The Best Virtual MBA Programs
Choosing an online or virtual MBA program can be a challenging task. Online MBA programs have become increasingly prevalent because of the need for working professionals to obtain an education under flexible conditions. The problem is that there is an overabundance of online MBA programs and it is necessary to sort out the best programs from the rest. In the business world, where you receive your degree can be just as important as having it, so it is necessary to choose an online MBA program with an established reputation.
East Carolina University
Making the list of top-rated MBA programs is East Carolina University (ECU), which has emerged as a leading institution in online learning. In the areas of affordability, student satisfaction and public perception ECU is rated as a "best buy" by geteducated.com, one of a number of reputable online sites that rank online degrees and programs. East Carolina MBA students can pursue their entire degree online if they wish to do so. ECU is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which is the accrediting agency that recognizes other prominent business schools nationwide and is the most prominent form of accreditation for business schools.
One potential problem with ECU is that resident students can expect to pay $7,848 per year as of 2009 for attending ECU, whereas nonresident students will see the price jump to $26,064. The jump in price for nonresident students may prove to be too steep for some online degree seekers.
East Carolina University
School of Business
3203 Bate Building
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6970
www.ecu.edu/business/
University of Houston
A more affordable option for online MBA seekers who are nonresident students is the University of Houston. At $8,730 for a resident student, it is slightly more expensive than ECU, but the jump in price for a nonresident student is more affordable at $15,570. The University of Houston appeals to many because of the global focus of its business school. The University of Houston's Bauer School of Business continually ranks among the nation's top programs with publications like The Princeton Review, Business Week and the Chronicle of Higher Education. The university also boasts a vast alumni network of more than 150,000 graduates living in the Houston area who can serve as important networking contacts.
C. T. Bauer College of Business
334 Melcher Hall
University of Houston
Houston, TX 77204
(713) 743-4600
www.cba.uh.edu/graduate/
Penn State University
Penn State University offers an online MBA option through its World Campus. Students receiving their online degree from Penn State can rest assured that their online degree is afforded the same quality and status of degrees obtained on campus. Penn State's online MBA is a good choice for business professionals and managers who want to better position themselves within the job market. The MBA curriculum focuses on the content areas of linking management, marketing, finance, accounting and operations. Penn State's program is AACSB accredited.
Penn State World Campus
Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Bldg.
University Park PA 16802
(814) 865-5403
www.worldcampus.psu.edu/
