Deakin online MBA program again ranked best in Australia

Deakin’s MBA program has been ranked at number 16 in the world for the second year running, and is the only one in Australia to make the top 30.

The QS Distance Online MBA Rankings for 2017 rates the world’s 40 strongest distance online MBA programs.

Deakin’s Interim MBA Director Dr Steve Jaynes said the University’s program was becoming increasingly recognised for its flexibility, relevance and real-world connections to business.

“Our course is designed for professionals who want to develop their careers while balancing work, family, and lifestyle commitments,” Dr Jaynes said.

“Deakin Business School was recently awarded AACSB accreditation, placing it in the top 3 per cent of business schools world-wide.

The Deakin MBA is for managers with at least three years of management or professional work experience.

“Today’s rankings result is continued recognition that the Deakin Business School is delivering on its promise,” Dr Jaynes said.

“We harness the latest technology to prepare students for the jobs of the future and this ranking recognises this, as well as our commitment to ensure our students can manage their studies around their busy lives.

Executive Dean of Deakin Business School Professor Mike Ewing said he was delighted to see the recognition for the MBA course, which was the Deakin Business School’s flagship program.

“These rankings confirm that our hard work and dedication to our students is hitting the mark,” Professor Ewing said.

“What’s more, it assures people that they don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Our program is completely converged – students have the same learning experience in the cloud, on-campus, or through any of our other residential and intensive modes.”

Deakin’s MBA already holds a QS international five-star rating. It is recognised amongst students and employers as a quality program. The MBA has also been reaccredited by EPAS - the ‘European standard’ awarded by the European Foundation for Management Development.

The program has been running for more than 30 years and draws on the University’s innovative CloudDeakin online learning platform that provides students with a rich and immersive learning experience, while giving students the flexibility to study when and where it is most convenient.

The MBA is also part of Start Anytime, a pioneering initiative at Deakin that allows postgraduate business students to fast-track and complete a unit in as little as four weeks, or take their time and complete it over a year. With no assignment deadlines students can complete work within a time frame that works for them.

QS CEO Nunzio Quacquarelli QS distance online MBA ranking was unique in evaluating opportunities for interaction with class-mates and professors as well as looking at the reputation with employers.

“The technology behind online learning continues to advance improving the learner experience. But data on completion rates and employer feedback reinforces the view that the blended model including some physical meet ups is most effective,” he said.

The full rankings can be viewed here. The methodology can be found here.