Best Online MBA Programs in Montana

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN MONTANA
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • An online MBA program in Montana can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
  • The University of Montana is the only institution in Montana with an online MBA program, but Montana students can pursue online MBAs from neighboring states.
  • The state of Montana is predicting a strong rate of job growth in the next decade, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.

Montana's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Montana
  2. Boise State University
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. University of Wyoming
  5. University of South Dakota
  1. University of Wyoming
  2. University of Montana
  3. University of South Dakota
  4. Boise State University
  5. Northwest Nazarene University
  1. University of South Dakota 99%
  2. University of Wyoming 96%
  3. University of Montana 95%
  4. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  5. Boise State University 84%
  1. Boise State University 20 to 1
  2. University of Montana 17 to 1
  3. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  4. University of Wyoming 13 to 1
  5. Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
  1. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  2. University of South Dakota $7,773
  3. Boise State University $5,532
  4. University of Montana $5,515
  5. University of Wyoming $3,840
  1. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
  2. Boise State University $7,236
  3. University of South Dakota $6,123
  4. University of Wyoming $5,598
  5. University of Montana $5,166
  1. University of South Dakota
  2. University of Wyoming
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. Boise State University
  5. University of Montana
  1. Northwest Nazarene University
  2. Boise State University
  3. University of South Dakota
  4. University of Montana
  5. University of Wyoming
  1. Boise State University 84%
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  3. University of Montana 95%
  4. University of Wyoming 96%
  5. University of South Dakota 99%
  1. University of Wyoming 13 to 1
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
  3. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  4. University of Montana 17 to 1
  5. Boise State University 20 to 1
  1. University of Wyoming $3,840
  2. University of Montana $5,515
  3. Boise State University $5,532
  4. University of South Dakota $7,773
  5. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  1. University of Montana $5,166
  2. University of Wyoming $5,598
  3. University of South Dakota $6,123
  4. Boise State University $7,236
  5. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093

In addition to offering various outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and road trips venturing through the National Park and crossing into Canada, Montana also offers a superb higher education system. Prospective students can pursue various majors in Montana’s colleges and universities through on-campus and online courses.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Montana

The higher education system in Montana and surrounding states are among the most affordable in the United States, with the average tuition fee of the public universities in our list falling just below $10,000. Our list also contains one private university that is also religiously affiliated.

While Northwest Nazarene University’s tuition is significantly higher than the other four schools in our ranking, it may be preferred by students who want to study in a tight-knit Christian learning environment.

Find college admissions consultants in your state, or look for the best business school MBA consultants.

Find out if MBA Admissions Consultants are worth it.

For a full list of the best colleges and universities in Montana, check out our ranking.


What are Montana’s Colleges & Universities?

Montana’s Best Overall

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

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

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Best Online MBA Programs in Montana

  1. #1

    University of Montana

    Missoula , MT
    #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Montana

    Cost of Degree: $9,580
    Expenses: $17,076
    Starting Salary: $73,104
    Salary after 4 years: $83,299
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Montana, a prominent public research university in Montana, is known for its world-class traditional and virtual learning opportunities. UMT is a top school for students who want to participate in research opportunities and study in technologically advanced facilities. The SACSCOC accredits the University of Montana.

    UMT’s College of Business is one of the state’s top producers of business professionals. It’s the only business school in Montana that offers the web-based Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The school’s online MBA degree program, which AACSB International accredits, is extremely flexible and perfect for busy working professionals.

    Students can choose to attend courses on campus, through live lectures via Zoom, or through recorded lectures. Students also have the option to flex these different course delivery options as their needs change.

    As one of the best online MBA programs in Montana, students can tailor their degree programs by pursuing electives or certificates in various fields, including entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and entertainment management. They can also pursue another major/degree in law, pharmacy, and physical therapy, thanks to UMT’s joint MBA programs.

    The program’s core courses explore a number of foundational business administration courses, including Financial Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing Management, Strategic Management, and Organizational Behavior. Online students can access personalized program support at the Gianchetta Student Success Center for advising, career development, and internships.

    The University of Montana requires a GMAT but will consider waiving this requirement for professionals with more than five years of management experience, business ownership, military experience, or a previously earned master’s degree.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Online MBA
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boise State University

    Boise , ID
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Boise State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,486
    Expenses: $23,559
    Starting Salary: $72,766
    Salary after 4 years: $82,914
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Boise State University in Idaho, accredited by the NWCCU, is one of the leaders in distance and online learning. Boise State started its distance learning programs in 1989, aiming to extend its high-quality education beyond geographical boundaries. The university is among the top universities that neighbors Montana.

    Boise State’s College of Business and Economics is known for its world-renowned and student-oriented faculty. The college offers several business education programs, from certificates to undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each program offered by the COBE provides courses designed to help students develop soft skills while gaining business and industry-specific competencies.

    The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Boise State is one of the best online MBA programs for Montana residents. The program’s courses are accessible 100% online, allowing non-residents to pursue their advanced degrees without leaving their state. Additionally, MBA students from Montana may qualify for the program’s scholarships and tuition discounts.

    The program’s courses, which are offered in convenient six, eight-week sessions, focus on developing a student’s skills for adaptive leadership. Required courses of the program include Corporate Finance, Managerial Accounting, Business Ethics, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and an Integrated Capstone. Students can tailor their online MBA degrees by choosing a concentration that will align with their career goals.

    Accredited by the AACSB, online students can be confident that employers will highly value their online MBA degree.

    Admission requirements for this online MBA include a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a 3.0 GPA and at least two years of management experience. Students who do not meet the required GPA, so long as it’s not below 2.75, can be considered for admission.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Construction Management
    • Healthcare Leadership
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Northwest Nazarene University

    Nampa , ID
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northwest Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $11,408
    Expenses: $17,216
    Starting Salary: $68,293
    Salary after 4 years: $77,548
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwest Nazarene University, an NCCU-accredited institution in Idaho, is a private university known for its emphasis on personalized learning. NNU features a flat-rate tuition policy, enabling out-of-state students to earn a degree while paying in-state tuition rates.

    The College of Business at NNU offers several online degree programs that follow the same on-campus learning materials and expectations. Tailored to foster industry-specific skills, these programs empower graduates to advance their careers while benefiting from the flexibility of online education. Classes are taught by experts with doctorates and years of professional experience in their specific fields.

    The Master of Business Administration (MBA) offered online at NNU is one of the most flexible online MBA programs for working professionals. Students in Montana can complete this online degree program without leaving the state. However, they can pursue some on-campus intensives and an international experience.

    Students enrolled can pursue courses via full- or part-time studies, giving them maximum control over their desired learning experience. Those who enroll full-time can graduate in 12 months, whereas part-time students have up to three years to complete coursework. Students seeking to save more on tuition often enroll in the full-time, accelerated format.

    Although this online MBA program offers no concentration, online students can tailor their degrees by choosing electives. Upon enrollment, they’ll receive guidance from an NNU advisor who will help them choose courses and create the best schedules for their current lifestyles.

    Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from any field with a 3.0 GPA in all academic coursework are welcome to apply. Supplemental materials include an online application, two letters of recommendation, a professional essay, and official transcripts. The ACBSP accredits this online MBA program.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 12-16 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Wyoming

    Laramie , WY
    #10 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Wyoming 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Wyoming 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wyoming

    Cost of Degree: $8,116
    Expenses: $18,930
    Starting Salary: $91,506
    Salary after 4 years: $104,268
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Higher Learning Commission-accredited University of Wyoming is among the best choices for students seeking to enroll in a college near Montana. UW is a sought-after school by out-of-state students, thanks to its affordable tuition regardless of residency status. This pledge guarantees accessibility and affordability for anyone.

    UW houses an AACSB-accredited business school that offers numerous online programs, including the Master of Business Administration. The UW MBA program’s flexible curriculum emphasizes applying practical business knowledge to real-world scenarios.

    This online degree is best for students who want to study in small cohorts and develop close relationships with teachers and fellow students, improving teamwork. The curriculum maximizes return on investment by guaranteeing graduates are instant contributors to organizations in an affordable and useful manner.

    Whether enrolled full-time or part-time, online students can participate in UW’s Jackson Leadership Summit. This activity provides MBA students the unique opportunity to engage and develop connections and networks with corporate leaders in the state. The program combines learning global business strategy with outdoor activities.

    The program’s core courses include Organizational Behavior and HRM, Strategic Management, Marketing Management, and Financial Management. With a concentration in Energy, this online MBA is best for those who want to develop competency for positions in Montana’s thriving energy sector.

    A bachelor’s degree that is earned from a regionally accredited university with a 3.0 GPA is required for admission. A GRE/GMAT score is also required. Additional requirements include professional resumes, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Online applicants with at least five years of full-time work experience are prioritized in the admission process.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of South Dakota

    Vermillion , SD
    #1 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of South Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $7,118
    Expenses: $15,207
    Starting Salary: $83,571
    Salary after 4 years: $95,226
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of South Dakota, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is one of the top providers of online degree programs designed for students seeking affordable tuition. USD is the only public liberal arts institution in USD, with acclaimed majors in health, law, and business. USD’s out-of-state tuition fee is cheaper than the national average, which makes it one of the best institutions for Montana’s degree-seeking students.

    USD’s online Master of Business Administration, accredited by the AACSB, offers Montana students an affordable and flexible education. The program’s curriculum focuses on equipping students with abilities that will allow them to develop strategic and well-rounded skills for effective decision-making. It gives students the tools to assess potential courses of action, comprehend how decisions are impacted by the business environment, and use moral concepts to resolve business challenges successfully.

    The program’s core courses include Quantitative Analysis, Leadership Development, Operations Management, Strategic Management, and Leadership Development. Upon completing core and foundation courses, online MBA students can pursue a concentration to align their studies with their current or potential future career. They’ll also choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track, both of which require 33 credit hours.

    Application requirements include a 2.75 or higher accredited bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, statement of purpose and resume, and letters of recommendation. Students without an undergraduate degree can pursue the accelerated BBA/MBA degree program.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Business Analytics
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Marketing
    • Operations & Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Montana (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,580
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,076
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $70,886
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $76,330
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 6.72%
  • Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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Why should I pursue an MBA in Montana?

Recent data highlights Montana’s robust Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $49.75 billion in 2022, indicating a thriving economy and job market. As a high-GDP state, Montana offers diverse opportunities across industries, attracting entrepreneurs and industry leaders for beneficial networking. Montana provides unparalleled access to relevant businesses as an industry hub, enhancing MBA graduates’ internship and job prospects.

Despite the lack of Fortune 500 companies, Montana has a thriving and diverse commercial environment. The state is home to a large number of privately held businesses in the energy, financial services, tourist and hospitality, and health sectors. There is a considerable need for the expertise MBA graduates can provide to the 126,219 small businesses in the state. Small companies, frequently the backbone of a community’s economy, must succeed via strategic leadership, sound financial management, and effective operations. MBA graduates can significantly contribute to these businesses.

The innovative cultures introduce students to cutting-edge business techniques, and the diverse business environment enriches the educational process. High-GDP states frequently host top-tier universities, ensuring an excellent MBA education.

With their comprehensive business education, MBA graduates in Montana are well-equipped to excel in managerial roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana’s management professionals earn an average of $99,730 per year. Although this figure falls slightly below the national median salary, the state’s cost of living compensates for it, ensuring that the real purchasing power and quality of life for MBA graduates remain competitive. The highest-paid management positions in Montana include:

Marketing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $134,630

Industrial Production Managers

Median Annual Salary: $132,710

Purchasing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $128,010

Sales Managers

Median Annual Salary: $126,270

Financial Managers

Median Annual Salary: $126,210

If you want to earn more than the mentioned median salaries, consider pursuing specialized roles or gaining additional certifications in high-demand areas. Montana’s thriving economy and diverse industries provide opportunities for MBA graduates to carve out successful careers.

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Top Employers in Montana

Billings Clinic

Billing Clinics, located in Billings, Montana, is a prominent medical facility providing various services in over 50 specialty care areas. To support the clinic’s effective operation and strategic expansion, the organization is looking for MBAs with experience in healthcare management, strategic planning, and finance.

St. Patrick Hospital

St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana, dedicated to providing top-notch medical services, constantly seeks MBA grads with expertise in organizational leadership, healthcare policy, and patient care management.

NorthWestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy is a major participant in the energy industry. The company offers services for natural gas and electricity. It is looking for MBAs focusing on strategic planning, business analytics, and energy management to help the energy utility operate more profitably and sustainably.

University of Montana

The University of Montana seeks MBA candidates strongly interested in academics, instructional leadership, and strategic planning. To support the expansion and success of the university, positions may involve responsibilities in program management, finance, or administration.

Weyerhaeuser

MBA grads with knowledge and expertise in operations, supply chain management, and environmentally friendly business methods often pursue careers in Weyerhaeuser. This company plays a big role in Montana’s forestry and wood products sectors.

What are the best things about living in Montana?

There are many perks to earning a graduate degree in Montana. If you enjoy wide open spaces, Montana may be the perfect state for your online MBA program. While Montana is the fourth largest state by land area, it is only the 48th by population density.

Even better, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, there are expected to be just over 67,800 job openings each year, with the highest annual openings in healthcare, hospitality, and professional and technical services. This is positive news for an MBA graduate in the state over the next decade.

The median annual wage in Montana is $52,220, but for management positions in the state, the median wage is $99,730 per year. Earning an online MBA in the state of Montana is definitely worth it for the return on your investment.

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Montana

What are online MBA concentrations?

Business students can usually select a specific MBA concentration, sometimes referred to as a major, specialization, or pathway, when they enroll in online MBA programs. Although choosing a concentration is not mandatory for most programs, most MBA students choose one if available. MBA concentrations offer in-depth knowledge and competence in a certain business subject, allowing students to develop more abilities and become more marketable in that field.

Although not every college and university offers MBA concentrations, when available, the most popular concentrations include:

  • Technology and Information Systems
  • Product Management
  • Project Management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Healthcare Administration/Management
  • Operations management

Do online MBA programs in Montana 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.

Of the five online MBA programs in Montana and the surrounding states, only Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University do not require the GMAT.

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.

What are the admission requirements for an online MBA in Montana?

Admission criteria vary among colleges and universities. As previously discussed, many colleges mandate GRE/GMAT scores and a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA.

In contrast, more inclusive business schools accept a 2.50 GPA and may waive GRE/GMAT submissions. Moreover, the required admission materials will differ on other factors, such as the institution’s educational philosophy and specialization.

Some online MBA programs require applicants to have academic and professional experience of at least three years in business. On the other hand, there are online MBAs that accept students with various backgrounds and evaluate them based on their potential and career goals.

Nevertheless, some requirements for online MBAs remain the same regardless of the institution’s reputation. This includes

  • An accredited undergraduate degree
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal essays
  • Resume/CV
  • Official transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency (for International Students)
  • Interview

How long does it take to get an online MBA in Montana?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between one and three years to complete.

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

Many online MBA programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means 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.

Are online MBAs valued in the workplace?

The increasing popularity of online education has transformed the perception of online MBAs in the job market. These programs are no longer subject to discrimination today, as employers recognize the flexibility and quality that well-established online MBA programs offer. However, to stand out and gain respect in the application process, you must ensure that the online MBA program is appropriately accredited.

Online MBAs with accreditation ensure that the program’s content satisfies rigorous academic criteria of the current business landscape. Candidates with degrees from recognized universities are frequently given preference by employers, as this indicates that they have completed a demanding and thorough education.

Regional Accreditation is the most prestigious accreditation that colleges and universities receive in the American higher education system. However, obtaining a degree with a specialized business education accreditation will further demonstrate your capability to compete in the workplace.

The Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the most reputable business education accreditation. Other respected business school accrediting bodies are International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Why is accreditation important?

Beyond the assurance of curriculum quality, opting for an online MBA from an accredited institution offers additional advantages that are crucial for success in the realm of virtual education. Accredited online MBAs provide students with various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing an advanced degree. These MBAs also offer more opportunities dedicated to students’ success, such as networking and career services.

What can you do with an online MBA in Montana?

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.

Find out what else you can do with an master’s in business administration.

Bottom Line: The versatility of earning an online MBA in Montana is one of the strongest reasons to pursue this degree. As previously mentioned, the industries with the highest expected job growth rates in the state will be healthcare, hospitality, and professional and technical services.

An MBA graduate will be able to apply their skills in any of these growing industries, positioning themselves for leadership opportunities and a higher than average salary.

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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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