Top Online MBAs in the Philly Metro
For those who have decided to pursue an MBA, an already hectic schedule and an active, demanding work life can make attending classes on campus improbable. An online MBA can be the perfect answer to this conundrum. The Philly Metro has some of the top destinations for virtual learners.
Lehigh University College of Business and Economics
At $1,050 per credit, the Lehigh University College of Business and Economics online MBA is highly affordable. Students have lauded the Lehigh MBA’s access to professors, its flexibility and its high rate of future success among its strengths. Known as the ‘flex MBA’, the online program offers a variety of outcomes. These include the opportunity to become a combination of a “structured/unstructured” decision maker, strong leadership skills based in ethical and social responsibility and an awareness of the global impact of domestic business.
The upcoming deadline for the spring 2017 semester is December 16, 2016.
Temple University’s Fox School of Business
As the number one school on U.S. News and World Report’s ‘Best MBA Online Programs’ 2016 list, Temple Fox’s online degree begins with an on-campus residency, which gives students an initial face to face connection with their soon-to-be virtual classmates. This also invites students to reframe their minds for returning to the landscape of college learning. Each course also involves weekly WebEx sessions with fellow students.
It can be earned in as little as twenty months, with flexibility for changing schedules. The Fox online MBA boasts four major components, starting with the residency and culminating in a capstone. Admissions for Temple Fox’s online MBA are rolling, and tuition for both part and full-time students is $1,245 per credit.
St Joseph’s University Haub School of Business
With a cost of $974 per credit, St. Joseph’s University Haub School of Business is another appealing option for those seeking their degrees online. With three options to choose from—the professional MBA, the online Master’s in Financial Services, and the online Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing EMBA—the program takes place during accelerated eight week semesters. Rolling admission allows for a great deal of flexibility, as does the option to start in summer, fall or spring. Students are given up to six years to complete their MBA. Professors in Haub’s online program also teach on campus.
Penn State University Smeal College of Business
Penn State University’s World Campus online MBA is aimed toward those aiming toward senior management positions in their professions. Based upon advanced theoretical teaching combined with practice, the World Campus MBA focuses heavily on group collaboration. The intention is to build a “learning community” which will remain for each student as a network throughout their careers.
Tuition is $1,096 per credit, full or part-time. This price applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. The World Campus MBA holds is ranked 3rd on U.S. News and World Report’s list for faculty credentials, and 7th overall. Admission to World Campus is rolling, and there is a work experience requirement.
University of Delaware’s Lerner College of Business
University of Delaware’s Lerner College of Business’ online MBA offers the option of an accelerated 16 month degree, with six different start dates throughout the year. Among Lerner’s other advantages is that no specific undergrad background is required, which opens the field to those who wish to widen their skill set. Students can choose from concentrations in finance, healthcare and international business. The online MBA boasts a seamless connection with the on campus degree, and students can also find confidence in the fact that Lerner is one of the longest running MBA programs in the country.
At the highly affordable cost of $812 per credit, whether in or out of state, the Lerner online MBA offers rolling admissions as well. Another unique benefit is an individual career coach, who can help to guide the student through the complexities of combining work, school and family responsibilities.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
