The Effectiveness of an Online MBA Program in Meeting Mid-Career Student Expectations

Abstract

Advances in teaching technologies have made online MBA programs more accessible to mid-career learners; precisely those who many suggest should be targeted. Previous research on the value of the MBA has focused on various student motivations, but not specifically on the experiences of North American mid-career learners. This study reports the results of a survey which asked online MBA students about expected career outcomes, why they had chosen the online format, and what skills they expected to acquire. A better understanding of the expectations of mid-career learners enrolled in online MBA studies may assist program designers in developing meaningful curriculum, and lead to improved pedagogies.

Keywords

• MBA
• online education
• mid-career learners
• motivations
• expectations