Can I earn a master's degree in business management entirely online?

Question

I'm interested in the University of Phoenix online programs but I'm not sure if you can earn a master's degree 100% online or if I would have to take actual campus classes first then transfer to finish getting the degree.

Answer 1

I caution you - employers do not look on the U of P MBA and smile. Do you have any other realistic options?

An MBA, even more than most other degrees, is usually one that people get in order to advance their careers. Consider your options carefully. If at all possible, try to attend a program that is accredited by the AACSB. That's a type of professional accreditation that is a mark of high quality.

If it is impossible for you to go to another school - even another online school that's hooked to a more reputable "brick and mortar" university - in other words, if U Phoenix is your only practical choice, then consider them. But don't expect an MBA from there to jump-start your career like a degree from a uni with a better rep would. In fact, to be brutally honest, my past employers would get U of P MBA resumes and toss them. They would not be considered. Thus, I warn you. If you have the opportunity to attend a university with a better rep, then do so.

Good schools that I know for sure that offer distance MBAs include:

Duke University
Drexel
Carnegie Mellon
Penn State
Ball State
U Nebraska - Lincoln
Thunderbird (really intriguing program)
Babson
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute
UMass Amherst
U Maryland

A highly respected business school - one of the top in the US - which does offer distance MBAs is Duke University.

Thunderbird's program is also fairly highly ranked, has a good rep, and is intriguing.

Answer 2

850