Plus: Everything you need to know about the University of Fredericton’s highly sought-after program
From earning a higher salary to building an exciting network of like-minded professionals, there are many reasons to pursue a graduate business degree. But with most programs requiring several years of on-the-job experience, life as an MBA student looks a lot different than the undergrad days—and the best MBA programs are built specifically to meet the needs of busy professionals.
An online MBA, such as the prestigious program at the University of Fredericton (UFred), can confer all the benefits of a graduate business degree, and more. Here are five ways an online MBA can help take your career to the next level.
Gone are the days when succeeding in school is just about balancing work and a social life. MBA students often have a lot more on their plates, including full-time jobs and families. This requires a program that fits with what life looks like now.
Established in 2005 with the goal of making school more accessible by reimagining traditional education, UFred’s MBA program is 100 per cent online. That means students can attend lectures, engage with their instructors and collaborate with peers from anywhere.
UFred’s flexible program allows students to study on their terms. For example, there are opportunities to speed up your degree and take more than one course at a time, helping you reach your personal goals sooner. Of course, you can also slow things down to make sure you’re able to balance your program with other priorities. At the end of the day, your studies at UFred are meant to work for you.
Distance learning doesn’t mean forgoing close connections and network-building opportunities. At UFred, it’s anything but out of sight, out of mind. Professors and instructors are not only experts in their professional fields, but they bring extensive experience—11 years on average—teaching online. This means they know how to plan and execute an engaging and comprehensive curriculum that’s tailor-made for the virtual environment.
Classes are capped at 25 participants and students have access to personalized support, including direct access to teachers during office hours and a well-stocked library. By working with peers through discussions and group work, students can build a national network of connections across industries.
An undergrad degree offers a great foundation, but the reason many choose to return to university to earn an MBA is the opportunity to learn specialized skills and industry-specific knowledge that can open new doors.
Instead of generic course loads, an online MBA can connect students with learning opportunities that directly support their unique goals and interests. This is why UFred’s MBA offers 11 different specialty streams, so students can develop skills in the leadership subject that matters most to them: whether it’s finance, marketing or human resources, there are many options for students to choose from.
The flexibility of an online MBA goes beyond scheduling. Studying online is more cost effective, and tuition is based on a pay-percourse model. All you need to get to class is a Wi-Fi connection, cutting costs associated with commuting, housing and time off work.
Meanwhile, the ROI of earning an MBA remains high: according to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s annual Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates are the most sought-after employees among global employers compared to other degree holders. And between signing bonuses and higher salary prospects, an analysis by the Princeton Review found the 10-year ROI of an MBA degree can be as high as 325 per cent.
An online MBA program can provide all the benefits of a traditional MBA—and more— since the built-in flexibility of a virtual environment can better meet a student’s needs.
But this added accessibility shouldn’t come at the expense of high-quality education. UFred’s MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Province of New Brunswick. Academic standards are further recognized by renowned institutions like QS World University Rankings, where UFred was awarded five stars for online learning.
Most importantly, UFred is well received by its students. In satisfaction surveys, MBA students gave the program a 94 per cent satisfaction score. Whether it’s the flexibility, affordability or quality of education, UFred’s MBA program works well for its students.
