If you’ve decided that it’s time to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration degree, you probably have a lot of questions. How long does it take to earn an MBA? Which online MBA programs are reputable? At OnlineMBAPrograms.com, we answer frequently asked questions about earning an MBA. We also publish articles about top MBA programs, early MBA programs, and other topics of interest to business students.

FAQ about Online MBA Degrees

1. What is the main focus of an MBA program?

MBA programs are designed to help students gain new employment or get promoted. They prepare people to work as business administrators in one or more sectors of business: accounting; finance; human resources; information systems; law; marketing; and operations management.

Some MBA programs spend a moderate amount of time educating students about each area of business, but others are especially focused on developing one area of knowledge. Start-ups and other small companies usually hire just one or two administrative officers, who must be well-versed in all areas of business, but larger organizations hire large teams of administrative specialists.

2. How are online MBA programs different from traditional MBA programs?

In many cases, online MBA programs are considered equivalent to campus-based programs. For one thing, many online programs parallel their campus-based counterparts: they use the same professors, textbooks, and tests. Furthermore, well-established brick-and-mortar schools have started to offer online courses to their residential students. (Examples include California State University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Massachusetts.) Some of these schools are finding it unnecessary to indicate “distance learning” on their degrees. Therefore, an online MBA from the University of Massachusetts is indistinguishable from a traditional UMass MBA in the eyes of employers and other universities.

3. How long does it take to complete an MBA program online?

Online MBA programs use a variety of formats. Some parallel traditional MBA programs and require two years of study. Others are accelerated one-year or 18-month programs, and others permit students many years to earn a degree.

4. What are the advantages of earning an MBA online?

Convenience is the primary reason students choose to learn online. Online degree programs let students learn from wherever an internet connection is available. It’s even possible to download lectures in MP3 format and take them to the gym.

Time management and home economics are other often-cited reasons for earning a degree online. By attending courses online and at any time of day, business students can manage their time more effectively, avoid spending money on commutes, and save money on child care.

5. What are the disadvantages on earning an online MBA?

One advantage of attending business school is building social capital. If a student chooses an online program that doesn’t promote interaction with professors, other students, and the community, then he or she is relatively disadvantaged. However, many online MBA programs are designed to facilitate meaningful communication, and students can benefit greatly from their internship programs.

Another important consideration is the accreditation status of an online university. A degree from an online school is only useful if the school is well-respected. To find out if a school meets the Council on Higher Education Accreditation’s (CHEA) standards, search for its name in the free online CHEA database.

6. Who is accepted to MBA programs?

MBA programs are designed for a wide variety of students. Classic MBA programs are designed for mid-level executives, but today’s wide variety of programs also targets early-career business professionals and members of upper-level management. Some MBA programs are even designed for people with non-business specializations such as medicine or law. Considering the variation in programs, it’s important that a student applies to programs that are the best fit.

MBA admissions committees consider each applicant’s relevant work experience as well as his or her letters of recommendation, school transcripts, application essays, and GMAT score.