| Online MBA Programs, also known by the moniker | | | | Another thing to keep in mind is that 'virtual' |
| "distance learning" MBAs, are becoming more and | | | | programs tend to have somewhat lax admission |
| more ubiquitous. While the number of programs has | | | | requirements...some with the only requirement being a |
| exploded over the past few years that is not to say | | | | bachelors degree. Some of the more popular 'virtual' |
| that all the programs are of the same quality or that | | | | universities include the University of Phoenix, Devry's |
| all online MBA programs are interchangeable. Generally, | | | | Keller School of Management, Strayer University, |
| the online programs fit into one of two categories; | | | | Walden and Capella. There is no question that Online |
| those that are 'virtual' schools such as the University | | | | MBA Programs given by established brick and mortar |
| of Phoenix and Devry's Online MBA, and those that | | | | institutions are a different breed than those offered |
| are given by established 'bricks and mortar' | | | | by the 'virtual' schools. But to be honest, they are |
| institutions such as the University of Maryland and | | | | also catering to a different audience. In general, those |
| Duke University. | | | | offered by traditional institutions have higher |
| Online MBA Programs that are given by 'virtual' | | | | admission requirements, cost more and also have |
| schools are more plentiful than those given by | | | | more rigorous curriculums. |
| traditional schools. There is a wide range of prices | | | | The best online MBA program is widely considered to |
| and time frames and for the person that is looking to | | | | be Duke University's Global Executive MBA, but the |
| get an MBA 'on the cheap' this is certainly the way to | | | | program is not entirely online and requires 5 |
| go. Tuition for online programs in the 2004 to 2005 | | | | two-week in-class sessions including time at the |
| academic year ranged from $9,120 at the University | | | | campus in North Carolina as well as two weeks each |
| of Nebraska-Lincoln to $18,070 at the University of | | | | in Europe, South America and Asia. Compared to a |
| Colorado-Colorado Springs. In addition, many of the | | | | full two-years on campus for the regular program, |
| 'virtual' programs can be pretty lax in terms of | | | | this might be a good tradeoff to get a top-notch |
| deadlines for completing all materials and curricula for | | | | nationally recognized MBA. Other well known schools |
| the degree. This can be good for someone that plans | | | | that offer online programs but without in-class |
| to complete the program in parts or who works and | | | | requirements or at least very little include Syracuse |
| wants to take a long period of time or even breaks | | | | University, the University of Maryland, the University |
| between the different courses. Most, however do | | | | of Michigan at Flint and Univ of Mass at-Amherst. |
| have a 'maximum' time in order to complete materials. | | | | |