Distance Learning MBA

To help you decide if the distance learning MBA program is best for you, here are details of the features of this type of program. The characteristics are split into the following categories to make it easier for you to compare with the other MBA program types, which are also detailed on this site:

1. Curriculum
2. Program length
3. Delivery method
4. Career Placement Services
5. Networking Opportunities
6. Financing
7. Other aspects to consider
   

1. Curriculum
As with full time and part time MBA programs, the distance learning MBA generally offers a core of general courses covering all management disciplines, which are then followed by elective courses.

However, there may not be as great a choice of electives as the other types of MBA programs. You can request information online for many such MBA programs, such as those offered by University of Phoenix or Liverpool University and compare the courses available to establish how these meet your needs.

2. Program length
Distance learning MBA programs vary in length from school to school and can be up to 8 years. The majority of this type of MBA program take between 3 and 4 years to complete.
Most business schools provide a recommended study schedule to help you tailor a study plan to meet your own circumstances.

3. Delivery method
Distance learning MBA programs used to refer to a correspondence MBA program but these have now been developed to cover a wide range of communication channels.
The course content is still designed for self-study. This is now provided by way of a variety of written, audio and visual means. Tutorial help is also available by an ever- increasing variety of methods, such as phone, Internet, fax and in some cases, seminars.
You will generally require a computer when studying for a distance learning MBA as well as Internet access to complete many aspects of the program.

4. Career Placement Services
Career placement services for students will tend to be more general if these are available, and are likely to be conducted at a distance, e.g. by e-mail.

6. Financing

• Whilst scholarships are unlikely to be available, you should still consider company sponsorship or loans to finance your studies distance learning MBA program. For more details of these, please click here to visit our MBA loans section.
• Education cost is spread over a longer period of time than the full time MBA program, as it is linked to the length of the program.
  

7. Other aspects to consider

• Be sure to verify that any business school or distance learning MBA program that you select is accredited with one of the major accreditation bodies. This can have a significant effect on the value of your MBA to prospective employers.
• The academic reputation of the business school is still a very important factor when choosing a distance learning MBA program. Use resources such as Princeton Review's Best 282 Business Schools 2007 to help you select the best business school for you.
  
  If you wish to focus on UK business schools, the best resource for this, despite its misleading title, is Which MBA? A Critical Guide to the World's Best MBAs which contains around 100 pages of information on UK business schools and MBA programs.
  
• The distance learning MBA requires real focus together with a significant time commitment. This type of program requires strong self-discipline and may not be suitable for everybody. You need to evaluate and understand your own learning strengths and styles before undertaking a distance learning MBA program.
• Distance learning can give you the opportunity to study for an MBA at a business school that may not otherwise be geographically possible.
• If you are still employed whilst studying for your distance learning MBA, you can immediately apply the course content to your work environment