5 Excellent Online MBA Programs

Finding an online degree program can be difficult. Formats and time requirements vary dramatically, as does quality and value.

Here are 5 programs that are rigorous, well-thought of, and a great value:

UNC-Chapel Hill Kenen-Flagler Business School

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Program: MBA@UNC

Description: This program can be completed in two to three years. It features a combination of asynchronous self-directed work and synchronous online courses with face-to-face interaction between students and professors. Students are required to complete several global immersions, or leadership cultivation courses that occur at major business center around the world. While students must complete at least two global immersions, they can participate in as many as they’d like (with up to four being covered by tuition). Global immersion occur across the world, including cities like Sao Paolo, Johannesburg, and Singapore.

Program Cost: $89,000 including books and all expenses for up to four immersions sessions around the globe.

The University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business

Location: Gainesville, FL

Program: Internet MBA

Description: The Internet MBA program is the most competitive program at Hough, offering has two tracks: the standard two year MBA and an accelerated 16 month program for students with a Bachelors in Business. Two years of professional experience and the GMAT are required for both programs. A one week campus visit is also required for each four month term.

Program Cost: $41,750 for standard program and $41,400 for the accelerated. (Includes an iPad, but does not include books, room and board, or travel expenses.)

Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Location: Bloomington, IN

Program: Kelley Direct Online MBA

Description: The program can be completed in as little as two or as many as five years. It focuses on general administration and allows for nine electives. All classes are conducted asynchronously so students are not required to be online at a particular time and some campus visits are required. The program also offers to supplement your MBA with an additional MS degree in Business Analytics, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or Strategic Management.

Program Cost: $54,111 not including books and travel costs.

Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business

Location: Babson Park, MA

Program: The Babson Blended Learning Program

Description: This two year program focuses primarily on entrepreneurship. Online learning averages at about 20 hours a week and the program also requires weekend face-to-face meetings every seven weeks at Babson or at satellite campuses in San Francisco and Wellesley. A capstone project, either work-related or endorsed by your workplace, is also required.

Program Cost: $73,500 not including books or travel costs.

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Location: Glendale, AZ

Program: Distance Learning MBA

Description: Available in either 19, 28, or 36 month formats, three-quarters of the program is conducted through online asynchronous learning with the final quarter is composed of regional business seminars held throughout the world. Program concentrations are available in International Studies, World Business or Cross Cultural/English Business Communication.

Program Cost: $66,800 including books as well as food and lodging for orientation, regional seminars and graduation. Travel expenses are not included.

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