Help! Online MBA at Auburn vs Online UMass vs 3rd Tier Traditional MBA

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by warbowl, Oct 29, 2011.

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  1. warbowl

    warbowl New Member

    Online MBA at Auburn or Umass vs trad MBA at 3rd tier
    I'm debating either the online MBA programs at Auburn or UMass-Amherst. I've also thought about an in-person part-time program from University of Missouri, Kansas City's Bloch School. Wondering if anyone can weigh in on thoughts of Auburn vs UMass online programs. And if either of these online options would be better than a traditional program from a lesser known school. Thanks in advance.

    UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, BS JOURNALISM /ADVERTISING '99
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    If you have the option for an on campus program and your schedule allows for it, that is what I would go with. The contacts you would gain from that experience can not compare to an online experience.
     
  3. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    If you're going to do an online MBA, go with Thunderbird. It's more expensive than UMass but you're going to get the networking opportunities through the the required trips to international locales. If AUTiger00 is still on these forums he'd be the person to PM about Auburn. As a recent grad of UMass, I can help you with questions there.

    ITJD
     
  4. warbowl

    warbowl New Member

    Well, Thunderbird isn't really an option--too expensive. Trying to keep it around $30K or less, hence UMass and Auburn. The UMKC option is especially affordable at around $16K. I also have thought about Warwick in the UK, which comes in about $37K with mandatory visits and books. The UMKC option has me interested for its price and growing recognition in Entrepreneurship studies. Plus, it's right here in Kansas City.
     
  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I have a (jaded) different opinion. DL MBA programs are so common now that it's hard to believe that they're much more than a check mark in the box. A smart business person would tell you to pay close attention to the return on investment and go for the cheapest program that fits your needs. "Networking" is a nice idea but I've yet to hear anyone come back to this board and tell us, "I got my fantastic job because my interviewer went to same school that I did." or anything like that.
     
  6. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    What I'd say is this, if your distance option is local to where you live, companies of significant mass generally have a hire list of schools that they'll hire from.

    I've received three interview ops from consulting firms because I graduated from UMass. Granted, I live in Massachusetts. Only reason I've not accepted offers is due to the travel requirements.
     
  7. major56

    major56 Active Member

    If UK flair /top-shelf MBA degree is of interest, in addition to Warwick, you might want to also consider the likewise triple accredited Henley MBA by Flexible Learning (£20,000) and/or Imperial College Business School (EQUIS and AMBA) DL MBA (£24,000).

    Distance Learning MBA

    MBA by Flexible Learning
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    So, they only invited you for an interview because you went to UMass. That's fantastic news for UMass. Not so good for you.:sgrin:
     
  9. warbowl

    warbowl New Member

    Well, I think I found a really good option in the University of Arkansas Walton School of Business. They have a part-time/online option at $28K. It includes monthly residencies. That's a 3 hour drive for me, and Walton specializes in retail and consumer packaged goods. I work in CPG marketing, so this would be a perfect fit; they also offer entreneurship electives. Thanks for the input. I'm thinking U of A might be the great fit with this part-time option.
     
  10. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Isn’t the preponderance of consulting gigs “road warrior” opportunities? :yup:
     
  11. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    I agree with Kizmet. When I changed careers shortly after getting my MBA it shocked me how many of my new collegues have MBAs, pretty much 2 out of 3. It's almost the business equal to the BSBA of the 1990's, I'd go for less expensive. Even still I'm not complaining as the MBA seems to be the new benchmark to get into the door at many businesses these days working in a white collar, management or analyst function. Even still, I think the ROI on the MBA has definitely taken an overall hit due to the glut of them out there. Make a business decision, reduce risk by lowering cost. Good luck.
     
  12. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I am in full agreement with Kimet and FriendorFoe. I find this quote from Kiz cuts to the chase:

    "A smart business person would tell you to pay close attention to the return on investment and go for the cheapest program that fits your needs".

    In my own personal experience, obtaining my MBA from a reasonably priced University was probably one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Aspen is well thought of and held in high regard, and I don't lose any sleep at night wondering how I am going to pay off a HUGE loan (with interest mounting). I love it! My MBA has opened up many doors.

    ThanksDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Abner :smile:
    :banana:

    Kizmet
    I have a (jaded) different opinion. DL MBA programs are so common now that it's hard to believe that they're much more than a check mark in the box. A smart business person would tell you to pay close attention to the return on investment and go for the cheapest program that fits your needs. "Networking " is a nice idea but I've yet to hear anyone come back to this board and tell us, "I got my fantastic job because my interviewer went to same school that I did." or anything like that.
     
  13. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    It seems like an MBA is only useful when it is presented in conjunction with a marketable skill. Or, in the case of Ted and Randell, another MBA :smoker:
     
  14. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    That is only because I have no skills :smoker:
     
  15. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    I think the MBA is icing on the cake, like MC suggested.
    If you think about the typical curriculum, its basically like a freshman in college who doesn't know what to major in so he takes intro to everything his first year or so. Except that when you do it as a grad student you are granted a degree :)
     
  16. I don't specifically disagree, but I will say that with Indiana I'm now an alumnus treated like any other Kelley grad, and there are plenty of alumni events held across the country to network with.

    To me it's less about the interviewer being an IU grad (haven't changed jobs) and more about receiving a great education from a top 20 business school, and with roughly half the amount being reimbursed by my employer I graduated without any loans.

    But then again, the Kelley MBA is also there to supersede my Excelsior undergrad, which was done much more cheaply and quickly.
     

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