MBA
MBA Admissions Support Programs!
Favorite
【How to Choose the Best Online MBA?】Alpha Advisors' Top-Recommended Online MBA Programs!
Register now and see more!
Top 5 Knowhows
Top 5 Advisory
5 Recommended Online MBA Programs
There is a growing number of working professionals seeking to earn an overseas MBA degree while continuing their careers. For those considering pursuing a full-fledged overseas MBA, we present the latest information on highly-rated online MBA programs. We'll introduce select programs from global business schools that can help you achieve career advancement and increased earnings.
Online MBA Programs Offered by World-Leading Business Schools
【Imperial College London】
Imperial College's online MBA consistently ranks among the top schools in annual rankings.
The online MBA at Imperial College Business School (Imperial College London) is a prestigious program that consistently ranks high in the Financial Times global rankings. The 21-32 month curriculum leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree provides comprehensive training in practical business skills, covering everything from corporate finance to business economics and strategic marketing management.
English requirements allow applications through the Duolingo English Test in addition to TOEFL/IELTS, and according to Alpha Advisors' MBA application support track record, many applicants achieve their target scores in just 1-3 months.
【IE Business School】
Spain's IE Business School also offers a top-rated MBA program in Europe. They provide flexible program durations ranging from 17 to 30 months, with two options: a hybrid course incorporating face-to-face learning at the Madrid campus, and a 100% online course. Furthermore, with two enrollment opportunities per year in September and February, working professionals can easily plan their studies around their career goals.
【Babson College】
The online MBA from Babson College, which has maintained the world's No.1 ranking in global entrepreneurship education for 30 consecutive years, is also popular among working professionals. Their intensive 18-month curriculum offers practical business training focused on entrepreneurship and innovation creation.
The fact that GMAT/GRE scores are optional makes it particularly attractive to busy professionals. Graduate salary outcomes are also exceptionally high, with average salaries reaching $160,000 (approximately 24 million yen) within three years of graduation, demonstrating strong return on investment. Additionally, with flexible class schedules that accommodate Japanese time zones, it provides an ideal learning environment for Japanese working professionals pursuing an MBA while maintaining full-time employment.
The fact that GMAT/GRE scores are optional makes it particularly attractive to busy professionals. Graduate salary outcomes are also exceptionally high, with average salaries reaching $160,000 (approximately 24 million yen) within three years of graduation, demonstrating strong return on investment. Additionally, with flexible class schedules that accommodate Japanese time zones, it provides an ideal learning environment for Japanese working professionals pursuing an MBA while maintaining full-time employment.
【Hult International Business School】
Hult International Business School is a prestigious business school with over 50 years of history, established in Boston, USA by Arthur D. Little, the world's first management consulting firm.
One of Hult's most distinctive features, where Alpha Advisors has helped many successful applicants, is its innovative Live online class format. Students can attend the same classes as full-time MBA students in real-time, allowing them to strengthen both practical English skills and business skills simultaneously. This program is particularly highly rated among ambitious working professionals who "want to pursue learning outcomes equivalent to a full-time MBA even in an online format."
【USC Marshall】
The online MBA program at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business (USC Marshall), a leading institution in California, is highly regarded for its strength in technology and innovation.
Alpha Advisors boasts numerous successful admissions not only to the online MBA but also to full-time MBA and Professional MBA programs for mid-career professionals. However, due to its location on the U.S. West Coast, the time difference poses a challenge for students in Japan, making the program structure more suitable for self-employed business owners and U.S.-based expatriates.
【NYU Tandon Bridge】
Finally, we'll introduce the Tandon Bridge program offered by New York University Tandon School of Engineering (NYU Tandon).
Unlike an MBA, this is a preparatory program for those seeking graduate studies in computer science or financial engineering. The 6-10 month intensive curriculum is available at a relatively affordable cost of about 300,000 yen.
It's particularly ideal for those pursuing master's degrees in technology or financial engineering, and graduates who achieve certain academic standards are offered opportunities to advance to NYU's Computer Science master's program. While it's not a degree program, it's recommended as a preparatory program for those with non-technical backgrounds to meet prerequisites.
Even if you have a non-technical background, aim for NYU Computer Science admission through the NYU Tandon Bridge program! No GRE required!
9 Important Points When Choosing an Online MBA
When selecting an online MBA program, it's important to carefully consider the following 9 points:
1. English Communication Opportunities
The most crucial aspect to consider in an online MBA is the abundance of business communication opportunities in English. Programs that offer extensive practical English usage opportunities - such as live discussions with business professionals from around the world, real-time case study debates, and global team projects - are essential for building a career in international companies.
2. Effective Network Building
Even in online MBA programs, it's possible to build strong networks with future executive candidates, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from around the world. It's important to determine whether the program can provide high-quality business networks that can be leveraged for career development and business expansion after MBA completion.
3. Career Placement Record
Particularly for those aiming to transition into international firms, investment banks, consulting firms, or tech companies, it's necessary to analyze each business school's placement record in detail. Career goal feasibility can be assessed through graduate placement data and salary information.
4. Test Requirements
While many online MBA programs don't require GMAT/GRE scores, English tests like TOEFL/IELTS are often required. However, an increasing number of programs now offer more flexible options, such as the Duolingo English Test, in addition to traditional TOEFL/IELTS.
5. Appropriate Duration
While the standard completion period is 18 months to 2 years, some programs offer flexible duration options. It's important to choose the optimal study period by comprehensively considering current job responsibilities, career goals, and life plans.
6. Curriculum Compatibility
While global business school MBA programs share common core subjects (strategic management, finance, marketing, etc.), they differ significantly in specialized fields and electives. It's important to identify each school's characteristics, such as Babson College's entrepreneurship MBA, Imperial College's finance-focused MBA, or USC Marshall's technology-strong MBA.
7. Technology and Analytics Education
Modern business leaders require knowledge in data science, business analytics, and digital transformation (DX). When choosing an online MBA, emphasis should be placed on whether there are ample opportunities to acquire technology skills such as Python, R programming, big data analysis, and AI utilization.
8. Balance of Theory and Practice
The extent of learning opportunities that connect theory to practice, such as case studies, real company projects, and business simulations with global teams, is also an important criterion in program selection.
9. Student Quality
To maximize the value of MBA study, collaboration with business professionals from diverse backgrounds is key. Examine each program's selection criteria, student composition in terms of work experience and nationality, average age, and industry distribution to ensure an environment conducive to high-quality peer learning.
Career Advancement Strategy Through Online MBA
The Boston Career Forum (BCF) actively recruits online MBA students, with numerous successful placement records at top companies including:
・GAFAM: Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft
・Global Strategy Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bein
・Big 4 Accounting Firms: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC
・Global Financial Institutions: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, BofA Securities
・Japanese Financial Institutions: Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, SMBC Nikko Securities, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho FG
Notably, there are many cases of successful career transitions to prestigious companies like Goldman Sachs, even with online MBA degrees.
To achieve effective career advancement, the following step-by-step approach is recommended:
1. Setting Long-term Career Goals
The objective shouldn't merely be obtaining an MBA but clarifying your career vision beyond that.
We often receive inquiries like "Are there any affordable online MBA programs?" or "I want to apply to schools with lighter test requirements." While these are indeed important factors for applications, fundamentally, you must choose based on "which school is optimal for achieving your best career?"
Setting long-term career goals is the top priority! Alpha Advisors begins with establishing long-term goals, which helps prevent mismatches with schools and long-term objectives.
2. Strategic Program Selection
Choose the optimal program based on your career goals. It's important to examine not just rankings, but also actual educational content and graduate outcomes.
As Alpha Advisors has helped students gain admission to numerous full-time on-campus programs as well as online ones, please consult with us starting from program selection!
3. Parallel Preparation Activities
You can expand your career possibilities by pursuing additional qualifications, such as USCPA (U.S. Certified Public Accountant), alongside your MBA. Differentiating yourself from other MBA holders can give you an advantage in job hunting.
4. Early Job Search Preparation
It's important to proceed with planned preparation, taking advantage of the ability to start job hunting immediately after program admission.
Another major advantage of online MBAs is the environment that allows you to learn and practice simultaneously. You can immediately apply theories and frameworks learned in class to your current work and experience their effectiveness. This is a unique feature not found in full-time MBA programs.
To succeed in career advancement, it's crucial to establish a consistent strategy from pre-enrollment preparation to post-graduation job hunting, not just program selection. The key to success lies in systematically implementing parallel preparation activities, particularly improving English skills and acquiring industry knowledge.
Interested? Schedule a free SKYPE consultation now!
Click here for free consultation! > Free Consultation
Consult with a "top advisor" as soon as possible to discover your path to success and achieve your goals! If you're interested in individual advisory services, free consultations are available! After registration, you can access free consultations through the "Free Consultation Chat" in "My Page." For immediate questions or consultations, you can also use the chat feature in the bottom right of the page!
1. Alpha Individual Coaching starts with a free consultation!
Share your situation and concerns via our free consultation chat!
Click here for free consultation! > Free Consultation
2. After learning about your situation in the free consultation chat, our office will recommend the best individual coaching plan!
Includes course discounts and free access to Alpha Notes!
3. Once you've chosen your desired course, you can apply for individual coaching.
The entire application process can be completed online.
4. Begin Individual Coaching!
Achieve overwhelming success and lead a life you can be proud of!
Click here for free consultation! > Free Consultation
Interested in Alpha Advisors' individual advisory services? Contact us now for a free consultation!
Click here for free consultation! > Free Consultation
Let's achieve overwhelming success and lead the best life you can be proud of!