Is an Online MBA Worth It?
The employment landscape for business and finance professionals continues to show
strong potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial operations occupations employed over 10.35 million workers
in 2024, with a median annual wage of $93,680, well above the median for all occupations.
These roles are also projected to grow faster than average, reflecting continued demand
for individuals with advanced business and leadership skills.
A good way for professionals to enhance their business expertise and prepare to progress
in their career is to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. With
the availability of online MBA programs, individuals now have a great deal of flexibility
in how they earn their MBA.
Individuals who have been considering enrolling in an online MBA program may be wondering, is an online MBA worth it? Exploring the answer to that question can highlight the specific advantages of earning an MBA online and the potential value of getting a degree through a virtual format.
Why Pursue an MBA Online?
Earning a graduate degree online enables students to take advantage of the flexibility
that online learning provides. For example, an online MBA program gives students:
- A greater ability to balance their personal, work, and educational commitments
- The opportunity to learn and progress through a degree program at their own pace
- The chance to learn in any location that suits them
The mechanics of an online MBA program also offer unique opportunities for students
to do things such as:
- Record classes or lectures and watch them later
- Access online study materials
- Communicate virtually (for example, through an online discussion board) with faculty
and other students
The value of an online MBA program is particularly significant for midcareer professionals. While continuing to work
in their current position, midcareer professionals can enroll in an online MBA program
for the following reasons:
- To acquire new skills and expertise to qualify for career advancement
- To enhance their skills in critical areas such as leadership, negotiation, and critical
thinking
- To expand their professional network
Some midcareer professionals may be at a point in their career where they want to
launch their own business. Completing an online MBA program can help aspiring entrepreneurs
realize the benefits of earning a graduate degree for starting a business.
Differences Between Online and In-Person MBA Programs
Either online or in-person an MBA program can be a valuable investment, as they both provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in areas such as
management, accounting, marketing, and business strategy. When deciding whether an online MBA is worth it, it can be helpful to consider how certain aspects of online MBA programs compare
with those of more traditional, in-person MBA programs. For example:
- Online MBA programs offer asynchronous learning that gives students the opportunity
to learn on their own schedule. In contrast, traditional, in-person MBA programs have
more established schedules that do not enable students to take courses and learn at
their own pace.
- With their self-paced format, online MBA programs offer students the opportunity to
strengthen their soft skills, such as their time management and self-discipline skills.
They also enable students to develop their ability to learn independently.
- Compared to in-person MBA programs, online MBA programs are designed for nontraditional
students who have work and family obligations that they need to honor while they pursue
their graduate education.
5 Benefits of Earning an Online MBA
Investing the time to earn an MBA online can position people to take advantage of the benefits, five of which are outlined
below.
1. Increased Earning Potential
Earning an advanced business degree can lead to a higher salary. The median starting
salary for individuals who held an MBA was $120,000 in 2024, while for those who held
a bachelor’s degree it was $69,320, according to the nonprofit Graduate Management
Admission Council. Individual salaries can vary based on factors such as the person’s
geographic location, employer, and prior experience.
2. Expanded Job Prospects and Career Advancement
Gaining the expertise that an MBA program provides expands professional qualifications
and can make graduates eligible for more employment opportunities. In some cases,
employers may even require individuals to have an MBA before they can be considered
for promotions to specific positions. Having an MBA on their resume also demonstrates an individual’s commitment
to learning and building their business skills.
3. Chance to Build Knowledge in Key Aspects of Contemporary Business
The courses that online MBA programs offer enable students to enhance their knowledge
in key areas that are especially relevant in today’s business landscape. For instance,
the Notre Dame de Namur (NDNU) online MBA program offers courses in subjects such as:
- Global operations management
- Technology, design, and innovation
- Applied performance management
- Agile methodologies and product
- Supply chain management
- System architecture and cloud computing
4. Opportunity to Strengthen Skills That Are Vital in Business
One of the valuable features of an online MBA program is the opportunity it provides to develop and enhance specific skills. The online
MBA that NDNU offers, prepares students to do the following:
- Use leadership and management techniques in ways that can add value to an organization
- Apply critical thinking and analytical methods to address specific challenges in business
- Communicate clearly and in an engaging manner, both orally and in writing
- Use business best practices and sources of business research to develop solutions
to business problems
- Employ both qualitative and quantitative reasoning and analysis in business operations
5. Qualification to Pursue a New Career
Earning an online MBA can prepare individuals to pursue a new career. For example,
someone with experience on the clinical side of healthcare may complete an online
MBA to transition into healthcare management. Similarly, a professional working in
public accounting might earn an online MBA to prepare for launching their own accounting
firm.
Earn an Online MBA and Acquire Advanced Business Expertise
Completing an online MBA program allows professionals to strengthen their business
knowledge and skills while preparing for career advancement. Often, an online MBA is worth it for individuals seeking a convenient way to pursue a graduate business education
while continuing to meet their personal and professional obligations.
People who have an interest in expanding their business expertise can explore the
Notre Dame de Namur University online MBA program to learn how it can help them achieve their career goals. Featuring courses taught
by Silicon Valley and Bay Area professionals, the program helps students build skills
in key areas such as innovation, management, and leadership.
Take the first step toward earning an advanced business degree at NDNU today by getting
in touch with our Admissions team.
Recommended Readings
Should I Go to a Public or Private College?
Tips for Online Learning
How to Become an HR Manager
Interested in earning a MBA at NDNU? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch with
more information!
Sources:
Globis Insights, “The MBA Is Back in Business for 2025”
Graduate Management Admission Council, “2024 Report, Corporate Recruiters Survey”
Indeed, “Why Get an MBA Degree? 11 Career Benefits to Know About”
McKinsey & Co., “What Do Higher Education Students Want From Online Learning?”
SoFi, “Does an MBA Degree Increase Your Salary?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Projections — 2023-2033”
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