MBA Online Frequently asked questions

• What will my diploma look like? Will it mention that this is an online degree?
• Is the Georgia WebMBA® program accredited?
• How many courses must I take to earn the Georgia WebMBA® program degree?
• How long will it take to earn the MBA degree?
• When will the next class begin?
• What business foundation courses do I need in order to start the program?
• How can I obtain those courses if I need some or all of them?
• Can I transfer graduate course credits into the WebMBA®?
• How are the Georgia WebMBA® program courses taught?
• What are the admissions requirements?
• If I have not taken the GMAT, can I still apply?
• What is the tuition for the Georgia WebMBA® program? Is it different for out-of-state students?
• Will the Georgia HOPE Scholarships, Tuition Assistant Program, GI Bill, or other financial aid cover tuition costs?
• Will any on-site attendance be required?
• How will I take exams? Are exams proctored?
• What is the time commitment each week?
• How does teaching take place when the professor and students are not together in the classroom?
• Are the courses self-paced?

What will my diploma look like? Will it mention that this is an online degree?

The diploma you receive will be identical to your admitting school’s campus-based MBA. The admitting school's name and "Master of Business Administration" will be on the diploma. It will not state “on-line” or “Georgia WebMBA.”

Is the Georgia WebMBA® program accredited?

All Georgia WebMBA® institutions offer accredited MBA programs. Our schools and programs are accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and professionally by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits leading business schools and their programs.

How many courses must I take to earn the Georgia WebMBA® program degree?

Your Georgia WebMBA® work is accelerated, consisting of 10 courses. No electives are required. A non-credit orientation is held two days at the start of each cohort. We typically hold the orientation in Atlanta, Georgia.

How long will it take to earn the MBA degree?

Our associates take two courses each term for five consecutive semesters, including one summer term. Completion time typically is 18 to 20 months. Two courses per semester are required.

When will the next class begin?

The Georgia WebMBA® will begin its fall cohorts with orientation on August 14 & 15, 2009. Courses begin August 24, 2009. The program opens two cohorts in fall and spring of approximately 45 students each.

Information on how to apply, along with online application links, can be found on our Admissions and Participating Institutions pages.

What business foundation courses do I need to start the program?

The following list serves as a general guide to required foundation courses for our schools:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Statistics
• Economics

Required pre-requisites differ among our schools. So please be sure to contact our Executive Director. The WebMBA offers self-paced, CD-based modules that meet pre-requisite requirements.Applicants and accepted students work closely with a graduate faculty member to complete modules by the orientation meeting.

The program strongly recommends that students have undergraduate courses in marketing, management, and legal environment.

Typically, applicants with a business-related undergraduate degree will have completed these courses. Contact the Executive Director or an MBA director early in the application process to determine the specific foundation courses you need.

How can I obtain those courses if I need some or all of them?

The WebMBA offers accelerated self-paced modules that meet pre-requisite requirements. Students purchase the CDs separately from the publisher or through some other distributor. We have a senior graduate faculty member facilitate the modules, guiding applicants through the scheduling, instruction, and assessment phases. A final assessment - an online simulation in which you will run your own company - is required for applicants taking either accounting or finance. Once we know the modules needed, you can purchase the modules at https://touchpay.georgiasouthern.edu/webmba/module-form.php.

You can work at your own pace, and the time needed to complete the modules will depend on your background and work experience, as well as the amount of time each week you have to devote to the modules. These are non-credit modules, but would be equivalent to 1-credit-hour of work. Some students have finished the modules in as little as a few weeks. Students must complete modules by the orientation date.

The objective is not mastery of the subject matter but acquiring basic pre-requisite knowledge, skills, and vocabulary to enter the program.

We strongly encourage potential students to apply to the program at the same time they begin the modules, since it often takes a month or more for application materials to be received and sent to the Business School. Starting modules at the time as application ensures that there is enough time for completion and for the admission decision to be made.

Can I transfer graduate course credits into the WebMBA®?

Yes. But no more than two 3-credit-hour courses can be transferred. The admitting institution determines whether specific courses are eligible to be transferred. Credit will be accepted by the admitting institution before you enter the program. Only courses from AACSB-accredited schools will be considered. Courses must match our curriculum courses.

How are the Georgia WebMBA® program courses taught?

Students enrolled in the program will use our online courses for all work, including team functions, exams, discussion posts, cases, and simulations. Students also have access to academic resources, such as an online library and databases. Web-ware for conference calls and document sharing is also available. Courses are asynchronous. No face-to-face or class online meetings are required. Because we rely on Learning Teams, student teams typically decide when members will meet in real-time.

Grades are based on reports, exams, assigned case studies and simulations, and participation in course and team activities.

What are the admissions requirements?

Each admitting institution reviews applications based on its own admissions criteria for campus-based MBA programs. Typically considered are undergraduate GPA, GMAT score, completion of business foundation courses, and at least two years of business experience, although schools will consider a GMAT waiver based on substantial management and professional business experience or completion of an advanced degree - such as a Masters. Some schools will also consider business or management experience for potential waivers. To determine specific school criteria, contact our Executive Director or school MBA directors. Our Participating Institutions section also includes links to each school's admissions requirements.

If I have not taken the GMAT, can I still apply?

Applicants can apply before taking the GMAT. However, final admission into the program will not be granted until acceptable GMAT scores are received and reviewed.

Because each school admits its own students into the common program, GMAT requirements vary by school. Most of our schools require the GMAT, although GMAT waivers are considered by five of our schools. Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University will consider a GMAT waiver for applicants with an advanced degree (e.g., Master’s). Georgia College & State University will consider a GMAT waiver for applicants with a minimum of five years of professional business experience. University of West Georgia will consider a GMAT waiver for applicants with substantial management experience, as determined by its admissions committee. Valdosta will consider a waiver based on substantial business experience, which the admissions committee determines. Valdosta will also accept the GRE instead of the GMAT. Program directors will provide the specific GMAT standards required for admissions into their schools. They also will help you find resources to prepare for the test.

To determine exact GMAT requirements and conditions, consult the Executive Director or graduate catalog at your school of application. Our Participating Institutions section also includes links to each school's admissions requirements. MBA directors at our schools will discuss requirements and help you plan your application process.

What is the tuition for the Georgia WebMBA® program? Is it different for out-of-state students?

The total tuition currently for both in-state and out-of-state residents, including international students, is $17,250. An orientation fee is also required within two weeks of acceptance. These costs are subject to change.

Will the Georgia HOPE Scholarships, Tuition Assistance Program, GI Bill, or other financial aid cover tuition costs?

The Hope Scholarship does not apply to the Georgia WebMBA® program. Other aid may be available. The Tuition Assistance Program for University System of Georgia employees may cover only the base graduate tuition rate. Once you have decided on a participating Web MBA school, contact its MBA director or financial aid office for information on available aid. For some schools, the GI Bill applies.

Will any on-site attendance be required? Are there proctored exams?

No visits are required for courses. There are no proctored exams. Students living within the Continental U.S. are required to attend a 2-day orientation held at the beginning of the program.

How will I take exams?

Exams take place online, although our faculty may give tests in other ways. Details are stated in each course syllabus.

What is the time commitment each week?

The time needed for these online courses usually equals that needed for on-campus MBA program courses. No travel time is required, however. Students determine when they "attend" their online courses.

How does teaching take place when the professor and students are not together in the classroom?

Students have frequent contact with the professors and fellow students through our online courses. We use discussion boards, mail functions, and presentation areas. We also use Web-ware to connect faculty and students in a setting that allows document sharing and instructional delivery. Each professor sets expectations on timing and frequency of interaction. Faculty guide all stages of course-work. Unlike an on-campus MBA program, this interaction takes place frequently, rather than within set time periods and within classroom walls. Students find this form of learning to be essential to their needs for flexible learning.

Are the courses self-paced?

You may work anytime, anywhere you have access to the online courses. Our semester courses begin and end on specific dates, work is due as assigned, and Learning Teams determine other activity and work deadlines. There typically are no required synchronous class sessions. The length of the program semester will vary from 12 to 14 weeks.

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