Do employers value online MBA graduates?

chiefexec

1 2

Posted Jun 08, 2012 03:55

I am beginning an online MBA program. Because of my work schedule and current location, an online program was the only option for me. I spent a good deal of time researching online programs and I located one that is sponsored by a major bricks and morter institution, and accredited by AACSB. That was an important factor to me and I believe that it is a rigorous program. But I am still hearing from collegues that no online MBA program is valued or respected by large employers.

Does anyone have any insight into this? Anyone in the business of hiring MBA's who can share the view of the marketplace regarding online MBA programs? Is there any recognition of the value of AACSB-accredited vs. non-accredited?

What about salary gap between two candidates, otherwise equally experienced and qualified, but one from a major business school and the other from an accredited online program?

Thanks for your comments!

quote

Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jun 08, 2012 10:07

The online MBA is weaker proposition which trades at a discount. That is why it is cheaper. It is not valueless but you will see that few online programmes have data to show a clear RoI while all top EMBA programmes do.

quote

ezra

521 711

Posted Jun 08, 2012 14:58

It is not valueless but you will see that few online programmes have data to show a clear RoI while all top EMBA programmes do.

Indeed - these programs do not currently show a clear return on investment, especially when compared to in-class programs.

But also keep in mind that over the past few years, distance learning programs have been going through somewhat of an evolution, both in terms of the learning experience and overall quality. If you think about it, not so long ago, some of these programs were delivered through correspondence and books in the mail. Now, you regularly see video lectures delivered live - and instantaneous communication makes collaboration much easier. The overall learning experience is becoming much more robust.

Because of these advances, given a few years, I'd say that it's not unreasonable that these types of programs could close the gap that Duncan refers to.

However, you can always connect with the career services departments from the schools you are interested in to get a clearer sense of where graduates end up.

<blockquote>It is not valueless but you will see that few online programmes have data to show a clear RoI while all top EMBA programmes do. </blockquote>
Indeed - these programs do not currently show a clear return on investment, especially when compared to in-class programs.

But also keep in mind that over the past few years, distance learning programs have been going through somewhat of an evolution, both in terms of the learning experience and overall quality. If you think about it, not so long ago, some of these programs were delivered through correspondence and books in the mail. Now, you regularly see video lectures delivered live - and instantaneous communication makes collaboration much easier. The overall learning experience is becoming much more robust.

Because of these advances, given a few years, I'd say that it's not unreasonable that these types of programs could close the gap that Duncan refers to.

However, you can always connect with the career services departments from the schools you are interested in to get a clearer sense of where graduates end up.

quote

Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jun 08, 2012 17:06

The Kelley online MBA is the only one I can think of which has advertised a positive RoI.

quote

chiefexec

1 2

Posted Jun 11, 2012 03:16

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think that part of the reason there isn't ROI data on the online programs is because they are relatively new, and most don't have the 10+ years of data to measure?

quote

BigD

38 75

Posted Jun 11, 2012 10:25

Can you point toward the supporting data for these assertions?
(Unless of course you are assuming that as data is not currently available that it cannot be "shown")

Instinctively this makes sense, but I am interested in the size and nature of the gap from an employers' perspective given the different circumstances under which an online MBA may be taken.

BigD

Indeed - these programs do not currently show a clear return on investment, especially when compared to in-class programs.

quote

Duncan

14.007 15.473

Posted Jun 11, 2012 17:53

Yes, that's exact what I mean. Business schools don't show the RoI for online MBAs.

Don't assume the difference is only in the employers' perceptions. Full-time MBAs are, by definition, actively looking for work and will all start new jobs at the end of their course. Online MBA students generally don't. The full-time programme forces a job change, and because of that it all the things that MBA recruiters look for: internship and project openings, electives and concentrations, soft skills.

Online MBAs don't offer that, generally, and that's because often the students are not looking to change company, or even function.

quote

SeekingOnl...

1 1

Posted Jun 12, 2013 16:01

The Kelley online MBA is the only one I can think of which has advertised a positive RoI.

I've heard this as well. Can you point me to the salary statistics? I can't seem to find them.

<blockquote>The Kelley online MBA is the only one I can think of which has advertised a positive RoI.</blockquote>
I've heard this as well. Can you point me to the salary statistics? I can't seem to find them.

quote

Reply to Post Follow Thread

Related Business Schools

Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana 41 Followers 82 Discussions

Featured Schools

MBA or EMBA at UFred

Established in 2005, the University of Fredericton offers top-quality online education globally.

IU International University of Applied Sciences

Earn an MBA flexibly in as few as 12 months. Specializations in AI, Big Data, Healthcare Management, and more

Lebanese American University (LAU)

Advance your career with a flexible online MBA from the Adnan Kassar School of Business. Offering a gateway between Eastern and Western business culture.