What Can You Expect From the Online MBA Student Experience?
Video Transcript
Students who enroll in the KU Online program are beginning the journey to earn their degree and become a leader in the industry. Whether you're pursuing an MBA or our graduate certificate, our curriculum will guide you through building a foundation in current business theory and practices. Through KU Connect, students are taught by the same dedicated faculty as our on-campus programs and have access to a learning environment that allows them to engage and collaborate with their instructors and peers. As part of our guided learning experience, students are given weekly assignments and goals that become more challenging as they learn new concepts and are evaluated on defined course objectives. As you work through your courses, you'll be able to track your progress, watch video lectures or participate in live class sessions and group projects over the web.
If you need a little guidance, there's someone available to offer you support and assistance. Our KU technical support team is available 24/7 to help you troubleshoot any technological problems, from KU email issues to accessing KU Connect content from the web or mobile. When you enroll in the KU Online MBA program, you're never alone. You'll become part of a network of thousands of Jayhawks, representing an institution whose mission is to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world.
Students in the University of Kansas School of Business online MBA program get the same amazing education offered on campus, with the convenience of a learn-from-anywhere classroom environment. The KU Online Classroom enhances the student experience through:
- Easy navigation
- Automatic course progress tracking
- Interactive learning tools
- Multimedia presentations
See what the KU Online Classroom looks like and learn more about the components that make up the dynamic student experience of the online MBA program at the KU School of Business.
Canvas Student Mobile App
All students in our online graduate programs use Canvas Student, which is available for all mobile devices. Canvas Student provides access to course videos and readings, and it allows students to experience interactive course materials any time of day, no matter where they are. But it's also far more than a database of coursework. Through Canvas Student, online students can:
- Participate in class discussions
- Collaborate with classmates around the country
- Communicate with instructors
- Complete and turn in assignments
iOS users can download the Canvas Student mobile app on the Apple App Store.
Android users can download the Canvas Student mobile app on the Google Play Store.
The Canvas Student mobile app allows for learning on the go, from any connected tablet or smartphone device. Forget having to drive to class or relocate to campus; now you can earn your online MBA from the palm of your hand, wherever and whenever it is convenient for you.
The Canvas Student mobile app makes taking online classes more conducive to busy lifestyles. Whether you're working full time and want to study on your lunch break, or you want to catch up on class while you're on vacation, the mobile app enables you to fit your course work into your schedule.
"Canvas made it super easy to meet or interact. I have the app on my phone so anytime someone messaged me I knew about it and could respond right away. This entire program is enhancing my skills to be able to communicate with people across the world.“ — Maura Durkin, MBA '22 Candidate
Assignments
KU’s online MBA program requires approximately 15 to 20 hours of work, per week. As a part-time addition to your existing work-life schedule, KU courses are designed to maximize your time. Learning is delivered, asynchronously, through recorded lectures, research, class discussions, and self-reflection exercises, to give students the flexibility to study and complete assignments at a preferred pace.
KU online MBA classes integrate up-to-date subject matter into nearly every facet of the online learning experience. We encourage students to put business principles into action by practicing with simulations and tackling realistic, modern scenarios. The availability of group tutoring is contingent on student demand.
Module Zero
What proves particularly helpful to our online students is the foresight and planning our module system provides.
Before your courses are scheduled to begin, Module Zero and Module One open early and give you access to your upcoming class, including important due dates, vital readings and key topics that will be covered throughout the course.
You can introduce yourself to your classmates and prepare for your classes and your work schedule before the term begins. With access to Module One, you can also get a head start on readings and preparation the weekend before the start of the term. Learn more about Module Zero and the KU Online Classroom module system.
Faculty
In the online MBA program, you'll learn from KU faculty who are renowned for their academic and professional success within the field of business. KU School of Business faculty prepare students to face the challenges of a career in business in an ever-evolving global marketplace. And instead of clamoring for face time with your professors in a classroom, you can get in touch with them online whenever it’s convenient for you.
“I was absolutely mind blown by how much interaction we have with our professors. I talk to my professors at least once or twice a week. They are always open for office hours or questions. Often, I can just hop on a Zoom call with any one of my professors and they are available to meet with me.” — Maura Durkin, MBA '22 Candidate
Collaboration Online
While studying at KU, you'll become part of a broader student community of your peers. Your relationships within this community can help you to build and expand your professional network as a Jayhawk, with access to thousands of business professional alumni. Our online environment and mobile app make establishing and strengthening these relationships easier than ever, allowing you to connect and communicate with your classmates and instructors as you go. Check out our blog posts to learn more about how to network in an online MBA program, as well as the importance of an alumni network.
“I felt so ingrained in a part of this Community. If I need help, I have someone to turn to: a classmate; a professor; my student success coordinator. Just know you are not alone in this program. I promise you, you'll have a ton of fun through it all. Just plan your time, get to know your fellow classmates, and enjoy the ride.” — Maura Durkin, MBA '22 Candidate
Read about Maura's experience as a Jayhawk in the online MBA program.
Feedback from students and alums who have participated in KU's online MBA program is an important part of the shared student experience. Visit our blog posts and watch student/alumni testimonial webinar videos to learn more about the online learning experience in our MBA program from our students, and graduates, firsthand.
Visit our video gallery page to learn about our online MBA program's impact via testimonial and informational videos.
Student Success Services
The KU School of Business is committed to ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed. We know online students have unique needs, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
From the admissions outreach advisors you consult as you apply to and enroll in the program to your personal Student Success Coordinator and 24/7 tech support services, you can be sure we've crafted the online academic experience with you in mind.
Student Success Coordinator
From enrollment to graduation, your Student Success Coordinator is your go-to university contact. They'll help you navigate the program, connect with resources across the university and ensure you're on track to reach your long-term goals. They understand the challenges of managing a work-life balance as an online student and will be the support system you need to stay focused.
Your Student Success Coordinator will be in touch with you to discuss course registration and financial aid services and to provide further information about any program-specific questions you may have, from your acceptance into the program until you graduate.
Technical Support
The KU technical support team is available to help you troubleshoot any problems you might experience with our technology. They are available 24/7 for assistance with KU Connect, KU email, and any issues that may arise while accessing content on supported mobile devices.
Contact KU tech support any time:
Email: onlinesupport@ku.edu
Phone: 855-393-9455
Fax: 877-460-3348
Please allow up to two hours for an email response.
A Student's Perspective
Hear from recent KU online MBA graduate, Jeffrey LaPlante about the unique benefits and flexibility of this program.
Video Transcript
My name is Jeffrey LaPlante, and I'm a graduate of the KU Online MBA Program. I have three other master's degrees, but I wanted something to give me a strong, solid foundation in the business world as I transition from the military into my civilian jobs. So I chose an MBA program to give me that basis. One of the best things about the MBA Online Program from KU is it allowed me and my current duties, US Army, to fit it into my daily routine.
At the time that I applied, I was transferring from Hawaii and moving my family to Missouri. I then moved to Saudi Arabia and the program followed me through there. I finally ended up in Florida where I finished my coursework working at MacDill Air Force Base, and the program enabled me to keep that sequence going through the entire time. The MBA has helped me greatly as I transitioned from my military life through retirement into the civilian sector. It has enabled me to set myself apart from other applicants and job placement, and it has done worlds of good for me as I took on my new role as a program manager.
Contact the University of Kansas for More Information
From the KU Online Classroom to your Student Success Coordinator, the student experience in the KU online MBA is tailored to meet the needs of our students. If you have any questions about the online student experience that aren’t addressed here, reach out to an admissions outreach advisor.
