Online vs Distance MBA: Which one is the right choice?
In the vastly growing academic field, students now also have the option to pursue an MBA degree online, offline, distance, or online executive MBA. However, most students might get confused about online MBA vs distance MBA. Both MBA programs help meet the industry demand for management professionals. Read on the article to learn the difference between Online MBA and Distance MBA.
What is an Online MBA?
An online master of business administration, online MBA, is a much in demand postgraduate degree programme in the field of management which is an online mode of learning. Individuals who are looking to continue their management education without compromising their existing jobs or other commitments can opt for an online MBA.
With online MBA courses, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to gain management positions or become entrepreneurs. Students from any background and area of interest can enroll in online MBA courses in India.
What is Distance MBA?
A Distance MBA is a master’s level management degree programme in distance mode. Students who have completed a BBA degree or a bachelor’s degree in any relevant specialization can pursue a Distance MBA. Several open universities offer a Distance MBA degree, including Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU), NMIMS, and School of Open Learning, Delhi University (SOL DU) and others.
Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Eligibility Criteria
An MBA is significantly for fresh graduates who want to build their careers in the commerce and management fields. It also for working professionals who seek to climb up the corporate ladder. Any graduate – BA, BBA, B.Com, B.Tech, and B.sc – with a minimum passing score in aggregate can enroll in an MBA degree online or choose a Distance MBA degree.
Many universities take admission to their Online MBA and Distance MBA programmes based on merit. Meanwhile some conduct their entrance exams or take admission based on scores obtained in MBA entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and others.
Distance MBA vs Online MBA: Which is Better?
Whether a student chooses an Online MBA or goes with a Distance MBA, he or she must understand the difference between Online MBA and Distance MBA programs. Similar to a traditional full-time MBA, an Online MBA is a master’s degree in business management delivered completely in online mode.
Online MBA courses allow learners to complete their courses at their own pace. Online MBA courses are extremely flexible giving students the option to study, schedule, and appear in exams at their convenience.
Distance MBA, on the other hand, is a self-study MBA degree programme where students can study through self-study materials which are usually available in the form of soft copy and hard copy. Under a Distance MBA degree, it is not necessary for students to visit the college, similar to an Online MBA. However, this learning method does not involve teachers as it is more inclined towards self-study.
In certain terms, the difference between Distance and online MBA programmes withers away with time. Both MBA programmes are designed for those who are working or have a busy schedule. However, you may miss out on the exposure with a Distance MBA that an Online MBA offers.
Any graduate can pursue a Distance MBA degree on merit and entrance exams like MAT, CAT, XAT, SNAP, and CMAT. There are many Distance MBA colleges in India, including NMIMS, IGNOU, School of Open Learning, Delhi University, and others.
When deciding if a Distance MBA is worth it or whether to opt for an Online MBA, you must consider certain things – time commitment, accreditation, fees, and course outcomes. Ultimately, the debate between distance vs online MBA depends on the student’s preference.
Popular Online MBA Specializations
There are various specializations available in an online MBA. Students can choose from different online MBA specializations based on their area of interest. Mentioned below is the list of online MBA specializations one can opt for and accomplish their career goals.
- Online MBA in Health Care Management
- Online MBA in Business Analytics
- Online MBA in Hospital Administration
- Online MBA in Finance
- Online MBA in Marketing
- Online MBA in Human Resource Management
- Online MBA in Project Management
- Online MBA in Pharmaceuticals Management
Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Admission Process
To help students enroll in their desired MBA programs, we have listed important steps to apply for online MBA admission. We have also elaborated the process of admission in online vs distance MBA.
Online MBA admission 2024:
Aspiring candidates may apply to their preferred college based on their academic performance and work experience.
They need to first visit the official website of their chosen institute and meet the online MBA eligibility criteria.
After that, they need to complete the admission process by filling in an application form online.
Post submission, the college will contact them and may ask them to appear for an interview.
Further, they will be asked to submit the required documents and complete the MBA fees within the given time duration.
Distance MBA admission 2024:
Admission to the Distance MBA programme is done based on the candidates’ performance in the entrance examination and their graduation.
After satisfying the Distance MBA eligibility criteria, aspirants will have to submit the application form within the stipulated period of time otherwise their application will not be taken into consideration or will be cancelled.
Candidates are also required to pay the requisite application fee.
Once shortlisted, candidates will be called for an interview (if any) or will be given direct admission.
Distance MBA vs Online MBA: Career Opportunities
There is essentially no difference in career opportunities when it comes to distance vs online MBA. There are a variety of opportunities available after successfully completing both modes of MBA courses. Students will explore job opportunities in diverse industries in different career paths.
Career options after the best distance MBA and online MBA courses:
Sales Manager: A Sales Manager is a professional responsible for monitoring the sales team. He or she works closely with salespeople, sets quotas, assigns sales territories, supervises the members of the sales team, assigns sales training, and creates a sales plan.
Marketing Manager: A Marketing Manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing initiatives to generate demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. He or she examines the public interest level with respect to a new product or service.
Human Resource Manager: A Human Resource Manager is a professional supervising employee-benefit design, employee recruitment, execution evaluation, and prize administration, for example, managing pay and advantage frameworks.