OurMBA

Program formats

How an online MBA works

An online MBA delivers most or all of the program over the internet. You can study from almost anywhere, often while working full time, but programs differ a lot in how much of the work happens live.

ONLINE MBA · STUDY ANYWHERE · FLEX · Flex pace varies
Schedule
Recorded lessons, some live sessions, sometimes short campus visits
Keep your job?
Yes, most students keep working
Length
Varies widely by school and by how many courses you take at once
Often suits
People who cannot relocate or who travel for work
Quiet home study desk in the evening with an open notebook, a closed laptop and a warm desk lamp
Most online students fit study around a full working week.

Live and self-paced study

Online programs mix two kinds of learning. Synchronous classes happen live, with everyone logged in at the same time, much like a seminar on a video call. Asynchronous work is self-paced: recorded lectures, readings, discussion boards and assignments you complete before a deadline. Some programs are mostly live, some are mostly self-paced, and many sit in between.

Live sessions give you more contact with professors and classmates, but they set fixed times you must keep. Self-paced work is easier to fit around a job and a family, and it asks more self-discipline. Ask each school how many live hours a typical week includes and what time zone they run in.

Campus visits and residencies

Some online programs include short in-person sessions, often called residencies or immersions. They may last a few days and happen on campus or in another city. These sessions help classmates get to know each other and often include team projects or company visits. Check whether residencies are required, how often they happen, and whether travel and lodging are included in the program cost.

Group work at a distance

MBA programs rely on teamwork, and online programs are no exception. Expect video meetings with teammates in other cities or countries, shared documents and project deadlines. Group work across time zones takes planning. It also builds skills many employers value, since a lot of work now happens on remote teams.

Checks before you apply

  • Accreditation. Confirm the school holds recognized accreditation. The choosing guide explains how to check.
  • Diploma and transcript. Ask what the diploma and transcript will say. At many schools they match the on-campus degree, but ask to be sure.
  • Faculty. Ask who teaches the online courses and whether they also teach on campus.
  • Career services. Ask what career support online students receive and whether they can join recruiting events.
  • Technology. Ask what equipment, software and internet speed you will need.
  • State rules. If you live in a different state or country from the school, ask whether it can enroll students where you live.

Who it often suits

Online programs often suit people who live far from a business school, travel for work, have caring duties at home or need to keep a full-time job. They suit people who are comfortable working on their own and staying in touch with a team by video and message. If you want an internship and a full campus experience, read about the full-time format. If you are a senior manager who wants a fixed cohort, compare the executive format.