A wide variety of MBA Schools offer Masters in Business Administration programs on-campus. Do you excel in a social learning setting? Are you interested in meeting other business leaders? If so, selecting a business school with an MBA program has this and more to offer!
Masters in Business Administration programs are as varied as the MBA schools that offer them. Each business school has a unique set of courses, concentrations, and even, scheduling options. So how does one measure the value proposition of on-campus MBA programs? Aside from learning theory, enrolling in an MBA school may help students build some of the skills needed by chief executives. i
DID YOU KNOW? The first MBA program was established in 1908 at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.ii
MBA Schools offer the traditional route to the Masters degree in Business Administration. Residential colleges use in-person lectures and face-to-face discussions. Students submit assignments to their instructor directly. Full-time MBA students typically have a schedule of classes and cohort meetings. With a fixed schedule, students plan their time around class, projects and assignments.
One of the key reasons to enroll in business school for an MBA is peer interaction. This is where an online program may be limited. Being on campus offers students the chance to learn how to convey information to others. To discover an ability to negotiate or motivate others. Plus, students in MBA schools are often given team building exercises where they learn to collaborate.
One of the things MBA schools offer is the in-person ability to practice networking and find a mentor. Business schools have alumni networks, opportunities to participate in clubs and groups. On the business side, it can be a great forum for learning about people. Ultimately, a good manager knows how to work with their personnel. On the student experience side, meeting new people, making friends and attending social events may round out otherwise grueling academics.
Another appeal to MBA Schools is the potential for student-professor discussions. Live classrooms often breed debate. Students are likely to look at business challenges from other perspectives. Plus, students can participate in team-building exercises in real-time.
While it is true that online programs give the option to hit the pause button, reality is continuous. Attending an MBA program at business school may help you put theory into practice ando learn to think on your feet, use reasoning and make savvy decisions in real-time.
For full-time students, MBA school takes two academic years, or four terms. While credit requirements vary, a curriculum may consist of 18 credits of core courses and at least 42 credits of electives. However, business schools offer several formats other than this one. Some may appeal to students with a business degree or work experience. Others, to those with a Bachelors degree in a non-business field.
One-Year, On-Campus MBA: An accelerated MBA program for students who want to graduate sooner. This tends to be an immersive experience, as the courses are condensed into a shorter time frame.
Flexible, Part-Time, On-Campus MBA: Some business schools with MBA programs offer students the freedom to take from two to six years to complete their degree.
The criteria you use to evaluate Masters in business administration schools should reflect some key issues.
Masters in Business Administration schools may offer choices other than traditional full and part-time MBA programs.
MBA Campus Programs: Some students select an MBA school for its distinct concentration areas. Will it be entrepreneurship, international business or non-profit management? Find a school to match academic and career goals.
Master of Science in Business: An alternative to the MBA, this program focuses exclusively on business management topics.
Business Prep Programs may also be referred to as Pre-MBA, and offer academic preparation for the rigors of the MBA.
Business Administration Graduate Certificates: With fewer courses than a masters degree, students might earn a graduate certificate in Management to add onto credentials and leadership skills. Or you could potentially transfer credits when you're ready to pursue a full degree program.
Executive Business Administration: On Campus EMBA programs are like the MBA, however geared towards the experienced professional (executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders).
DBA and PhD Programs: Doctorate in Business Administration Programs are research-oriented. The DBA degree is equivalent to the PhD in Business however, it is a practitioner's degree.
One thing to factor into your search for business schools is whether they are accredited. Most MBA Schools are regionally accredited by one of six agencies. Each of these is recognized by the Department of Education so you know it has undergone review. When a school is accredited, the entire institution is checked for quality to ensure standards are met. These schools may also have another level of accreditation - their programs.
Programs are assessed by other agencies. This second tier is a stamp of approval for curriculum, ethics, current research and professional practice standards. Program accreditors are first recognized by the Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The following is a rundown of various MBA School accreditors.
AACSB Accreditation: Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, abbreviated AACSB international, grants national accreditation to graduate business administration and accounting degree programs. Since only a small percentage of business schools achieve AACSB accreditation, it might be considered the highest level of accreditation in management education.
ACBSP Accreditation: The Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, abbreviated ACBSP, accredits smaller private and public business schools that offer master’s and doctoral-level business degrees. The ACBSP is recognized by the CHEA.
IACBE Accreditation: The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, abbreviated IACBE, is a more recent accreditor of business programs. It was granted recognition by the CHEA in 1997.
EQUIS Accreditation: The EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) is a business school accreditor, specializing in the institution. EQUIS accredited institutions demonstrate a high degree of internationalization.
AMBA Accreditation: The Association of MBAs accredits MBA, DBA and Masters Degree programs directly, not the universities
Are you looking for a business school locally? Are you hoping to study in another state? Or, are you looking at business schools with MBA programs in other countries? Searching for MBA Schools in a specific location will help narrow your options. Use our on-page menu to find business schools by city, state, or country.
Aside from location, program choices, and accreditation, each business school has an unique look, feel, and quality of student life. Other details to consider are listed below.
Whether you are hoping to boost or build a career in business, why not start your search for MBA schools now? Browse sponsored programs to find EMBA schools or reach for a specific level of education such as a DBA degree. Find inspiring choices already? Use the ‘request info’ button and submit your contact info.
Sources: [i] onetonline.org/link/summary/11-1011.00 | [ii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Business_Administration
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