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Kelley School of Business Indiana University Bloomington
Kelley Direct Online MBA

How long does it take to get an MBA online? Mapping your journey

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article:

  • Learn how program structure and enrollment options (full time vs. part time) impact the time it takes to earn your MBA.
  • Discover practical tips from Kelley Direct Online MBA students on balancing work and personal commitments while completing your degree coursework.
  • Explore key considerations, including accreditation, curriculum specializations, and career support, to ensure the best fit for your goals.
A graduate in cap and gown poses for a photo with family.

 

Earning an MBA is a strategic move for professionals looking to advance their careers but deciding between an online vs. in-person program comes with important considerations—especially when it comes to time commitment. One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: how long does it take to get an MBA online compared to an in-person program? The answer varies based on factors such as program structure and enrollment status.

Traditional in-person MBAs often follow a fixed schedule, with full-time programs typically taking one to two years to complete and part-time options extending to three to five years. In contrast, online MBA programs provide more flexibility, allowing students to set their own pace. Some online students accelerate their studies and graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months, while others choose a part-time schedule that accommodates work and personal commitments, extending their timeline to three to five years or more.

The choice between an online and in-person MBA largely depends on your lifestyle, learning preferences, and career goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence how long it takes to earn an online MBA versus an in-person degree, helping you determine which format best aligns with your professional and personal priorities.

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Casey Watson, MBA’24, discusses the benefits of working with her Kelley Direct career coach

Posted on by Tracy James

In this article: 

  • See how Casey Watson, MBA’24, worked with her Kelley Direct Professional Advancement coach to achieve her career goal of pivoting to a new function with her employer. 
  • Read Casey’s tips for maximizing Kelley Direct and Kelley Direct Professional Advancement. Spoiler: You’ll do yourself a favor by engaging with a coach early in your program. 
Kelley Direct Online MBA alum Casey Watson

Casey Watson, MBA’24

Casey Watson, MBA’24, began her Kelley Direct Online MBA after realizing she wanted to pivot to a more strategic role with her employer, where the industrial engineer was progressing through a rotational program focused on operations. She enjoyed her work with Eaton, a global power management company where she has worked for almost six years, but she wanted a more holistic view of the business, not just her functional area. The Kelley Direct Professional Advancement coaches have on average 25 years of experience across diverse industries and roles. Casey worked with Andy Pajakowski, who has more than 27 years of senior leadership experience through roles in engineering, marketing, sales, and recruiting. 

How did working with a career coach support your professional growth? 

I started working with Andy toward the end of my MBA experience. I knew I wanted to pivot and had several paths of interest but hadn’t narrowed in on which direction. I had begun examining which classes really interested me, as well as networking within Eaton. Andy helped in numerous ways, such as using the gap tool to look at where I was, where I wanted to go, and what I needed to do to fill the gaps. 

We had a lot of discussions around networking. Andy helped me connect the dots on how to leverage individuals in my network for different situations—it was a key part of finalizing my career path. We talked through and prepared for the interview process. Andy helped me understand how different roles and managers could support my growth and long-term career goals. 

Your work since you graduated with your bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 2019 had been heavy in operations and supply chain. You ultimately pivoted to marketing?  

Yes! I was taking a business-to-business marketing course and applied a tool we explored to my current employer. I was hooked. As an undergrad, I never imagined going into marketing. My MBA allowed me to see the different opportunities within an organization. In the B2B course, I discovered how marketing could provide that big-picture, holistic view that I wanted. In March, I transitioned from my role as strategic sourcing lead to a Project management position with Eaton. 

How did your MBA impact your work? 

I wanted to change what I was doing at work—but not my employer—and Kelley Direct helped me do this. My strategy courses helped me think more holistically in my previous role as strategic sourcing lead for electronic components. I had a better understanding of the business case and impact of our work and could communicate this to company leaders. 

My MBA helped open many doors—to people and opportunities. People who know MBA programs recognize the Indiana University name. This was a big part of why my new manager and others in the organization took a chance on me even though I didn’t have a marketing background. My MBA demonstrates my ability to learn and problem solve in new roles. 

What advice do you have for current and prospective Kelley Direct Online MBA students? 

  • Connect with Kelley Direct Professional Advancement early in your program. Coaches do much more than interview prep for new jobs. They help students identify the career path that’s best for them, build and leverage their network, and better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. They can help students work through situations in their current positions and navigate opportunities in their organization.  
  • Don’t underestimate the power of your network. I learned a lot from Andy about how to build and leverage my network and this helped me pivot into my marketing role. I learned that networks can be broad—mine includes people in my organization and the Kelley Direct program, and they aren’t always career-focused. 
  • Join an immersion trip—and embrace stepping outside of your comfort zone. I went on the immersion trip to Switzerland, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my MBA. If traveling in a new country isn’t in your comfort zone, really challenge yourself to go outside of your comfort zone, be immersed in a new environment, and be immersed in a new culture because that’s what allows you to grow as an individual and as a person. Through that experience I built some of the strongest connections and friendships I have from the program. 

Explore the Kelley Direct Online MBA and Kelley Direct Professional Advancement to see why we’re ranked the #1 Online MBA year after year. 

When is the best time to get an MBA? Timing your path to success

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article:

  • Learn how assessing your career stage, personal aspirations, and financial readiness can help determine the best time to get an MBA.
  • Gain insights from Kelley Direct Online MBA students and alumni that can help you decide when to take the next step in your academic and professional journey.
  • Discover strategies like time blocking and prioritizing commitments to balance work, study, and personal life effectively.
Hope Hausman in a breakout session with her KOC team

Pursuing an MBA is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your career trajectory, personal growth, and financial future. Traditionally, earning an MBA requires putting your career on hold or relocating to attend a residential program. But with the emergence of best-in-class online MBA programs like the Kelley Direct Online MBA, professionals now have more flexible options that allow them to balance work, education, and personal commitments. This increased accessibility has made earning an MBA more feasible than ever, but it also introduces new considerations for finding the best time to get an MBA.

Determining the best age for MBA studies requires thoughtful consideration, including your career stage, personal goals, financial readiness, and support system. For some, an MBA serves as a catalyst for a career transition, while for others, it enhances their leadership skills and industry expertise.

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The benefits of an online MBA

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article:

  • Explore the many benefits of an online MBA and why the Kelley Direct Online MBA is the ideal choice for ambitious professionals who are ready to advance their careers.
  • Learn why top employers value online MBA graduates, recognizing their advanced skills, discipline, and readiness for leadership roles.
  • Discover essential factors to consider when selecting an online MBA, including accreditation, industry reputation, career support, and networking opportunities.
In-person networking is just one of the benefits of an online MBA with Kelley Direct.

Deciding to pursue an MBA is a significant step for professionals seeking to advance or change their careers, gain specialized skills, and broaden their professional network. The benefits of online MBA programs have made this option more accessible than ever, offering unmatched flexibility for working professionals to achieve their goals without putting their careers on hold.

But not all online MBA programs are created equal. Selecting the right program can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. The best programs go beyond convenience and flexibility to offer a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and opportunities for real-world experiences.

As you consider the benefits of an online MBA, it’s important to evaluate key factors such as accreditation, the program’s educational format, and the support systems that are available to students. By choosing a program that is designed to maximize the benefits of an online MBA, you can be confident you’re receiving a high-quality education that matches the rigor and standards of traditional, on-campus MBA programs—setting you up for long-term success in your career.

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Become a strategic leader: Navigate today’s complex leadership challenges

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article: 

  • Hear from the executive director of the Kelley Direct Online MBA about why the program is the right choice for professionals who are seeking advancement in strategic leadership.
  • Discover how the program integrates foundational lessons and experiences into a broader framework for strategic thinking. 
Group photo of Kelley Direct Global Immersion Costa Rica students

When it comes to preparing professionals for today’s complex leadership challenges, the Kelley Direct Online MBA offers an advantage: it doesn’t just teach about strategy; it trains students to think strategically. With a flexible curriculum, tailored career coaching, and an unmatched focus on personal and professional development, Kelley Direct goes beyond the basics of the typical online MBA curriculum to ensure graduates are fully equipped for what’s next. 

Sarah Wanger, executive director of the Kelley Direct Online MBA program, shares how the program is uniquely designed to help students navigate the demands of modern business and excel in strategic leadership roles. 

Kelley Direct: A program designed to shape strategic leaders 

Strategic leadership is more than just a concept taught in core courses—it’s a mindset that permeates the Kelley Direct Online MBA experience, says Wanger. While the program offers foundational courses in topics like strategy and leadership, data-driven decision-making, and organizational behavior, Kelley Direct further challenges students to expand their skill set, teaching them not only to understand strategy but also to approach their entire online MBA experience with a strategic mindset. 

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Generative AI and business transformation: How the Kelley Direct Online MBA is preparing students and alumni

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article:

  • Kelley School of Business Professor Brian Williams shares his thoughts on how Kelley is preparing students and alumni to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence, the practical implications of this technology, and what it means for the future of business education and AI for MBA students.
  • Learn how Kelley Direct is leading the way in integrating generative AI into online MBA education, combining a theoretical understanding with hands-on application to ensure that students are equipped to implement it effectively in their professional lives.

Generative AI is reshaping industries and redefining how we approach work—so much so that 88% of organizations are attempting a generative AI transformation, says Kelley School of Business Professor Brian Williams, who serves as faculty chair of the Kelley School of Business’ new virtual advanced business technologies department.

Many generative AI use cases in business—such as automating administrative tasks, summarizing information, and generating reports—are offering universal benefits across professions by streamlining work and improving decision-making efficiency, particularly in industries like operations and finance.

“The way that I think about GenAI is that it’s like a really good assistant. It can make you a lot better at your job,” says Williams. “I don’t think the right way to think about it is replacing someone. But someone who knows how to use it well will do better than someone who doesn’t.”

In fact, Williams says recent academic research has shown that consultants who use GenAI with the right techniques can see a 40% increase in their performance. (more…)

Find out why these incoming Spring 2025 students chose the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program

Posted on by Kelley School

We pioneered online learning in 1999 and continue to innovate our top-ranked online business programs to meet the needs of professionals who want to advance their careers. Hear from students in the incoming cohort as they share why they chose to pursue a Master of Business Administration online with Kelley Direct to advance their careers in  IT management, insurance, finance, and other competitive fields.

Omar Padilla

Senior Program Manager with Strategy and Payments AMERICAS-ASIA, Microsoft 

Redmond, WA 

Pursuing an online MBA degree to prepare for strategic roles and make an impact 

With a 16-year career at Microsoft in financial planning analysis and business program management, Omar Padilla sought an MBA to take on more strategic roles to make a business and community impact.  

“I chose Kelley Direct because of its flexibility and the strong endorsements from colleagues who had great experiences. A previous manager, who had a positive experience at Indiana University, influenced my decision, and the program’s reputation and rankings spoke for themselves. I also appreciated Kelley Direct’s clear and transparent expectations, which gave me confidence in my ability to balance the program with my career. 

“After completing a degree in IT and management, I saw an MBA as the ideal path to bridge my expertise in finance and IT with strategic leadership skills. While I considered other advanced programs, the advice from mentors at Microsoft guided me toward an online MBA for the flexibility it offered to keep advancing my career while gaining new skills. Kelley Direct’s emphasis on leadership and innovation was exactly what I needed to take that next step. 

“I’m most looking forward to the real-world case interactions and learning from high-seniority professors, whose insights will be invaluable. The diversity of backgrounds in the program excites me, as it’s a unique opportunity to engage with talented individuals from various industries. These interactions will be essential for my professional growth, expanding my perspective and sharpening my skills alongside such accomplished peers.” 

Elizabeth Davis 

Life Actuary, USAA 

Austin, TX 

Weighs several online business programs for actuary careers and finds Kelley Direct online MBA at the top of the list 

Elizabeth Davis is pursuing an MBA to gain a more well-rounded business education, seeking a broader perspective to lead effectively and drive strategic impact when making critical decisions in the insurance industry. 

“An MBA was always part of my plan. Other master’s programs just didn’t offer the same value, especially given my extensive background in rigorous math studies from the credentialing process. I’ve always loved learning, and pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step after completing my actuarial credentials. 

“I applied to about six programs, but Kelley was always at the top of my list because of its reputation, long-standing presence, and the recognizable name it brings—especially compared to for-profit colleges. Receiving a scholarship from Kelley Direct was also a major factor, and it sealed the deal for me, leading me to accept before even hearing back from the other schools.  

“I was pleasantly surprised by the hands-on and personal touchpoints throughout the admissions process at Kelley, including my interview and the communication with Abigail (the associate director of enrollment management). The application process was much faster than other programs, which was a major advantage for a working professional. This efficiency made it an easy choice to accept Kelley’s offer before hearing back from other schools.” 

Kat Goessl 

Senior Lead Revenue Enablement Manager, Lumen Technologies 

Denver, CO 

Kelley Direct offered the flexible online MBA option that fit her goals 

Kat Goessl has had a career at Lumen Technologies for the last 10 years, working across sales, marketing, and sales enablement roles. She chose to pursue an MBA to deepen her financial acumen and her understanding of operations and human resources.  

“The timing for my MBA journey was shaped by my husband’s military service and raising two children. Now feels like the perfect time to re-establish my personal identity and invest in my own growth after dedicating years to military and family responsibilities. 

“I initially looked at the University of Michigan Ross, but my conversation with a Kelley Direct student ambassador really solidified my decision. They were incredibly supportive and inclusive, and it made a big difference in my impression of the program. Combined with Kelley’s flexibility and the opportunity for global immersion, it felt like the perfect fit for my goals.” 

Samuel Gorton 

Treasury Director, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. 

Nashville, TN 

Choosing to specialize in finance in a top-ranked online MBA program 

With a master’s degree in accounting and several years of experience in treasury, Samuel Gordon was drawn to an MBA to specialize in Finance and expand into advanced roles.  

“I’ve been considering an MBA for about five years, finally deciding to take the plunge in the past year. With a passion for learning and continuous development—and a collection of certifications along with my CPA—an MBA felt like the ideal way to gain exposure beyond my current expertise and broaden my perspective. 

“I initially considered Michigan State, but Indiana University’s brand recognition and the option to concentrate on finance ultimately won me over. Indiana’s prestigious reputation within the Big Ten and the Kelley School’s comprehensive online program assured me I’d be receiving a high-quality education.”  

Learn more about applying to one of the best online business programs in the nation.  

Kelley Direct Online MBA 

How to apply 

Communications and marketing professional Meredith Tierney-Beed shares why in-person MBA experiences and values alignment were key to choosing the Kelley Direct Online MBA

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article: 

  • See why the prospect of intentional in-person programming and business immersion was so important to Meredith Tierney-Beed when she chose the Kelley Direct Online MBA—and how she maximized the MBA experience. 
  • Learn about transformational leadership opportunities Kelley Direct students experience through Reaching Out MBA. 
  • Celebrate the discovery that “bringing my full, authentic self to my career is not just possible but advantageous.” 

Meredith Tierney-Beed demanded a lot from an online MBA. Beyond academic rigor and flexibility, she wanted opportunities to really get to know her classmates and professors and a program that aligns with her values and passion for LGBTQ2+ advocacy, social justice, and health equity. A communications associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Tierney-Beed plans to graduate in summer 2025. Read about her Kelley Direct Online MBA journey and the impact of her Reaching Out MBA fellowship. 

Why did you choose Kelley Direct? 

The Kelley Direct program offers the perfect blend of academic rigor, flexibility, and values alignment that I sought in an MBA program. It presented an opportunity to advance my career and become a leader capable of bridging the worlds of social impact and business strategy.   

The Kelley Direct program’s emphasis on team-based learning and intentional in-person experiences also really appealed to me, since I’m such a people person.  

Knowing that I would connect and network with my classmates, faculty, and staff in person during required residencies really was a deciding factor.  

 I knew that if I were to do an online program, I would need dedicated time to connect with classmates and faculty members in person to build strong connections. I never expected to meet people who I travel to, laugh and cry with, and know I will have by my side for the rest of my life.  (more…)

Researching online MBAs? When to use ChatGPT (and when to avoid it)

Posted on by Kelley School

In this article

  • Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of leveraging large language models (LLMs) like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT to perform research.
  • Find out why prospective students should be cautious when comparing online MBA programs using ChatGPT.

As the adoption of AI becomes increasingly widespread, tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are aiding a variety of business and academic tasks in new and exciting ways—generating ideas, summarizing data, comparing information, outlining content, and performing preliminary research, to name a few. 

“For many of us, large language models (LLMs) like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT have replaced search engines for more complex tasks,” says Will Geoghegan, clinical professor and chair of the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program.  These AI-powered tools can quickly compile data from multiple online sources and help users compare information. 

For example, Geoghegan says prospective students are increasingly using ChatGPT to triangulate which online MBAs are consistently ranked among top schools. While this can be a helpful first step, he recommends exercising caution—particularly when it comes to making important personal decisions based on AI-generated information. 

“AI is amazing as a starting point—but the information should always be validated,” says Geoghegan. 

What are the challenges of using AI for research? 

The decision-making process that an AI model uses to provide information is not always transparent, even to experts. This can become a challenge for applications where a prospective student needs to understand the rationale behind a conclusion or recommendation—such as ranking online graduate programs. 

LLMs are built to always provide an answer—and that answer may be a predictive guess if the model doesn’t find the information you’re looking for. This tendency is referred to as a hallucination, when the technology provides an inaccurate response instead of saying, “I don’t know.”  

“There can be plenty of issues with hallucinations and questionable rigor,” says Geoghegan.

Another challenge inherent to the technology comes from the fact that an AI model learns from the data it is trained on. If the information that feeds the model includes bias or inaccuracies, those inaccuracies or prejudices can be perpetuated. 

And AI models can produce results that are difficult to replicate for a variety of reasons—the proprietary nature of the algorithm, slight changes to the data processing, or differences in hardware, for example. Reproducibility is critical for accurate research, and these issues can quickly become a challenge in business and academic contexts. 

“While AI is a powerful tool, it is not infallible,” says Geoghegan. “Overreliance on AI can have real-world impacts. AI should augment human expertise, not replace it.” 

Putting ChatGPT to the test: What is the best online MBA program? 

To illustrate Geoghegan’s point, we asked ChatGPT about the best online MBA program. “Best” depends on several subjective and objective factors, which it is quick to point out, but the tool ultimately doesn’t provide the same 2024 rankings as the most reputable rankings sources—nor is it transparent about where the information is coming from or how decisions were made to rank schools. 

In this ChatGPT example, the Kelley Direct Online MBA is ranked third by ChatGPT—when in reality, the program is currently ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, QS, Poets&Quants, and Fortune. 

How can you verify AI-generated information? 

When it comes to making real-life decisions that can have personal impacts—like which MBA programs to consider—Geoghegan recommends verifying data from an AI tool against those respected rankings sources. 

These rankings bodies each have a complex methodology to evaluate online MBA programs each year. For example, U.S. News & World Report compares and ranks online MBA programs based on:  

  • Student engagement 
  • Opportunities to interact with peers and professors both online and in person 
  • The responsiveness of faculty and staff 
  • The credentials of the faculty and instructors 
  • The aptitudes and accomplishments of students and alumni 
  • The support services such as career coaching and financial aid resources 
  • Technology capabilities that enhance distance learning 

Poets&Quants’ annual rankings compare three equally-weighted categories—admission standards, academic experience, and career outcomes—while The Princeton Review considers 18 different categories. Fortune, in contrast, exclusively looks at Fortune 1000 data to weigh where the leaders of the biggest publicly traded companies in the United States earned their MBA. 

These rankings often incorporate alumni feedback—and can offer a much more reliable perspective to help prospective students make decisions. 

Many online MBA programs themselves offer additional tools to help students compare programs. Kelley Direct offers an MBA comparison tool, which is designed to provide students with guidance on how to research programs based on their needs and interests. 

Do prompts really make a difference? 

Prompt engineering, or the instructions that you use to ask an AI model to perform a task, can make a difference in getting more accurate output, says Geoghegan. Whenever possible, use prompts that are specific and clear. 

“Asking for ‘online MBA rankings’ versus something more complex and specific like ‘create a table of online MBA rankings using The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Poets&Quants, Fortune, and QS’ might yield different results, even though the annual rankings are objective,” says Geoghegan.  

Geoghegan also points out that the tool matters—not just the prompt. The instructions “can you create a table of online MBA rankings” with some specific sources returns incorrect information from ChatGPT.  

For this reason, Geoghegan encourages students to consider Microsoft Copilot over other AI tools because it tends to be more reliable. 

“Copilot will link to the source for the information (like the rankings bodies you’re asking it to pull from), so you have the opportunity to do the more in-depth, rigorous validation of the information yourself,” says Geoghegan.  

The bottom line 

AI can serve as a powerful tool for prospective MBA students who want to quickly aggregate and organize the information that’s available online. But the best way to make confident decisions is to conduct your own additional personal research to validate AI-generated content.

Comparing online MBAs? Learn more about top considerations to find the right program.  

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