In today�s job market, a bachelor�s degree often isn�t enough to give you the
edge over other job applicants. However, getting your MBA at a local college or
university may be just too much for a full-time breadwinner with a home and
family to care for. There are still ways to advance your education, though, and
one of the most popular is getting your MBA through distance learning.

Distance learning via internet is a relatively recent phenomenon. Usually, a
student will enroll in an online university and take the all of the classes
online. Sounds like a great deal, right? There are many pitfalls for the
distance learner.

Be sure to choose the right school. As with every other category of business,
there are good and there are not so good distance learning programs. Don�t waste
your time and money on a school that is not accredited by a nationally
recognized agency. Your diploma needs to be from an accredited university or
school to help you advance, so do some homework up front and check the
credentials of the school. They should be accredited by one of the nationally
recognized agencies (New England, Middle States, North Central, Northwest,
Western and Southern). These are the valid accreditation agencies.

Verify that the classes are all online. Don�t enroll in a distance learning
program across the country, only to realize later that you�ll need to attend one
or two sessions in the classroom.

Check out the technical capabilities of the classes. Are the classes
available through technology that you can access, like websites, email or
bulletin boards? Will you have to use complicated, proprietary software? Steer
clear of programs that are not simple and easy to use. After all, isn�t that why
you want an online degree program. Just in case there are problems, make sure
that technical help is available when you�ll be working.

Look for programs with a proven track record. Even though the idea of
internet learning is new, you should look for a program with a good success rate
an satisfied graduates. Ask if you can email or talk to some of the graduates,
or read recommendations. Ask about the school�s completion rate.

Does the school offer adequate financing? If the school is accredited, they
should be able to participate in the federal student loan programs and offer
financing to distance learners.

Finally, investigate who is teaching the classes. Do they have experience in
online teaching? Managing a virtual classroom is different that teaching the
typical college course, so the teachers should be experienced in this type of
learning.

Of course, distance learning is not for everyone. In order to succeed at this
type of coursework, you will need to be self-motivated and dedicated to getting
your MBA. You will need to be organized and disciplined. Procrastinators have a
difficult time working at their own pace, because they can always finish an
assignment �tomorrow�. Of course, this can turn a 2-3 year program into 6-8
years.

Investigate online distance learning to pursue you MBA, but first, make sure
that you are ready to commit to self-directed learning.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of target=_new>http://www.distancelearningreviews.info a website specialized on
Distance
Learning, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on
Distance Learning. For more info visit his site:Distance Learning

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

October 31, 2005 | In Online Degrees |