A Glimpse Into the Online MBA Curriculum
Across a wide range of industries, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is considered one of the most sought-after graduate degrees. While many working professionals know the value this degree program holds, they might be less prepared for the amount of time, effort and resources it takes to earn a master's degree.
Fortunately, online MBA programs provide future leaders with an opportunity to balance their online MBA classes with their existing professional responsibilities, along with a chance to realize their full potential.
The Core Structure of an Online MBA Program
The structure of an online MBA degree program is similar to a traditional, in-person MBA degree in the sense that students are required to complete online MBA courses on advanced business topics. The purpose of the online MBA is not only to increase your understanding of sophisticated business strategies and approaches but also to help you develop your leadership qualities. The advanced courses available as part of the online MBA program can prepare you for high-level management positions in the industry of your choosing.
Significance of Core Courses in Shaping Business Leaders
The core courses required in most online MBA programs are designed to help aspiring leaders develop an advanced understanding of the most complex business topics. Core courses typically included in an online MBA curriculum include:
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior
Through these core courses, MBA students develop a foundational understanding of the business world, allowing them to more easily step into leadership positions after graduation.
How Online Delivery Enhances Learning Flexibility
The vast majority of MBA students are working professionals who are focused on their careers and looking for ways to advance; as a result, it may not be practical to enroll in a traditional, on-campus program. Online MBA programs offer the same rigorous coursework while at the same time making it easier for students to balance their existing personal and professional obligations. Through an online MBA degree program, you are able to:
- Complete your online MBA classes and coursework in a time and manner that is convenient for you.
- Practice using the most advanced technology while completing your coursework.
- Choose a pace that aligns with your personal goals and existing schedule.
Diving Deep Into Specialization Tracks
Most online MBA programs offer specialization tracks and thus the ability to personalize your degree and specialize in a niche area most relevant to your career goals.
Tailoring Your MBA: Selecting the Right Concentration
When it comes to selecting your concentration, you should consider your existing skill set, business experience, interests and career goals. The concentrations available will depend on the school in which you enroll—but according to Learn.org, these are some of the most common MBA concentrations:
- General management and leadership
- Accounting and finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Human resources
Spotlight on Popular Concentrations: From Finance to Digital Marketing
In today's competitive global economy, you truly need to stand out in order to be noticed. This is why certain niche MBA concentrations are growing in popularity. Many of these concentrations are based more on current business trends, industry demands or personal interests, and they allow you to pursue a unique opportunity.
Some popular concentrations include:
- Finance
- Digital marketing
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Supply chain
- Business analytics
Incorporating Practical Skills and Real-World Applications
One of the purposes of an online MBA class or program is to allow students to see how theoretical business concepts can be applied in an everyday setting, giving them the opportunity to become thought leaders in their chosen industry. By emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications, the online MBA degree program provides students with actionable information they can easily apply in the workplace setting.
Case Studies and Group Projects: Bridging Theory and Practice
It's not uncommon to complete case studies and group projects as part of an online MBA class. These components are beneficial because:
- They allow you to complete collaborative assignments that mimic the type of work performed in the workplace setting while merging theories and practices to reinforce applicable skills.
- They help you hone your leadership skills and teach you first-hand the power of teamwork.
- They give you an opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions about strategic decision-making, again preparing you for higher-level positions in your industry.
The Role of Simulations and Game-Based Learning in Business Education
Simulations and game-based learning experiences are becoming more common in business education, thanks in large part to advancements in virtual reality technology and artificial intelligence. This type of learning gives you a chance to analyze actual business scenarios and understand the impact of your decisions in real time.
Leadership and Management Development
Leadership and management development are key components of the online MBA curriculum, with most enrolled students hoping to advance their careers and acquire high-level positions in their industry. Blending leadership and management skill development into rigorous academic coursework, an online MBA program can equip students with a well-rounded education.
Cultivating Leadership Skills for the Digital Age
At one time, leadership required a top-down approach, in which those in the boardrooms made decisions and delegated accordingly. However, leaders in the digital age must take a more collaborative, hands-on approach. Modern online MBA programs help cultivate current and essential leadership skills.
A few of the most vital leadership skills in the digital era include:
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Flexibility
- Adaptivity
- Resilience
Additionally, creativity and innovation rest at the heart of the modern digital era, making it necessary for aspiring leaders to learn how to think critically and take risks.
Effective Team Management and Organizational Behavior
Throughout an online MBA program, you will also study the best organizational behavior strategies, giving you an advantage when you achieve a leadership position and begin building a team of your own. Knowing how to create a positive, productive workplace culture—and lead by example—can help you be a more impactful and effective business leader.
The Impact of Global Immersion Programs
Despite offering a flexible online MBA curriculum, many programs also offer the opportunity for global immersion. In a world that’s becoming increasingly connected by the moment, cultural awareness is key to success in business leadership. A global immersion program may consist of an immersive study in a foreign country, or it may be an interactive online MBA class in which you have to cultivate a business plan with aspiring leaders from a different culture. Global immersion programs within an online MBA allow you to experience new places and cultures, all while learning how to connect with people on a personal and professional level.
Understanding Cross-Cultural Business Practices
In a sense, conducting business with international organizations is an art form. Seasoned business leaders must be familiar with the cultures and traditions of the organizations with which they are working so they can conduct their business in a professional, polite manner. According to the International Trade Council, business professionals can be better aware of cultural differences by:
- Avoiding offensive subjects
- Using inclusive and considerate language at all times
- Respecting the customs and traditions of the local culture
Global immersion programs provide MBA students with an opportunity to examine cross-cultural business practices in depth and organically develop a better sense of cultural awareness.
International Residencies: Expanding Global Perspectives
International residencies are similar to study abroad programs in an undergraduate degree program. These cultural immersion programs offer MBA students an opportunity to work and study in a foreign country. By completing collaborative coursework in a different country, students learn firsthand about the intricacies and complexities of cross-cultural business transactions. Through these international residencies, students can improve their business acumen as well as gain knowledge about a different culture from another part of the world.
Leveraging Technology in Online MBA Courses
Another advantage to enrolling in an online MBA degree program is the ability to work with the most advanced technology in business to complete your courses. In addition to delving into project management or the most effective marketing strategies, you will also work with digital tools and resources that help you become more proficient with the latest business technology.
Use of Advanced Learning Management Systems
Most online MBA programs rely on advanced learning management systems to conduct classes. Professors will connect with students on these platforms, where they post video tutorials, engage in discussions with their classes and ask students to submit assignments. Platforms such as Canvas and Slack are quite common and simple to use.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning: What Works Best
While each online MBA class will vary, most will include both synchronous and asynchronous components. Synchronous learning takes place in real time and may include live classes and real-time discussions on a video conference call. Asynchronous learning, on the other hand, allows you to complete your coursework at a time and place that works for your schedule, and it often includes pre-recorded lectures plus digital materials and assignments. By blending synchronous and asynchronous elements into an online MBA class, instructors offer students an immersive and flexible experience that can cater to their specific needs.
Earn Your MBA at UofM Global
At the University of Memphis Global, we offer a rigorous, distinguished and accredited online MBA curriculum that includes advanced courses and specialization opportunities—giving you the chance to personalize your degree and carve your own path forward.
Request more information about our online MBA programs today, or apply online when you’re ready.
Sources
https://www.memphis.edu/uofmglobal/degrees/graduate/mba.php
https://learn.org/articles/How_Does_an_Online_MBA_Program_Work.html
https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online/why-kelley/immersions/index.html
https://michiganross.umich.edu/courses/global-strategy-residency-13443