As a working professional looking to improve your business skills, you are probably considering taking an online course. If you have never done an online course before, it may sound a bit daunting, but it is actually accessible to everyone. Thanks to online education, you can keep your job while gaining the skills you want to develop. You can also choose a school from anywhere in the world, so geographical distance is no longer an obstacle. Here is what you need to know to get your business degree online!
Can I get a business degree online?
It is possible to get a business degree online: renowned business schools around the world offer their programmes as distance learning courses. There are many options, depending on your goals and situation.
If you want to develop a specific skill in a short time, online certificates will meet your expectations. On the other hand, if you want to acquire an entire set of skills for your current or future job, you can choose a longer programme such as an online Master of Science (MSc.).
How to get a business degree online?
Find the right institution
The first step in finding a business degree online is choosing a school. The main advantage of distance learning is that you don’t just have to choose from institutions near your home. You can search in other cities or even other countries. This way you can choose from a wide range of programmes.
The school you will choose must have a good reputation, so that employers recognise the quality of the diploma. The first step is to select a high-ranking school. Many respected institutions publish annual rankings of schools and programmes in different categories. Also, make sure that their programmes are accredited by credible external institutions such as the AACSB.
Some schools specialise in certain areas, such as management or corporate finance. This is another important factor: don’t just focus on rankings and accreditations. Make sure you choose a programme that fits your profile.
How to apply?
Once you have found the right programme and you are sure you will get a recognised online degree, how do you apply?
Of course, you won’t have to move, the whole process will be entirely online. You will first fill in an application form and provide documents that will help the admission team assess whether your profile matches the programme.
Once your application has been assessed, the admission team will contact you for an interview and possibly tests. The process varies from institution to institution and sometimes even from programme to programme. Don’t hesitate to contact the school for more information.
How does an online business programme work?
To get your online business degree, you will have to study different modules. Depending on the type of programme you choose, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.
There will be regular live online classes outside of working hours. There, all students will be present and the class will be taught by one of the multiple professors. These classes are made to exchange ideas, review the content, answer questions, etc. They are also an opportunity to talk with other students. Other types of sessions may be included in the programme, such as workshops.
A good distance learning programme must also include the possibility to contact the teaching staff and get high quality support. For example, a programme with a coaching system will improve your chances of getting your online business degree.
Outside of live classes, you will need to study at home and work on individual or group projects. The amount of time you spend on your personal work each week will vary depending on the programme. Some require you to work between 7 and 9 hours a week, while others require you to work between 10 and 15 hours a week.
What kind of online degree can I choose?
There is no limit to the type of business degree you can choose online. Aside from the aforementioned certificates and MScs you may also choose to join a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course).
The range of subjects you can study is just as wide, with management in general and all sorts of specialisations available. Whether you want to boost your skills in business strategy and get a deeper understanding of corporate finance, you can find the right programme for you.
Below you will find all the online business degrees offered by EDHEC Business School.