Thinking About an Online MBA? 5 Myths Debunked at Baylor

In this article, we break down the most common online MBA myths and explain what the Baylor University MBA experience looks like.

Despite its growth, online education is still often perceived as inferior to traditional classroom learning. To this day, misconceptions about online MBA programs continue.  While it can be true that reduced peer-learning, diminished impromptu learning opportunities and delayed feedback on assignments continue to be challenges; these are not immutable obstacles. 

The Online MBA (OMBA) program is delivered by Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business that has campuses in Waco and Dallas, Texas. As one of the leading online MBA Texas options, Baylor’s program consistently ranks among the top Texas online MBA programs.

The program purposefully busts these and other online MBA myths to make your learning experience equal to that of classroom students. Baylor developed its OMBA program to overcome these common misconceptions and provide an educational experience equal to that of traditional classroom students.

In this article, Erika Hernandez, a current OMBA student at Baylor, addresses five continuing online MBA myths and explains the truth about online MBA degrees.

Myth #1: “Online MBAs are easier than in-person MBAs.” 

Myth #1 insists that an online MBA is not merely more convenient than an in-person MBA but is actually a less rigorous route to the same degree. 

“Not so,” Hernandez said. “You have to show up, stay consistent and remain disciplined.” 

The Online MBA isn’t a shortcut to an MBA. It’s a well-established route that works for those with established careers, who are not positioned to attend on-campus classes, or who can’t move to another state for business school. Baylor’s top-quality online MBA program is a true differentiator. Baylor Online MBA students juggle careers, family and intensive coursework, showing the program’s true rigor and real-world relevance.

Myth #2: “Employers don’t respect online MBAs.”

“Is an online MBA respected?” is another holdover concern from early online learning. It’s a myth that is often an enrollment blocker.

“My employer has supported me since day one,” Hernandez said. “I used what I learned in my online MBA to step into a new role that blends my operations experience with new technical skills.”

Myth #3: “You won’t build a network.”

“Networking is the act of establishing meaningful relationships with people to help you further your own career or pursue a venture by collaborating with others,” says a Shopify article. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is that networks can build far and fast online. “It’s now much easier to build your network in an increasingly connected world,” the connection being central to an online MBA.

Beyond the world of “influencers,” online networking expands relational and business opportunities.

The potential to expand your professional network is an important part of the decision-making process when evaluating whether to pursue an online MBA vs an on-campus MBA.

Hernandez was surprised by the networks she built as an online MBA student at Baylor. 

“I built stronger connections online than I ever expected.  My peers became accountability partners, collaborators and life-long friends,” she said.

At Baylor, the community cornerstone ensures a supportive, values-driven network of peers, faculty and alumni who inspire, elevate and connect students throughout their transformational journey.

Myth #4: “Faculty engagement is limited.” 

 Face-to-face engagement may be reduced in an online setting, but meaningful engagement is not. Tools like Zoom and Teams, along with email and the traditional telephone, provide multiple ways for students and faculty to connect.

“My professors were engaging, committed and dedicated,” Hernandez said. “They were quick to respond to feedback, direction or provide support, and are just as committed to your success as they would be for an on-campus student.”

Laurie Wilson, senior director of operations, and David Coe, director of operations for Baylor’s Graduate Business programs, agree that consistency in the OMBA is key. 

Many of the same faculty teach in both programs, and students have equal access to resources such as the library, career services and guest speaker events. Online students engage through virtual office hours, discussion boards and study groups, and they are also invited to campus events and community activities.

Myth #5: “Career support is minimal.” 

Some prospective students may be concerned that online students receive little career support, but Hernandez disagrees. 

“Career support is far more than I expected,” she said. “Everyone, from recruiters to professors to peers, is there to help strengthen your goals and provide a network of support.”

Baylor provides mentoring, connections for internships and opportunities for continued growth. Every prospective online student is paired with an enrollment coordinator who serves as a guide, advocate and resource – from inquiry through admissions all the way to graduation. 

The Modern Reality of Online MBAs 

The reality for a modern Online MBA is clear: if the online format works best for your goals and your place in life, it isn’t a second-class degree. The benefits of online MBA programs have expanded significantly in recent years, especially for working professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing quality

Consider the Baylor Online MBA. It is delivered by an AACSB-accredited business school and rigorous, offering busy working professionals the same benefits as a Full-Time MBA student. Employers will respect your MBA from the Hankamer Business School. You can build a network of peers, contacts and faculty connections; you can easily engage faculty; and you can get strong career support.

Hernandez doesn’t see any roadblocks to the online MBA program. 

“The only person holding you back from your success is YOU,” she said.

Find out more about the Baylor Online MBA Program

Now that you’ve seen the benefits of an online MBA, read more about the Baylor difference.

Baylor’s online student experience and program are so strong that Baylor’s Online MBA ranked No. 6 among Texas Online MBAs in 2024, and was in the top 50 percent in graduating class size.

Check out the Baylor Online MBA homepage.

Read about the power of a virtual visit to the Baylor Hankamer Business School campus.