Earning an MBA can help you take your career to the next level. However, many working professionals find it challenging to sacrifice their time and their salary to attend a traditional full-time, in-person MBA program.

Online Master of Business Administration (OMBA) programs, such as Virginia Tech’s Online MBA, are ideal for working professionals, parents, and anyone else looking for an affordable, accredited education with more flexibility than a traditional MBA program.

WHAT IS THE ONLINE MBA PROGRAM?

An online MBA program offers a part-time, fully online experience for professionals who want to earn their MBA while balancing work responsibilities and personal schedules.

Launched in 2021, Virginia Tech’s Online MBA was introduced in response to the changing needs of students and the workplace, along with a growing demand for remote learning options.

The 22-month program features a cohort-based format that helps students build meaningful professional relationships with their peers. With both asynchronous and synchronous online components, students get the best of both worlds — flexible coursework that fits your schedule, as well as consistent, real-time interactions with instructors and classmates.

HOW DO OMBA STUDENTS DIFFER FROM THOSE IN A TRADITIONAL MBA PROGRAM?

The main thing that sets OMBA students apart from those in traditional MBA programs is the need for academic schedule flexibility. OMBA programs are ideal for working professionals, parents, military personnel, and others whose schedules or circumstances preclude full-time, on-campus learning.

In addition to the increased flexibility, OMBA students see an immediate return on investment as they apply what they’re learning in the classroom within their workplace environment. The online format also prepares students to confidently navigate the complex digital landscape of modern business.

HOW ARE THEY SIMILAR?

In many ways, an OMBA student looks just like any other MBA student. While they may have unique scheduling needs, OMBA students are ambitious business professionals looking to grow their knowledge and skills, advance in their careers, or make a career change.

Virginia Tech’s Online MBA program offers many of the same professional networking opportunities and benefits that traditional MBA students enjoy, including:

  • Frequent interactions with classmates in your program cohort
  • Opportunities to connect with professional students in other programs, such as the Evening MBA
  • Networking events with MBA alumni and access to the wider Virginia Tech alumni network
  • Personalized career services focused on your individual background and goals

Additionally, OMBA students can choose between several specialization areas to focus on in their MBA coursework, including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Healthcare data and leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global immersion experience (study abroad)

TRADITIONAL MBA OR OMBA — CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Although a traditional MBA program may not work for everyone, there are other options for earning your Masters of Business Administration. Whether your goal is to earn a higher salary, find a better job, pursue a different career path, or launch a new business, online MBA programs are a flexible option that can work with your busy schedule. Learn more about earning your MBA online at Virginia Tech.