A graduate degree can be a good move for your career if you’re looking to further your professional goals and advance into management positions in your field. An MBA, whether pursued on campus or online, equips you with invaluable expertise across a wide range of business operations, but it is an investment in both time and resources.
If you are unsure whether or not you should commit to an MBA, the main thing to consider is your career goals. For professionals seeking to advance their careers — whether by stepping into leadership roles, transitioning between industries or launching a startup — an online MBA can be a strategic investment. While an online MBA requires significant time and financial commitment, this degree often provides a strong return on investment (ROI) when it’s undertaken with clear career goals in mind. However, if you have no interest in managing teams or departments or moving up the corporate ladder, you may not need to pursue an MBA.
Why Is an Online MBA Worth It?
While each online MBA learning experience is unique, most programs share a few key benefits that make them worth considering.
Advance Your Business Expertise
No matter what type of MBA you choose, the coursework will significantly expand your understanding of business theory and practices in marketing, finance, business analytics and more. In addition to developing skills and knowledge in individual areas of business, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how seemingly disparate operational processes work together to support success.
Develop “Soft” Skills
Even in a virtual environment, an online MBA enhances essential interpersonal skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving and project management, all of which are essential for effective managers and leaders. Many programs offer peer writing tutors to help you hone your academic writing skills, which can be applied to the emails, presentations, marketing collateral and reports that you will write in your career. You may also be able to participate in virtual engagement sessions as part of your coursework where you can network and connect with your faculty and peers from across the country.
Career Coaching and Advice
“With a remote student, the difference really is in the resources and how I engage with them. We have to be more technically savvy and digitally savvy for OMBAs (Online MBAs) and our remote students who are just commuting in for a class and going back to where they live. We switch more of the interactions to be remote. But today, most of networking is remote anyway, so it’s like the whole world is following where an OMBA program is.”
Erin Revere, Assistant Director of Career Management Center at the Freeman School of Business, Tulane University.
Many business schools give online MBA students access to a dedicated career management center with career consultants who provide help with resume writing, interview prep and practice and more. These centers often have connections with local organizations and can introduce students to alumni, employers or local leaders. Career management centers may also have a database of job listings that aren’t yet available to the general public, thanks existing relationships with local or national employers.
Earn a Recognized and Transferable Credential
An MBA is the gold standard of business degrees, and earning one is globally recognized as evidence of a high level of accomplishment. Senior leaders and executives often hold an MBA, so earning one can help you catapult your career to the highest levels.
Future-Proof Your Career
Online MBAs emphasize critical and creative thinking, problem solving and lifelong learning. Adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, and Online MBA coursework can help professionals cultivate this skill. Graduates emerge ready to navigate the disruptive technologies and advancements that are constantly reshaping the business landscape.
Boost Your Earning Potential
One of the biggest reasons professionals ask, “Is an online MBA worth it?” is the potential salary increase. There are studies that show that individuals may earn a seven-figure income over a post-MBA lifetime. In addition, job applicants with MBAs on their resumés stand out to potential employers, regardless of the prestige or name recognition of their university.
Below are just a few careers that MBA graduates pursue.
| Job | Median Salary |
| Marketing Manager | $152,822 |
| IT Manager | $168,971 |
| Financial Advisor | $100,748 |
| Management Consultant | $93,311 |
| Business Analyst | $99,311 |
| Human Resources Manager | $135,552 |
Source: Lightcast
Expand Your Career Opportunities Through Networking
One of the biggest benefits of earning an online MBA is the networking potential it provides both during and after the program. Connections can be crucial to securing exciting and high-paying jobs throughout your career and necessary for entrepreneurs building a business.
Faculty experts in their fields often teach in online MBA programs, where they incorporate real-world projects and guest speakers into their curricula to help students build valuable professional relationships. For entrepreneurs, universities may be able to connect students with incubators, accelerators and investors — resources that are essential for funding startups and finding business partners.
After graduation, national alumni networks can help graduates connect with experienced leaders across industries. Many programs facilitate networking through dedicated websites, LinkedIn and in-person or virtual events, fostering connections worldwide. Building a strong professional network is vital for career growth and entrepreneurial success.
General MBA Requirements
While admissions requirements can vary, most MBA programs — including both online MBAs and on-campus programs — require the following:
| Requirement | Description |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Most MBA programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be in a business-related field. Some graduate degrees may require a minimum GPA from your undergraduate studies. |
| Work Experience | Some MBA programs require a few years of experience in a professional business environment. If you’re a recent graduate with little to no professional work experience, you may be able to demonstrate this experience with an internship, part-time job or student worker position. |
| GRE/GMAT Scores | Many MBA programs require either GRE or GMAT scores to evaluate your critical thinking and reasoning skills. These institutions often require a minimum score. However, some universities no longer require GRE/GMAT scores, especially for applicants with demonstrated work experience. |
Online vs. In-Person MBA: Quick Comparison
Beyond the added flexibility of online classes versus in-person learning, here are three key differences:
- Class style: Online MBAs offer on-demand coursework that can be completed on your own schedule, while traditional MBAs require students to attend classes at a set time and place. Online programs can also be completed while working, while many in-person programs require students to enroll full time.
- Peer interaction: Online MBAs foster virtual connections through class discussions and group projects. In-person MBAs thrive on face-to-face networking and spontaneous interactions.
- Costs and location: An advantage of an in-person program is the ability to connect face-to-face with faculty, staff and other students on campus. Choosing to participate in an MBA online allows you to save on commuting and relocation costs. Many employers offer tuition assistance, and you may find you have access to educational benefits or other professional development funds as an online MBA student.
Is an Online MBA Right for You?
Deciding whether an Online MBA is worth it depends on your career ambitions. However, there’s a reason the MBA is the most popular management graduate degree. From the networking opportunities to learning outcomes that you will rely on throughout your career, the advantages of an MBA are hard to beat.
The Online MBA at the Freeman School of Business provides its students with an exceptional business education coupled with online flexibility. The curriculum focuses on core competencies in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and operations. Tulane MBA students gain access to a wealth of support and benefits, including:
- No GMAT or GRE score requirement
- Guaranteed 17% scholarship applied to the cost of tuition for Fall 2024
- Three concentration options
- Concierge-level support from staff
- 1:25 student/teacher ratio
- Innovative virtual learning experience
- Wide variety of scholarships and veteran support
- Asynchronous coursework and synchronous meeting times
- Access to the Career Management Center
About the Online MBA at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University
The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers an AACSB-accredited Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other MBA options based in Louisiana. The Online MBA program builds core competencies in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and operations, and also allows for in-depth exploration in your areas of interest. While a concentration is not required as part of the 46 required credits, you may pursue up to two of the following: Business Analytics, Finance or Marketing.
The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Regardless of your desired concentration or industry, you’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of business and managerial concepts and the practical skills to make informed business decisions and lead in your organization.
In the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Freeman climbed 19 spots among the nation’s top MBA programs. This is one of the biggest year-over-year changes among ranked programs and reflects Freeman’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in business education.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Online Master of Business Administration.
Get the Online MBA Program Brochure
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Master of Business Administration offered by the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 504-226-8311.