As a Senior Claims Quality Assurance and Compliance Analyst and mother of two students in college and one serving in the military, Brooke Dallos was researching flexible MBA programs that could adapt to her demanding schedule without compromising quality.
“The program at Radford was the perfect balance of quality, flexibility and value,” Brooke said. “Although I was admitted into every program I applied to, I ultimately chose Radford.”
Her decision to pursue the Master of Business Administration at Radford University proved transformative, advancing her professional expertise and reigniting her passion for the insurance industry.
Fast-Track Learning That Fits Working Professionals
For prospective students wondering how long does it take to get an MBA online, Radford’s program can be finished in as few as 12 months. However, Brooke chose to begin her MBA in spring 2023 and complete it in summer 2025 to accommodate more time for work and family. The seven-week course format and multiple start dates helped her maintain momentum.
“I was able to apply a lot of what I learned in the MBA program to my career,” Brooke explained. She found immediate relevance in her coursework, particularly an AI and machine learning course that aligned with her company’s strategic direction. “We are really into moving forward in the AI space and applying that to insurance. That was super helpful.”
Affordable Education with Strategic Value
Brooke found Radford University’s MBA program to be competitively priced, and paying tuition by the course helped her keep her budget intact. She also was able to use her spouse’s military benefits, which made the program even more affordable.
Another key benefit of the program was its flexible curriculum that allows a high degree of customization to fit students’ professional interests. The 12-course structure—seven required courses and five electives—gave Brooke freedom to tailor her education to her professional goals.
“I loved that portion of the program where I was able to pick from a wide array of available courses,” Brooke said.
Building Meaningful Connections in an Online Environment
For those weighing online MBA vs in person options, Brooke’s experience demonstrates the effectiveness of virtual learning. Despite the online format, she developed strong relationships with faculty and classmates and participated in several group projects in her various courses.
“My experience with the faculty at Radford University was absolutely excellent. It was highly supportive, which is crucial for an online program,” she explained.
She formed a strong connection with Dr. Steve Childers, who taught Strategic Innovation and advised the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. “I selected him to do my hooding at the graduation commencement ceremony,” Brooke said.
Strategies for Success
Managing a demanding schedule required discipline and strategic planning. Brooke was diligent about updating her calendar to ensure she met all deadlines.
“I used a strategy to time block what I needed to get done that day,” she said.
She created calendars for each seven-week course and scheduled study sessions around work hours. “My kids and my husband were some of my biggest cheerleaders,” she said. “Always engage with that network and your resources because it’s very easy in an online program to feel as if you’re on an island.”
Real-World Impact Beyond the Classroom
Brooke’s MBA journey created ripple effects in her community. As a mother of college-aged children, she served as a role model, demonstrating that MBA student life is possible to balance with career and family. Her experience has even inspired her daughter to consider graduate school.
“I was able to apply the skills from the curriculum to my job immediately,” she said. “Beyond the professional sphere, the process of completing the MBA as a working professional dramatically boosted my confidence and discipline. It proved that I could successfully manage significant responsibilities across work, school and personal life, skills that are now invaluable in every area of my life.”
The MBA helped motivate Brooke to focus on advancing her career, and she recently joined a new company with a strong culture.
For prospective students, Brooke offers practical advice: “Just be disciplined.” You have to have those super time management skills. But also, be flexible.”
About the Master of Business Administration at Radford University
The online MBA program at Radford University provides AACSB-accredited education in core business areas including operations management, marketing, accounting, finance and strategic management. Designed for working professionals, the program features seven-week courses with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to complete your degree in as few as 12 months.
Students can choose from three MBA options — general MBA, business analytics or innovation. Each program consists of 12 courses (36 credit hours), comprised of 21 credit hours of core courses and 15 credit hours of electives. Radford offers the same affordable tuition to both in-state and out-of-state students with pay-by-the-course flexibility. The admissions process is streamlined, with no GMAT required.
Learn more about the online Master of Business Administration at Radford University.
