Introduction to the online MBA
Online MBA programmes have revolutionised the way professionals can advance their careers while balancing work and personal commitments. These flexible, accessible programmes offer a convenient path to acquiring career-enhancing skills and knowledge. Enrolling in an online programme for an MBA degree can unlock new opportunities, promotions and a significant boost in earning potential, making it a rewarding investment in your future
If you have a particular question, please use the outline below to jump to a specific section, or carry on reading to learn more about the different types of Master of Business Administration degrees that you could choose to study.
Overview of the MBA degree
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage or grow a successful business operation. Completing an MBA programme allows graduates to advance their careers thanks to the focus on practical learning and real-world applications that prepare graduates for leadership roles across many industries.
Most MBAs differ from the majority of academic qualifications in that applicants are usually required to have already gained valuable work experience within a managerial position. Studying a traditional full-time face-to-face MBA programme can present a significant challenge as many people cannot afford to pause their careers for a year or two. This is why online part-time MBA programmes such as those offered by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in partnership with the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) are gaining popularity.
Online MBA programmes offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. This guide explores the benefits and intricacies of pursuing an online MBA degree, helping you unlock your potential and achieve your career goals.
Selecting the right MBA programme
Choosing the right MBA programme involves considering factors such as accreditation, curriculum, faculty expertise, support and flexibility.
When choosing an MBA programme, you should select a programme that best suits your career objectives, learning style and personal commitments. Researching and comparing different MBA offerings will help you find the best fit for your aspirations.
UJ’s MBA is nationally accredited and aims for international recognition, ensuring that students receive a quality education that meets global standards. The programme's structure allows students to tailor their learning experience through elective modules that align with their career goals.
MBA specialisations and electives
MBA degree programmes often offer specialisations and electives, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals. Here are some popular specialisations:
Finance
MBA modules and electives in finance prepare students to manage financial resources effectively, analyse financial statements and make strategic investment decisions.
A specialisation in finance provides in-depth knowledge of financial markets, investment strategies, corporate finance and risk management. It prepares graduates for roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers and chief financial officers.
Entrepreneurship
Studying for an MBA degree with a focus on entrepreneurship equips students with the tools to launch and manage new ventures, fostering innovation and creativity in business.
While many of the managerial and leadership skills taught in a general MBA are useful for entrepreneurs, focusing on entrepreneurship equips students with specific skills to start and grow their own businesses. Topics include innovation, venture capital, business planning and startup management. This specialisation is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.
Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain valuable skills from the compulsory modules offered in the online MBA at UJ, such as team management, accounting, digital marketing and a compulsory module on advanced e-commerce platforms for digital entrepreneurship.
Those wishing to focus their MBA degree on entrepreneurship can also choose an elective module on entrepreneurship and start-ups. This elective module covers contemporary business development theories and completing this module equips graduates with strategies and tools for building both existing and new businesses.
International Business
This specialisation focuses on the complexities of global markets, enhancing students' ability to navigate international business challenges.
Some of the topics that an international business specialisation would cover include global trade, international marketing, cross-cultural management and global supply chains. An MBA degree with this specialisation prepares graduates for careers in multinational corporations, international consulting and global market analysis.
Data Analytics
Students specialising in data analytics learn to leverage data for strategic decision-making. Topics falling under the umbrella of data analytics include data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning and business intelligence. Careers in the field of data analytics include data analysts, business analysts and data scientists.
UJ’s MBA degree programme includes a compulsory module on quantitative methods and data analytics. This teaches students how to use quantitative data analysis to make informed decisions and navigate risk across different business contexts.
One of the electives in the UJ MBA is focused on big data and data analytics for managers in the 4th Industrial Revolution. This elective module goes deeper than the compulsory one, through a combined focus on business acumen, data command and related technologies and tools. Graduates will emerge well-versed in business intelligence, analytics and data science.
Healthcare Management
This specialisation focuses on the management of healthcare organisations. Students who pursue this specialisation will address the unique challenges of the healthcare sector, covering topics such as healthcare policy, hospital administration, health informatics and healthcare economics. Graduates can work as healthcare managers, consultants and administrators.
The online UJ MBA offers several electives that cater to those working within the healthcare sector.
Among the healthcare options for the first elective in the UJ MBA degree’s curriculum, students can choose between a module on international study for healthcare management or a module on systems for healthcare operations management.
The healthcare-related choices on offer for the second elective include economics in healthcare management and innovation in healthcare management. For the third elective, students wishing to specialise in healthcare management can choose between a module on legislation and ethics in the healthcare sector and another on big data and analytics in healthcare.
What’s the difference between MBAs?
There are several types of MBA programmes, each catering to different professional needs and schedules:
Full-time 2-year MBA
Full-time two-year MBA degree programmes are typically designed for those who can commit to a full-time study schedule for two years. Such full-time programmes allow for in-depth exploration of business concepts and can also include additional internship opportunities.
A traditional full-time MBA programme is well suited for those who can dedicate themselves fully to their studies for two years, but it is not ideal or practical for those who do not have the support or financial resources to be able to take a two-year break from working.
Full-time 1-year MBA
While most full-time MBA programmes take two years to complete, a one-year MBA is a more intensive option that accelerates the learning process. This type of programme is suitable for those who can afford to take a year off from work but wish to return to the workforce quickly.
The intense nature of this type of programme does not make it ideal for those who have other responsibilities and demands on their time.
Part-time MBA
Part-time MBA programmes offer flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance work and study. Part-time MBAs can be studied online or in a traditional contact format. For example, students enrolled for a JBS contact MBA can choose between attending classes in the evenings during the week or over weekends.
Online MBA
Online MBA programmes offer the same high-quality education as traditional MBA programmes, but with the added convenience that students can study from anywhere and at times that are most convenient to them. Online MBAs often feature asynchronous classes, digital learning materials and online messaging and discussion tools to engage with lecturers and other students.
This type of MBA degree programme suits professionals who need to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Online learning is also ideal for people who live in remote locations far away from a university.
Executive MBA
Designed for seasoned professionals, the executive MBA (EMBA) focuses on advanced leadership skills and strategic thinking. EMBA programmes are typically part-time, accommodating the busy schedules of high-level professionals.
EMBAs were originally offered as a practical alternative to full-time MBA programmes and were aimed at older students with more work experience who wanted to gain the skills of an MBA while continuing to work full-time.
While UJ’s MBA programme is not an official executive MBA, the flexible part-time nature of the course coupled with the requirement that applicants have gained four years of work experience in managerial roles means that it fulfils a very similar function. Many of the modules and available electives of UJ’s online MBA programme are also focused on the type of managerial and leadership skills that business executives would get from an EMBA.
Deferred MBA
Deferred MBA programmes allow students to secure a place in an MBA programme before gaining work experience. Students are admitted with the understanding that they will work for a few years before starting their MBA. This option provides security and time to gain practical experience. Deferment lengths can vary between institutions, but they are usually for a period of two to four years.
Joint MBA
Joint MBA programmes combine an MBA with another degree, such as law, engineering or public policy. These programmes provide a multidisciplinary approach, broadening career prospects and expertise in multiple fields. In some cases, they can also be done across two different institutions.
Although UJ’s online MBA is not a joint MBA, it does include one elective for international study in which students can complete a module at another institution that has a memorandum of agreement with JBS.
People also ask
Here are some commonly asked questions about studying a Master of Business Administration degree programme.
Study an online MBA with UJ
Experience the flexibility and convenience of earning your MBA from anywhere in the world. Like all of UJ's online programmes, the online MBA programme is fully accredited, ensuring you receive a top-quality education that meets global standards.
Unlock your leadership potential with UJ’s online MBA degree, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in today's competitive business environment. Whether you aim to advance in your current career or pivot to a new field, our MBA programme offers the tools you need to succeed.
If you're ready to take the next step to further your career, click here to request more information and begin your application.
