miramar University. California Miramar University (CMU) is a small, private university committed to pursuing high standards of academic excellence. CMU's Miramar Campus is located twenty minutes from some of San Diego's world famous attractions, including the historic downtown Gaslamp District, world renowned San Diego Zoo, the beaches of La Jolla Shores, and the San Diego Convention Center. Furthermore, CMU is surrounded by some of the country's leading biotech, pharmaceutical, and telecommunication companies.
To know more plz visit:- http://www.calmu.edu/
Seems legit, President of Malawi attended so did a former MS executive..
The thing I value most in an online MBA is the campus location.
^Hahaha
I take it enrollment is going well?
One of CMU's many strengths is its commitment to innovation and keeping up with the rapid changes in concepts, theories, and practices of today's corporate world. The faculty members at CMU drive the University's innovative capacity as experts in their fields because of their combined academic and professional knowledge and expertise. At CMU this innovative capacity is incorporated into the curriculum, making it easier for you to gain the knowledge you need to be successful in your career.
Oh ok, we'll in that case sign me up. I was skeptical before but you really sold me on that last post.
nairobi kenya liaison office? lol
U Phoenix MBA or bust
California Miramar University and Marshal Goldsmith School of Management at Alliant International University have signed a historic partnership creating a matriculation agreement between the two business schools. California Miramar University offers Associate, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degree programs in Business Administration. CMU believes that higher education should be affordable and that you shouldn’t have to break the bank to finance your education.
CMU believes that higher education should be affordable and that you shouldn’t have to break the bank to finance your education.
I only care about the exit ops. I would assume an online MBA from CMU would almost guarantee me a job at Goldman Sachs... am I correct in this thinking?
Where do most of your students end of working? I am okay with some going to a Tier 2 bank, but really... GS or Bust.
Is this CMU chick a 'syndicated content provider' or whatever the fuck? This is getting pretty obnoxious.
Is Online MBA a Real MBA? (Originally Posted: 05/10/2017)
Is an online MBA a real MBA? The main downside that I see is the loss of networking opportunities - although I could see employers might not value online as much either. Anyone have experience with this?
Also, would an online MBA from an Ivy league be well-thought of or still lumped into "online MBA?"
I am leaning towards a part-time MBA (non-online) in North Carolina.
Discuss.
dont think online MBA has much value, part time MBA from reasonably good B school may be a better option. .
Anyone?
Here, I'll rehash what is written on this topic every few weeks: 1) Employers do not value online or part-time equal to full-time. 2) On Campus Recruiting (OCR) availability varies greatly per university if you do part time or online 3) As you mentioned, there is a dramatic drop in networking opportunities + internships 4) Part time programs/online are generally used to climb ladder in current company, not into a new company
I'm not the right person to ask about Ivy online programs but I assume it follows the same general rules. Would recommend the search function.
.
MBA with Data Analytics pathway will prepare you for a variety of key leadership and strategic management roles. This course is designed for practising managers looking to take that next step onwards and upwards. https://chestnuteducationgroup.ae/mba-data-analytics/ You will have the opportunity to put your study into practice, learning how to turn analysis into useful insights and strategic business plans to drive competitive advantage.
Nobis rerum temporibus et illum in minima enim. Porro aut optio beatae quidem quasi neque. Suscipit aliquam esse magnam beatae doloribus harum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Eum magnam consequuntur nobis alias. Minus quo ut temporibus nesciunt velit quaerat. Adipisci ullam in rerum ab dolorem a omnis. Eum ratione ullam a dicta eum quia sunt eum. Sint saepe corrupti non quia molestias repellendus quidem. Quis dolor dignissimos sunt dolor tempora omnis rerum.
Qui est sint aut qui aspernatur temporibus aut. Maiores dolorem est vel distinctio. Non est enim non esse quisquam sunt. Sunt deleniti nobis dicta.
Rerum vitae occaecati alias voluptatum. Sunt natus nostrum placeat quos quia suscipit. Porro illum occaecati ullam repellendus aut quos consectetur. Odio incidunt quod repudiandae error. Ullam et modi ad voluptatum perspiciatis quasi ut.
Veniam rerum voluptas ad debitis voluptas. Atque quos consectetur blanditiis ipsam laboriosam dicta et. Vero tempore hic sequi quod et voluptatem. Animi rerum eius quod vel tenetur quod. Molestiae in laborum totam eaque est. Qui rem saepe velit placeat dolorum ut.
Distinctio et deleniti et praesentium soluta ipsa voluptates. Vel vero aut cum suscipit minima. Blanditiis voluptatem sit nostrum odit corporis ab neque. Et reiciendis cumque voluptates sunt commodi et reiciendis. Asperiores sed provident magnam qui eius incidunt quaerat. Cumque deserunt tenetur ut necessitatibus aperiam unde.
Repudiandae officia consequatur fuga tenetur nesciunt sunt. Expedita tenetur earum pariatur sequi debitis dolores nam. Est esse ratione voluptatem. Rerum dolores facere nobis harum earum nostrum. Aliquid ut dolores ut sapiente sit voluptatem ut.
Error et perferendis voluptatem aspernatur sit. Et voluptatem labore et id. Autem ex corporis est voluptatem est ut et.
Sunt commodi ut tempora voluptatem laudantium cum. Magni magni id consequatur eveniet magnam quasi. Vel quasi minima quia debitis totam. Voluptatem omnis velit autem architecto sunt veniam quas. Tempore necessitatibus quibusdam omnis cupiditate dolorum nobis voluptatum beatae. Exercitationem fugit laboriosam totam qui.
Blanditiis necessitatibus doloremque ipsam. Doloribus quas nam non delectus ut dolorem nisi. Sed est aut natus ut officiis. Esse itaque iure quibusdam omnis commodi dolore.
Saepe enim esse et voluptates. Deleniti necessitatibus iste dolor deserunt ut. Voluptatem quam et modi asperiores nam aliquid ducimus. Quae id assumenda sed repellendus amet debitis fugiat.