Are Online MBAs Taken Seriously? What Employers Really Think

Once upon a time, a degree earned online from an institution - regardless of how credible or highly ranked it was - was widely perceived to be of lesser value than a degree earned through in-person classes.

Thankfully, employer attitudes toward online MBAs have changed quickly over the last few years and particularly since the pandemic when many organizations began offering or switched to online delivery. 

Many organizations now evaluate an MBA by its outcomes and credibility, not by whether classes happened in a physical classroom.

That said, not all online MBAs are seen equally. Employers tend to take them seriously when the program shows strong signals of rigor, accreditation, and real skill development.

Let’s take a closer look at what really matters when shopping for an online MBA.

What employers actually care about today

As we mentioned above, there was once a sense - not necessarily grounded in data - that online courses were somehow inferior to in-person ones. True, attitudes like this persist to this day, but the reality is that these views are outdated and not reflective of current industry trends and demands.

Notably, employers and hiring committees generally focus on two aspects of your degree (neither of them about delivery format).

1. Skill acquisition that directly translates to the position: GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey emphasizes that employers increasingly value graduate management skills as organizations adopt new technologies. These skills matter especially in today’s remote and hybrid work environments.
2. Proof of program quality: For an online MBA, employers tend to look closely for credible external validation of the program, especially in the form of accreditation, along with a curriculum that matches modern business needs.

Taken together, qualities that recruiters are often looking for include:

• Strategy and decision-making
• Leadership and collaboration
• Communication and influence
• Data-informed thinking (increasingly tied to AI tools)

Dispelling the myth that “Online MBAs are easier”

One part of the stigma attached against online degrees was that they were somehow much easier than attending in person or that the workload is automatically “lighter.” 

In reality, strong online MBA programs often require more self-management and discipline being that you will be studying at your own pace without direct supervision. They also require strong written and virtual communication skills that are not necessarily the same as networking in person.

Additionally, because many online MBA students are working professionals, the bar is often quite high. In many programs, candidates are expected to connect theory to real business decisions, and not just the theoretical. Such an approach is inherently valuable as it demonstrates strong real-world applicability.

This is particularly true as online MBA enrollment has risen notably in recent years. This reflects how normal and mainstream this format has become.

How to Choose the Right Online MBA

Naturally, with the format becoming so widespread, it means that students will have more than a few options to choose from.

The only question, then, is how to tell which online MBA is right for you?

While formats may differ, the indicators of quality are remarkably consistent. Here are three signals to look for when evaluating any program.

1. Look for Recognized Accreditation

Accreditation remains one of the clearest markers of academic quality. It shows that a program has undergone external evaluation and meets established standards for teaching, learning outcomes, and institutional improvement.

For instance, SBS Swiss Business School’s MBA programs are accredited by various bodies, such as the Swiss Accreditation Council and the ACBSP, a globally recognized accrediting body focused on teaching excellence and continuous enhancement.

The Online MBA, in particular, is also among other top-ranked programs in the EMEA region and is QS 5-Star rated in Online Learning, and recognized worldwide.

For employers, accreditation helps distinguish serious academic programs from those driven primarily by marketing claims. For students, it provides reassurance that their degree will carry professional credibility.

2. Verify the Degree Structure

A strong Online MBA should have a transparent and internationally understandable academic framework.

For example, the SBS Online MBA is structured as a 90 ECTS program, incorporating core courses, specialization modules, and a master’s thesis.

Standardized credit systems like ECTS help employers and institutions assess academic rigor and workload, particularly valuable for graduates pursuing international careers or further education.

Simply put, clarity in structure points to the seriousness of the program.

3. Evaluate Career Relevance

Employers want graduates who can lead teams, navigate complexity, and make data-informed decisions.

Research from GMAC highlights growing employer demand for skills related to digital transformation and AI-enabled tools, underscoring the need for modern, forward-looking curricula.

Programs aligned with these expectations tend to carry stronger employer confidence.

How SBS’s Online MBA aligns with what employers value

As we’ve alluded to, SBS’s Online MBA is designed around the realities of modern careers:

• Swiss state-accredited program structure (90 ECTS)
• ACBSP-accredited MBA (including online format)
• A format that fits working professionals, while still requiring real academic output (including a thesis)

The result is a credential that communicates credibility, without requiring learners to pause their careers to earn it.

FAQ About Online MBA Degrees

Do employers know if a degree was online?

Often, yes. And many evaluate it based on program credibility and outcomes rather than format alone.

Are online and in-person MBA graduates viewed the same?

GMAC-reported survey coverage indicates many employers view online and in-person graduates as equally valuable, though this can vary by region and sector.

What makes an online MBA “credible” to employers?

Typically: recognized accreditation, clear program structure (credits/thesis), strong learning outcomes, and evidence of applied skills.

Why choose SBS’s Online MBA specifically?

Because it combines Swiss state accreditation, a defined 90 ECTS structure, and ACBSP program accreditation, signals employers recognize when assessing quality.

Conclusion

Online MBAs are taken seriously, especially when they come from institutions that can clearly demonstrate quality, rigor, and recognition. 

Due to how commonplace online education has become, the “online vs on-campus” debate matters less than it used to. What matters now is whether the program builds leadership capability and produces graduates who can perform.

If you’re exploring your next step, SBS Swiss Business School’s Swiss state-accredited Online MBA offers a credible, internationally oriented path designed for real career momentum. Contact us today to learn more!