From job promotions to six-figure salaries, there are clear benefits to earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Career advancement may even require an MBA. But between work and other obligations, it may not be possible to take time out for a traditional campus-based program. If this sounds like you, an online MBA may be ideal.
Online MBA programs can be a great option for students who want the flexibility to advance their education while they continue to work. Emporia State University (ESU), for example, offers an online MBA program that students can complete while moving ahead in their careers. Plus, they can earn their degree — start to finish — in as few as 12 months.
What Are the Advantages of an Online Format?
Greater flexibility is a major advantage of online MBAs such as ESU’s. Consider how an online MBA can provide the flexibility working professionals need:
- Choose the best start date: Traditional, on-campus programs typically have fall and spring semester start dates. Online formats make it possible for schools to offer multiple start dates. ESU, for instance, offers six start dates each year. If one date does not work, there is no need to worry. Another opportunity to enroll is right around the corner.
- Continue working: Online programs can eliminate the need to put careers on hold to earn an advanced degree. When students can continue working, they can also continue earning a salary and moving their careers forward. Plus, students can immediately apply what they learn to their current positions.
- Set your own schedule: With an online format, there is no need to rush off to class. Students can get creative about how they schedule classwork around other obligations. Driving to work? Taking time out for a walk or a workout? These can be great times to listen to prerecorded lectures. Plus, with an online format, students can break up class assignments into more manageable chunks to fit into a hectic schedule.
One of the biggest benefits of an online MBA may be the potential to graduate sooner than you would in a campus-based program. This can mean a shorter path to higher-paying jobs, less debt, and a faster return on investment, especially considering you can continue earning an income while you complete your degree online.
Why Choose a General MBA?
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey shows that communication, data analytics, and strategy are the most in-demand skills for new business school graduates. ESU’s core MBA coursework helps students develop these types of skills through the study of topics like the behavioral aspects of management, quantitative analysis of business decisions, and strategic management. For students unsure of which area to specialize in, a general MBA may be the way to go.
With a general MBA, students can build the essential skills to expand employment opportunities while taking elective courses designed to help professionals navigate the modern business environment. ESU’s general MBA program electives cover topics today’s business leaders need to understand, including the following:
- Law of commerce
- Information technology project management
- Business analytics
A general MBA can be a great fit for students who want the benefit of a well-rounded education and the flexibility — and career versatility — this type of program offers. Earning an MBA can boost job prospects, opening the door to roles like business operations manager, entrepreneur, business analyst, chief information officer (CIO), management consultant, and more.
MBA graduates can also look forward to the potential of substantial increases in income. For instance, earning an MBA prepares professionals to work their way up into executive-level positions over time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chief executives made a median salary of $189,520 in 2022. But the pay bump can be quick as well. GMAC reports that top employers plan to offer recent MBA grads a median 2023 starting salary of $125,000 per year compared with $75,000 for a bachelor’s. An online program can put these and other benefits of an MBA within reach for students with busy lives.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online MBA program.
