What Is Correspondence MBA Program?

By Linda Stetson

Once, correspondence MBA programs were very popular around the world. Students would apply and be sent the coursework, sending it back as they completed it in order to obtain their MBA degree. Today, they’re still very popular, though they go by a slightly different name: distance learning programs.

History of Correspondence MBA Programs

The main difference between distance learning and correspondence MBA programs is the medium used. When correspondence programs first started, lessons were sent by mail to the students taking the class, who would complete them and send them back. Slowly, correspondence programs morphed into what is today called Distance Learning. The advantages of a correspondence or distance learning program include:

• Students receive instruction anywhere in the world
• Students complete the lessons when they have the time
• Students learn the lessons and can complete a degree program
• Students stay competitive and can apply what they’re learning immediately
• Students have access to new technologies as the programs morph and change
• Students can take advantage of learning opportunities later in life

Correspondence programs have used many different mediums, according to the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), www.usdla.org. Although originally they were sent by mail, and today many use the internet, they also used:

• The telephone
• Videoconferencing
• Webconferencing
• Tapes, CDs and DVDs
• Email
• Fax
• Message boards and forums

Correspondence MBA Programs Today

Today, correspondence, or distance learning, MBA programs are very popular around the world, and the desire for distance learning is growing especially quickly in India, according to Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), www.eric.ed.gov. The correspondence MBA programs give professionals the opportunity to complete their business education while working and spending time with their families. They also set a standard that must be met and keep people who earn them competitive, wherever they live. Many correspondence MBA programs are accredited, so the degree is recognized by other universities and potential employers.

According to BusinessWeek.com, there are more than 60 schools offering distance learning MBA programs, including:

• Arizona State University
• Colorado State University
• James Madison University
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
• Carnegie Mellon University

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Master Your Career with an Distance MBA Education

By Linda Stetson

Someone has to take the lead; someone needs to take charge; is that someone you? Do you want to be in a position to effect change within your community? If you are leadership material, want to take charge, or simply want to make a difference, Master your career with an Distance MBA education in less than two years of study.

Although the world is full of dreamers, leadership requires more than a desire to be the boss. Individuals in positions of management need credibility. People are more like to follow, if the boss has the education and credentials to back up his/her decisions. Thus, an online MBA degree is available through distance education, for aspiring leaders. Alleviate any doubts; utilize a search engine using “Online MBA degree”. For example, Grand Canyon University came up with 162 hits. Essentially, colleges across the United States are offering Distance MBA education programs. Institutions understand; tomorrow’s leaders need to retain current employment, while gaining the necessary MBA degree for advancement up the corporate ladder.

Maybe leadership is not a personal career goal; you simply want take charge of your career and not become restricted by educational limitations. Perhaps you are looking forward to the future and considering your long-term options. You cannot afford to quit your job, sell the house, and uproot your family; but, with a tightening job market, you do not want to be in the soup line, if your company decides to downsize or go another direction. With an Distance MBA education, you will gain the knowledge and experience necessary to increase your career options.

While increasing your career options is probably the main reason individuals choose to obtain an Distance MBA education, many people want the education to give them the knowledge, credibility, and expertise to effect positive change in today’s society. For example, with an MBA in education, you can be in a position to promote positive changes in the educational system. In business, instead of complaining about office policies and procedures, you will have the background knowledge to successfully suggest improved working conditions for both employees and employers. Maybe you are interested in improving healthcare for the elderly, but patient care is not your cup of tea. (You faint at the sight of blood or needles.) You have realistic ideas to keep quality care up, and patient costs down, but you need the education to give your recommendations voice. Thus, if you want to make a difference within your community, consider mastering your career with an Distance MBA education.

In summary, regardless of your personal motivations, an Distance MBA education will help you master your personal or occupational goals. Maybe you aspire to a position of leadership like a future presidency. If so, online courses are available to reach your leadership goals. However, for the majority of career-minded individuals, job security is a concern, or the career is a venue for effecting positive changes within a community. Promote your potential and master your career with an Distance MBA education.

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