Did you know that Life University (Life U) is currently accepting applications for its new online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program? Our MBA program offers more than just career preparation – it’s an investment in a well-rounded business education that empowers students to lead with purpose and positivity. Yet, there are some myths and misconceptions about the value of an MBA education that have proliferated the larger consciousness, so let’s take a beat to assuage some potential concerns that might come up before hitting that possibly intimidating “Apply” button.

Myth 1: Students need a business background and/or degree to qualify for an MBA.

A bachelor’s degree is a standard prerequisite for an MBA, but the degree type is less consequential in terms of consideration. Of course, an undergraduate degree in business will certainly serve as an excellent foundation to build upon, but it is by no means a requirement or a necessity related to an MBA. MBAs are often used as a springboard for individuals looking to jumpstart a second career or launch a new business, so it can even be an asset to study a particular field of interest and combine it with an MBA education. For example, a Life U student might achieve a B.S. in Exercise Science to become an athletic trainer before later pursuing our online MBA to gain the business insight necessary to create their own personal training gym. In essence, we welcome all types of dedicated prospective students into our MBA program and provide the business training needed to not only succeed but thrive.

Myth 2: MBAs aren’t affordable.

An MBA can be very financially reasonable depending on the program selected. Life U charges $345 per credit hour for our MBA, placing us at a lower total cost than many other universities. And for those who choose an accelerated course of study option in a one-year program, additional cost savings can be achieved. We also have an excellent Financial Aid office that can connect you with scholarships, loans and other resources to help fund your education.

Myth 3: MBAs are only for people who want high-level leadership roles.

Everyone, at every level of an organization, has the capacity to be a business leader. This does not necessarily have to mean becoming a high-powered CEO, but it can simply mean performing at your best at any stage. Our three concentrations offered are General, Accounting and Marketing, so an MBA can be helpful at all stages of a career or in a specialized manner if needed.

Myth 4: Online MBAs are not as well regarded by employers.

Generally, hiring managers do not inquire about the format of a degree listed on a résumé, and even if they did, online degrees are typically as respected as traditional degrees. It is true that when online education was in its early infancy, employers were skeptical about its validity, but over time, most have come to see the value that MBA-educated professionals bring, regardless of format. The main caveat to that is that the best success will be achieved when combined with diligent networking and relevant work experience. The Life U MBA program will give you access to industry leaders, executive mentors and exclusive career opportunities to expand your professional impact.

Myth 5: Online MBAs aren’t as rigorous as in-person.

Online programs offer more flexibility, but the rigor is the same or sometimes a step above an in-person equivalent. Typically, the pacing matters more than the physical location in this regard. The Life U MBA can be taken in an accelerated format for a year-long program or stretched out to allow for busier schedules and constraints. Online MBA students can sometimes miss some of the more natural networking that occurs in in-person learning, but that can be mitigated with a bit of creative leveraging of opportunities offered by the University.

Myth 6: MBAs are too male-dominated.

According to Business 360°, women’s full-time MBA enrollment was at 41% in 2022, and all indications point to that percentage increasing over time. Regarding Life U’s current overall student population, it was last reported at an even 50% between male and female students as of the 2024 Fall Quarter. Therefore, we expect our program to be a good mix of students in this measure because many strong women are now investing in a vibrant business education and career.

Myth 7: Only the highest-scoring students will qualify.

To evaluate the whole student, not simply a series of numbers, we are not currently requiring a GMAT score for our MBA program. Instead, we want to evaluate your leadership potential and your experiences. The main essential requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. For more information on Life U’s exciting new MBA program, please visit our MBA welcome page.

References

https://post.edu/blog/debunking-7-common-mba-misconceptions/