Business professionals who want to enhance their credentials have the option to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) online degree program at University of Phoenix. Many entrepreneurs view an MBA as a way to gain the knowledge they need to enhance their careers and overall professional success.
Sometimes prospective students worry whether a future employer will take their online MBA degree seriously compared to other candidates who earned their credentials in a more traditional setting. Fortunately, that is rarely a concern now that online degree programs have been available for more than 25 years.
The format in which students learn business administration topics and skills has no bearing on how rigorous the program is or the expectations they must meet. Some employers may even prefer adult learners who completed their degree online because it can demonstrate self-discipline to complete the program while juggling work and family responsibilities at the same time.
Additional Benefits of Earning an MBA Degree
Students must already have a bachelor’s degree before they can enroll in a graduate program to earn their MBA. Obtaining an MBA can help prepare students to take on leadership and managerial roles while increasing their technical skills. Information published on the website MBA.com states that earning this credential provides working adult students with valuable business acumen that can allow them to expand their professional network. Additional networking opportunities often provide access to more career opportunities than they would have had otherwise.
How MBA Candidates Learn in an Online Environment
Whether students choose to complete their MBA online or in person, the emphasis on collaboration remains the same. The biggest difference between the two formats is that in-person learning requires students to attend classes according to a set schedule. The fixed scheduling just does not work for some students who must balance multiple demands on their time. Enrolling in an online MBA program allows them to log on to hear lectures and complete coursework when it is convenient for them. Students are still able to have discussions with their peers and engage with instructors through a variety of online formats.
U.S. News and World Report states that completing an online MBA degree program offers students essential 21st century workplace skills while providing just as much access to instructors as traditional programs. Working students can take the knowledge they gain from their coursework and may even apply it immediately to their current job in many cases.
Students who commit to full-time study toward an MBA degree can typically complete the program in less than two years. The timeframe for part-time students is generally two to three years. Those who want to earn their degree sooner can consider enrolling in an accelerated MBA program. Since they complete more courses in less time, students must be prepared for the intense time commitment if they choose this option. University of Phoenix students are able to access program materials 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
MBA Degree Program at University of Phoenix
Students enrolled in the MBA degree program at University of Phoenix can complete courses in communication, leadership, management and operations. These highly sought-after courses all offer practical application to real-world work situations by enhancing understanding and use of key business skills..
University of Phoenix designed its MBA degree program for working adults by offering them one course at a time completed over a period of six weeks. Focusing on one course allows busy working adults to master the subject material and retain knowledge of what they learned. Kevin Whilhelmsen, dean of the University’s College of Business Information and Technology, encourages students to look for a program that offers life, work and education balance that shows the school understands their challenges and needs.
Working professionals who already have a business degree can enroll in a competency-based MBA degree program at University of Phoenix. Most students complete requirements for the degree in less than 12 months.
Whilhelsen stated that today’s MBA is more than a specialized degree in business management and administration. Instead, students who pursue an MBA can learn essential job skills such as critical thinking and effective communication that employers expect of someone who holds a high-level position.
University of Phoenix instructors bring an average of 26 years of real-world experience to the virtual classroom. That means online MBA students can expect to work through several real-world business scenarios and challenges they are likely to encounter in their new careers.
About University of Phoenix
The University has offered online degree programs for decades, providing flexibility for students where pursuing higher education is akin to a second job. Each program offers approximately 10 start dates throughout the year, making it convenient for working adults who do not want to wait until the start of a new school year or traditional semester to begin their MBA.
Students can receive one-on-one support through email, chat, or phone 20 hours a day, five days a week. To learn more about the MBA degree programs at University of Phoenix, visit www.phoenix.edu.
