Is an Online MBA Worth It?
The employment landscape for business and finance professionals continues to show strong potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial operations occupations employed over 10.35 million workers in 2024, with a median annual wage of $93,680, well above the median for all occupations.
These roles are also projected to grow faster than average, reflecting continued demand for individuals with advanced business and leadership skills.
A good way for professionals to enhance their business expertise and prepare to progress in their career is to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. With the availability of online MBA programs, individuals now have a great deal of flexibility in how they earn their MBA.
Individuals who have been considering enrolling in an online MBA program may be wondering, is an online MBA worth it? Exploring the answer to that question can highlight the specific advantages of earning an MBA online and the potential value of getting a degree through a virtual format.
Why Pursue an MBA Online?
Earning a graduate degree online enables students to take advantage of the flexibility that online learning provides. For example, an online MBA program gives students:
- A greater ability to balance their personal, work, and educational commitments
- The opportunity to learn and progress through a degree program at their own pace
- The chance to learn in any location that suits them
The mechanics of an online MBA program also offer unique opportunities for students to do things such as:
- Record classes or lectures and watch them later
- Access online study materials
- Communicate virtually (for example, through an online discussion board) with faculty and other students
The value of an online MBA program is particularly significant for midcareer professionals. While continuing to work in their current position, midcareer professionals can enroll in an online MBA program for the following reasons:
- To acquire new skills and expertise to qualify for career advancement
- To learn about new industries (for example, artificial intelligence) and explore potential jobs in those areas
- To enhance their skills in critical areas such as leadership, negotiation, and critical thinking
- To expand their professional network
Some midcareer professionals may be at a point in their career where they want to launch their own business. Completing an online MBA program can help aspiring entrepreneurs realize the benefits of earning a graduate degree for starting a business.
Differences Between Online and In-Person MBA Programs
Either online or in-person an MBA program can be a valuable investment, as they both provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in areas such as management, accounting, marketing, and business strategy. When deciding whether an online MBA is worth it, it can be helpful to consider how certain aspects of online MBA programs compare with those of more traditional, in-person MBA programs. For example:
- Online MBA programs offer asynchronous learning that gives students the opportunity to learn on their own schedule. In contrast, traditional, in-person MBA programs have more established schedules that do not enable students to take courses and learn at their own pace.
- With their self-paced format, online MBA programs offer students the opportunity to strengthen their soft skills, such as their time management and self-discipline skills. They also enable students to develop their ability to learn independently.
- Compared to in-person MBA programs, online MBA programs are designed for nontraditional students who have work and family obligations that they need to honor while they pursue their graduate education.
5 Benefits of Earning an Online MBA
Investing the time to earn an MBA online can position people to take advantage of the benefits, five of which are outlined below.
1. Increased Earning Potential
Earning an advanced business degree can lead to a higher salary. The median starting salary for individuals who held an MBA was $120,000 in 2024, while for those who held a bachelor’s degree it was $69,320, according to the nonprofit Graduate Management Admission Council. Individual salaries can vary based on factors such as the person’s geographic location, employer, and prior experience.
2. Expanded Job Prospects and Career Advancement
Gaining the expertise that an MBA program provides expands professional qualifications and can make graduates eligible for more employment opportunities. In some cases, employers may even require individuals to have an MBA before they can be considered for promotions to specific positions. Having an MBA on their resume also demonstrates an individual’s commitment to learning and building their business skills.
3. Chance to Build Knowledge in Key Aspects of Contemporary Business
The courses that online MBA programs offer enable students to enhance their knowledge in key areas that are especially relevant in today’s business landscape. For instance, the Notre Dame de Namur (NDNU) online MBA program offers courses in subjects such as:
- Global operations management
- Technology, design, and innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Applied performance management
- Agile methodologies and product
- Sustainability
- Supply chain management
- Digital marketing
- System architecture and cloud computing
4. Opportunity to Strengthen Skills That Are Vital in Business
One of the valuable features of an online MBA program is the opportunity it provides to develop and enhance specific skills. The online MBA that NDNU offers, prepares students to do the following:
- Use leadership and management techniques in ways that can add value to an organization
- Apply critical thinking and analytical methods to address specific challenges in business
- Communicate clearly and in an engaging manner, both orally and in writing
- Use business best practices and sources of business research to develop solutions to business problems
- Employ both qualitative and quantitative reasoning and analysis in business operations
5. Qualification to Pursue a New Career
Earning an online MBA can prepare individuals to pursue a new career. For example, someone with experience on the clinical side of healthcare may complete an online MBA to transition into healthcare management. Similarly, a professional working in public accounting might earn an online MBA to prepare for launching their own accounting firm.
Earn an Online MBA and Acquire Advanced Business Expertise
Completing an online MBA program allows professionals to strengthen their business knowledge and skills while preparing for career advancement. Often, an online MBA is worth it for individuals seeking a convenient way to pursue a graduate business education while continuing to meet their personal and professional obligations.
People who have an interest in expanding their business expertise can explore the Notre Dame de Namur University online MBA program to learn how it can help them achieve their career goals. Featuring courses taught by Silicon Valley and Bay Area professionals, the program helps students build skills in key areas such as innovation, management, and leadership.
Take the first step toward earning an advanced business degree at NDNU today by getting in touch with our Admissions team.
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Sources:
Globis Insights, “The MBA Is Back in Business for 2025”
Graduate Management Admission Council, “2024 Report, Corporate Recruiters Survey”
Indeed, “Why Get an MBA Degree? 11 Career Benefits to Know About”
McKinsey & Co., “What Do Higher Education Students Want From Online Learning?”
SoFi, “Does an MBA Degree Increase Your Salary?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Projections — 2023-2033”