Pros And Cons Of Distance MBA Degree

Holding an MBA degree is a matter of great pride and career assurance for many, but it’s not that easy to get. For many it is not feasible for various reasons like lack of funds, unable to secure a seat in your dream institute, your regular job, etc. For those who still want to get an MBA degree and make an upward push in career, distance MBA is a viable option. Before you are ready to jump on any decision you need to understand certain aspects of distance MBA.

Though distance MBA is popular among young professionals and students you need to understand that it is not a replacement of a regular full-time MBA degree. There are certain pros and cons that you need to be aware of before doing a distance MBA.

Merits:

Flexibility

Flexible study option is one of the most popular advantages of a distance MBA. Though classes are prefixed, you can reschedule your class as per your convenience. Also you can take semester exams as per your suitability and can schedule dates, time and centre.

Learn and Earn Option

The best part of any distance MBA is learn and earn option. If you are a young professional, you can earn your degree without sacrificing your job. This gives you the financial freedom along with studying. Most distance learning programs will offer weekend classes so that students can continue working during the week.

Low Cost

MBA degrees come at sky rocketing fees which many students are not able to manage. However, in distance education mode the fee structure is very nominal and is affordable for most individuals.

Demerits:

Lack of Recognition from Employers

Some distance learning programs might not be accepted and recognized by recruiters. This will hold good even for premier institutes. Promotions, salary hikes and lateral movements might not be made depending on your distance education degree. Some employers still prefer regular MBA to a distance one.

Lack of Networking

It is one of the most important factors that students of distance learning miss. In a full-time course you get to network with many fellow students and seniors, professors, visiting faculties, etc. which could be useful in future while looking for employment. Pursuing MBA as a distance learning course of education will not have such opportunity.

No Placement

Another problem area for students enrolled for distance learning is that there won’t be placement opportunities like other full-time courses. This would mean that after finishing the course you will either stick to the same job at the same position or look for a change with the anticipation that employers will value your distance education degree and offer a good salary.

Lack of Discipline

Another factor that diminishes the status of a distance degree is its disciplinary aspect. As there is no monitoring system, you are left to your preferences. No compulsory classes, exams and course patterns and you can schedule your exam as per your convenience and this as a whole acts against you. Eventually employers find it hard to believe that these degrees will really impart any useful skills to students.

Whether to pursue a distance MBA is a matter of choice. However, you need to evaluate your situation and condition properly before enrolling for a distance MBA degree. There are instances when after finishing distance MBA individuals have been promoted to certain level within the organisation. These courses are company sponsored programs and organisations ask their employees to get these courses if required in executing individual roles and responsibilities.