Grad Insights: Online MBA for Working Professionals - How Flexible Programs Actually Work

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Learn how flexible online MBA programs work for working professionals, including course structure, weekly workload, team projects, faculty support, and networking opportunities.

Interested in pursuing your MBA (PDF), but don't want to put your professional life on hold? If so, then you might consider enrolling in an accredited online MBA. Not only does an online MBA offer a more flexible format that meshes with busy schedules, but many are also self-paced, allowing you to study whenever and wherever is convenient for you.

At the same time, for those who have never been enrolled in an online degree program, the thought of completing a distance learning MBA while also working full-time may seem overwhelming. The good news? By knowing what to expect from your online MBA in terms of weekly rhythm, team projects, and faculty interaction, you can decide whether this path is truly right for you.

Bottom line up front: what “flexible” really means

While no two online MBA programs are exactly alike, it's important to understand that "flexibility" in an online program doesn't necessarily mean you can work entirely at your own pace. Because many online MBA programs are cohort-based, deadlines and due dates are still in place to keep students on the same page.

The "flexible" aspect of an online MBA program, then, means that you aren't committed to meeting for classes on specific dates and times. Instead, so long as you can meet all your assignment due dates, you can set your own study/class schedule around your other obligations.

How online MBA programs are structured

As you explore your options for completing an MBA online, you'll probably find that these programs can differ greatly in terms of how they're structured.

Course length and pacing models

An accelerated online MBA, for example, might allow for faster completion with a more rigorous curriculum. Compared to a "traditional" MBA (which could take around two years to complete), an accelerated model might be finished in as little as one year.

Learning platforms and content types

Online programs may also vary with regard to learning format with asynchronous vs. synchronous classes. With asynchronous coursework, students never meet live and instead complete coursework on their own time. Synchronous classes, on the other hand, meet virtually at set dates and times throughout the week.

Cohorts vs. self-paced designs

Online MBA programs can also differ in whether they offer a self-paced or cohort format. For those who prefer to study independently, a self-paced online MBA may be preferable. However, completing the program with a group of virtual cohorts can be a great way to build a sense of camaraderie while growing your professional network at the same time.

A realistic weekly rhythm for adult learners

So, what might you expect your "typical" week in an online MBA program to look like? While no two weeks will look the same, here's a basic idea of what you might expect.

  • Monday–Tuesday: Take time to preview your courseload for the week and pen dedicated study time into your schedule. Take a first pass at reading and assignments.
  • Wednesday–Thursday: Dive deeper into assigned readings, discussions, and drafting any deliverables that will be due this week.
  • Friday: Plan a meeting (live/virtual or asynchronous) to catch up with your cohort/team and finalize any assignments for submission.
  • Weekend: Catch up on any residual readings/assignments, reflect on core concepts from the previous week, and plan for the week ahead.

Team projects: what they’re like and how to succeed

Group projects are a common component of both full- and part-time online MBA programs. If you've had a less-than-ideal experience with college-level group work in the past, it can be helpful if you know what to expect from team projects in an affordable online MBA program and how to successfully coordinate from afar.

Typical team deliverables

The central goal of the Leadership MBA is right in the name: students who seek this degree want to guide organizations and drive change. They hope to one day gain broad influence, inspiring teams while helping both individuals and organizations live up to their full potential.

Positions that support these efforts include leadership roles focused on people, such as Senior Program Manager, Director of Change Management, or Vice President of Organizational Development. Over time, Leadership MBA graduates may even target C-suite roles that grant them executive influence. 

How teams coordinate online

Most often, teams in an online MBA program will use virtual meeting tools to collaborate online. This may include live meeting tools (like Zoom) or asynchronous collaboration tools (such as e-mail) with common-sense netiquette guidelines in mind.

The most common failure points (and how to avoid them)

Keeping every team member on the same page is one of the most challenging aspects of completing a group MBA project online. This common challenge can be overcome by ensuring that all team members have clearly delegated responsibilities at the beginning of the project, as well as by setting norms and expectations for communication.

Faculty interaction and academic support (what to expect)

The best online MBA programs all have one thing in common. They have experienced, dedicated faculty who provide students with the support and guidance needed to thrive even in the most rigorous of classes.

Instructor presence

Even in asynchronous courses, instructors should maintain a strong presence with students by encouraging ongoing discussion about lectures, readings, and other assignments. 

Feedback that improves performance

Personalized feedback from instructors can also go a long way in helping online MBA students understand their own strengths and weaknesses. 

Support services built for adults

Virtual office hours should be offered at regular intervals throughout the course. If office hour days/times don't work for a student, instructors should make the effort to make special accommodations to suit students' busy schedules.

How learning Is assessed online

Students in an online MBA program should defer to their instructors for specific grading rubrics and requirements, as these can vary from one class to the next. In general, however, online MBA coursework is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment (quizzes, everyday assignments, and participation), midterm/final exams, and team-based projects.

Networking and career support in an online MBA

Whether you're considering an online MBA for career change or career advancement purposes, finding a program that offers plenty of opportunities for professional networking and career support is a must.

How online networking actually happens

Just because you may not meet your classmates in person doesn't mean you can't expand your professional networking in an online MBA program. Through ongoing group work and discussions, as well as occasional live sessions and virtual meetings, students in an online MBA cohort can build meaningful connections that last well beyond graduation.

Career services you should use early

  • Different programs may offer different resources and career services, so be sure to take advantage of any and all, including:
  • Virtual coaching and mentorship
  • Job and internship searches
  • Personalized career counseling
  • Alumni-only job boards
  • Resume-building and interview preparation tools

Building a “proof of skills” portfolio

As part of your online MBA, you'll also work on building a career-ready portfolio that demonstrates the practical skills you've developed as part of your program. This portfolio may include a capstone project, any direct consulting projects you've done with real clients, case studies, and reflective narratives for future employers to review.

Time management for full-time workers

Worried about being able to balance the responsibilities of an online MBA with the commitments of your professional life? By following some basic time-management tips (such as time-blocking and working small, focused intervals of study time into your weekdays), you can stay on top of your studies without putting your career on hold.

Choosing the right online MBA format for your life

Ultimately, the online MBA that's right for you will depend on your own unique learning style and scheduling needs. If you prefer to work as independently as possible, a self-paced program with asynchronous coursework may be ideal. On the other hand, a cohort-based program with some synchronous coursework may be better if you want to build more meaningful relationships with your peers.

Also consider whether you'll enroll part-time, full-time, or even in an accelerated option to expedite your education.

Common myths (and the reality)

  • Myth 1: Online MBAs aren't respected by employers. In reality, the answer to the question, "is an online MBA respected?" is a resounding "yes," especially in today's increasingly digital business environment.
  • Myth 2: Online MBAs aren't interactive or engaging. In reality, both synchronous and asynchronous MBA coursework can closely mimic the classroom experience with engaging discussions, regular instructor interaction, and team-based projects.
  • Myth 3: I can't enroll in an online MBA without taking the GMAT first. Actually, many schools now offer a no GMAT online MBA option that does not require any kind of formal entrance exam. This could save you the time, cost, and hassle of studying and taking the GMAT or GRE.

 

The bottom line: is an online MBA right for you?

For many working professionals looking to upskill, flexible online MBA programs provide the opportunity they need to advance their education without putting their careers on the back burner. The key, of course, is to choose the online MBA that will best suit your unique needs and career goals.

At Wayne State College, our School of Business and Technology offers an affordable online MBA with flexible eight- and 16-week terms available. In this self-paced online MBA program, students complete coursework in career-focused topics such as:

  • Financial administration
  • Decision science
  • Managerial communications
  • Marketing administration
  • Managerial economics

Likewise, our program has been recognized as a Top Online MBA by OnlineMBAPage.com, including the best online MBA in Nebraska.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch to request more information, or get the ball rolling by filing out an application for admission now. You can also learn more about our admissions process and requirements here.

FAQs: online MBA for working professionals

Still wondering whether an online MBA could be right for you? Check out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online MBAs below.

1) How many hours per week does an online MBA usually take?

This ultimately boils down to how many credit hours you're taking each term, as well as how rigorous your coursework is. However, many working professionals plan for around 10–20 hours per week per course while enrolled in an MBA program.

2) Are online MBA classes self-paced?

Some are self-paced — but many also include weekly deadlines to keep cohorts more or less on the same page. In an online MBA program, "asynchronous" usually means that you have the freedom to choose when you participate in your coursework. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't have due dates and deadlines to meet.

3) How do team projects work online?

In online MBA programs, teams usually collaborate using a combination of shared documents, asynchronous check-ins (such as via email), and the occasional live meeting on Zoom or a similar platform. As long as clear roles, a team charter, and early drafts are in place, most problems can be easily avoided in online group work.

4) Will I interact with professors or just watch videos?

While we can't speak for all online MBA programs, Wayne State College's online MBA includes office hours with professors, engaged discussions, detailed feedback, and plenty of other opportunities for meaningful engagement. In quantitative courses especially, professors will offer live sessions or recorded walkthroughs that encourage questions, comments, and dialogue from students.

5) Can I network effectively in an online MBA?

Yes, an online MBA can be ripe with networking opportunities — especially if you're proactive about participating in cohort activities, alumni groups, and career events. Many students in online MBA programs also build strong networks with their peers through team projects. 

6) Are exams proctored in online MBA programs?

Some classes may use online proctoring for exams. However, many courses lean more heavily on applied projects, presentations, and case deliverables over formal exams. 

7) What’s the best way to avoid falling behind?

To avoid falling behind in an online MBA program, the best thing to do is to give yourself plenty of buffer time by starting on assignments sooner rather than later. This, in addition to blocking recurring study time each week and communicating proactively with your team, can make all the difference. Finally, as tempting as it can be to use weekends as your only study time, it's important to work in time for school in increments throughout the week as well.


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