Getting Down To Business:  Finding The Online Business Program That's Right For You 

There is a clear correlation between education, earnings and occupation. The more highly qualified you are, the more likely you are to occupy a managerial position and the higher your earnings will be. U.S. Census Bureau figures show that a college education of any kind can result in a salary 50% higher than someone who entered the workforce without graduating from high school. 

If you are seeking an online business degree you probably know this already. All you have to do is choose your program. And believe it or not, choosing an online business program doesn't have to mean teeth gnashing and coin-flipping.  If you list your priorities, ask the right people the right questions, you can find the online business program that fits your needs and boosts your career prospects. 

The Internet Means Business: Distance Education in a Computer Age

The recent surge of online continuing business education programs offers potential students a wide range of options and advantages.  Not only can you choose business programs from a variety of different universities and technical colleges, but the degrees offered can be earned at your own pace and from the comforts of your own home.  Gone are the days of long commutes to campus, hours spent in the university library, and structured class schedules that basically put your life on hold.  The computer-savvy student can now earn an online MBA, for example, without sacrificing important career obligations or family commitments. 

The next step for you is to choose the online business school that fits your needs.  Because you will more than likely be committing the next two to four years of your life to such a venture, it is a good idea to do some basic (but thorough!) research on the school you want and the types of degrees they confer.  Don't shudder!  The process is easier than you think, provided that you have some idea of your goals and interests and that you know where to look and who to ask for specific online business school information. 

Details Make the Difference: Knowing What to Look For

The nature of the business industry is specialization.  Specialists earn more and are in greater demand due to the depth of their knowledge and skills.  This is a pivotal point for you to keep in mind when selecting your online school and program of study.  There are online degrees that specialize in hundreds of business fields and are often customizable to suit your specific career needs.  You are almost certainly best selecting a program with a variety of industry-specific electives, and cohort programs, that allow you to apply lessons learned to your current industry position (i.e. accounting, human resources, etc.) 

HINT! Many companies and employers will pay for your continuing education because your newly gained knowledge will directly benefit company goals.  Check with your employer to find out if they have a training/education reimbursement program! 

You can use the World Wide Web to make your task of selecting an online business school even easier.  Websites that provide comprehensive information and useful program links are increasingly available and user friendly.  

The Industry Standard: Choosing an Online MBA Program

Without question, one of the most sought after and respected degrees, is the MBA.  Earning an MBA increases your value and your options in virtually any business sector.  And as you would expect, an online MBA from a school with the right credentials offers the possibility of a highly-regarded qualification and the convenience of education at your own pace.

 Choosing the right online MBA program, or any online program for that matter, includes checking the accreditation or licensing status of the school and ensuring that the diploma they confer is nationally recognized.  Another critical question to ask when weighing your online MBA options is whether or not the program you plan to attend makes cohorts available to you for referral and support throughout the program length.  Cohorts are sometimes critical for online course success in that they provide the human element that would otherwise be absent from the online education experience.

 I've found A Program Now What?

• Contact the school. This is often achieved by completing an online form, after which an admissions counselor will be in touch by telephone.
• Have a list of questions ready to ask the admissions representative.  This will ensure your conversation is focused and that you get all of the information you need to make a smart decision.

 Some questions that you might want to consider are:

• Is the school accredited or state licensed?
• Will there be a professor available to me for specific questions not covered in the online material?
• Does your program include a cohort system for academic support?
• What are my financial aid and payment options?
• Does your program offer career internship possibilities?
• How does the admissions process work?

 Once you've compared program components carefully, chosen the school that best fits your requirements, you can then start your application for admission.  Most online business schools have a link that will allow you to either request additional information or apply directly.  The admissions counselor may ask for information on your prior schooling.  It's a good idea to go ahead and request that copies of official transcripts from all the schools you have attended be sent to the school to which you are applying.  This will reduce your admission wait time significantly.  However, the admissions process can be lengthy, from 2 weeks to a month in most cases.

 Let's Review: How to Choose Your Online Business School

To summarize the process of choosing an online business school and program you should:

• Set your career goals and establish why a business degree would help you achieve these goals.
• Examine a variety of Internet sources on the online business schools and programs available to you.  This includes checking the compatibility of the program with your specific career needs.
• Contact the school, usually by completing an online form, so that they can call you to discuss your requirements.
• Be ready with specific questions about the program you are interested in and generally about the course curriculum.  Don't forget to ask about accreditation or state licensing!
• Apply directly to the school of your choice.  Have copies of official transcripts sent from every school you've attended.

 You are to be commended for deciding to pursue your continuing education, a decision that will reap dividends as you continue your career. Take the next step now and choose your online business school.

 Sources:  U.S. Census Bureau (2000 Census) Earnings by Occupation and Education [http://www.census.gov/hhes/income/earnings/call1usboth.html]

 About the Author:
A freelance writer, Kelly Richardson is also a researcher and teacher in Atlanta, Georgia.  Kelly has over 15 years of creative and technical writing experience.  He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes copy for a variety of clients in specialized industries such as medicine and technology.  Kelly holds Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in English and Education from Georgia State University.  He is currently pursuing an online Doctorate in Educational Policy & Leadership from Berne University & International Graduate School.

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