Questions to Ask Online MBA Schools

— Dona DeZube

If you're thinking about signing up for an online MBA program, it's wise to know what you're getting into. Here's a list of questions to ask the admissions counselor, who may be getting a bonus for every student he enrolls.

• What percentage of the coursework is presented online, in person, via phone or on video?

• What career counseling and placement options are available, and how long after graduation can I access those services?

• Do you have any networking groups?

• Are you accredited? If so, by whom?

• What are tuition, fees, books and supplies going to cost? What other expenses will I incur?

• What training do faculty members receive?

• Do the same professors teach online and on-campus courses?

• Can you provide the names and phone numbers of graduates in my area of expertise or in my town?

• Are classes synchronous (meaning you must be in a chat room at a particular time) or asynchronous (meaning you post your comments whenever)?

• Do I have to take proctored exams? Where and how will that happen?

• Is the program ongoing, or is there a particular start date?

• Will I move through the program with a single group or on my own?

• What is your dropout rate?

• How many hours of work are involved each week?

• What are your refund policies?

• Do I have to buy my books from your store?

• Do you have financial aid information?

• Does my employer have a program with your school?

• How can I get my employer to pick up the tab for this degree?

• What prior experience must applicants have? If the answer is none, consider how valuable your interactions with fellow students are going to be.

To learn more about getting a degree via the Internet, read "An Insider's Look at Online Learning" and "What's the Value of an Online Degree?"

This article originally appeared on Monster.com.

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