Flexibility: Heidelberg MBA transitioning to fully online

There’s good news on the horizon for future students of Heidelberg’s MBA program.

Dr. Anne Anderson, dean of the School of Business, has announced that starting in the fall of 2024, Heidelberg’s MBA program will be offered completely online. 

“I think this online format will benefit our students as it will give them the flexibility needed to work outside of Tiffin while completing the program,” Anne says. “The new format will make it more appealing to MBA candidates who are looking for a quality program but cannot relocate to Tiffin or work too far away to commute to Tiffin multiple times a week for classes.”

Here’s how it works: MBA courses will be offered with a blending of both asynchronous and synchronous online learning. Students can participate anytime, anywhere learning the asynchronous parts of the course but then participate in real-time activities for the scheduled synchronous sessions by Zoom or Google Meet.

There will be no requirement to meet in person on campus to complete MBA coursework, Anne explains, adding that the MBA can be completed in one year.

Dr. Trish Berg, associate professor of business, said the blend of online learning will vary, course by course. “Flexibility is the key here,” she says.

Students can expect a more positive experience and a better outcome by taking blended courses. According to research by Educause, “Overall research shows that when synchronous communication features are integrated with asynchronous features, the online course is more engaging, increasing learning outcomes, positive attitudes and retention.”

In addition to an undergrad degree in any major, external applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for enrollment: 

•    GMAT score of 500 or better or GRE overall score of 300 or better with at least a 160 Quant Reasoning, and at least 3 years of work experience beyond entry-level positions, or
•    Undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher and at least 3 years of work experience beyond entry-level positions, or
•    Undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 3.00 and 5-10 years of work experience beyond entry-level positions

“I think having students who are currently working or who have been in the workforce for a few years will change the dynamics of the class discussion and will help to improve the value of the program for all students,” Anne says.

Trish adds, “Our faculty are ready to work to bring rigorous curriculum, experiential learning, opportunities for mentorship and networking to go beyond theory and enhance the professional growth of our students, preparing them to be more than ready for whatever’s next in their career.

Anyone interested in applying to begin MBA coursework in the Fall of 2024 should apply no later than Dec. 1, 2023. Applications will remain open after Dec. 1; however, later applications may be given a start date after Fall 2024.