Hi there,

I've seen a lot of discussion here about online MBA programs from business schools in the UK. But what about ones at US schools?

I'm living in Croatia, and want to do an MBA. But there are not many good business schools here unfortunately but I've heard good things about the American business schools.

So I found these online MBAs: Carnegie Mellon, Arizona State University, University of North Carolina, Indiana University.

Which should I choose and why?

If you're in Croatia you might want to consider the double degree programme with Indiana University there http://www.igbs.hr/en/programs/igbs-mba.html

Depending on your career goals, I would normally recommend that you take a programme with as much face time as possible. Maybe look at the Purdue IMM or the Euro*MBA?

Duncan's recommendation is good - that school's now AACSB-accredited and may provide better career options for you if you plan on staying in the country.

Why are you interested in doing a distance program from a US school? There are plenty of other options. The UK programs are good - some, like Durham, offer on-campus residencies, which I highly recommend for anybody pursuing an online MBA.

Ok, thanks, gentlemen. I have heard about that IGBS program, but would be worried that I would only be able to network with Croatians. One of the reasons that I would like to do an online MB from a US school is that I could be connected with a more international cohort.

Thank you for the tip about online MBAs from schools in the UK. I like the fact that there are on-campus residencies, and it would be easier to go there for something like that than a business school in the US. I will have to do some more research.

I don't think you'd really get much networking from a purely online programme. Look for as much face-to-face time as possible.

Ok, thanks. I think I will focus on the UK programs that have more face-to-face time.

Depending on your budget and timing constraints, there are some good choices on mainland Europe too. Generally, you'll get the best networks from courses where you're on campus as much as possible, because networking is about your ability to mobilise the contacts of your contacts. I would certainly look at executive and professional programmes like WU Vienna. I'm a big fan of the Euro*MBA which gives you several alumni networks. Of course the FT Executive MBA ranking is also a great tool. In terms of traditional distance learning with a little campus time, if you can't be out of the country too much, then look at IE, Manchester, Warwick, Henley...