The online MBA is a relatively new development and as such there are very few business schools that are offering an MBA program entirely online. Many online programs still require students to attend mandatory residential courses as part of their syllabus. The length and frequency of these ‘contact’ sessions vary depending on the school and program.

An online MBA, or an internet-based MBA is, in effect, a distance learning program that takes advantage of the development in internet-based technology and uses it as an opportunity to deliver MBA programs via e-mail and the Internet.

The advantage of studying an online MBA is is that the student can study from home and at their own speed, therefore allowing individuals to continue working.

This greater flexibility is an advantage to many, however, it creates its own potential problems as well. The most common problem for those studying online is the commitment required to ‘put in the hours’ and the juggling of work and family commitments that entails.

Online MBA programs do enable students more contact with fellow students and faculty than traditional distance learning programs, via chat rooms and e-mail. They have also improved the speed of delivering assignments, from both faculty to student and visa-versa.

With the continuing development of internet technology, including greater use of, and access to web cams and such like, there will only be an increase in the number of programs available online.

There are already many online MBA programs available and they vary greatly in their quality of delivery and content. Make sure you shop around and research your program and school thoroughly before committing.