The Northeast Region’s Top Accelerated MBAs
The numerous advantages of an accelerated MBA start with one that’s particularly appealing–low cost. And while accelerated programs are more affordable, they are by no means less valuable or challenging than two year programs. In fact, they can be quite intensive in that they allow students to leverage their undergrad business education directly to MBA studies by covering core requirements.
The Southeast Region’s Best Accelerated MBAs
Though some future b-school students may be challenged to fit in a full course load within a busy work and home schedule, it remains one of the best ways to ensure the widest range of opportunities, not to mention the highest salary prospects. Many students want to find a program that grants an MBA on the quickest schedule possible, without sacrificing the quality of the degree or work/life balance.
Here is a profile of some of the best accelerated MBAs with a focus in the southeastern region of the U.S.
How Online MBAs Use Technology to Enable Authentic Connections
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Technology has dramatically blurred the line between the digital and offline worlds; we can do almost anything online these days, ranging from ordering groceries to exploring Africa to attending college. However, one of the points of debate across nearly all fields is how the online experience compares to the parallel offline one; this has been especially true in online degree programs: Can online degrees provide the same value as their face-to-face counterparts?
The challenge of engaging and preparing students is two-fold for online degree programs. They need to cover the same key topics and transfer the same volume of knowledge as their on-ground counterparts. However, another part of the attraction of top MBA programs is that they not only develop students’ business acumen, they facilitate long-lasting connections that can lead to career opportunities and professional connections. That level of engagement presents a much bigger obstacle than catching someone’s attention long enough to complete a simple e-commerce transaction.
Technology in the Online Classroom: Two Major Lessons Learned
One of the things that makes a great online MBA successful is technology. Of course, if it were just an issue of investing in the latest and greatest tech solutions, every university would have successful digital learning programs. Further complicating things is the boom in technology built to solve this problem; which solution is best for the online classroom, and which will help build skills that will carry over into students’ careers.
After looking at some of the technology decisions at the University of Southern California’s Online MBA program, we found two major lessons for how to be successful with the kind of engagement these programs need to facilitate.
1. Innovate With Purpose
It’s easy to see the concerns over rapid technology evolution, whether you consider this 2015 New York Times article about innovation happening too quickly for businesses to keep up, or William Smith’s Morley, in which he wrote that widely available news and faster travel options would destroy relaxation as we know it, in 1886.
The technology we use will always be changing, whether it’s 1886 or 2186. One of the things that is hard to admit, though, is that the thinkers who said it would be impossible to keep up were right. Particularly at an organizational level, it really is impossible to stay current with every technology innovation that emerges.
The difference between success and failure—in the virtual classroom and in global business—is how they adapt new technologies to their environments.
One example of this in action comes from the University of Southern California’s Online MBA program. There are countless options for encouraging deeper collaboration and facilitating connections in an online setting, including a growing list of business collaboration tools as well as universities who opt to build their own social collaboration platforms. Sometimes, though, the answer is much simpler.
One of the things that stood out from USC’s Online MBA is that, in addition to the classroom sessions and videoconferencing, students chat and connect over WhatsApp. One of the biggest lessons from this experience is the fact that, sometimes, the best solution for a given problem is something students or employees are already using; it just needs to be embraced in a way that supports desired outcomes.
Why it Matters: Both businesses and universities may be reticent to allow important work and collaboration to exist outside of the platforms they control; and, there are certain instances (i.e. regulation) where allowing consumer-grade technology is a poor choice. However, embracing a student or employee-driven approach to collaboration is essential to making it work, particularly in a virtual setting. Rather than try to force students off the tool they’re comfortably using, USC can focus on smarter investments in other areas that are critical to online learning, like high quality video conferencing and learning management systems.
2. Outcomes First, Technology Second
It may seem counterintuitive at first, but the best strategies for utilizing technology don’t start by considering technology—they start by considering desired outcomes. If the goal is to facilitate the creation of real connections in a virtual space, using technology to enable this will need to feel natural and incorporate features that bring some of the same qualities of face-to-face interaction.
For online MBAs, there is a second and critical part to solving this challenge: Increasing students’ familiarity with tools that they will need to use in their professional lives.
For both businesses and higher education institutions, approaching this problem primarily from a technology perspective is the wrong approach. By thinking about desired outcomes, organizations can better guide their technology choices.
For example, with software for videoconferencing, there are myriad options. From a purely technical standpoint, many schools might first consider a solution like Blackboard Collaborate or Canvas’ built-in conference tools because so many already have Blackboard or Canvas for their Learning Management Systems.
These platforms may be enough from a functional standpoint, but, for developing true connections in an online MBA, user experience is an even more critical element of software used for video and teleconferencing. Considerations like these led USC’s Online MBA program to leverage Zoom, a dedicated communications platform, for conferencing in addition to the Canvas LMS for facilitating learning. Zoom lets students see the instructor, as well as their fellow classmates on live video, making it closer to face-to-face interaction than many alternatives. It’s also easier to schedule meetings on short notice with the ability to send calendar invites, offering similarity to the spontaneous brainstorming sessions that might happen in a classroom or office.
Why it Matters: The best solution for a given problem isn’t always the one that comes integrated with the rest of the software organizations already have. Especially for an online MBA, it’s also important to consider technology that has value beyond the classroom, as this will better equip students to succeed in their careers. The second component of this is to think about software that readily integrates with platforms people use in their daily lives anyway. Even if it is just the ability to send a meeting invite over Google Calendar, individual features can make the difference.
The Results: When Technology is Used Effectively
The biggest result of USC’s smart use of technology is that students can and do form real connections that lead to face-to-face interaction. For example, many students organize meet-ups in their area, so that those who live away from campus can still participate in the Online MBA community.
The deeper social connections, coupled with classroom learning and group discussions, also create unique opportunities that would not be as easily made without digital engagement. In USC’s case, one team of students in the recent cohort is planning to open their own business together.
The Bottom Line: Universities have historically struggled to keep pace with technology adoption. Regardless of whether a program is online, offered on-campus or uses a hybrid approach, though, the best MBA programs will stay ahead of the curve by considering outcomes first and avoiding the temptation to innovate without a clear purpose.
To learn more about the USC Marshall School of Business Online MBA, visit the Marshall website.
The Five Most Valuable Online MBAs
Choosing an online MBA program isn’t easy. Not only do you need to look at rankings, but you also have to look at what the program offers and how affordable it is. After all, the goal of an online MBA is a great return on investment. So, how do you find the most valuable Online MBA programs?
We’ve searched through the U.S. News and World Report on the “Best Online MBA Programs” to find which ones can give you the best experience at the best cost.
The programs on this list rank in the top 25 “Best Online MBA Programs,” and cost under $1,400 per credit.
The Five Most Valuable Online MBA Programs
Indiana University
Tied for first as the best online MBA program in the country, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is also affordable.
The Kelley Direct Online program offers the ultimate in flexibility. Students can take between two to four years to graduate and tailor their classwork to their goals. Online MBA students will cover such topics as business law and ethics, economics, marketing, finance, operations, information technology, and project management. They’ll also have the opportunity to study abroad in one of Kelley’s global hubs located in Botswana, Brazil, China, India, Myanmar, South Africa, and Cuba.
- Cost: $1,330 Per Credit (out-of-state)
- Ranking: #2
Arizona State University
Ranked as the 5th best online MBA program in the U.S., Arizona State University’s W.P Carey School of Business won’t break the bank either.
The Online MBA at ASU is designed to work with students no matter where they live. The program is incredibly flexible with just five weeks per class and 17 total classes. Interested students can expect to take classes covering a range of topics including strategic management and global thinking. Classes start in either January or August with students taking the same curriculum taught by the same faculty as the full-time and part-time programs.
- Cost: $1,216 Per Credit (out-of-state)
- Ranking: #5
University of Florida
Ranked at 6th overall, the University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business also offers an affordable online MBA program.
The UF Online MBA offers the ideal balance of work, life, and school commitments. Students can graduate in just 24 months without visiting campus, with courses taught by the full-time MBA faculty. Students cover the same topics as their full-time brethren with courses on financial accounting, economics, and more. There is also an optional Global Immersion Experience opportunity.
- Cost: $1,255 Per Credit (out-of-state)
- Ranking: #6
Lehigh University
Ranked at 19th on the U.S. News and World Report list, the online MBA at the Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics is incredibly affordable.
The Online Flex MBA at Lehigh University is AACSB accredited and places high emphasis on maintaining excellence. Students can complete the program in as little as 16 months while taking classes on a variety of topics including managing financial and physical resources, corporate entrepreneurship, international business, and marketing. Students can also choose to pursue a concentration in one of six fields including: corporate entrepreneurship, finance, international business, marketing, project management, and supply chain management.
- Cost: $1,075 Per Credit (out-of-state)
- Ranking: #19
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware’s Lerner College offers the most affordable online MBA on our list while still ranking in the top 25.
Last but certainly not least, the Lerner Online MBA is designed to provide students with the decision-making skills and analytical tools to succeed. The program is entirely online with a customizable curriculum that can be completed in as little as 16 months. In addition, students can choose between five concentrations including business analytics, finance, healthcare, strategic leadership, and international business. Each course is seven weeks long and taught by a Ph.D.-qualified faculty member.
- Cost: $812 Per Credit (out-of-state)
- Ranking: #22
Runner’s Up
- University of Texas at Dallas: The Naveen Jindal School of Management’s Online MBA program is ranked #6 in the nation and costs $1,402 per credit (out-of-state).
- Hofstra University: The Zarb School of Business Online MBA ranks 36th on the list and costs just $1,596 per credit (out-of-state).
- Syracuse University: Ranked 42nd, the Syracuse University Online MBA costs just $1,500 per credit.
Temple Fox Axes Online MBA Director After Rankings Fallout
Weeks after the Temple University Fox School of Business announced the forced resignation of its long-time Dean Moshe Porat, reformed to its approach to its ranking system, and the hiring of Interim Dean Ronald C. Anderson, the Philadelphia metro business school has announced the departure of its Online MBA Academic Director Darin Kapanjie.
Kapanjie, according to The Philly Inquirer, has been officially replaced by Fox Assistant Professor of Finance Bora Ozkan. The news was officially revealed by Anderson in a faculty-wide email, but it was not confirmed whether Kapanjie was forced to resign or not.
“Kapanjie said it was a joint decision for him to leave the leadership position. ‘Given recent events, we felt it was best,’ he said.”
Kapanjie, speaking with the Inquirer, maintained that he “did not have anything to do with the misreporting of data,” in regards to the fallout with U.S. News & World Report.
Anderson, in the email, emphasized the inclusion of Ozkan, rather than the departure of Kapanjie. He says:
“’Dr. Ozkan’s background and approach to education, as well as his experience teaching in the online M.B.A. program, make him well-suited for this role,’ Anderson wrote.”
Stay tuned for more information on the story as it continues to unfold.
USC Marshall Honored with Two Telly Awards, and More – Los Angeles News
Check out some of the top news stories coming out of the Los Angeles metro this week, including USC Marshall earning a pair of Telly Awards for its Online MBA program.
The Taos Institute Recognizes Dr. Gary Mangiofico as the 2018 Honorary Associate – Graziadio Business School Newsroom
Dr. Gary Mangiofico, Executive Professor of Organization Theory and Management at the Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School, was recently honored by the Taos Institute as a 2018 Honorary Associate for his contributions to the field. An international network of scholars, the Taos Institute is dedicated to exploring the way social theory and language overlap in the professional space. Honorary Associates like Dr. Mangiofico are selected based on work the institute believes has impacted and advanced their overall mission and ideals.
Dr. Mangiofico / Photo via bschool.pepperdine.edu
A faculty member at Graziadio since 2003, Dr. Mangiofico has been an important figure in the organizational development field. In addition to his educational experience, Mangiofico has more than 20 years of professional experience, having worked as a CEO, COO, consultant, and general management executive for a variety of companies.
You can read more about the Taos Institute and Dr. Mangiofico’s work here.
Using Twitter for Product Launches: Mihaylo Management Professor Jennifer Chandler Examines Video Game Console Launches – Mihaylo Newsroom
New research from the faculty at the Mihaylo College of Business at the California State University, Fullerton, looks at important trends in business and society. Associate Professor of Management and Director of Mihaylo Graduate Programs, Jennifer Chandler, and Assistant Professor of Marketing Yuna Kim, recently looked at how Twitter factors in to the launches of new products, focusing particularly on the launch of new game consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
By studying the language used on social media, Mihaylo faculty hope to create a standard for how company managers and marketers can use these platforms for an unprecedented connection between consumers and the products they love.
“In today’s society, consumers have a louder voice because of social media,” Chandler comments. “[A]nd when it comes to new products, this voice is crucial because everyone has the social media platform to amplify his or her opinion.”
You can check out more from Chandler’s study here.
Taking Home Two Tellys – USC Marshall News
The Online MBA program at USC’s Marshall School of Business was honored at the 39th Annual Telly Awards this past month, taking home two separate top prizes. Since 1979, the Telly Awards have honored “excellence in video and television across all screens.”
Each year, the awards receive over 12,000 entries from across the country and world. This year, Marshall’s Online MBA program was honored in the education category for their “Approaches to Strategy” series and “Approaches to Strategy: The Cold War” module.
USC’s Online MBA program has been honored multiple times by the Telly Awards already, despite being around for only three years so far. In 2016, the program won two bronze awards for the “Big Ideas in Economics” modules. Sandra Chrystal, Vice Dean for Online Education and Professor of Clinical Business Communication, commented on the program’s success.
“Everyone at Marshall shares the goal of quality online programs,” Chrystal said in a press release from the business school. “We are very proud of this recognition.”
You can read more about the USC’s Online MBA program here.
