Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
Key Takeaways
- An online MBA program in Maryland can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
- The state of Maryland is a global leader in a number of key industries including cybersecurity, aerospace, and manufacturing, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.
- A number of the online MBA degree programs in Maryland can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.
Maryland's Best Online MBA Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online MBA programs in Maryland saw a considerable amount of movement. Loyola University Maryland gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its curriculum to offer more specializations, including digital marketing, data analytics, and global business, allowing students to tailor their degrees to emerging business trends.
Additionally, Loyola has enhanced its online learning platform with more interactive features, including virtual simulations, case studies, and collaborative projects, creating a more engaging learning environment. The university has also strengthened its corporate partnerships, providing online MBA students with greater access to internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Featured Programs
Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #1 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #2 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #3 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #4 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #1 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #13 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
94%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Johns Hopkins University
Cost of Degree: $65,956Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $131,719Salary after 4 years: $149,569Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryJohns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School is a leader in providing a top-ranked online business education. The school offers a Flex MBA designed for prospective graduate students seeking to pursue part-time MBAs. There are eight MBA concentrations under this program:
- Business Analytics and Risk Management
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Marketing
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology
- Financial Management
- Health Care Management, Innovation, and Technology
- Investments
- Public and Private Sector Leadership
In addition to the Flex program, online MBA students can pursue several dual degree programs.
Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the business industry. Supplemental requirements include a resume, two essays, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Online Master’s Degrees
MS/MBA in Applied Economics and Business Administration Dual Degree
- Required Credits: 66
- Completion time: 3-4 years
- Format: Online
MS/MBA in Biotechnology and Business Administration Dual Degree
- Required Credits: 93
- Completion time: 3-4 years
- Format: Online
MA/MBA in Government and Business Dual Degree
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #6 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #9 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
89%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Maryland, College Park
Cost of Degree: $17,843Expenses: $19,380Starting Salary: $119,532Salary after 4 years: $136,202Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe AACSB International-accredited Smith School of Business at UMD is a very prominent business school popular with busy professionals. The Smith School online MBA program offers a career-focused curriculum developed from real-world business experience. To prepare for advanced roles in leading organizations, students engage in coursework exploring international business’s moral and financial complexities.
Focusing on modern, data-centric strategies and skills, the program’s core courses include Corporate Finance, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Information Systems.
Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience to apply.
Concentrations include:
- Finance
- Information Systems and Business Analytics
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- General Track
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 1-2 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #7 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #9 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
46%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
970/18
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Morgan State University
Cost of Degree: $9,819Expenses: $18,320Starting Salary: $71,922Salary after 4 years: $81,952Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMorgan State University, through the Grave School of Business and Management, offers a competitive online MBA program. Accredited by AACSB International, this online MBA offers a curriculum that equips students with analytical capabilities combined with leadership qualities to tackle complex business challenges in a matrixed world.
This is a career-focused program that emphasizes a structured and comprehensive pair of professional development courses taken in the first year. Course topics include accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation, information systems, human resources management, and a capstone course, strategic management.
Applicants to the Graves MBA program must have a bachelor’s degree (2.5 GPA minimum for consideration / 3.3 average GPA for admitted students) and three letters of recommendation. The GMAT is optional. Evidence of professional/managerial experience is desirable but not required.
Online Master’s Degrees
MBA in Business Administration
Online MBA Programs at Morgan State University | Interview with Joseph Wells
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2 years on average
- Format: Online
- #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
79%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/29
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Loyola University Maryland
Cost of Degree: $19,440Expenses: $20,110Starting Salary: $115,494Salary after 4 years: $131,145Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Sellinger School of Business and Management at Loyola MD offers an online Professional MBA designed for working professionals. Students who want a more hands-on educational experience can pursue the blended learning format.
Whether students pursue the blended or 100% online format, courses will be taught in 8-week accelerated formats. The program’s core courses are designed to develop students’ analytical and financial decision-making skills, leadership and ethics, and functional areas.
Students can apply for financial aid opportunities, such as merit-based scholarships and Ignatius grants.
Concentrations include:
- Data Analytics and Digital Technologies
- Finance
- Interdisciplinary Business
- Management
- Marketing
Online Master’s Degrees
Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA)
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #24 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Baltimore
Cost of Degree: $16,232Starting Salary: $107,039Salary after 4 years: $121,966The Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore is one of Maryland’s top providers of the best online MBA programs. Its online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has an AACSB accreditation and is designed to be completed at an accelerated pace. However, online students with full-time jobs have up to three years to complete coursework.
The program’s core courses include Operations Management, Managerial Statistics, Accounting, and Finance. Upon completing core and foundation courses, students have a range of options for concentrations, including:
- Data Analytics
- Finance
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Customized
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 36-48
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
66%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at McDaniel College
Cost of Degree: $9,969Expenses: $16,498Starting Salary: $79,651Salary after 4 years: $90,445Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMcDaniel College offers an excellent MBA program for those maintaining full-time jobs. The Professional MBA at McDaniel is a 100% online program. Online students also have the option to complete the program in a hybrid learning format, mixing online classes with evening courses.
Students seeking a STEM-designated online MBA can choose this program and pursue a stackable certificate in Supply Chain Management or Analytics and Information Management.
The PMBA provides students access to corporate executives through the “Executive Insights” and consultancy experience programs.
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Online Master’s Degrees
Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA)
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
65%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/22
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mount St. Mary's University
Cost of Degree: $14,094Expenses: $17,500Starting Salary: $83,486Salary after 4 years: $94,800Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMount St. Mary’s University offers an IACBE-accredited MBA online designed to fit the schedules and needs of working professionals. The MBA program covers topics in management, finance, statistics, strategic marketing, information technology, global business, and economics.
In addition to concentration options, online students can also pursue a graduate certificate in Data Science, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Organizational Development, or Project Management without taking any additional classes.
Applicants must have a 2.75 or higher GPA or a 500 minimum GMAT score.
Concentrations include:
- Economics
- Finance and Investments
- International Business
- Marketing
- Management
- Not-for-Profit Management
- Personnel Management and Industrial Relations
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 1-2 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
69%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/24
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Salisbury University
Cost of Degree: $10,330Expenses: $18,892Starting Salary: $91,506Salary after 4 years: $104,268Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySalisbury University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), offered by the AACSB-accredited Perdue School of Business, is a prominent online MBA program. It is known for providing a well-balanced curriculum covering several topics, including Corporate Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Business Economics, and Business Intelligence.
Students can complete the degree in as little as nine months, benefiting from advanced technology, distinguished faculty, international exposure, and experiential learning, including real-world consulting projects conducted entirely online.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Frostburg State University
Cost of Degree: $11,258Expenses: $17,058Starting Salary: $79,688Salary after 4 years: $90,801Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe online MBA program at Frostburg State University, accredited by AACSB International, allows students to complete the program in a part-time or full-time format. Applicants without prior educational and professional background in business can apply to this online MBA but will be required to complete a basic course in accounting and marketing.
Online students must meet the same requirements as on-campus students, which includes completing coursework in marketing, finance, operations, and accounting. Applicants must have at least 400 on their GMAT scores, except for applicants with a 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA.
Concentrations include:
- Business Analytics
- Healthcare Management
- Management
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Washington Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $11,525Expenses: $12,640Starting Salary: $68,293Salary after 4 years: $77,548Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe regionally accredited online Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Washington Adventist University delivers a top-notch business education to graduate students. While the program doesn’t offer any concentrations, online MBA students can choose electives that align with their career goals and personal interests. Core courses in the program include Managerial Accounting, Management Communication, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management.
Applicants must show an undergraduate GPA of 2.75; otherwise, they will be required to have a minimum GMAT score of 500.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolBusiness Administration And Management
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: Maryland (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,426
- Avg. Expenses*: $18,528
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $87,536
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,171
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
- Job Growth: 6.72%
- Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Maryland has a very rich history, from its numerous museums to its historic battlegrounds. But that’s not all. Maryland also has a rich history of providing academic excellence through their higher education system. With several private and public colleges offering diverse online degree programs, working professionals have a lot of options to pursue advanced studies without abandoning their current obligations.
With a bustling business environment, one of Maryland’s renowned programs is its Master of Business Administration (MBA) offerings. These MBA programs aim to give students a well-rounded and enriching educational experience while leveraging the state’s vibrant business ecosystem.
Back to TopColleges and Universities in Maryland
The Old Line State has 46 colleges and universities, 30 of which are public and 16 of which are private. The United States Naval Academy offers programs in physical sciences, aeronautical engineering, and naval architecture. The largest private institution, Johns Hopkins University, has just over 24,000 students and a tuition rate of $54,000. Located in Baltimore, this research university is known for its science and medical discoveries.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
If you’re looking to earn an online MBA degree, Maryland offers its students history, legacy, and numerous degree paths.
Why Pursue Online MBAs in Maryland
Maryland is among the most educated places in the United States, and this educational richness contributes to the overall appeal of pursuing an MBA in the state. Moreover, the state’s business environment was ranked 22nd by CNBC. You will be able to connect with a wide range of academics, professionals, and business owners as an MBA student in Maryland. Plus, thanks to the state’s booming business environment, you can easily pursue internships, career placements, and mentorship opportunities.
What are Maryland’s Colleges & Universities?
- 6 Research Universities
- 18 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 13 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 11 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 15 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
Maryland’s Best Overall
What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?
Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.
Maryland is just one of many states offering excellent online MBA programs. To check out our rankings, look into the best online MBA degree programs in Texas, Vermont, Michigan, and more!
Or you may be interested in checking out online MBA degree programs in neighboring Washington, DC.
Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Maryland
Do online MBA programs in Maryland require the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.
The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes — elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.
Note that only 2 of the 10 online MBA programs in Maryland in this ranking require the GMAT. Those schools include:
- Salisbury University
- Frostburg State University (although the school does offer a waiver option)
If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.
If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have — test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.
There are a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.
How long does it take to get an online MBA in Maryland?
Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because online MBAs can offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.
However, it is important to note that some schools offer accelerated online degree programs that would allow an MBA to be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
What are the courses in an online MBA program in Maryland like?
MBA courses, which are available online and on campus, cover topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Some may also have a thesis or professional experience component. Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility.
What can you do with an online MBA in Maryland?
MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.
Some of the top industries in Maryland include:
- Cybersecurity and IT
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Manufacturing
- Military, Federal, and Defense
- Tourism
Bottom Line: There are a number of online MBA degree programs in Maryland that could lead to career opportunities in one of the leading industries in Maryland.
Is an MBA online program respected in Maryland?
For an online MBA to be valued in the job market, it should be earned from an accredited institution. While regional accreditation is the most prestigious higher education accreditation in the United States, you would also benefit from earning an online MBA degree from schools with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The AACSB is the most notable business school accreditation.
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.
And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.