Inside the Top Distance Online MBA Program in the United States

This article is based on our 2019 rankings. Check out the QS Online MBA Rankings 2020 for the latest version of this information.

Once viewed as a second-rate qualification, the online MBA is gaining ground on the traditional full-time MBA. This is thanks to the flexibility of the program, as well as online programs offering the same curriculum as the on-campus model. At the USC Marshall School of Business, enrollment on the OMBA has nearly doubled, and for the first time this fall, the business school will have two cohorts of approximately 50 students each.

Many business schools are building on their reputation in the online MBA space, acknowledging the growing number of potential students who see these degrees as a better way to prepare for a workplace that is dominated by technology.

For students, there are numerous advantages to the online format, not least the ability to translate learning into the workplace immediately. Full-time participants have to wait potentially years before doing so, in comparison.

But what makes a good online MBA? And what should prospective students look for when weighing up programs?

One digital degree doing well is the Online MBA program at Marshall, which is brand new to the QS Online MBA Rankings 2019. Dean Sandra Chrystal, incoming dean Patricia Mills, and Professor Miriam Burgos all contributed to the discussion of the online MBA at Marshall.

The business school’s use of live class sessions via webcam, integrated learning, and video content, promises to prepare students for business leadership in the technology-driven era we know today.

Why are online MBA programs important?

“Online MBAs offer top students the possibility to obtain a quality education, regardless of their location. Working professionals no longer have to disrupt careers, family, and personal obligations to obtain the best education possible. It benefits the University as well as the students’ experience by expanding the pool of classmates.

“Today’s world, including that of education, demands the efficiencies and flexibility that technology provides. As with a residential MBA, participants still benefit from immediate application of the classroom learning into their careers, resulting in career advances and enhanced professional relationships.”

What are some of the studying requirements on Marshall’s program?

“Online isn’t easier, it’s just more flexible. Students typically are expected to allocate between 20 and 30 hours per week in order to prepare the asynchronous materials, engage in the two interactive class discussions, and develop team projects.”

How technology is changing the online MBA

While many of the first generation of online courses simply recorded campus lectures and posted them online for participants to review before taking tests — known as asynchronous learning – today, content is beamed live to online learners who debate and discuss ideas in groups together — synchronous learning.

“As technology evolves, we evolve. In fact, learning itself can be more effective because of the ever-improving digital tools.

“We have a dedicated group of online instructional designers, technology experts, and a production/media team that has won five external awards for its quality online MBA materials.

“Additionally, the reliable online platform provides students and faculty with easy and visible interaction with one another, including the ability to engage in small group discussion during class sessions, between classes, and for digital office hours.”

How online and on-campus differ

There’s no denying that there are some differences between an online MBA program and its on-campus equivalent, in fact, Marshall notes a differentiation between on-campus and online student profiles.

“Clearly, the flexibility and mode of delivery differs. In addition, currently our online student profiles differ from the full-time residential students.

“The online students typically work full time, have an average of 11 years’ work experience, and about 20 percent have advanced degrees.

“To accommodate this student profile, our online multi-disciplinary curriculum contrasts somewhat from a traditional residential model of teaching one course at a time. For example, the first online course, taught by four professors, melds accounting, economics, statistics, and virtual team-building.” 

But how is Marshall’s online MBA program different from other available courses in online education? “Several differentiators exist. Marshall’s online MBA was designed with collaboration from corporate focus groups, faculty, instructional designers, and media specialists.

“The result is an integrated, multi-disciplinary five-semester program which examines business opportunities and challenges in a digital conference room setting. Along with business fundamentals, all five courses include data analytics, communication, and collaboration, modelling the way business works.”

Students at Marshall begin the program with an on-campus week, where they meet classmates, faculty, career counsellors, and alumni – incorporating an almost blended element to the program. During that week they study management communication and strategy.

“Continuing the program online, each week students prepare asynchronous materials, then students meet via video conferencing two nights each week to learn from one another and from Marshall’s faculty. An ongoing capstone project is analysed through several courses.

“This year an optional international trip will allow students to further explore various topics from their Capstone project experience.

“Online students take courses directly from Marshall’s residential faculty who have reconceptualized their traditional course to an online format, and students are able to engage with these faculty each week in their live video sessions.”

What are some of the career services provided for participants?

“Two corporate career coaches will work individually with online students.  Students may also participate in monthly virtual discussions with industry leaders, and students develop relationships with cohort-mates and take advantage of the world-wide USC alumni network.”