Students seeking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree are typically mature and focused. They'll need to navigate many business degree options, identify core curriculum and choose specializations that map to their career goals. To streamline the process, the following guide sheds light on the major types of MBA degrees, specializations and career opportunities.
Best Online MBA Accredited Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for MBA Programs
Colleges and universities get evaluated by independent reviewers to ensure quality. This process, called accreditation, checks if they meet set standards. Degrees from unaccredited schools may not be widely accepted, and you might not be eligible for federal financial aid.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation evaluates the entire institution, while programmatic accreditation focuses on specific degree programs or departments, like business or nursing.
Studying for an On-Campus or Online MBA Degree
The wide variety of fields that hire MBA graduates is matched by the myriad of business administration programs available in full-time, part-time, executive and online formats. The selection of accredited business schools, colleges and universities offering MBA programs allows students to enroll in a program that accommodates work, family and financial obligations. Below are the main options:
Studying for an Online MBA Degree
Because of their flexible schedules and 24/7 access, online MBA degree programs have risen in popularity among working professionals and students who cannot travel to a campus program. Distance learning programs typically offer fine-tuned curriculum on business theory and leadership that can be immediately utilized in the workplace. Some of the most popular MBA specializations include health care, marketing, finance, accounting, project management, entrepreneurship and human resources.
Online MBA schools provide students with full-time, part-time and executive study options. Distance learners have round-the-clock access to courses and research libraries. Class lectures may be delivered via streaming multimedia, Skype, conference calls, Adobe Connect or other communication tools. Depending on the program, online students also may use digital chat rooms, threaded emails and instant messaging to work with instructors and peers.
Online MBA Program Highlights
Online MBA Degree Curriculum
MBA coursework varies by degree program, school and business specialization. Students should evaluate prospective schools with an eye toward their career objectives. Academic and career planning advisers can aid in the search for the appropriate school and degree. Here is a sampling of the kinds of courses offered in each of the online MBA degree specializations:
| COURSE NAME | OVERVIEW |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship | Focuses on the factors of launching a successful business, including tax laws, venture capital, business plans, human resources and marketing. |
| Supply Chain Management | Explores the inter-connectedness of strategic project planning, business analysis, change management and logistics. |
| Accounting for Managers | Reviews the principles of auditing and assessment, projections, taxation and reporting. |
| Technology Management | Provides an understanding the information backbone and systems that support enterprise-level transactions, with an emphasis on data security. |
What Can I Do With an MBA Degree
The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree has become a preferred college credential among recruiters for management roles. Management and leadership professionals with MBA degrees hold key positions in corporate, non-profit and governmental organizations. Some take mid-management roles within large organizations, directing departments in human resources, finance, information technology, marketing communications, supply chain, change management and planning.
The wide variety of fields that hire MBA graduates is matched by the multiplicity of business administration programs available in full-time, part-time, executive and online formats. The selection of accredited business schools, colleges and universities offering MBA programs allows students to enroll in a program that seamlessly plugs into the hectic realities of working lives, family commitments and checkbooks. Below are some solid career options for those who have earned a degree from an online MBA school: