Part-Time vs Online MBA

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    Topic
  • #3258231
    April94
    Participant

    Has anyone gotten their MBA via a part-time or online program while working full time? If so, what was your experience like? Also, do companies look down on online MBAs? I was looking at the iMBA program at U of I in Urbana Champaign.

    "It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan." -Eleanor Roosevelt

    Licensed CPA in IL

    FAR-72, 55, 82 (Roger + Wiley TB)
    AUD-66, 92 (Roger)
    REG-71, 81 (Roger + Wiley TB)
    BEC-77 (Roger)
    Ethics- 93

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  • #3260304
    CPA1219
    Participant

    The “Online vs Seated” MBA debate is nonsensical for a number of reasons. First of all, your diploma gives no indication whether you sat in a classroom or your livingroom. If you attend a reputable program, preferably one that maintains AASCB standards and accreditation, you'll reap the same benefits regardless. What's most important is that you attend a reputable school, not an institution deemed a diploma mill by popular sentiment. I believe even Penn State now offers an online MBA program. Undergrad is one thing, but distance learning graduate programs are absolutely becoming the norm.

    Second of all, this notion that somehow being seated in a classroom provides better education is antiquated thinking. A number of years back when I was in grad school, the professors had cameras in the back of the classroom and filmed lectures for the online/hybrid students. Some professors, in addition to classroom lectures, also filmed the same lectures from their offices for the online/hybrid students. The online/hybrid students were essentially in our class and were receiving the same content from the same professors as those in the seated class. In fact, some students even elected to visit the professor during office hours.

    Third, rather than viewing the MBA as some box they need to check, the knowledge you obtain is far more important. I had interns that came from traditional, seated MBA/MAcc programs that had no idea what they were doing. I also had some interns that came from online/hybrid programs that were pretty bright. In my interviews I would often provide a set of recently filed financial statements and give them 10 minutes to browse and give their thoughts while I stepped out of the interview room. I'd tell them that there's no wrong answers, but I wanted to know how they think. I'd ask them to provide some thoughts on line items, trends, or anything else. The traditional MBA/MAcc students from big programs were just as lost as those that attended lesser known and/or non-traditional program.

    We live in the 21st century and have done well during COVID through technology and remote working. Grad school can be completed in same manner. Those that still perpetuate this nonsense and believe you need to attend some high-dollar seated program that requires more of your time are making life expensive and inefficient for themselves and those that listen to their outdated thinking.

    CPA, CIA, CFE, MBA, Big4 Alum, Private Industry (Financial Reporting & Internal Audit), Now Sole Practitioner.

     

    #3262275
    ellabella
    Participant

    They can't tell if you went online unless the university is a for-profit institution. It's a good opportunity to get your MBA, especially when you consider that you don't have to do the lengthy commute to the school. The difference is that you won't be able to participate in on-campus activities (which is restricted during the pandemic anyway, and if you're working full-time, it's hard to squeeze it in). Also, you don't get to really know your classmates as well online. I've done it both ways (online and in-person), and found that in-person allows you to better forge lasting relationships and networking opportunities. However, if you've already got a job and don't want internships/job leads, online is just fine. Also, some people can't work out their schedule to go to on-site schools, and this is an excellent way to get the credentials at home.

    Ella

    Mom of Two, studying for the CPA Exam

    #3262749
    April94
    Participant

    Thank you guys for your input! I appreciate it. I feel a lot better now, knowing that both routes are fine.

    "It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan." -Eleanor Roosevelt

    Licensed CPA in IL

    FAR-72, 55, 82 (Roger + Wiley TB)
    AUD-66, 92 (Roger)
    REG-71, 81 (Roger + Wiley TB)
    BEC-77 (Roger)
    Ethics- 93

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