Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi

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Key Takeaways

  • An online MBA program in Mississippi can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
  • There are a number of public universities in Mississippi that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
  • A number of the online MBA degree programs in Mississippi can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

Mississippi's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. Delta State University
  5. William Carey University
  6. Jackson State University
  7. Mississippi College
  8. Mississippi University for Women
  9. Belhaven University
  10. Mississippi Valley State University
  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. Jackson State University
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
  5. Mississippi College
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Delta State University
  8. William Carey University
  9. Belhaven University
  10. Mississippi Valley State University
  1. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  2. Delta State University 99%
  3. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  4. University of Mississippi 97%
  5. Blue Mountain College 96%
  6. Jackson State University 89%
  7. Mississippi State University 75%
  8. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  9. William Carey University 54%
  10. Belhaven University 43%
  1. Mississippi State University 16 to 1
  2. University of Mississippi 16 to 1
  3. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  4. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  5. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  6. William Carey University 13 to 1
  7. Mississippi College 13 to 1
  8. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  9. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  10. Delta State University 10 to 1
  1. Belhaven University $28,375
  2. Mississippi College $21,098
  3. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  4. William Carey University $14,685
  5. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  6. Mississippi State University $9,248
  7. University of Mississippi $9,072
  8. Delta State University $8,605
  9. Jackson State University $8,270
  10. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  1. Mississippi College $12,510
  2. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  3. William Carey University $12,312
  4. Belhaven University $10,710
  5. Mississippi State University $9,398
  6. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  7. University of Mississippi $9,072
  8. Delta State University $8,435
  9. Jackson State University $8,270
  10. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Belhaven University
  4. Mississippi University for Women
  5. Mississippi College
  6. Jackson State University
  7. William Carey University
  8. Delta State University
  9. University of Southern Mississippi
  10. Mississippi State University
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Belhaven University
  4. William Carey University
  5. Delta State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Mississippi College
  8. University of Southern Mississippi
  9. Jackson State University
  10. Mississippi State University
  1. Mississippi College 40%
  2. Belhaven University 43%
  3. William Carey University 54%
  4. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  5. Mississippi State University 75%
  6. Jackson State University 89%
  7. Blue Mountain College 96%
  8. University of Mississippi 97%
  9. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  10. Delta State University 99%
  1. Belhaven University 9 to 1
  2. Delta State University 10 to 1
  3. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  4. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  5. William Carey University 13 to 1
  6. Mississippi College 13 to 1
  7. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  8. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  9. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  10. Mississippi State University 16 to 1
  1. Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
  2. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  3. Jackson State University $8,270
  4. Delta State University $8,605
  5. University of Mississippi $9,072
  6. Mississippi State University $9,248
  7. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  8. William Carey University $14,685
  9. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  10. Mississippi College $21,098
  1. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  2. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  3. Jackson State University $8,270
  4. Delta State University $8,435
  5. University of Mississippi $9,072
  6. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  7. Mississippi State University $9,398
  8. Belhaven University $10,710
  9. William Carey University $12,312
  10. Blue Mountain College $12,386

While a bachelor’s degree may be enough to jumpstart a career in the business sector, an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) lets you break into leadership roles in the corporate world. Business graduates with a master’s degree typically earn higher salaries than those without MBAs.

According to a study of corporate recruiters, the median starting wage for MBA graduates in US companies is $115,000. That’s $50,000 more than job hopefuls with a bachelor’s degree and $40,000 more than predictions for direct-from-industry employees.

Mississippi is one of the best places to earn and use an online MBA. Having an online MBA in the state can open up various experiences and opportunities that are influenced by the state’s economic climate and more general trends in business and management. The sky (or space) is the limit in Mississippi with a range of established companies like Lockheed Martin, Milwaukee Tool, and Huntington Ingalls.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Mississippi

The majority of the colleges and universities in Mississippi are public schools, with the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, being the largest. This university, located in Oxford, boasts alumni like William Faulkner, John Grisham, and James Meredith. Tuition at Ole Miss runs about $9,000, just below the national average.

The eight private colleges, all of which have religious affiliations, range in tuition costs from $10,000 at Rust College to $40,000 at Millsaps College.

In total, students who plan on earning their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Mississippi have 31 colleges and universities to choose from.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students who attend schools in Mississippi have the option to pursue degrees in fields like nursing, business, dentistry, Christian ministry, education, and literature. Additionally, all of these private schools are considered small schools, serving under 5,000 students. Mississippi also offers up to $12,000 of undergraduate loan forgiveness, over the course of four years, for teachers who work in designated shortage areas or who teach in critical shortage subjects, like special education or mathematics.


What are Mississippi’s Colleges & Universities?

Mississippi’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

Career Outlook for Graduates of Online MBA Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi has over 59,950 management positions, with an average annual salary of $89,250. The highest-paid management positions in the state include Chief Executives, Sales Managers, Financial Managers, Industrial Production Managers, and Purchasing Managers—most of which require a graduate-level degree, such as the MBA. The number of jobs for top executives is projected to rise by 6% over the next decade, which is as fast as the national average.

The Jackson area and the Northeastern Mississippi Metropolitan Region are the best locations in Mississippi for management jobs. The biggest proportion of workers in managerial positions and the highest annual mean wages in the state are found in these regions.

young business professional meeting with their team
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Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $95,558
    Salary after 4 years: $108,885
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Mississippi, popularly known as Ole Miss, is the largest university in the state. It offers several programs, from certificate to post-graduate degrees, some available online.

    The University of Mississippi offers an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited online Master of Business Administration with the same curriculum as the on-campus program. The coursework focuses on developing student’s interpersonal, strategic, entrepreneurial, communication, and leadership skills.

    The online MBA has no specializations available. The program’s curriculum allows students to gain a wide range of business and management knowledge. With its rigorous academic coursework, the online Master of Business Administration program at the University of Mississippi has been ranked among the best in the United States.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mississippi State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,815
    Expenses: $19,639
    Starting Salary: $80,026
    Salary after 4 years: $91,186
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi State University has a fully online MBA program, which is considered one of the best online MBA programs in the state. This AACSB-accredited program is ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report.

    The 30-hour online program at Mississippi State University is very affordable and flexible for MBA students trying to balance school and work.

    The online courses at Mississippi State University emphasize accounting, management, marketing, and finance.

  3. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,618
    Expenses: $17,484
    Starting Salary: $72,091
    Salary after 4 years: $82,145
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Southern Mississippi offers a fully online MBA program that is accredited by the AACSB. Students seeking to enroll in a part-time online MBA program with no log-on times required can consider this option.

    This MBA program accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in other fields. Online MBA students will be introduced to new concepts in organizational leadership, marketing management, and analytical decision-making regardless of their educational and professional backgrounds.

    Students who are interested in a specialty concentration can receive guidance from an academic advisor in selecting the right elective courses.

    Southern Miss offers a flat-rate tuition fee. Non-resident students can pay in-state tuition fees. There are also several financial aid opportunities available for online graduate students.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1-3 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Delta State University

    Cleveland , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/20

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Delta State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,605
    Expenses: $13,927
    Starting Salary: $63,480
    Salary after 4 years: $72,333
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Delta State University, through its College of Business and Aviation, offers a hybrid Master of Business Administration (iMBA) program that requires students to complete online and in-person classes. The online part of the program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace by enrolling in asynchronous courses online. With ACBSP accreditation, graduates will gain all essential knowledge to compete for management roles.

    This online MBA program offers concentrations to help students align their education with their professional goals. Students can choose from one of the following concentrations:

    • Human Resource
    • Health Care Administration
    • Information Systems Management

    Students who do not want to concentrate and instead focus on a wide range of business topics can pursue the General Business Emphasis.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $12,672
    Expenses: $16,383
    Starting Salary: $59,738
    Salary after 4 years: $67,834
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    William Carey University is among the best options for students seeking to study and complete coursework with an emphasis on spiritual growth and values in addition to academic excellence. WMCarey’s online Master of Business Administration is designed to cater to working professionals who want to advance to managerial and leadership degrees in their companies.

    Students gain a thorough understanding of business ideas, effective leadership techniques, and strategic thinking through the online MBA program. Moreover, they will engage in specialized business education covering economics, leadership and business ethics, entrepreneurship, and more.

    Students wanting to earn the degree faster can enroll full-time, in summer semester, or by taking accelerated courses.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. young business professional standing in an office
  7. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/18

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Jackson State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,795
    Expenses: $23,898
    Starting Salary: $56,896
    Salary after 4 years: $64,831
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Jackson State University has an online Master of Business Administration program that aims to train students in business research techniques, to develop them in all functional areas of business and economics from an applications perspective, and to prepare them for professional management roles. Designed for working adults, this online MBA program can be completed part-time in an asynchronous learning format.

    Online students at Jackson State University have access to student services available to on-campus students, such as counseling, advising, libraries, and other educational resources.

    The MBA online curriculum at Jackson State University explores graduate business courses in management, economics, finance, marketing, accounting, and business statistics. There will be a set of prerequisite modules addressing the fundamentals of business knowledge that students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than business must complete.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #7

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $13,596
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $66,228
    Salary after 4 years: $75,203
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi College is the oldest college in Mississippi, the second-oldest Baptist college in the US, and the most prominent private university in the state. MC’s online Master of Business Administration program allows students to explore business and management courses while gaining ethical and moral concerns, thanks to its Christian learning environment. The curriculum, similar to the on-campus program, provides students with a global business viewpoint.

    In addition to understanding comprehensive areas of business administration—such as finance, organizational behavior, economics, accounting, marketing, and statistics—students can choose a concentration.

    • Finance
    • Accounting
    • Management Information Systems

    Students in the online MBA program can also pursue a general emphasis to gain competency in general management and learn about the key functional areas of business. Moreover, MC offers a dual degree option, the JD/MBA.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $8,092
    Expenses: $14,787
    Starting Salary: $65,675
    Salary after 4 years: $74,834
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi University for Women is among the first women’s colleges in the US. While the university started admitting men in 1982, MUW continues to promote unique educational options for women today.

    Among its female-dominated degrees is the ACBSP-accredited Master of Business Administration (WMBA), which can be completed in a fully online learning format. One of the best features of this program is the flat-rate tuition fee, which allows out-of-state students to save on paying non-resident fees.

    Students can tailor their schedules and decide how they want to complete the degree by choosing between a Full-Time and Part-Time Track. The online MBA program accepts students with a bachelor’s in another field. However, they must complete a series of prerequisite courses on fundamental business ideas before being fully admitted to the program.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #9

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/21

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Belhaven University

    Cost of Degree: $11,430
    Expenses: $11,050
    Starting Salary: $63,278
    Salary after 4 years: $71,853
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Belhaven University’s IACBE-accredited Master of Business Administration allows students to complete coursework entirely online or in a hybrid learning method. Students who want to complete the degree faster and expedite their process for executive-level roles can pursue the accelerated option.

    Quantitative decision-making, senior leadership principles, and ethical issues in business are a few examples of courses. The program incorporates strategic management practices using a Christian viewpoint, the latest research findings, sophisticated computer tools, and interpersonal skills. This online MBA program is among the best options for students who are looking for a long list of choices in concentration courses.

    Concentrations include:

    • Finance
    • Health Administration
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Administration
    • Business Intelligence and Analytics
    • CPA Review

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Health Administration
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. business professionals in an office
  12. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mississippi Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,285
    Expenses: $13,242
    Starting Salary: $45,922
    Salary after 4 years: $52,326
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Master of Business Administration online degree at Mississippi Valley State University is one of the best online MBA programs in the state. Students can complete the coursework 100% online.

    This MBA program includes topics in strategic management, information technology (IT), economics, operations management, marketing, finance, and more. The program allows the student to develop the managerial abilities and skills necessary to lead and manage a business or an entrepreneurial endeavor from a system’s perspective.

    The currently available concentration of the MBA program is the Management Concentration. Interested applicants can submit their applications in 2024.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #11

    Blue Mountain College

    Blue Mountain , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Blue Mountain College

    Cost of Degree: $12,466
    Expenses: $13,978
    Starting Salary: $43,071
    Salary after 4 years: $48,907
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Blue Mountain College, a popular private Christian liberal arts college in Mississippi, offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA). It provides students with a bachelor’s in business degree an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree for career advancements. This MBA program is among the most affordable online MBA programs.

    The college is ranked as the third-best value graduate school and the 14th-best regional college in the South by prestigious magazines like U.S. News & World Report. Advanced business themes like supply chain management, strategic management, the legal environment of a company, and the global business environment are covered in the courses.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Mississippi (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,408
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,214
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $66,816
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 6.72%
  • Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Want to explore some of the other online MBA programs in states near you? Some of the best online MBA degrees are in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. An online education can make it easy for students in a neighboring state to complete a degree.

Mississippi is just one of many states offering excellent online MBA programs. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs in Mississippi

Master in Business Administration degrees are the most popular advanced degree in American higher education. This versatile degree offers a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge.

An online MBA program is an excellent option for anyone seeking to advance their business fundamentals skills while still having the chance to study a selected concentration. An MBA in marketing is different than a MS in marketing because the MBA degree doesn’t assume previous business education, whereas the MS program likely would.

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Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

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.

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. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, 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 is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

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Typically, an MBA program completed online takes about 2 years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because an MBA program offers 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.

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MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. MBA students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means the MBA students watch lectures and read when they can, and likely join web forums for class discussions.

While online MBA courses can be “self-paced,” there usually are still mid-term and end of term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

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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, MBA programs in Mississippi can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

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With a population of 2.95 million people, Mississippi is not as populated as some other states. Nevertheless, the state provides plenty of networking opportunities. Grad schools in Mississippi hold annual events that gather professionals, business owners, future employers, and students from on-campus and online programs.

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Like other states, Mississippi MBA programs offer several concentrations, from finance and management to logistics and information technology. However, Mississippi’s most popular MBA programs specializations include manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, agribusiness, and energy because these are the biggest industries in the state.

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Requirements for admission for an MBA online in Mississippi can vary. But the most common admission requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Transcripts
  • Work Experience
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Standardized Test Scores (GRE or GMAT scores)
  • English Language Proficiency (for international students)
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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.

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