Opinions on MBA program

[rmorse]

Hey all,

I am in a position where I can get my Masters. My job will pay up to 6,3k a year for my degree, I have to pitch in the rest. They will only pay for classes that somewhat relate to my job.

Thus, I am planning on getting my MBA. I have a couple quick questions, directed to those of you who are older (and wiser). Hopefully some of you have already gone through with your Masters.


I have several choices, but I am also limited to online programs. (I could do night classes, but I live in So. MD., so not many "good" colleges here)


I can go to University of Maryland, University College, and do a dual degree. In three years, I will have a MBA, as well as an MS in Environmental Management. I will end up paying around 10k total, and it is completely online.

I can go to a "no-name" school, and get my MBA at no cost to me. For instance, FIT (Florida Institute of Technology).

I can go to a well-known school, and pay lots of money for an online MBA. For instance, Penn State, UMD, Towson, etc.

Any suggestions? I am mainly curious if the "name" is really worth it. Is an MBA an MBA, no matter where you go? If so, my decision is quite simple: Get the UMUC dual degree, and walk out with two degrees for a very insignificant price. If it is worth it, this makes my decision a bit more challenging....

 

[Pharaoh]

IMO, the name is not always worth it, but make sure to look for a university that is actually accredited and has worthwhile programs. It took me almost 2 years to choose my MBA program. I feel that I made a good choice. No the most expensive, but not the cheapest either.

With On-line program, make sure its not one of the fly-by-night programs. I won't mentions names as to not offend those who may have attended. IMO, the quality of education you get from on-line programs tends to be on the low side. I say, suck it up and make the time and the drive and be there in person.

 

[rmorse]

Would you mind PMing some names, so I can get an idea of what schools you are talking about?

 

[jcardona1]

in my humble experience, i would say NO, big names schools are not worth it. ive been out of school for 4yrs now and talking to a lot of folks in the real world that are in charge of hiring, ive learned that they actually tend to avoid candidates that have gone to high profile schools, mainly because of the elitist attitude they develop because of the schools they went to. cocky, snobby, difficult to work with, think they know everything, think theyre better than everyone else, dont like being told what to do, etc are some of the things ive heard.

^ these arent my opinions, but the opinions of others. at the end of the day, an MBA is an MBA, id say go with the option that will have the least out of pocket expenses.

good luck!

 

[CichlidPharmer]

It depends on who's making the hiring/promotion decisions. The reputation of the source of the advance degree or any degree for that matter counts much with some, very little with others. Your choice of where to pursue your MBA could expand or limit your career choices....choose wisely......

 

[SoCalDiscus]

Some food for thought:

I found that there is a lot of value in being in an actual classroom with other students. Often times you learn a lot by doing group projects and presentations. In fact, in some classes I have learned just as much from my classmates as from my professor. The professor was just fine, but I had some classmates with really interesting work experience. That... and there is the networking aspect. The networking aspect is really the only value of the big name programs. No matter how big the name, if you don't get to network with other classmates because you are online, you won't get the same benefit.

I think there is some level of trade-off between a big name, an online degree, and an "in classroom" degree. If you have a choice of going somewhere where you actually meet, I think you will personally get more out of it than any online degree. I also believe that hiring managers understand there is a difference between online and in the classroom.

With that being said... if you have lots of work experience, and want to stay with your current company, in your current job, and get a raise for an advanced degree. Then go with what is cheap and easy. Your raise for completing the degree won't likely depend on what school you went to as long as it is accredited. And, you will get hired for your next job because of your performance at your current one.

So, you need to think about what you really want out of the degree.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

I am also currently researching my Masters Degree. After talking to several people I have come to the conclusion that on-line degrees are not my style. ONline classes are so boring to me and do not hold my attention. You also stated that you have a hard time at school, will the online experience be challenging for you? Being in an actual classroom disciplines me more towards my goals. If my classes were on-line I would spend even more time on MFK...lol

Name is not so important in my opinion. What matters to me is whether or not the college is more connected or not in terms of getting you towards your goal. You could have a well known college yet have no connections at the end vs another college which might provide you moire oppurtunities to go in the direction you want to move...

G'luck and keep us updated B...

 

[GudEnuf]

Just do it!

In the end, the funding or the available time you have might dictate where you take it. Just my 2 bits.

 

[swede]

I think you need to weigh the costs of the schooling and decide whether the masters would really make it worthwhile in the end cost wise IMO

 

[rmorse]

Well guys....I found a VERY interesting program. University of Massachusetts has an online MBA. It is absolutely no different then a "normal" Umass degree.

From their website:

"
Is there a difference between a University of Massachusetts on-campus degree vs. online degree?
No, an online degree from the University of Massachusetts will be granted from the University of Massachusetts, and will not contain any references to "online" on the diploma or transcript. An online degree from UMassOnline is the same degree earned from the University of Massachusetts. The only difference is that with an online degree, you don't have to physically attend classes. You can take classes from the comfort of your own home and reduce travel time and costs typically associated with learning on campus.
With an online degree from UMassOnline, you will receive the same degree as that of on-campus students, and be taught by the same world-class faculty. Our online degree curriculum is just as rigorous if not more challenging. If you want to make the best out of your degree without having to sacrifice time with your family or work, an online degree through the University of Massachusetts is your answer. An online degree earned through UMassOnline will stand the test of time."






That means a lot to me. Also, it is ranked very high for online MBAs. It consistently falls in the top 20. And the best part? Affordable. After what my work pays, I will only be paying around 6k a year, for the two years. Not bad at all for an MBA from a well-known school.