In recent decades, technology has reshaped the higher education landscape, eliminating the barriers, namely geographic, that have traditionally made graduate school impractical for working professionals balancing busy lifestyles. This revolution in distance learning has redefined the educational experience, providing greater flexibility, enhanced convenience, and increased accessibility.
UC Berkeley's Flex MBA option, offered through the top-ranked Evening & Weekend MBA program, is an innovative opportunity that leverages advanced technology to provide students with a seamless and engaging learning experience.
At the heart of the Flex option lies a cutting-edge technology platform designed to make students feel like they’re sitting in the classroom. Unlike traditional online learning platforms or basic video conferencing tools like Zoom, the Haas Flex MBA virtual classroom offers a dynamic environment where students can easily connect with their classmates and professors, promoting the same tight-knit bonds that are created in a physical classroom.
How is the Haas virtual classroom different?
While moving classes to Zoom was a short-term solution during the pandemic, it quickly became clear that more work was needed to perfect remote learning and improve the student experience.
As a leader in innovation, Berkeley Haas had already been testing new virtual classroom technology since before the pandemic. It was coincidental timing that the Flex classroom experience was ready to launch when an enhanced online learning experience was needed most. One of the standout features of the Haas virtual classroom is its ability to replicate the experience of being in a physical classroom.
Unlike Zoom, where participants often face technical challenges and struggle to engage in meaningful discussions, Berkeley Haas’ virtual classroom platform creates an environment where students can seamlessly interact with their peers and instructors. This technology lets students hear ambient noise and make eye contact with the professor who is teaching in an actual classroom, providing a more immersive and authentic learning experience that feels like a natural classroom environment. In addition, students can take advantage of some extra perks that you don’t get in a classroom environment, like side chatter and link sharing that enhances discussion in the chat, quick break out rooms that make the most of your short time together, and the ability to quickly switch between different views—from the professor to your classmates to the notes on the whiteboard to the slide deck being shared, etc.
Maria Carkovic, PhD, who taught Macroeconomics to the inaugural Flex cohort, said, “The students are used to interacting with each other online, and I try to have quite a bit of interaction in different ways every time we meet. Students get to talk to each other in small and larger groups throughout the semester. During our virtual class meetings, I can not only hear them but see them when they are interacting with each other. We also participate in open-ended discussions during class. All these exchanges of views help us become familiar with each other, and the sense of community becomes stronger.”
Traditional web-conferencing systems were not meant to provide the level of engagement or interactivity learners need. Berkeley Haas recognized the need for a better approach. With immersive video and audio that draws students in, the Haas Flex MBA has created a virtual classroom experience like no other. Their innovative platform offers many benefits, from promoting active student participation and engagement to fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This allows for real-time discussions and debates to help students deepen their understanding of complex concepts and gain valuable insights from their peers.
I feel more engaged with my classmates in our virtual classroom than I do in an in-person setting because there's no break"
Unlike with Zoom conferencing, Kate Marie Wiechmann, Principal for Catalyst Consulting and member of the Class of 2025, felt that the Flex MBA virtual classroom environment enhanced her engagement. “Chat is always super active. So, even though we weren’t together physically, I still feel like I got to be really engaged with my classmates. I feel more engaged with my classmates in our virtual classroom than I do in an in-person setting because there's no break. As the lecture continues, if anybody has a question, we'll throw it in the chat, somebody will answer it, and we never miss a beat.”
The opportunity to participate in these peer-led conversations kept students invested throughout the synchronous class sessions. “[The chat] is always super relevant and engaging, which keeps you from being tempted to log into class and then go do other things. You don’t want to miss what's going on with those four screens,” Kate adds, “so, it's more engaging than an in-person class because there's always something to look at.”
Is the Flex MBA easier than a traditional MBA?
Comparing UC Berkeley's Flex MBA program to their traditional in-person MBA programs involves considering various factors, and whether one is "easier" depends on individual preferences and circumstances rather than a universal assessment.
The Flex MBA curriculum is designed with the same rigor and intensity as all of our top-ranked MBA programs. You’ll take the same core courses taught by the same world-class faculty teaching all Berkeley Haas MBA students. The MBA you earn via the Flex format holds the same accreditations, so you can be sure your educational experience meets the highest standards and is respected by employers in your field.
So, while it is just as academically rigorous and time-consuming as a traditional, in-person program, some students may find the Flex MBA easier to fit into their lives simply because of its flexibility. Designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals, the Flex MBA option allows students to chart their own course through the program.
This flexibility is essential for professionals like Kate, who said, “Don't get me wrong. It’s a challenging and demanding program. But having the flexibility to take a class anywhere is great. So even if I decided to take a little weekend trip, I know that’s okay because I can be in Park City, Utah, and still dial into class.”
The Flex MBA option opens a world of opportunity for students
The Flex MBA option offers many advantages, including the chance to expand your network by interacting with students from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds. The format lends itself particularly well to busy parents or caregivers, active military, those who travel frequently for work, those who live or work internationally, or those who are unable to come to campus frequently for a variety of reasons. This not only provides an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions but also enables you to build lasting relationships and connections with people from around the world. You can exchange ideas, share experiences and knowledge, and gain insights that can help broaden your perspectives and open up new possibilities for personal and professional growth.
The traditional MBA programs were often inaccessible to the people they were meant to serve. Rigid classroom schedules and in-person requirements made these programs unrealistic for professionals already struggling to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. The Flex MBA option opens a world of opportunities for working professionals. According to Emily Harmon, HR Integration program manager with Microsoft in Seattle, this new flexibility meant that “I didn’t have to compromise the quality of my personal life in the pursuit of my MBA.”
Berkeley Haas’ Flex MBA program is an exceptional and forward-thinking program that leverages state-of-the-art technology to offer students an unparalleled learning experience. The program utilizes cutting-edge technology platforms that enable students to participate in virtual classrooms, engage in lively discussions, and work collaboratively with their peers and professors in real time. This creates an interactive and immersive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, preparing students to excel in their careers and beyond.
With the UC Berkeley Haas Flex MBA you can have an excellent education, career, and life with proper balance. Tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals seeking to advance their careers or aspiring entrepreneurs looking to acquire new skills and knowledge, the Flex MBA program offers the convenience and flexibility of a hybrid program without compromising on rigor or quality. Learn more about the Flex option.
