Online Business Schools

Perhaps you want to get your MBA so that you can be more competitive, but you think you can’t find the time, or you don’t want to be out of work for that long to go back to school full-time. If so, consider getting an MBA degree through an online program.

Even if you think it’s impossible to get an MBA ranking through the use of online MBA schools, now is the time to change your thought process. In fact, in today’s world you will find that many people believe it’s better than the traditional MBA methods. Why? Well, a lot of it has to do with individuals being able to enhance their careers and work full-time while still getting schooling.

And because many of the students are from other countries (and remain there during study), the value of the cross-cultural exposure in this type of MBA program can’t be denied, with the increased emphasis on today’s global economy. Let’s take a look at three of them, based upon their MBA ranking and reputation, networking opportunities, structure, expense, and the skills you’ll gain.

Instituto de Empresa (IE) – The Instituto de Empresa (IE) is located in Madrid, Spain, and gets top marks for its global MBA program. The program itself takes 18 months, and is available for both Spanish and English speakers. You can connect to the program from anywhere in the world. The program consists of videoconferencing and virtual lectures, and students must also participate in so-called “blended sessions” from different cities.

Because the program itself welcomes students from 48 countries, it provides a level of diversity that’s unique; special strengths of the program include its focus on banking, financial markets, technology and marketing. Students who complete the program gain skills in finance, operations, marketing, strategy, intercultural skills and information systems. Total tuition costs are about $43,000.

Thunderbird School of Global Management – Those who have experienced schooling from the Thunderbird School of Global Management have reported several successes along the way. They offer both on-site and online MBA programs mostly due to their Arizona, USA location. Thunderbird has been touted by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times as the #1 ranked school with international business world or international programs available today.

Both the virtual and traditional classroom are used in this program, with on-site seminars located in Europe, China, and the United States, and virtual classrooms available anywhere. Students of the program come from 16 different countries and have a wide range of experience and professional backgrounds, including experience with the US Department of Defense, Coca-Cola, and Boeing.

The program has a strong emphasis on everything “global,” including operations, marketing, leadership, negotiations, strategy, and finance, as well as political economy. Cross-cultural communication skills are enhanced, because of the wide-ranging and diverse backgrounds and experiences in the student population. Cost for attendance is $57,000, which includes costs necessary to go on-site for study trips, excluding airfare.

Duke University – If you’re looking for more of a notorious university, then the first option has to be Duke located in North Carolina, USA. They have a top MBA ranking and programs that last for only 20 months. Keep in mind there is a nine 1 week blending periods that utilizes on-site residential sessions. These can be found in Asia, Europe, and the North Carolina area as well.

The student body is made up from students of 23 countries with between three to nine years of experience and current full-time employment in a number of industries. Skills learned include global economics, financial management, marketing and strategy, as well as finance, decision models, accounting, and cross-cultural communications. Tuition is a bit steeper than some other programs, at $93,408, but still a good value overall.

Looking for business schools with a great MBA ranking, then visit www.MBA-Ranking.net to see how the rankings are calculated and the most recent MBA ranking news.