The increasing demand for managerial skills among professionals has resulted in several opportunities at one’s disposal. Nowadays, many universities offer different MBA types, ranging from traditional to Online and Distance to one-year Executive programs. Indeed, students and professionals who wish to get an MBA degree have more options and possibilities to improve their abilities without taking time off from work. But then they often get stuck on which MBA program to apply for. To help them in that direction, we have listed out the difference between Online and Distance MBA courses.
Online v/s Distance MBA:- Enrolling in distance MBA allows to the person learn while earning both have the same learning format, but different like chalk and cheese. To better clarify the concepts of online and distance learning let's discuss these two terms one by one:-
A). ONLINE MBA- This mode of learning helps to use modern elements through which the teaching and learning process takes place. This learning takes place with the utilization of a virtual learning environment (VIE)- model, collaborates or blackboards to share multimedia lectures and discussions, send resources to students, and conduct exams.
B). Distance MBA- This form of learning is known as correspondence learning also where study material and learning resources will be sent to students through the post and email in video lectures along with PDFs and other documents.
A tabular form of difference between online and distance MBA is given below which to clear this concept easier-
Bases of difference | Distance MBA | Online MBA |
1. Accessibility | Distance MBA courses are usually delivered to students who live in remote places, and cannot commit to online study. | Only students who have access to PCs can pursue an Online MBA degree via the Internet. It gives students the freedom to work according to their comfort and convenience. |
2. Attendance | Not required | Not required (except in a few cases) |
3. Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university and a good % in an MBA entrance exam | It required at least 50% marks in graduation. |
4. Mock interview | No such provision in this learning | Given by industry experts in 1:1. |
5. Student-teacher interaction | No interaction takes place between students and teachers. They only interacted with each other when adhering to exam deadlines and submission deadlines. | Interaction takes place between students and teachers with different digital modes. |
6. Mentorship | Only 4-5 doubt sessions will be taken by the teachers during the whole academic year. | Complete guidance gave the teachers for the whole academic year. Any doubt students can take guidance from the teachers when they required it. |
7. Assignments and exams | Students will be able to complete their course after receiving and submission of their work from their nearby regional center. | Students will able to complete their course with the online time receiving and submission of their work. They didn’t need to visit in college. Every work will be done online. |
8. Placement assistance | Depending on the institutions. | In this, it depends on the placement supports. |
9. Flexibility | It provides an opportunity for students they can able to complete this on behalf of their own schedule and doesn’t depend on a specific timetable to do an MBA. | It requires utmost discipline. With numerous distractions, it is challenging for students to stay focused. As a result, they can improve their time management skills. |
10. Alumni Status | No benefits | Given alumni status |
11. Exposure | Lesson plans are usually simple with minimum exposure. It doesn’t allow to you study industry trends by revealing real worlds experiences and case studies. | It is a better choice because its quality, status, and popularity are steadily increasing, and top business schools are increasingly offering online business degrees, making them even more accessible. |
Distance v/s Online MBA job and salaries in India- The value of both MBA courses is deemed equal to that of a regular MBA and offers prospects a higher-paying job.
Job role | Average Salary |
Manager | INR 12 LPA |
Sales Manager | INR 5 LPA |
Marketing Manager | INR 6.5 LPA |
Brand Manager | INR 9 LPA |
Job role | Average Salary |
Marketing Manager | INR 6.83 LPA |
Business Development Manager | INR 5.98 LPA |
Financial Analyst | INR 4.14 LPA |
Financial Manager | INR 9.96 LPA |
Both distance education and online learning have advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day, they both allow you to study from home. Although the teaching techniques differ, the purpose remains the same: to obtain a quality education. But if you are not ready for the commitment that a 2-year MBA degree demands, do take a look at the curriculum of our 12-month Executive PG Program in Management by Great Lakes Executive Learning. You get to learn from India’s Top 10 Ranked Business Schools and gain managerial skills to build a rewarding career.
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