There isn't any one best online MBA program, because there are many programs with many features and benefits, and many students with different career objectives and skill sets. Use the following handy 6-point checklist to short list MBA schools that are best suited for your individual skills and desires.
1. Choose an accredited school. : When you choose a MBA school with accreditation, you ensure that your time is well spent, and guarantees you get education that is valued in the eyes of current and future employers. It also shows to others that you know how carefully to evaluate important decisions.
2. Match up the school that fits your situation and needs. Currently, over 73% of all MBA students work full-time. This means the best MBA programs have adapted, and let you study when it is convenient to you, and to go through the materials when you want to, not when they schedule it.
3. Teacher To Student Ratio : The number of students that each teacher has is called the class ratio, and when there are between 7 and 15 students in a given class, it maximizes the learning experience, and provides a rich environment for the students and professor to exchange ideas and opinions. This ratio also signifies a financial commitment by the business school, and when they have the right ratio, it often means they have individual advisors that can help ensure you meet your goals and objectives in your MBA experience.
4. World Famous Teachers : Having a well known teacher teach you their area of specialization is one of the great treats in life. You can usually get so immersed in a subject, so powerfully, so completely, that you wonder why you didn't appreciate the subject more fully before. It's a contagious experience, and once you have been taught by thought leaders, you will never want to settle for mediocrity again.
The way the teachers educate their students is another key thing to consider. Some schools use case studies as a version of "real life" education, while others run spreadsheets and word processors more. It's important to find the school that fits your learning style, so you absorb as much as you can. Studying online means you should also choose a school that is using the latest advances in online teaching innovations.
5. An Alumnus Program : An alumnus program is where graduates can turn to when they need resources to move their career forward. It offers powerful features, like networking opportunities, possible mentoring opportunities, and online communities where you can keep in touch with others, and build relationships with other graduates.