During these past years, PG programs have made a rapid growth in terms of education. One of the most pursued career options after UG is an MBA. During the last few years, the MBA has gained immense popularity among working professionals. Most of the candidates pursuing an MBA are working professionals, so they prefer Online or MBA in Distance education. While they are similar, there is a huge difference between Online and distance MBAs.
Understanding Online MBA
Online MBA programs are designed to give education via the Internet with online live classes. In an online MBA program, the whole course syllabus and curriculum are dependent on the Internet. It provides flexibility to the students so that they get their own pace and schedule to study at their home. The accessibility of LMS and recorded lectures helps the students for ease of understanding and grabbing the syllabus more easily. Moreover, candidates did not have to go to the centers to take exams as the exams scheduled are also held online on a proctor basis. Some of the key features of an online MBA are:
- Interactive Learning- Online MBA includes live lectures, different learning materials, recorded sessions, and doubt sessions with interactive multimedia content. It helps to make the learning more understanding and engaging as compared to traditional/ offline classes only.
- Access to Resources- Students have access to different learning materials on their college portals including E-library, virtual labs, forums, online assessments, online events, webinars, etc.
- Placement Assistance- Most online colleges provide 100% placement assistance to candidates who are eligible for a good job role. Therefore, it depends on students how they acquire their job seats showing their skills and understanding.
- Networking Opportunities- Most online universities and institutions provide networking to their enrolled students through different virtual events, group projects, online webinars, and online communities, allowing students to connect with peers and industry professionals at a global level easily.
Understanding Distance MBA
Distance learning programs, which are also known as correspondent learning programs are designed in a way that the candidates have to study on their own. Basically, in a distance MBA program, candidates will learn and study on their own with the study materials provided by their college and will have to go and appear for exams as provided – by their respective colleges. Some of the key features of Distance MBA are:
- Self-Learning- The students have to understand and learn the syllabus on their own with the provided learning materials through their college. They do not provide any faculty or expertise to the students which is a major drawback in Distance education.
- Limited Interaction- There are no such interactions with the professors and faculties unless and until you go and visit your college. Communications occur through mail and off-campus sessions. This makes it very hectic for the students to interact with faculties and support cells.
- Placement and Network Opportunities- The college of these distance learning modes does not provide any placement or networking opportunities to the students. They have to find jobs on their own which makes it very difficult for the students to survive in the job markets.
Comparing Online and Distance MBA Programmes
When comparing an Online and Distance MBA, several factors need to be considered:
- Flexibility- Both online and distance MBA provides flexibility. But, when it comes to learning patterns and study materials, the online MBA program provides more live classes, recorded lectures, study materials, and interactive multimedia content. Moreover, an online MBA program is far more flexible in terms of examinations as students appear for online proctor-based exams. Whereas, in distance education students go to off-campus centers to appear for their examinations.
- Interactions and Networking- Online MBAs have more advantages in terms of interactions and networking as compared to distance MBAs. The use of new media and modern technologies helps Online MBA programs to give more opportunities.
- Access to Resources- Online MBAs have more access to learning resources for their course. Whereas, Distance MBAs have limited learning and study materials.
- Accreditation and Recognition- Both online and distance MBAs can have recognized and affiliated approvals. It is crucial to choose a program that is recognized and accredited by reputed institutions.
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Conclusion
The answer depends on your individual preferences and career goals. Ultimately, the choice between an online MBA and a distance MBA should be dependent on your learning style and choices. Before choosing any mode of learning, a candidate must keep in mind the important factors that we have discussed above for admission to an online MBA program.
