* Curriculum
* Program length
* Delivery method
* Career Placement Services
* Networking Opportunities
* Financing
* Other aspects to consider

1. Curriculum
As with full time and part time MBA programs, the distance learning MBA generally offers a core of general courses covering all management disciplines, which are then followed by elective courses.

2. Program length
Distance learning MBA programs vary in length from school to school and can be up to 8 years. The majority of distance learning MBA programs are between 3 and 4 years long. Most business schools provide you with a recommended study schedule to help you tailor a study plan to meet your own circumstances.

3. Delivery method
Distance learning MBA programs used to refer to a correspondence MBA program but these have now been developed to cover a wide range of communication channels. The course content is still designed for self-study and this is now provided by way of a variety of written, audio and visual means. Tutorial help is also available by an ever increasing variety of methods, such as phone, Internet, fax and in some cases, seminars. You will generally need a computer when studying for a distance learning MBA and require Internet access to complete many aspects of the program.

4. Career Placement Services
Career placement services for distance learning MBA students will tend to be more general if these are available, and are likely to be conducted at a distance, e.g. by e-mail.

5. Networking Opportunities
In view of the nature of distance learning as a study method, networking opportunities are likely to be limited. However, you may be able to form study groups with students who live nearby and are on the same distance learning MBA program. Also, computer conferencing is increasingly being offered to facilitate networking opportunities.

6. Financing
Whilst scholarships are unlikely to be available, you should still consider company sponsorship or loans to finance your distance learning MBA program. Education cost is spread over a longer period of time than the full time MBA program, as it is linked to the length of the program.

7. Other aspects to consider
Be sure to verify that any business school or distance learning MBA program that you select is accredited with one of the major accreditation bodies. This can have a significant effect on the value of your MBA to prospective employers. The academic reputation of the business school is still a very important factor when choosing a distance learning MBA program.

Australia and the UK business schools are probably at least as well known in the region as US schools for distance learning MBA programs. Examples of UK schools with a good reputation in the region are City University, which offers its MBA via the City University of Hong Kong and the Open University. Australian business schools include Curtin, Brisbane Graduate School of Business and the University of South Australia.

A number of rankings exist for the area. The FT 2001 survey included a number of business schools in the area but the main rankings for Asia are probably those of Asia Week.

Ranking of Top Asia distance learning MBA program provided by Asia Week at the end of 2000
1. City University of Hong Kong
2. Curtin University of Technology, Australia
3. Brisbane Graduate School of Business
4. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (India)
5. University of South Australia (International GSM)
6. Open University of Hong Kong

Other distance learning and online MBA programs are also available in the region such as the Duke online MBA.

The following schools in “Asia” appear in the FT 2001 rankings (the ratings in brackets refer to the FT 2001 rankings)

1. Autralian Graduate School of Management (42)
2. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (48)
3. Melbourne Business School (58)
4. National University of Singapore (89)
5. University of Otago (92)

The following schools are the key schools in Asia and Pacific based on ratings in the FT and Asia Week.

1. Melbourne Business School
2. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
3. Asian Institute of Management (Philippines)
4. Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (School of Management)
5. NUS Business School (National University of Singapore)
6. Chinese University of Hong Kong
7. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Graduate School of Management)
8. Macquarie Graduate School of Management (Australia)
9. Nanyang Business School (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
10. Sasin Graduate Institute of Business and Administration (Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
11. Monash Mount Eliza Business School (Australia)
12. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
13. International University of Japan (Graduate School of Management)
14. China Europe International Business School (China)
15. National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan (College of Commerce)
16. National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan (College of Commerce)
17. Brisbane Graduate School of Business (Queensland University of Technology, Australia)
18. Lahore University of Management Sciences (Pakistan)
19. University of Queensland, Australia (Graduate School of Management)
20. Seoul National University (College of Business Administration)
21. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (School of Management)
22. University of Adelaide, Australia (Graduate School of Management)
23. National Taiwan University of Science & Technology (College of Management)
24. University of the Philippines (College of Business Administration)
25. Curtin University of Technology, Australia (Graduate School of Business)
26. Mahanakorn University of Technology (Thailand)
27. International Management Institute (India)
28. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (India)
29. University of Technology Sydney (Graduate School of Business)
30. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (India)
31. T. A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal (India)
32. Bharathidasan Institute of Management (India)
33. Khon Kaen University, Thailand (College of Graduate Study in Management)
34. Ritsumeikan University, Japan (Graduate School of Business)
35. University of Malaya (Faculty of Business and Accountancy)
36. Malaysian Graduate School of Management (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
37. University of South Australia (International Graduate School of Management)
38. RMIT University, Australia (School of Management)
39. Hitotsubashi University, Japan (Faculty of Commerce)
40. University of Dhaka (Institute of Business Administration)
41. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (Pakistan)
42. Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Management
43. B. K. School of Business Management (Gujarat University, India)
44. Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan (School of International Politics, Economics and Business)
45. University of Waikato Management School (New Zealand)
46. Chungnam National University, South Korea (College of Economics and Management)

In 2000 it was estimated that 5,000 students enrolled in virtual MBA programs and this figure has been predicted to rise to 50,000 in 2002.

Some Internet MBA programs are entirely virtual (such as the University of Baltimore or Colarado State) while others include a certain amount of class contact time (Pace University and Portland State).

There are over 100 MBA schools in the USA, which offer online MBA programs. Taking an MBA online means the business school’s country is less important and MBA schools based in other countries also provide online MBAs and distance learning MBAs.

The main business schools offering distance learning MBA programmes:

1. Brunel University
2. Durham University
3. Henley Management College
4. Heriot Watt University
5. Keele University
6. Kingston University
7. Leicester University Management School
8. Napier University
9. Open University
10. Oxford Brookes University
11. Paisley University
12. Reading University
13. Stirling University
14. Strathclyde University
15. Surrey European Management School (SEMS)
16. Warwick University

Some of these MBA programs can be followed entirely by distance learning while others deliver these MBA programs through “open learning” with a mixture of distance learning and class attendance.

Probably the strongest pure distance learning course is that of Warwick University, partly due to the strength and reputation of its business school and also its flexibility - it is possible to transfer between its various delivery modes. Warwick University offers its MBAs in full time, part time, modular and distance learning formats.

Strathclyde, Henley and Kingston are also well-regarded programmes, although don’t quite have either the reputation or flexibility of Warwick. Mainly the course structure makes them less flexible for overseas students.

University of Phoenix Online

Earn your degree, advance your career, secure your future - all online. University of Phoenix Online is a true innovator in distance education. Their Business degree programs are designed specifically for busy professionals. Imagine earning the degree you’ve always wanted - from home, at work, or while traveling.

Cardean MBA

Gain the skills and business expertise you need to take your career (and your salary) to the next level. The Cardean University MBA program, developed in association with an academic consortium of five of the world’s top business schools, offers convenient online classes for working adults. Earn your degree at the times and places most convenient to you—day, evening or weekend. Choose from 14 in-demand MBA specializations designed to help you reach your career goals faster.

DeVry University Online

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it’s from DeVry University Online’s Keller Graduate School of Management. The majority of their students balance work, family and school. That’s why their online programs offer total flexibility. Master’s degree programs are offered in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Information Systems, Project Management, Public Administration and Telecom Management.

University of Liverpool

With an international reputation for high quality, The University of Liverpool is one of the most highly respected educational institutions in the UK. Study international online Master programmes in a virtual classroom with senior management students from all over the world.

Jones International University

Make a real difference in your career with an online master’s degree. Jones International University® offers affordable and flexible master’s degree programs. All courses have been designed by experts from the world’s most prestigious universities. Choose from 17 career-track degree programs, tailored to your needs, and get the tools you need to get ahead in your career.

Kennedy-Western University

Kennedy-Western University’s programs are designed specifically for the mid-career professional with self-paced programs. They offer a Master of Science Executive Business Administration Degree.

American Graduate School of Management

The American Graduate School of Management’s Executive MBA program combines the best of a traditional high-quality MBA program with the flexibility and affordability of online education. AGSM can help you develop the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to succeed in today’s challenging business environment.

Regis University

Regis University offers an MBA program as well as an MBA in Healthcare Management program. They have the largest online, multimedia MBA program in the country. Flexible online courses allow you to get your degree in less than two years.

Baker College Online

Baker College Online is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and they offer affordable, convenient, flexible and respected - their online graduate programs in business are ranked by US News as among the best - and they have one of the highest enrollment of any online college with over 15,000 students worldwide.

ITT Technical Institute Online

Expand your business knowledge and skills by earning your MBA degree online from ITT Tech. It’s where business and technology come together. Bachelor degree and associate degree programs in business are also available.

Orissa
North Orissa University
Baripada
Phone : 0674-3124367

Utkal University
Bhubaneswar

Pondicherry
Pondicherry University, Directorate of Distance Education
Pondicherry
www.pondiuni.org

Punjab
Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar

Punjab Technical University
Jalandhar
www.ptu.ac.in

Punjabi University
Patiala

Rajasthan
IASE - Deemed University
Sardarshahr
www.iaseduniv.org / iaseduniv@sancharnet.in

Indian Institute of Rural Management
Jaipur
dlp@iirm.org / www.iirm.org

Rajasthan Vidyapeeth (Deemed) University
Udaipur
www.rajasthanvidyapeeth.com

Sikkim
Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences
Gangtok
www.miteindia.com/courses/center.asp
www.smuhmts.edu / www.manipal.edu / www.manipalu.com

Tamil Nadu
Alagappa University, Directorate of Distance Education
Karaikudi
www.aluniv.org / alagappadde@yahoo.co.in

Annamalai University
Annamalainagar
www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in

Bharathidasan University, Centre for Distance Education
Tiruchirappalli
www.bdu.ac.in

Bharathiar University - School of Distance Education
Coimbatore
www.b-u.ac.in / www.bharathiaruni.org

Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research
www.bharathuniv.pctiltd.com

EVP Institute of Technology & Management Studies
Chennai
www.evpgroup.net

Indian Institute of Management & Technology
Chennai
www.iimat.com / www.aicomas.com

Indian Institute of Quality Assurance
Tiruchirapalli

Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras
Chennai
www.universityofmadras-ide.ac.in / www.unom.ac.in

Institute of Health Care Administration
Chennai
ihca@md2.vsnl.net.in

International Council for Management Studies,
Institute of Correspondence Education
Chennai
www.iimat.com / www.aicomas.org

International Institute of Business & Management Pvt. Ltd.
Chennai
www.iibmindia.com

Madurai Kamaraj University, Directorate of Distance Education
Madurai
www.mkuniversity.org /
www.mkudde.org

Magnus School of Business
Chennai
www.lemagnus.org

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education
Tirunelveli
distance@sancharnet.in

Mother Teresa Women’s University, School of Distance Education (For Women Only)
Kodaikanal

National Institute of Business Management
Chennai
Tlfx: 044-24422438, Tel: 24401521

National Institute of Industrial Research & Development
Chennai
kaboverseasedu@vsnl.net

National Institute of Human Resources Development
Chennai

Periyar University
Salem
www.periyaruniversity.ac.in

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University (SVBP University)
Chennai
www.svbpuctm.org

Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Res. Academy (SASTRA)
Kumbakonam
www.sastra.edu

SITECH
Chennai
sitech1@vsnl.com / www.sathaktrust.com

Tamilnadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore
www.tnau.ac.in

Tamil Nadu Open University
Chennai

Uttar Pradesh
AAI-Deemed University, Correspondence & E-Learning Course

Allahabad
www.aaidudec.org/ www.aai-elearn.com

Alcozin Institute of Management & Information Technology
Noida

Amity School of Distance Learning, Amity University
Noida
admission@asodl@asodl.amity.edu / www.amity.edu

Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow

Bundelkhand University, Campus For Open Learning
Jhansi
www.bucolindia.org

C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology
Kanpur
www.sap-csauat.org

Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Management and Higher St.
Kanpur
dduinstitutemhs@yahoo.com

Graduate School of Business & Administration
Ghaziabad
netgsba@nda.vsnl.net.in / www.gsbaindia.com

IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute
Ghaziabad
www.imtdoli.org

Indian Institute of Commerce and Trade
Lucknow
www.iictindia.com

Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing
Lucknow
www.iipmindia.co.in

Institute of Management Studies
Ghaziabad
www.ims-ghaziabad.ac.in

Jaipuria Institute
Ghaziabad
www.jaipuria.net

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management & Development St.
Lucknow
lbsimds_east@hotmail.com

Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology,
Directorate of Distance Education
Faizabad
www.nduat.com

Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Vidyapeeth
Kanpur

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Directorate of Distance Education
Meerut
www.svbpmeerut.com

U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University
Allahabad
www.uprtou.org

V.B.S. Purvanchal University
Jaunpur
www.purvanchaluniversity.org
Uttaranchal

National College of Education
Dehradun
www.nceglobal.com

Campus Technocrats
Kolkata
information@campustechnocrats.org / www.campustechnocrats.org

CSM Institute of Graduate Studies
Kolkata

Holymatha Colleges
Kolkata
www.holymathacolleges.com

Institute of Management & Technology
Kolkata

International Institute of Management Sciences
Kolkata
cal_iims@sify.com / iims@dte.vsnl.net.in / www.ims-cal.org

Kakatiya University
Kolkata

National Institute of Personnel Management
Kolkata
nipm@cal12.vsnl.net.in / www.nipmindia.org

The University of Burdwan
Burdwan

It is always good to know a little bit about everything. However, it can be much more advantageous to know a great deal about one thing – your discipline. A distance learning MBA helps you to become an expert in your line of work. It makes you more valuable to businesses.

You can stay ahead in the corporate world by earning a distance learning MBA through learning new business procedures and methods. The knowledge you acquire through an online master’s program can be applied to decisions that need to be made on your job and in everyday life. You will become equipped with tools that lead to better corporate strategies, decision-making, and policies. When you use these tools on the job, you will impact your entire work environment with your knowledge.

The advancement opportunities are tremendous for those with advanced degrees like a distance learning MBA. Investing in your career could lead to raises and promotions. With your expertise, you will be eligible to climb higher up the corporate ladder. Most managers, top executives, and CEO’s have reached those positions because they have attained sophisticated degrees in their line of work. They steadily rose from an entry-level employee. Each subsequent step led to higher and higher ranks within the company until they finally reached the height of their careers.

Yet, moving up the corporate ladder is not your only option when moving ahead in the workforce. Many people become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. The knowledge that you gain from pursuing a master’s degree is focused and in-depth. Many people take this knowledge and start their own careers from the ground up. This gives them the freedom to do something they love and work for themselves at their own pace.

An enormous benefit of earning a distance learning MBA is that you can tailor the curriculum to fit your specific needs. You can choose which courses you want to take so that you can enhance your educational experience. You select courses that apply specifically to your current occupation or a profession that you would like in the future. The program allows you a flexibility that you otherwise might not obtain from a traditional college curriculum.

The courses are taught by professors who have similar experience in your field. Many of these instructors have already published books that have received exceptional reviews. These books are based on their own success stories in the corporate world. The techniques and strategies they teach have been proven to work and have lead to new business theories and organizational change. Impress your prospective employers with a distance learning MBA. It will put you on the cutting edge of the business market and a step ahead of the competition.

In today’s competitive business environment, career advancement depends more and more on your competency, not how long you’ve worked. Employers expect employees to have degrees that incorporate the latest skills and knowledge.

One of the main rules of the job search is that you must be able to market yourself. Employers need to see what puts you a cut above the rest of the job-seekers who are vying for the same position. They want to know what makes you viable and unique. If you want to know what makes you invaluable to an employer, you may consider getting a distance learning MBA.

It is always good to know a little bit about everything. However, it can be much more advantageous to know a great deal about one thing – your discipline. A distance learning MBA helps you to become an expert in your line of work. It makes you more valuable to businesses.

You can stay ahead in the corporate world by earning a distance learning MBA through learning new business procedures and methods. The knowledge you acquire through an online master’s program can be applied to decisions that need to be made on your job and in everyday life. You will become equipped with tools that lead to better corporate strategies, decision-making, and policies. When you use these tools on the job, you will impact your entire work environment with your knowledge.

The advancement opportunities are tremendous for those with advanced degrees like a distance learning MBA. Investing in your career could lead to raises and promotions. With your expertise, you will be eligible to climb higher up the corporate ladder. Most managers, top executives, and CEO’s have reached those positions because they have attained sophisticated degrees in their line of work. They steadily rose from an entry-level employee. Each subsequent step led to higher and higher ranks within the company until they finally reached the height of their careers.

Yet, moving up the corporate ladder is not your only option when moving ahead in the workforce. Many people become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. The knowledge that you gain from pursuing a master’s degree is focused and in-depth. Many people take this knowledge and start their own careers from the ground up. This gives them the freedom to do something they love and work for themselves at their own pace.

An enormous benefit of earning a distance learning MBA is that you can tailor the curriculum to fit your specific needs. You can choose which courses you want to take so that you can enhance your educational experience. You select courses that apply specifically to your current occupation or a profession that you would like in the future. The program allows you a flexibility that you otherwise might not obtain from a traditional college curriculum.

The courses are taught by professors who have similar experience in your field. Many of these instructors have already published books that have received exceptional reviews. These books are based on their own success stories in the corporate world. The techniques and strategies they teach have been proven to work and have lead to new business theories and organizational change.

Impress your prospective employers with a distance learning MBA. It will put you on the cutting edge of the business market and a step ahead of the competition