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Online MBA vs Regular MBA: After the COVID-19 pandemic, the education system shifted to online mode. Lot of working professionals opt for an online MBA programme as it is affordable, flexible and offers more opportunities. Before selecting an online MBA, it is important to know how online MBa is different from regular MBA. In the Careers Connect series, Careers360 brings you an exclusive interview with Dr. G. Mallikarjuna, Founding Director of online education at Manipal University. He's an academician and educational administrator with more than 23 years of experience in academic shares planning academics, admissions, examinations, Regulatory compliances and legal Affairs. He's an expert in open and distance learning online education and landscape examinations. Read the full article to know more about online MBA.
Careers360: Why do you think a student should go about choosing an online MBA over the regular MBA?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: Online degree is suitable to anyone who wants to acquire knowledge and a quality educational degree at low cost. Working professionals who want to acquire knowledge that will help in his career progression, an online MBA is structured for them. In a regular mode, one needs to take a break from your job, but online education provides the flexibility of doing the degree at the same time you can work.
The major advantage of an online MBA over your regular mode is accessibility. One can enroll in a program in any university across the globe only if they have a stable Internet connection and access to a computer. One can pursue an online MBA at home without any commuting along with the flexibility of time.
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The online MBA programme is cost-effective. For example, if you want to do it costs you around 10 lakhs, whereas in online mode it costs you 1.5 lakhs and you are going to get that same degree, same quality syllabus curriculum credits everything at almost one by fifth of cost.
Careers360: What are the important criteria students should keep in mind for opting an online MBA?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: Students who are joining first need to verify whether the concerned university has a role of AICTE and UGC. Check the curriculum whether it is the same as that of regular mode.
It is important to check if the institute is providing a proper academic delivery consisting of live classes, expert talks or access to discussion forums. One important thing that needs to be kept in mind is whether universities are supporting career prospects that include placement support same as regular MBA.
Careers350: What is the admission process of online MBA?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: The online MBA eligibility criteria is same as of regular MBA. In Manipal University, graduates with the minimum aggregate of 50% along with that candidates need to submit valid CAT or MAT scores. If not, students need to appear for a management aptitude test conducted by the university.
Careers360: Do corporates value online MBA?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: The first batch of online MBA programme at Manipal University Jaipur is yet to be placed. However, the online MBA is designed the same as regular MBA programmes. In addition, online MBA students have the advantage of having faculty videos, topics-related videos and others. So, an online MBA has the same value as a regular MBA.
Careers360: Does an online MBA also have internships?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: Yes, online MBA also have internships and projects same as regular MBA
Careers360: What are the challenges of an online MBA?
Dr. G. Mallikarjuna: The main challenge of an online MBA is self motivation as the online education is more learner centric. As the student is not in college, there might be a lot of distractions and priorities. It is important for working professionals who are pursuing online MBA that they do proper planning and ensure that they stick to schedule.
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