Online MBA has its own share of upsides and downlows. It completely depends upon you, as to which pros will lead you to opt for online MBA and what cons will make you reconsider. Here are a few pros and cons that will help you decide better.
Pros
The main advantage of an online MBA is the ability to pursue your degree while maintaining your current career path. People involved in time demanding work schedules often are unable to devote their time into campus learning.
Online MBA is a good option for people with tight work schedules, as it allows them to learn in a virtual learning environment that is accessible 24/7.
Another advantage of online programs is that you don’t have to relocate to receive the post-graduation. There is an increase in the number of schools that offer online MBA.
Cons
Online MBA programs have their own set of drawbacks. For students who learn best by attending lectures practically, an online program might not be the best option for them as the interaction and coaching is through a virtual medium.
Online MBA programs are conducted by streaming lectures on the internet. So, If you are looking for personal attention, then an online program may not be for you.
Another disadvantage with online learning is that you will miss out the advantages associated with a traditional on-campus experience. For example, students looking for internship or recruiting opportunities during their post graduate education may not get as much options in an online MBA program as on-campus programs offers, as campuses are likely to provide career services or host hiring events.
Weigh your options
Students learning on-campus are receiving the same education in terms of courses and curriculum. Some assignments or projects may differ as they are tweaked to accommodate into an online format. For example, a project that is assigned to a group of students participating in a campus program may be sized down for an individual student enrolled in an online program.
One of the biggest differences between online and campus learning is the way curriculum is progressed. Campus programs have in-person classroom lectures, face-to-face discussions and assignments that are submitted directly to instructors or professors.
Internet plays a major part when it comes to online MBA. Students use the Internet to watch and stream a video lecture and participate in a discussion via chat room and submit assignments by uploading them via the internet. Online programs deliver the same content and require the same amount of effort as put by campus learners. The difference is in the mode of learning.
They say it is never too late to pursue your dreams. This is especially true when it comes to career and education. Unfortunately, not all can afford to quit their jobs and go back to school. This can make it difficult to pursue higher studies or certain courses that can enhance skills. Fortunately, there are several free online learning platforms that allow anyone and everyone to be able to have access to good quality learning resources.
Here are some of the best websites for free online education that you can sign up for.
Coursera
Coursera is one of the most popular platforms for taking free online courses. It features classes, both free as well as paid, on a variety of different topics. This platform is currently being used by over 35 million learners that have access to 150 university partners, 2,700 courses, 250 specializations, and four degrees. These courses are curated in partnership with leading universities and organizations from around the world, such as Stanford and Harvard.
edX
edX is a platform that was founded by Harvard and MIT that brings together top-ranked universities. This platform was founded to help eliminate the primary barriers that prevent people from pursuing education, i.e., cost, location, and access. Along with free courses, edX also offers certain specialized courses for a specific fee. The platform can be accessed by interested educators and technologists through Open edX if they wish to assist in developing new educational tools.
Udemy
Udemy is another online learning platform that is quite similar to Coursera in terms of the format of the courses. The unique aspect of this platform is that it allows users to build their own custom courses by compiling individual lessons so that these can be taught online. There are over 100,000 courses in 50 languages on this platform that are taught by 42,000 instructors from around the world.
TED-Ed
TED-Ed is a platform made by TED to help share ideas and knowledge from teachers to students. This award-winning platform has a global network of more than 250,000 teachers that teach several free courses on a variety of categories and themes. The lessons are taught using animated videos and interactive content so as to make them more interesting for the students.
If you are planning to pursue an accounting degree, you should consider doing it online. There are more than 580 institutions in the country that offer master’s degrees in accounting, and many of them offer their courses online. Therefore, you can pursue this course without shifting to a different state, and you can also continue with your current job. Here are the top picks of online master’s degrees in accounting that you can consider if you are interested in this field.
Auburn University
The online master’s degree in accounting at Auburn University is open for you if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business, and if you meet all the prerequisites for the business and accounting department. Students who enroll in this program receive study materials, instructions, and assignments that are similar to the on-campus course. The schedule is extremely flexible and can accommodate working professionals as well. Full-time students of this course can complete it within one year. They get to select electives like real estate finance and information risk analysis, among others. This course also prepares students for the Uniform CPA Exam. This whole program is available online, including the exam. However, students have to complete a three-day on-campus residency during their final semester.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers an online Master of Accounting (MAC) degree through its Kenan-Flagler Business School. This school accepts students from all undergraduate backgrounds. However, students who have business or accounting backgrounds may get course waivers. Students who enroll in this course can choose a concentration in Tax or Audit. If you take up the full-time course, you can finish it in less than 15 months. You can start this course either in June or December. This way, even if you miss the application deadline for one semester, you do not have to wait for an entire year to enroll in the course. The MAC degree is entirely online, except for a one-week leadership immersion on campus, which is mandatory and takes place at the beginning of the course.
University of Connecticut
An online master’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut is one of the best online courses in the country. This university offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. Full-time students can complete it in two semesters. Working professionals who enroll in this degree take two courses per semester. The University of Connecticut also offers you electives like Forensic Accounting, Disclosure for Not-for-Profit Entities, and Fraud Examination among others.