Value of Online MBA

Generally I would think it isn't worth the money or the time.

It really depends on what you want to do after you get your MBA. If you want to switch out to a different career, the online MBA won't do it for you. If you are continuing with you current career, you also might not need a MBA to furthur your career.

I would say try to go for a traditional MBA. I understand that things get taught, but it is only two years.

My two bit ...

School is about a way of thinking ... about the experience and how the experience impacts you ... and learning in a non-work (potentially broader or more free form) environment. Different types of degrees emphasize different combinations of the above.

My experience with my MBA is it is more about the first two and less about specific work place learning. Sure you learn some new things. More often - when you have experience behind you - it helps you consolidate and better understand what you know. Valuable stuff for certain.

At the same time the experience and ways of working were really the key. More work was given us than any one person could do - forcing you to work well in a study group. We did field study work which also forced teamwork and joint learning. Business is more about learning from others, learning multiple and broader perspectives, building teams, and achieving objectives that can only be completed by more than one person.

If you want pure learning or a stamp on your resume then gear your MBA online to something concrete (or go for Economics or a more technical degree). If you want a MBA find a way to do it in person.

When I faced the decision point you are at I reached the same conclusion about full time programs. Personally I went the Executive MBA route - there are also part time programs. The average work experience in my program was 15 years. Often my classmates knew as much as the professors. The learning, community, and network built during that experience was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.

Chris,
There are some elite MBA schools out there (Harvard, Stanford, Chicago just to name a few). Then there are a host of other full -time schools that offer MBA programs. And then as you note, there are online MBA programs.

I don't think any are "taboo", but I have considered the quality of the MBA in ranking candidates for prior job openings.

There is a lot of value add if you can sit in an MBA classroom with others who have several years of real work experience. The shared stories of what really happens in business are as valuable as the case studies, lectures, and textbook information. I think you would miss out on this if you chose an online MBA option.

Have you discussed taking MBA classes with your employer? Assuming you are a valued employee at your company, they may make accommodations to you schedule to help you have time to get that MBA.

Good luck.

Look at the trend. If you asked this question five years ago, you would have heard a resounding -- "no don't do it." The trend is in favor of on-line classes offered anywhere and anytime.

Think of it this way - look at those #1 schools, i.e. Harvard, U Penn, Johns Hopkins. Do they offer on-line education opportunities. You will find the answer is yes.

Go for the on-line, but choose a name brand school.

And... it doesn't have to be either/or.

There are also hybrid programs that combine in-person and online classes (e.g. www.bgi.edu), or programs that have in-person options geared for working professionals through evening/weekend courses (e.g. http://www.foster.washington.edu/Pages/home.aspx).

Thank you for the input! I appreciate multiple perspectives.

Look for an online MBA school that is attached to a real non profit government funded university with an alumni chapter in your geographical area.