what is the most (universally) acclaimed distance learning course for MBA?

Question

And more importantly, is it worth the time, effort & cost?

Answer 1

I've read positive reviews on distance MBA programs of the following accredited well-established schools:
1. Open University, London, U.K.
2. Henley College, U.K.
3. Capella University, U.S.
4. University of Phoenix, U.S.

Top regular MBA schools may also offer distance learning options:
1. London Business School, U.K.
2. London School of Economics, U.K.
3. Wharton Business School of the Univ. of Pennsylvania, U.S.
4. Harvard Business School, U.S.
5. Stanford Business School, U.S.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.
7. Kellog Business School of Northwestern Univ., U.S.
8. Instituto de Empresa, Spain
9. National University of Singapore
10. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Is it worth your time, effort and cost?

It depends on your career goals, job requirements, available resources, and level of educational commitment. Financial rewards would be hard to quantify. An MBA will get you educational and professional advancement, whether or not you earn a salary increase, a promotion or a better job offer. An MBA from a top school like Harvard or Wharton would leave a remarkable impression on anyone.

While some billionaires lack formal education (Bill Gates didn't finish college, Steven Spielberg just graduated a few years ago), most CEOs in Fortune 500 companies have MBAs (some even have PhDs, law and medical degrees). U.S. President George Bush has an MBA from Harvard. Even Randal Pinkett, reality TV's "The Apprentice" Season 4 winner, has completed MBA and PhD degrees from MIT.

Experience, business savvy, common sense, and practical skills matter a lot in the actual workplace, but if you're aiming for competitive edge, you can't go wrong with an MBA (especially if you're working or intend to work in a big corporation).

Answer 2

You want to look at an MBA from a school that also offers a brick and morter degree and does not distinguish on your records that your program was a distance ed program. Be wary of the online programs such as Pheonix, Walden, Cappella, etc. They are fine if you are already employed and seeking to open up doors in your organizaiton..but don't do as much if you are green getting in.