5 Questions to Ask About MBA Programs

If you’re thinking about getting an MBA degree, you probably have a lot of questions. For example, what benefits can you expect to receive from completing an MBA program?

According to The Wharton School, MBA graduates expand their professional networks and gain access to better job opportunities. They also gain communication and time management skills that can serve them well no matter where their careers lead them.

In this blog post, we answer the top five questions you should ask yourself as you research the top MBA programs. Consider the answer to these questions as you look for the MBA program that suits you best.

Different MBA programs suit different learning styles and offer different curricula. If you’re considering getting your MBA online, find out whether the program is asynchronous or if you must be online at certain times to meet with your class and instructors. Find out what your schedule will be like. Even if your program is self-paced, there will likely be deadlines you must meet.

When choosing an MBA program, look at the curriculum and decide whether the courses can help you meet your goals. Not every MBA program requires the same courses. You should also consider whether the learning environment is more competitive or collaborative and which would be better for you.

Additional considerations include class sizes and accessibility. Some schools may have small classes with 20 or fewer students, while others have 200 or more. Think about which you prefer and consider whether the professors will have time to answer your questions.

Evaluate your chances of admission honestly. Some programs require high GMAT scores, years of experience working in management, or a high GPA. Do your research ahead of time to see if you have a fair chance of admission.

If you’re not sure if you qualify, research admission requirements. Talk to an admissions officer to find out what each program requires.

It’s okay to apply to MBA programs you aren’t sure you’ll qualify for, but make sure you have a backup plan. Is there another program that would be acceptable if your first choice rejects you? If so, apply there as well.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Think about how well each MBA program fits your career goals. Does the school offer the specialization or concentration you need? For example, if you work for a global business and want to move overseas, an international business concentration would be a good choice for you.

Consider what type of student support services the school offers. Some schools offer academic support, career preparation, and tutoring. Others offer financial education or help students find internships. Think about the types of services you might need and check to see if your chosen school offers them.

Additional considerations include culture and diversity. You might also consider the size of the school’s alumni network and the availability of networking events and mentorship programs.

Many schools list the job placement rate for their MBA program on their website. For those that don’t, you can ask an admissions officer. Employers seek graduates from top MBA programs, so the best programs usually have high job placement rates. Job placement data can give you a good idea of the value you can expect from that MBA program.

Ask what percentage of graduates land jobs and what type of companies they work for. Find out whether graduates of the concentration you plan on earning find employment in their area of expertise. Finally, ask for the most common job titles for graduates from the MBA program you’re considering.

There are many factors to consider to determine whether an MBA program is right for you. For example, how much does an in-person MBA cost? How much does an online MBA cost? At some schools, it may be cheaper to get your MBA online. If the cost is high, you may have to take out student loans to pay for your MBA degree.

Location may also be important. Even if you are willing to travel to another location, consider the cost of living. You may find that it is much cheaper to choose another MBA program or get your MBA online.

Most MBA programs take two years to complete. Can you afford to take that much time off work? If not, you might want to see if you can get your MBA online part time. You may be able to keep your job while studying in the evenings and on weekends.

While many factors influence which MBA program you choose, the best program aligns well with your needs and goals. Finding the answers to these questions can help you decide which program is the best fit. You can find answers to most of these questions by reading school websites and talking to admissions officers. You can also learn a lot by speaking with current MBA students and alumni.