Pros and Cons of Getting An MBA Online

You want to advance in your career and you have the feeling that an MBA Online degree will be just the item for you. There are things for you to consider, though. Like if you want to go the traditional route or if you want to get an online degree. 

You might be thinking of getting an MBA through a St Thomas online degree. But before committing, you should sit down and ponder both sides. By doing this, you will have the chance of making the best decision. 

Pro: You Can Work Around Your Schedule

You may be working and need to find something that fits around that. Many of these MBA Online classes mostly require you to read the material and then turn in your work on set deadlines. There are no lectures to attend. You just turn in any tests when they are due too. No having to drive to a classroom after work – instead, you can learn from the comfort of your own home. 

This flexibility makes for an easier life for you. You can usually finish the program in a lot less time than if you were to attend in person. There are times that you might have to attend live video classes, but that is not too frequent. 

Con: You Work Around Your Schedule

Wait. Didn’t this get listed as a positive? Yes. It did. But while it is nice to be able to do this around your work schedule, you also have to carve out time to sit and study or write papers or take tests of MBA Online. You will need discipline … and if you prefer the structure of a school day, then in-person might be better for you. 

Pro: High Quality

These programs, especially the ones offered by reputable colleges, are going to be run by people who also helm the in-person classes. You will have access to top-notch faculty who want to help you learn the material and move forward with your career. They also use the same curriculum as the in-person ones … so you will get nearly the same quality. 

Con: Lack of Interpersonal Camaraderie

There is something to be said about being able to talk with people about the coursework in non-classroom settings. That’s not the case with MBA Online classwork … and having video conferences is not quite the same as being able to go to a student union or something similar. 

Pro: You Save Money

Traditional college can cost a lot, especially when you factor in things like room and board and dining. The online option allows you to save – you might pay the equivalent of a single semester for an entirely online program. That can save you a lot of money in the long run. You might have to shop a bit, since some top-tier online programs are also a bit costly, but you can find one that will work with your budget. 

Also, you can work your regular job while you are in the online class. This is a plus since you will be able to bring in money while you are taking the class. Some places may even foot a portion of the bill if they feel that having your MBA Online will be an asset for them. This is much better than having to work a part-time job while in a traditional school. 

Ultimately, you need to weigh these pros and cons and see whether your personality and lifestyle are a match for online learning. There may be tradeoffs – but if you decide that the ultimate result is worth it, then you should go ahead and pursue it.