Welcome to the front lines of the latest battle in executive education. But now, in part because of the Internet, Duke's Fuqua School of Business is offering an online MBA with as polished a pedigree as its traditional degree. While most schools have incorporated the Internet and other technology into their educational offerings, few come close to matching the arsenal of cutting-edge applications Duke provides. They can also download supplemental video and audio programs to include new information. If anyone is having trouble with the lecture, for example, the professor can send out extra interactive study aids.
Students discuss lectures and work together using computer bulletin boards, E-mail, and live chats.
We're all very, very close friends,'' says Janet Morgan, president of new-media and management consultant Media Minds Group. Even without residency on campus, the program is far from cheap. Although employers sponsor most of the students, few complain. The cost of losing key execs would be much higher, says Emily DeMattia, Ford's organizational and personal planning manager for vehicle divisions and staff. The concept of long-distance education is hardly a new one.