The online MBA in Management is a graduate degree that prepares professionals to take on new leadership challenges. It also primes them for unique opportunities in local and global business. MBAs succeed as managers because they understand how relationships, partnerships and workplace culture can impact the bottom line. They are also open to new ideas and innovations that can help a business grow.
The training you’ll receive with this MBA specialization can pay lifelong dividends, whether you want to move up in your current organization, start a new business or change careers to explore your ambitions. MBA programs also help students build valuable contacts and the kind of confidence that can attract investors to their ideas.
To get started on your MBA journey, simply follow the links below. You’ll learn more about this highly-regarded business degree and the benefits of earning it online.
What Is a Master of Business Administration in Management Degree?
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management prepares professionals from a variety of backgrounds to meet the complex demands of modern business and serve at all levels of management in corporate or nonprofit organizations. Graduates also run their own companies and work in business consulting or government.
The online MBA in Management program at Fitchburg State University is designed for busy professionals who want to supplement their hard-earned business knowledge with formal management training and earn an advanced degree in business without taking time away from work or family. It’s also for students who want to develop their core knowledge of business and sharpen their leadership skills.
How Is an MBA in Management Different Than a General MBA?
The MBA in Management is a specialized degree that gives students the chance to gain management and leadership expertise in diverse areas of business. According to The Princeton Review, management is now the most popular MBA specialization, in part because it gives students knowledge they can use in many different aspects of business and allows them to build a variety of transferable skills.
MBAs who specialize in management understand how relationships and critical thinking drive business outcomes, so they are known for their ability to solve complex problems.
What Can I Learn in an Online MBA in Management Program?
MBA in Management programs focus on more than best practices for leading organizations and their personnel. Coursework approaches business principles, functions and goals from the manager’s unique perspective, highlighting the skills and insight they gain through their work and the impact of their decisions.
You will study advanced management models and strategies. You’ll also learn how the information age is changing traditional management roles. This MBA degree also provides students the opportunity to engage in a deeper conversation about the management challenges businesses face in each stage of their lifespan and the manager’s role as an organizational leader.
Understanding how to manage the laboratory and manage a department and all of those who work as part of a healthcare team is extremely important … I learned a lot in the MBA program about rules and regulations of employment and how to motivate employees to perform.Â
Do Online MBA in Management Programs Require a Master’s Thesis?
Most do not, although at some schools you’ll complete a capstone course or a final project instead. Programs that do have a thesis requirement are best for students who want to do significant research as part of their MBA studies or who plan to go on to a doctoral degree.
Fitchburg State’s online management MBA program does not require a thesis or a capstone course.
What Kinds of Business Courses Will I Take?
Most online MBA in Management programs follow a similar degree plan, blending core business subjects with specialized content addressing the manager’s role in personnel and operations.
Fitchburg State University’s accelerated online MBA in Management has no internship and no final project requirement. All graduate students complete the same series of 10 professional courses for the degree, covering topics such as:
- Individual, group and social behavior in organizations
- Information systems and analysis for decision-making
- Marketing mix development, analysis and implementation
- Corporate finance and accounting, including asset management, valuation strategies and financial reporting
- Management strategy and planning
- Policy design, creation and implementation
- Functional and legal approaches to human resources
- Management theory, economic theory and application of theoretical models
A lot of the professors integrated YouTube videos, tech talks … that was very helpful. It further enhanced the material that was covered in the course.Â
Why Should I Consider an Online MBA in Management?
Many professionals get an MBA in Management to make more money, get a better job or be more competitive for new opportunities. Having an MBA can help you achieve these goals. Almost half of all MBA graduates (46 percent) in the 2018 Training the Street MBA Employment Survey reported receiving yearly salaries of $125,000 or more, and about a third of graduates were able to choose from three or more job offers.
Roughly 51 percent of MBA grads in the survey were also recruited by consulting firms. Business school news site Poets & Quants reports that consultants can earn $55,000 more per year in their first consulting job post-MBA than colleagues without the degree.
An MBA in Management can also help you:
Stay relevant in a culture of innovation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan Management Review suggests that managers capable of adapting to new trends in data-driven performance management and digital technology are in a better position to lead and to shake off old management paradigms.Change careers
. A recent survey by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education notes that 75 percent of MBAs switch careers after graduation and some of them do end up doubling their salary in the process.Start or grow a business.
If you’re a small business owner or an innovator with a new idea, Entrepreneur magazine argues that the formal business education an MBA provides is essential to ramping up your management skills and accelerating your growth potential.Change the world.
U.S. News & World Report and Fast Company have featured the growing number of MBAs using their degree to pursue social entrepreneurship, starting projects and businesses designed to solve complex problems in local and global communities.
How Does an Online MBA in Management Pay Off for Entrepreneurs?
While visionaries such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk often dismiss the MBA as a path to success for entrepreneurs, the Financial Times points out much evidence to the contrary. Some of today’s fastest-growing startups, including Warby Parker, Houzz and Cloudflare, have MBAs at the helm.
Having an MBA can pay off for an entrepreneur in a variety of ways, helping you:
An MBA in Management can also help you:
- Understand your own approach to business better, leading to sharper decision-making and more accurate company valuation
- Access MBA incubator programs, fellowships, competitions and other funding opportunities only available to students
- Find potential collaborators and investors, both in your graduate cohort and through the contacts you make during an MBA program
- Demonstrate your business knowledge and credibility to investors, including venture capitalists
I’ve Already Made It to the C-suite. Why Do I Need an MBA in Management?
If you’ve risen to the executive level without a master’s degree in business or built your own company from the ground up, the management strategies and practices you learned along the way have helped you get where you are. Consider the MBA in Management the next step in this learning process and in your own evolution as a game changer.
Fitchburg State’s online MBA in Management offers senior managers and corporate executives a quality MBA degree at a fraction of the cost of other programs with maximum schedule flexibility. Why go straight from the weekday boardroom to nights or weekends in the classroom? Simply pull out your laptop and get your MBA online — school is in session anytime, anywhere you are.
Do Business Schools Want Mature MBA Students?
Yes. While the average age of most students enrolled in full-time on-campus MBA programs may be under 30, MBA programs of all types do value mature students.
The Chicago Tribune reports that some MBA programs even prefer students with 10+ years of experience for the broad perspective on business that they bring to the conversation.
Fitchburg State University welcomes MBA students of all ages. The exchange of ideas is more robust when people from different generations and backgrounds work together, and the insight gained through this process allows students to learn from each other as well as their professors.
It wasn't as hard to get back into it as a lot of people told me it would be. It's like riding a bike — it's been a long time, but at least you remember how to study … it's a pretty easy transition once you learn how to use the software.Â
Are Online MBA Programs Accredited?
Most online MBA programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
If you’re unsure whether the MBA program you’re interested in is accredited, it’s best to verify before you apply. Just check the U.S. Department of Education’s searchable Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) for further information, or ask for documentation from the program.
Fitchburg State University’s online MBA in Management program is IACBE-accredited and also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for quality and student achievement.
Why Is Business School Accreditation Important?
The formal review and evaluation processes that are part of business school accreditation are designed to ensure that your education meets current professional standards and that the degree you receive will hold its value over time. Accreditation is also important because state and federal financial aid is only available to students attending an accredited MBA program.
Will My Diploma Say I Earned My Degree Online?
No. MBA diplomas don’t usually indicate whether you earned your degree online or on campus. If you are concerned about this possibility, however, check with your school to confirm.
Are There Standard MBA Application Deadlines?
Each business school has its own process, but many MBA programs accept applications only three times a year, with deadlines in spring, summer and fall.
Online MBA programs tend to offer more flexible application periods, typically with five or six deadlines each year.
Fitchburg State has a rolling admissions policy with no pressure to meet a specific deadline. You can apply any time of year, and if accepted, choose from six different start dates.
I’ve Heard I Might Have to Take the GMAT. What Is It?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a 3.5-hour examination designed to evaluate a graduate school applicant’s potential for success in an MBA program. The test is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and features questions designed to assess an applicant’s abilities in critical thinking, judgment, analysis and problem-solving.
Business schools around the world use GMAT scores to make admissions decisions. You can learn more about the scoring system at MBA.com.
How Do GMAT Scores Factor Into Admissions?
The weight of GMAT scores in admissions decisions can vary significantly from one school to the next. However, the language in application guidelines can give you a clue. Online MBA programs that require applicants to have a specific minimum score on the GMAT are likely giving the test results more consideration than programs which simply ask you to submit GMAT results as one part of the application.
Some MBA programs only request GMAT scores from candidates who do not meet the regular standard for admission, or they may accept Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores instead. Ultimately, test scores are just one factor among many that MBA admissions officers consider, and a number of schools waive this requirement for certain students, especially those with considerable business experience. There are even studies that show that GMAT scores are essentially irrelevant when it comes to predicting graduates’ success.
Fitchburg State values your proven success over a single test score, so the university no longer requires the GMAT, GRE or any other test score for on campus or online admissions.
What Are the Other Admission Requirements for MBA in Management Programs?
Most management MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited college or university with official transcripts that show your undergraduate GPA. Applicants who have an advanced degree or graduate credit hours must also submit graduate school transcripts.
You’ll need a resume documenting your professional experience as well, and each school has its own minimum GPA requirement. Some programs also ask applicants for an essay or statement of purpose outlining their reasons for pursuing an MBA.
At Fitchburg State University, online MBA in Management applicants are considered for admission based on their professional experience and past academic performance. Candidates who do not meet the program’s minimum 2.8 GPA requirement can also submit a personal statement and a letter of recommendation. These items can help clarify an applicant’s MBA goals and further demonstrate their readiness for graduate school.
Can I Apply If I Don’t Have An Undergraduate Degree In Business?
Yes, many schools do accept students with a different kind of bachelor’s degree. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a diverse range of experience can benefit from an MBA even if their job does not require one.
Data from student lender SoFi supports this view and indicates that an MBA is often life changing for students transitioning to business from a different undergraduate field. If you have a bachelor’s degree in the humanities, for instance, SoFi projects that an MBA could increase your lifetime earnings by a whopping 89 percent. Graduates in the social sciences see a similarly impressive return (86 percent increase), as do physical or life sciences graduates (76 percent) and fine arts graduates (68 percent).
I didn't come into this with any business knowledge other than working in business. I never had a college business class before. Just be confident in your studying ability. Rip the Band-Aid off. Go for it.Â
My ultimate career goal is to go into department leadership or become a chairperson or dean of a medical school. I also want to teach at Fitchburg State University in the MBA program.Â
Is Military Experience a Plus for Business School Admissions?
Yes. MBA admissions officers are aware that the discipline, personnel management skills and operational leadership experience military members gain through their service can also apply to a variety of business challenges.
Just be sure the resume you submit with your online MBA in Management application includes clear and concise summaries of specific management jobs and duties that have prepared you for an MBA education.
Is Other Professional Experience Helpful for MBA Admissions?
Yes, and many applicants don’t realize the amount of transferable experience they have until they begin gathering materials for an MBA application. Be sure to highlight the following elements of your background in your resume, if you have:
- Started, owned or run a business
- Managed a nonprofit organization or program
- Recruited and/or managed volunteers
- Supervised a team
- Consulted on business-related issues
If the application process calls for an essay detailing your reasons for getting an MBA, take the opportunity to connect your past professional experience to your future ambitions in business and to discuss how an MBA in Management can help you achieve your goals.
What’s the Career Outlook for Online MBA in Management Graduates?
When the Graduate Management Admission Council surveyed 1,066 employers worldwide for its 2018 Corporate Recruiters Survey Report, 81 percent indicated they would be hiring new MBA graduates in the year ahead, including 96 percent of Fortune 500 companies. That’s a 17 percent increase over 2017 staffing projections made by employers in the survey. Most employers indicated they would raise their base salaries for new hires as well, and over half planned to offer signing bonuses.
As the data highlights, employers continue to be invested in hiring and developing MBA talent and in rewarding new graduates who have this prestigious form of management training on their resume.
Which Industries Are Recruiting MBA Graduates, and What Kind of Expertise Do They Look For?
Companies usually recruit and hire new MBA graduates to fill specific job functions and address timely business needs. Therefore, the expertise and training that’s most in demand can vary by industry and according to business trends. A look at some of the major industries recruiting MBA graduates provides some insight, however.
The table below highlights the skill set that many employers are looking for in MBA graduates, according to the 2018 GMAC’s Corporate Recruiters Survey Report. It also notes the percentage of recruiters planning to hire new MBAs for specific job functions.
| Job Function | Energy & Utilities | Finance & Accounting | Products & Services | Consulting Firms | Technology | Healthcare | Government & Nonprofits | Manufacturing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Development | 74% | 88% | 67% | 77% | 72% | 79% | 79% | 60% |
| Finance | 77% | 82% | 80% | 72% | 49% | 71% | 74% | 56% |
| Accounting | 78% | 77% | 73% | 71% | 48% | 62% | 62% | 62% |
| Investment Banking | 33% | 38% | 76% | 42% | 37% | 41% | 41% | 41% |
| Marketing | 81% | 50% | 64% | 85% | 48% | 82% | 81% | 40% |
| General Management | 74% | 62% | 63% | 68% | 53% | 70% | 73% | 54% |
| Operations | 88% | 75% | 37% | 67% | 46% | 66% | 63% | 47% |
| HR | 70% | 65% | 60% | 61% | 49% | 74% | 66% | 64% |
| IT/MIS | 59% | 63% | 63% | 59% | 54% | 73% | 68% | 52% |
| Data Analytics | 71% | 67% | 72% | 72% | 68% | 78% | 70% | 61% |
| Consulting | 29% | 41% | 64% | 39% | 90% | 51% | 46% | 36% |
Source: Graduate Management Admission Council, 2018
These areas of business are common entry points for MBAs seeking new opportunities, but employers also want B-school graduates who they perceive as a good fit with company culture and who have proven they can work well with others.
Spotlight: 5 Soft Skills MBA Graduates Need in Today’s Job Market
In the 2018 Financial Times MBA Skills Gap Survey, companies across the globe indicated that the soft skills job candidates can develop through an MBA program are just as important as the business knowledge and acumen they gain.
MBA grads who are able to convert theory into practice when it comes to managing and leading others, the survey suggests, are most highly valued and sometimes hardest to find. Employers responding to the survey described a particular set of the soft skills that they considered the most important, demonstrated in a job candidate’s ability to:
- Work in a team
- Work with a wide variety of people
- Solve complex problems
- Prioritize and practice effective time management
- Build, sustain and expand networks of people
The Financial Times also reports that employers value qualities such as self-awareness, listening skills and emotional control in the MBA graduates they recruit, because these capabilities are essential for many management and leadership roles.
How Much of a Pay Bump Can I Expect After Earning an MBA in Management Online?
The MBA salary bump post-graduation is well documented by sources as official as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and as anecdotal as the internet. While every MBA’s situation is unique, here’s a quick comparison that illustrates the value of this degree in annual earnings vs. the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
| Position | Average BBA Salary | Average MBA Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $61,236 | $76,830 |
| Project Manager | $68,317 | $83,096 |
| Executive Director | $83,261 | $104,709 |
| Management Consultant | $85,990 | $102,712 |
| Business Development Director | $91,808 | $122,289 |
| Vice President of Operations | $118,487 | $139,442 |
Source: PayScale, March 2019
Which Industries Are Paying the Most for MBA Talent?
The Graduate Management Admission Council estimates the median post-MBA salary for mid-level managers in all industries is $105,000 per year and for executives it’s $185,000. GMAC’s information comes from 6,100 MBA graduates currently working in the United States, and the data also illuminates post-MBA earning opportunities by industry.
| Industry | Entry-level | Mid-level | Senior | Executive | C-suite | C-suite Top Quartile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $85K | $105K | $135K | $185K | $255K | $495K |
| Energy & Utilities | $105K | $125K | $165K | $225K | $275K | $395K |
| Finance & Accounting | $55K | $105K | $165K | $225K | $275K | $355K |
| Products & Services< | $55K | $105K | $135K | $175K | $250K | $345K |
| Consulting | $65K | $125K | $155K | $205K | $225K | $325K |
| Technology | $75K | $115K | $145K | $195K | $225K | $285K |
| Healthcare | $65K | $105K | $130K | $175K | $195K | $275K |
| Government & Nonprofits | $55K | $75K | $105K | $135K | $145K | $210K |
Source: GMAC 2018 Alumni Perspectives Survey
MBA graduates in the top quartile in these industries earn even higher average salaries. As the GMAC survey data above demonstrates, your previous experience, career level and field of business can also significantly influence what you can earn after graduation.
Do Management MBA Grads Make More in Some Parts of the Country Than Others?
Demand for MBAs remains strong in most of the country, driving better pay and incentives for those graduates. About 89 percent of employers in the Midwest recruited new MBA grads last year, as did a large number of companies in the Western and Northeast U.S. (88 percent), and across the South (80 percent).
This comparison of three positions typically held by MBA graduates illustrates the variances in salary you may encounter even across a single region of the U.S.
| New England Region | Supply Chain Manager | Senior Product Manager | Information Technology Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, Massachusetts | $102,762 | $138,942 | $138,136 |
| Bridgeport, Connecticut | $94,003 | $134,917 | $150,964 |
| Providence, Rhode Island | $85,793 | $124,310 | $121,890 |
| Burlington, Vermont | $83,595 | $108,047 | $109,394 |
| Concord, New Hampshire | $80,425 | $118,942 | $105,140 |
| Portland, Maine | $81,368 | $120,336 | $112,474 |
Source: Glassdoor, 2017-2019
Here's another example, illustrating how salaries for the same job can differ in cities across the country:
| Management Consultant | Executive Director | Chief Operating Officer |
|---|---|---|
| New York, New York: $115,675 | Trenton, New Jersey: $125,626 | Miami, Florida: $150,000 |
| Dallas, Texas: $103,014 | Chicago, Illinois: $109,857 | Portland, Oregon: $132,538 |
| Phoenix, Arizona: $96,220 | New Orleans, Louisiana: $94,845 | Kansas City, Missouri: $125,747 |
Source: Glassdoor, 2018-2019
How Much Does an MBA in Management Cost?
Cost is one of the biggest factors most people consider when they think about getting an MBA, and for good reason. Business school resource site ThoughtCo estimates the average MBA tuition now tops $60,000 for a two-year degree. The most elite on-campus MBA programs can cost $100,000 or more for two years of study, even at some state schools, and a handful of these programs are setting the tuition bar even higher.
Most online MBA programs are faster to complete and more affordable by design. They meet the needs of students who aren’t planning to put their career on hold for grad school, or who don’t want heavy student loan debt. You can easily find a good online MBA program for $36,000 or less in total tuition.
Fitchburg State University’s online MBA in Management is among the most affordable MBA programs in America. Students pay only $13,080 for their degree, which includes all tuition and fees.
Will I Have to Pay the Out-of-state Tuition Rate If I Study Online?
One of the best things about online MBA programs is that most of them charge all students the same tuition rate. So if you attend Fitchburg State online for example, you’ll pay the same affordable tuition whether you live in New England or New Mexico.
There are a few online programs that do charge their non-resident students more, however, so be sure to check the tuition policy of schools you are considering before you apply.
What’s My Potential Return On Investment (ROI) for an MBA in Management?
The Graduate Management Admission Council reported in 2016 that it takes only 2.5 years on average for online MBA grads to recoup the cost of their education. By the third year post-MBA, GMAC notes, the median ROI for online graduates is just under 300 percent.
Your potential ROI for an online MBA in Management will depend on a few different financial variables, but Loan Lab’s MBA ROI Calculator can help you crunch the numbers as you compare programs.
The Financial Times suggests the true value of your degree can also be measured in more than dollars, and by considering all of the following factors:
- Cost of degree
- Career field, position and salary pre- and post-MBA
- Opportunity cost (lost salary for instance, if your program requires full-time on-campus study)
- Opportunity benefit (career change, an alumni network, or achieving your dreams sooner)
- Student loan debt burden and payments, as applicable
Can Online MBA Students Get Financial Aid?
Yes. As long as you study in an accredited MBA program online, you can apply for federal student aid through the U.S. Department of Education as well as student aid programs administered by your state government.
Visit the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators for further information on specific financial aid opportunities available only to residents of your state.
Are Military Education Benefits an Option to Pay for My MBA in Management Online?
Yes, as long as your degree program is accredited and you are eligible for tuition assistance through your branch of the military. Some states offer supplemental benefits for active military and veterans as well.
One example is the categorical tuition waiver for active duty soldiers and vets in MBA programs at Fitchburg State University, through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
Can I Write Off My MBA Tuition and Fees at Tax Time?
U.S. News & World Report suggests that college tuition is one of the top tax write-offs Americans shouldn’t overlook in 2019, noting that there are multiple education credits and deductions that can benefit students during tax season.
The IRS Tax Benefits for Education Information Center is a great resource for graduate students who want to maximize the potential tax advantages of an MBA education.
I’m Already Overworked and Overscheduled. Can I Really Do an Online MBA in Management?
If any of the following statements describe your current lifestyle, circumstances or obligations, an online MBA in Management might actually be the perfect degree option for you.
- I have a full-time job. I don’t want to spend my nights or weekends going to school on campus.
- I don’t control my work schedule. When it changes, I have to adapt.
- I’m a full-time parent. My kids’ schedules come first.
- I’m a caregiver for my parents. Their needs come first.
- I’m always on the move, traveling for work or pleasure.
- I’m in the military, and when I’m deployed I go.
- I’m in business for myself. There are no days off.
- I work freelance. My clients are my priority.
Earning your MBA in Management online gives you the power to choose when, how and where you study. And you can get your degree without putting the most important people and responsibilities in your life on the back burner.
How Long Will It Take Me to Earn an MBA in Management Online?
The MBA in Management has traditionally been offered as an intensive two-year degree, and many on-campus programs still stick to that timeline. Online MBA study allows you to choose your own schedule, and decide for yourself whether you want a shorter or longer path to the degree.
In a streamlined program like Fitchburg State University’s online MBA in Management, you can get your degree in as little as 12 months, half the time of a traditional MBA program on campus.
The online MBA program is exciting, as long as you can stay disciplined and have good time management. It's also logistically easy to do and affordable. Everybody thought it was impressive that I am a physician and was able to complete the program in such a short time span. I liked exercising a different part of the brain.Â
Do Online MBA Programs Require Continuous Enrollment, Or Can I Take Time Off?
Flexibility is one of the key differences between online MBA in Management programs and on-campus programs. When you study online, your time commitment is course to course rather than year to year.
In other words, if you need time off, you can take it. Enroll continuously and finish as fast as possible, or just take courses whenever it’s convenient during the year.
How Do Online Courses Work?
You’ll find online study is very straightforward and efficient compared to some aspects of a traditional on-campus MBA. Courses are self-contained and easy to manage. Instructions and video lectures from your professor, your class syllabus and course schedule, assignments and deadlines, and your grades are all together in one spot online.
You’ll submit your assignments to your professor online and also interact with your fellow MBA students using message boards, chat and email. And if your class uses a digital textbook, you can even get your reading done on your phone or tablet.
For a preview of Fitchburg State University’s online MBA in Management courses, check out this videos:
Are Online MBA Professors As Qualified As Those Teaching on Campus?
Yes, they are. The professors you’ll learn from in an online MBA program are just as qualified as instructors in traditional courses, and at schools like Fitchburg State University, many of the same MBA faculty members teach both on campus and online. Approximately 93 percent of full-time Fitchburg State MBA faculty members hold a doctorate or another terminal degree in their field, and all instructors bring extensive professional experience in business to their teaching.
Will I Meet or Collaborate With Other Students in My Online MBA Program?
Students in all MBA programs work together and collaborate on projects and assignments, even online. Talking about business theory and practice with your peers is a big part of the online MBA experience too, and discussion boards are a consistent way that online students connect.
Whether the conversation centers on a reading or case study, or you are simply sharing opinions and experiences, many MBA students enjoy studying together online. Some even form friendships and professional alliances that last well beyond graduation.
Get it done. Get in there, work hard, communicate with other students, and communicate with the teachers as frequently as you can.Â
ÂBe active, ask questions and stay engaged. This is your experience. You are a student but also a consumer of content. Make sure to get as much out of it as you can!
Do Online MBA Professors Work Closely With Their Students?
Yes. One thing that’s important to understand about online MBA programs is that professors don’t just create lectures and assignments that help you learn. They actively teach, challenge, guide and mentor students in the ways of business, just as on-campus MBA professors do. Be prepared for a regular dialogue with your online MBA professors, through chat and videoconference, email, even by phone if you prefer.
Do I Have the Right Technology at Home for Online Courses?
If your Mac or PC is able to run the most recent version of its operating system, chances are good that you’re already set for online study. If your computer is older or less up to date, certain functions may just need a tune-up, or you might need some new applications.
Before beginning your first online course, make sure you can:
- Stream video and audio
- Search the internet
- Check and send email
- Live chat (via video and text)
- Create spreadsheets, documents and presentations
- Upload and download files securely
- Use cloud storage or another form of file backup
It’s also important to check with MBA programs you’re interested in for their specific technology guidelines. This information will help you prepare for online courses.
Can I Get Tech Support At Night and on Weekends?
Most schools with online MBA programs do have good tech support for students, but hours and resources can vary. If you commonly study at night, or during the overnight hours, don’t forget to check with your prospective school to make sure their tech support options meet your needs.
Fitchburg State University offers 24/7 tech support to online students, so you don’t have to wait to get your computer questions answered or to get help when you encounter a technical issue.
Are There Special Services for Military Personnel Who Study Online?
Yes, most schools have dedicated resources for active military and veterans who are studying online. Veteran Services at Fitchburg State University can assist you with the MBA in Management application process, help with military education benefit certification, and provide referrals to other services.
Do Online MBA Programs Offer Career Services or Networking Opportunities With Alumni?
Many online MBA in Management programs do provide excellent resources for students who want to explore career options and connect with fellow graduates. Fitchburg State University’s Career Counseling and Advising Center works with online students from all academic programs, providing support for job searching and other forms of career exploration. The school’s Alumni Association also connects online MBA in Management students with the school’s worldwide network of 46,000 graduates.
Do Online MBA Students Get Access to the School Library?
Most schools with online degree programs now offer remote library access to all students and sometimes specialized support for grad students. Actual services available online will differ by school, but in most instances you should be able to access the online library catalog, digital books and databases, and business journals only available by subscription.
The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library at Fitchburg State University offers online MBA students all of these resources and more, including one-to-one help with research. Just schedule an online appointment with a librarian. Library staff is also available to work with you via chat, email or phone — whatever suits you best.
If I Live Close to My Online MBA School, Can I Use Student Services on Campus?
Most schools that have both on-campus and online MBA programs treat all students the same when it comes to accessing resources and facilities. Fitchburg State University welcomes online MBA in Management students to its campus in north central Massachusetts anytime.
Whether you live down the road in Lowell or Worcester, over in Boston, or as far away as California or Hawaii, all MBA students are a vital part of the Fitchburg State community.
Can I Attend My Graduation Ceremony in Person?
Many online MBA students do attend their graduation in person, and most schools encourage them to do so. Fitchburg State University is proud to have online MBA in Management graduates take part in this important celebration of their achievement, and professors also like meeting and congratulating their MBA students in person.
Fitchburg State’s May and December commencement ceremonies are a great time to meet and spend time with some of your online MBA classmates in attendance and enjoy your accomplishment with all other graduates, family and friends.
Additional Sources
PayScale:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree
Glassdoor:
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Senior Product Manager, Boston MA
Senior Product Manager, Bridgeport, CT
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Senior Product Manager, Portland, ME
Information Technology Director, Boston, MA
Information Technology Director, Bridgeport, CT
Information Technology Director, Concord, NH
Information Technology Director, Providence, RI
Information Technology Director, Burlington, VT
Information Technology Director, Portland, ME
Management Consultant, New York, NY
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Chief Operating Officer, Miami, FL
Chief Operating Officer, Portland, OR
Chief Operating Officer, Kansas City, MO
Executive Director, Trenton, NJ
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ThoughtCo: What Is the Average Cost of an MBA Degree?
Loan Lab: Should You Get An MBA? This Excel-based MBA ROI Calculator Can Help You Decide
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators: State Financial Aid Programs
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Statewide Financial Assistance Programs
IRS: Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
