Balancing the demands of a career, parenting and pursuing higher education is no small feat. For working parents, the flexibility and support offered by online MBA programs can be a game-changer.
These programs are designed to accommodate busy schedules, providing tools and resources to help students thrive without compromising their professional or personal lives.
“The online MBA was designed to provide flexibility and support for all students who are balancing their graduate education with careers, parenting and other commitments,” says Lizette Korn, managing director of part-time MBA programs at University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
More Flexible Schedule
Michigan Ross offers students up to five years to complete the program, allowing for breaks when life’s challenges arise.
“Our online classes are taught synchronously and asynchronously to provide schedule flexibility,” Korn explains.
Korn’s advice to prospective students? “Ask who is teaching the online courses. At Ross, all of our online classes are taught by the same faculty who instruct our full-time MBA students.”
She also encourages connecting with current students to learn how they balance their commitments.
Online MBA programs have gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional on-campus MBAs.
These programs allow professionals to advance their careers, gain leadership skills and expand their networks without needing to take a significant break from work or family commitments.
The age range for online MBA students is typically broader than that of full-time, on-campus MBA students. Most online MBA participants are working professionals in their late 20s to early 40s, though students older than this are not uncommon.
Mixing Online and In-Person Participation
Many have already established careers and are seeking to enhance their skills for leadership roles or pivot to new industries. This demographic often includes parents juggling multiple responsibilities, making the flexibility of online learning especially appealing.
At Durham University Business School, director of the online MBA, Owain Smolovic-Jones, stresses the importance of this flexibility. Students can choose to learn entirely online or participate in in-person modules without extra cost.
“Sometimes students want to learn entirely online, which may be suitable when they need to be more available for their jobs,” Smolovic-Jones explains.
“But they may also have periods when they want to learn in a more intense way, on campus and in person. We provide for both options.”
Vicky Welsh, learning and teaching manager at Durham, highlights the balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning. “Students can determine when they engage with asynchronous content around their busy schedules,” she says, ensuring the program adapts to individual needs.
The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University also runs an online MBA program that combines asynchronous and synchronous online classes with in-person Access Weekends in Pittsburgh or major US cities.
“These weekends feature speakers, workshops, hackathons and networking events,” Lukus says.
Family inclusion is a priority, with activities designed for partners and children.
“We often see student parents with their young children on campus,” she notes. Resources like lactation rooms reflect Tepper’s commitment to supporting parents.
For working parents seeking a global experience, the online MBA at IE Business School in Madrid may be a good option. Key features include scheduling options tailored to different time zones and asynchronous forums that allow participation during any part of the day.
“Our program management team, professors and student networks provide ongoing support,” says Luz Peavy Moreno, the program’s director. The course also aims to foster a collaborative peer network where working parents can share experiences and solutions.
Online MBA programs designed for flexibility and support make it possible for working parents to pursue their academic and career goals. As Korn aptly puts it, “We understand that life happens.” With programs like those at Michigan Ross, Durham, Tepper, and IE Business School, parents can invest in their future while staying present for their families.
Tips for success
Navigating work, parenting and education is challenging but possible with the right strategies:
Set a routine: Dedicate consistent blocks of time for studying, family and work.
Communicate proactively: Inform your family, employer and professors about your commitments.
Leverage support networks: Engage with classmates and alumni for advice and accountability.
Prioritize self-care: Rest, exercise and personal time are essential for staying focused.
Build a support system: Enlist family, friends or childcare to lighten the load when possible.
What to look for in an online MBA program
For working parents considering an online MBA, here are some key features to prioritize:
Flexible learning formats: Look for programs offering asynchronous components alongside live sessions to fit unpredictable schedules.
Customizable pacing: Programs at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University allow students to adjust their course load as life evolves.
Supportive communities: Peer networks provide encouragement and shared experiences.
Family-friendly policies: Resources such as family weekends, lactation rooms and accommodating professors make a difference.
Seb Murray is a London-based freelance journalist and editor with several years’ experience in print and online media. He writes regularly for titles such as the Financial Times, the Guardian and the Evening Standard, as well as a plethora of education and corporate magazines and websites. He reports on issues facing the world’s top higher education institutions and online education providers.
