In recent years, a new option has appeared for would-be MBA students: the online MBA. There are numerous on-line programs available today. These offer the ultimate in flexibility, but there is a cost in terms of meeting and networking with other students. No matter how technologically advanced and interactive the program, there is simply no substitute to meeting people face-to-face.

The good news is that the curriculum of a good on-line program will be quite similar to that of a traditional program, so in terms of the course content, you should learn just as much. But remember, that is only part of the value of the degree. With an online degree, you may miss out on valuable networking and face-to-face interaction. It may be more difficult to work on group assignments and gain valuable teamwork experience.

Finally, the online MBAs do not carry the same weight with sophisticated recruiters and hiring managers as “bricks-and-mortar” schools. You may find that your opportunities are more limited with one of these online or internet MBAs.