Get Your MBA via Online Study Programs

	Popular MBA Programs:
	Accounting
	Administration
	Business Information Systems
	Business Leadership
	eBusiness/eCommerce
	Economics
	Finance
	Hospitality/Tourism
	Human Resources
	International Business
	Management
	Marketing
	Organizational Management
	Project Management
	Risk Management
	Small Business Management
	Sports Management

MBA Online
The development of the internet has brought about new opportunities for those wanting to obtain an MBA degree. Several well-known business colleges offer online MBA programs—suitable for business minded individuals from the private entrepreneur to the corporate manager. You can register, pay your tuition, "attend" your classes, take tests, and even use the virtual libraries all from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. Generally, online programs are also less expensive than traditional residence programs. You can start now!

MBA, the preferred business degree
The Master of Business Administration Degree originated in the United States and was the outcome of a search for scientific approaches to business management. Throughout the twentieth century, European business schools developed their own variations of the MBA degree, often modeled along the lines of the US program. Today, it has been adopted by universities world wide, with all six habitable continents maintaining colleges and universities that offer the MBA degree.

MBA candidates receive a comprehensive business education
MBA students receive education in a wide variety of business related disciplines including economics, marketing, accounting, finance, operations management, international business, information technology management, project management, and government policies, just to name a few. Usually students study a broad range of general courses in the first year, then pursue a specialized curriculum in the second year. Full time students often seek an internship in the second year as well.

Concentrations for specialization and for the internship could focus on accounting, corporate strategy, decision sciences, entrepreneurship, project management, organizational behavior, international business marketing, and many other areas of business management and strategy. The possibilities are as endless as the types of businesses themselves. Programs may specialize even further, offering concentrations in Asian Business, real estate, insurance, sports management, or even consulting. In short, if the concept is used in a business, there is probably a course or program somewhere to provide the education.

Time commitment to achieve your MBA
The most common MBA program is the "full time" program which takes two years and often involves part time work in a "real world" environment where a student can practice the skills he/she is acquiring. One can also take an "Accelerated" program, which takes 18 months or less, but involves a heavier course load. If a student already has 10 years or so of work experience, the EMBA, or Executive MBA may be possible. Typically, the EMBA assumes a higher level of work experience and is designed for a manager to continue working full time while completing the degree.

And MBA means promotions, status, opportunity and $$$$
The MBA is such a widespread degree, encompassing millions of individuals from all nationalities, cultures, careers and types of businesses that there really is no "typical" MBA degree. The US MBA, in particular, is so widely respected and sought after that students from all over the world come to American universities—or take advantage of the online programs, to acquire the MBA. In fact, a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education showed that MBA students in the United States alone are more diverse than students in any other graduate program.

What does this mean to you? It means that you are eligible to apply to an MBA program regardless of where you completed your undergraduate work. You do not need a particular undergraduate major, pre-MBA experience, extracurricular accomplishments, accumulated essays, or references. What you do need is motivation, self-awareness, realistic career goals, and a life-long desire to learn and continuously improve. MBAs, like the businesses they build and serve, never stop growing.

The MBA gives you knowledge about businesses and all related aspects. You not only learn about business through the traditional "text," but you also apply the concepts to real world situations, thereby demonstrating your own leadership, creativity, ingenuity and business savvy. Whether you work online or at a traditional school, expect a rigorous program of assignments, reports, presentations and group projects. The knowledge and experience gained will help set you apart and make you an attractive candidate for the business career you are seeking.

According to The College Journal, MBA 2006 graduates with less than three years of work experience could expect to receive an average annual salary of $68,399 along with a signing bonus of $10,736. Those with more than six years experience could receive an average salary of $92,360 and a signing bonus of $17,603. In addition to the signing bonus, graduates typically receive an annual year-end bonus.

If you are already in a business career, completing your MBA degree will mean a substantial salary increase. According to Business Week, the average pay increase ranges from 10% to 82%, and most graduates will recover their tuition investment in three to five years.

Average Salaries—various industries that value the MBA

• Accounting: $63,210
  
  
• Economist: $70,000
  
  
• Finance: $40,000—$200,000; the wide variation depending on experience and clientele.
  
  
• Consulting: $88,000
  
  
• Management: from $100,000 to $800,000, the higher amounts reported for the CEOs of public companies.
  
  
• Marketing: from $60,000 to $140,000
  
  
• Sales: $60,000 to $120,000

Choosing your MBA program
Pursuing the MBA, whether in the traditional way on through online study is not something you should begin without careful thought. Talk to MBA recruiters, define your own career goal, and decide whether the MBA will give you the advancements and opportunities you want in your particular business area. If the MBA is right for you, you should apply certain criteria in choosing your school. The following are just a few criteria you will want to check out.

• Accreditation: Program specific as well as institutional accreditation
  
  
• Admission standards
  
  
• Cost/available financial aid
  
  
• Career placement assistance
  
  
• Faculty: Are the faculty experienced in real life business as well as in teaching.
  
  
• Facilities and Resources: What is the quality of the library. If you are pursuing online study, what is available in terms of a virtual library or peer networking.
  
  
• Reputation and Ranking
  
  
• State Regulations and Residency requirements
  
  
• Career placement history: what percentage of graduates are successful at finding work in their chosen fields
  
  
• Average graduate salaries

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