Best Master's Management for a moderately intelligent person

Well, here I go again. I have been struggling with the choice of where to complete my Master's in Management degree, so maybe you guys can help. I see myself as a somewhat intelligent person, who is a sharp critic of herself and very self-concious of my abilities. I need a program that isn't going to stress me out too much (I get stressed easily, I know, not good for a potential manager ) , that I will feel good about completing from a personal standpoint, and will get me in at the entry level of HR.

Right now I am in Corporate Finance. I have no idea how I even got this job since I have no formal training in Finance, but I got it nonetheless. I would really like to move into the Human Resources department at my company. As for school acreditation, either RA or NA is fine with them. Currently, I have no desire to teach college, so RA is not a necessity.

I've been looking at the programs at Columbia Southern, Southwest University, California Coastal University and the University of Phoenix (where my supervisor, a very intelligent woman, got her MBA). Obviously, UOP is not frowned upon here, it was actually recommended to me by the HR department.

So what do you guys think? Where would I fit best? I don't mind doing work, but I doubt myself very often and am very afraid of failure. I'm also not very good at math, unfortunately. I know, it sounds like I shouldn't even be thinking about a Master's degree with all of these issues I have!

Thanks for your time...

Rhonda

 

Have you looked at Amberton? It is RA, it Has both an MBA with a management concentration and a MS in management. It also cost approx. $5,000 and is RA(although I know it's not a requirement for you).

http://www.amberton.edu/Graduate_2003_LISTING_OF_GRADUATE_DEGREE.htm#T15

 

Well if HR is your interest, this program is hard to beat for cost, only 31 credits at $170 per for a total of about $5300. The HR courses are on 8 week schedules. You can check some of the syllabi online, I doubt you'd need to be a genius to pass the classes. On the other hand others have had some difficulty with the way the interdisciplinary classes were handled.

http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/conc/hresourcemgmt.shtml

As far as failure, I think some of these schools are more geared towards making you succeed rather than cutting you down. The reason I say this is that an acquaintance who teaches accounting at a for profit school mentioned that he's really discouraged from failing a student. Students have to practically beg to be failed and if they're that bad he has to write up a special report of explanation. Maybe others more in the know can speak to this though.

If you don't go for it you'll always wish you had...you can do it. There are tons of programs out there and I'm sure more than one will fit the bill for you.

 

Rhonda,

I see you are currently working toward degrees at Excelsior College. Why not just get your MBA from Excelsior as well? Some people on this board kind of frown on earning two-year, four-year and graduate degrees all from the same college, although I don't see why. If you are having some success at Excelsior and their program works for your, their MBA may suit your needs.

Since you are also open to NA degrees, perhaps the MBA at Ashworth College might interest you? From what I have heard, the studies are sufficient to make one feel they have truly earned an MBA degree, but not overwhelmingly difficult.

If HR is your ultimate goal, you should also consider the MS in Human Resources Management at Thomas Edison State College. It is a 36 credit-hour program, and of course the method for earning the degree is similar to Excelsior, which you are already familiar with.

 

Rhonda,

I want to underscore the point that many MBA programs have minor math expectations. You have a lot of options. An MBA with a specialization in HR or Organizational Development is an obvious choice. I mention the MBA, because a strong case can be made that it has the best payoff in the long haul for an HR career. I’ve nattered about this and given supporting references in a different post, FWIW

Since you are anxious about failure, I suggest that you give serious thought to the learning methods that best suit you. Are you most confident with tests or essays? With group work or independent projects?

Food for thought: consider erring on the side of safety and going for RA. Sure, your current workplace may not distinguish between RA and NA, but a lot can happen in a career and it would be a drag to suffer prejudice later that you could have avoided. I’m confident you could find several RA programs where the math isn’t even remotely treacherous.

As an aside, you might get some leverage from writing SHRM’s PHR exam in fairly short order. The policy is that “students and recent graduates can let prospective employers know they passed the exam and will become certified once they obtain the work experience.”

http://www.hrci.org/Certification/2006HB/APPLY/#BM_HRCI-MR-TAB2-417

 

To heck with the math

DougG's comments are sound.

You can get math help at any community college where there are students - they work cheap. Quantitative course anxiety is minimized by staying ahead of the work, doing the problems and fighting off procrastination and fear. Seventy-five percent of folks who think that they suck in math have attitude issues and actually can do the work if they focus and stay ahead of the work flow, rather than being behind the 8 ball all the time.

Someone just needs to get you some basic freashmen math/stats books that explain the quantitative elements that you will be exposed to in an MBA program, and perhaps give you some basic tutoring in certain areas if necessary. Find some kid at a community college who's got his/her name on the board as a tutor and kick butt. You can do it.

Good luck.

 

I'm a little concerned about what I perceive to be your willingness to put NA and RA on the same level, as evidenced by your indicating that it matters not by which means the institution you seek is accredited; and also by the fact that you're considering three NA schools and one RA school as if they're all on par with one another.

I'm one of the biggest advocates around here of letting the common denominator of US Department of Education (USDE) and/or Council for Higher Education Acctreditation (CHEA) approval to be the only thing that really matters; and for RA institutions and private employers to treat NA and RA credentials more or less the same. But that doesn't mean that I don't recognize that, rightly or wrongly, that's not the reality of things.

You cite your never planning to teach as reason enough to be willing to accept an NA credential. My response to that, first of all, is never say "never." Life's long, and you never know where you'll end-up or what you'll be wanting many years from now. Be careful about making a potentially short-sighted choice now that may rob you of your choices later.

My second response to the "I never want to teach" thing is that that's not the only reason why you might still not want to be so dismissive of RA. You may, someday, want to get a higher degre from an RA institution... one that won't accept lower-level NA degrees as requisite to their higher-level RA ones. You may also encounter a private employer someday who, as a matter of policy, only recognizes RA credentials.

I'm a big fan of NA schools and the typically lower-cost programs they tend to offer. I believe that the NA accreditation standard is about as effective as the RA accreditation standard at ensuring adequate minimum rigor and legitimacy. I'm as irritated as anyone else that NA doesn't get the same kind of respect that RA gets.

But wishing won't change that; and people choosing between the two (NA or RA) need to do it based on the reality of the world. I'm not saying that you shouldn't get an NA degree. I'm only cautioning you to not assume that the rest of the world will be as accepting of an NA credential in all areas other than just the world of teaching. I'm only cautioning you to make sure your eyes are wide open about the perceived differences between NA and RA out there. If you choose NA over RA, just make sure you understand all the potential upsides and downsides of it. Don't assume they're on equal footing in the minds of potential employers and, especially, in the policies of RA colleges and universities.

All that said, NA credentials are gaining more acceptance. Most employers don't actually know the difference and would be happy, if they even check at all, just to find the NA institution listed in the various directories of institutions accredited by USDE- and/or CHEA-approved agencies. Even some -- actually, quite a bit more than merely "some" -- RA institutions will accept NA coursework in transfer, or NA degrees as requisite.

But NA can still be problematic in ways, places and at times that RA nearly never is. Always be mindful of that.

 

Rhonda;

What Gregg said - it's hard to improve on the logic/reality check he provided. Regardless of your current circumstances, I'd look first at the RA programs. They give you a utility outside of your current employer (regardless of wishes otherwise) that NA degrees don’t provide.

Having said that, let me second the recommendation for Amberton’s Management and MBA programs. Price is right, good reputation, RA accredited, and great customer (student) service. They’re at the top of my list in April when I finish the undergrad.

Best wishes, and have a great Thanksgiving!!

Dave
http://www.amberton.edu/MDegrees.htm

 

Doug,

To answer your question, I'm most interested in a Master's in Management/ MBA that uses projects and tests as the main methods of grade determination. I really dislike writing papers for the sake of writing...I'd rather write about the application of an idea I am using to solve a business problem. I'm having a difficult time finding this type of program. In addition to those preferences, I would also like the program to be RA and not require groupwork or the GMAT!! I've checked out MANY schools, including

Amberton- good program but requires extensive papers

Northcentral- like the self-paced aspect, do this require extensive papers too?

UOP- don't like the groupwork

Capella- good program, ditto on the groupwork

Golden Gate- nice program...is it paper intensive?

National University- like the program but doubting the 4-week format and the amount of time I will have to devote to it each week (thinking about 30 hours?)

TESC- like the program, don't know too much about assessment methods

Excelsior- 45 hours program and long semesters...no thanks!

UMUC- groupwork

and the DETC schools - not RA

Now, did I miss anything? Does anyone have experience at the above schools that can prove otherwise to what I've listed?

Any input will be extremely helpful!

Thanks

Rhonda

 

Heriot-Wat does not have groupwork, extensive papers, and they have a Royal Charter (RA equivalent). They also have a specialism in HR.

 

Check out Florida Institute of TEchnology's Masters in Management DL degree

 

Wait a sec...you've basically written-off the DETC schools as "not RA", which they aren't...but earlier in this thread you listed DETC-accredited schools you're considering. I guess that means they are now off the list? What made you change your mind? I'm not saying you've made a bad decision...just wondering what caused the change of heart.

I also like the look of Golden Gate's programs, but beware...they are quite expensive and not highly regarded on the West Coast, as far as I know. They are considered a "night school".

You can find a pretty extensive list of online MBA's here:

http://www.geteducated.com/pub/BDLGS_BM1105.pdf

That should give you a good start.

 

Rhonda, as TCord1964 asked, have you now just written-off NA? Even though I warned against equating NA and RA in at least some -- maybe even many -- situations, I didn't mean for you to just write it off altogether! I mean... unless that's the decision you've now made. Is it?

So you pretty much just want the RA (or maybe, if you haven't completely given-up on NA, then maybe an NA) MBA that you can pretty much just work through in the most quick-and-dirty way... but not to the point where you short-change yourself, of course (although some would argue that wanting to short yourself on the kind of writing that all good managers must know how to do is, in fact, short-changing yourself... but let's leave that alone for now). Is that about right?

Yes, I think you have. I keep recommending these same three MBA programs, and some people get what's cool, interesting and different about them, and some don't. Let's see if you do...

Ashworth College MBA program (DETC-accredited, which is NA); 100% via distance learning, no residency, flexible as all git-out; costs only $4,889 for the whole enchilada, including all texts and other materials; may be paid $99 down and $99/mo for 48 months, plus a final payment of $38 (all interest free). Cheapest out there, bar none. Most flexible... open enrollment, study and take exams on your own time. No GMAT or GRE. Doesn't require a ton of writing; doesn't require that one be a math whiz. Commonsense courses that pretty much cover everything that any self-respecting MBA needs to cover. Best-of-breed, in my opinon, among the quick-and-dirty, but still-accredited MBA programs. Lets one put "MBA" behind one's name on business cards, resumes, letterhead, etc.... even in Oregon. By no stretch of the imagination "substandard"; at the same time it would never be considered adequate by AACSB, but then neither are most MBA programs out there... even most RA ones. This is an MBA program that more people should take seriously. It's legit. It's rigorous. It's the real deal. It's just marketed Wal*Mart-style (and, worse, supported Best-Buy-style)... and so is looked-down on by some who I'm convinced haven't really looked hard at it, or thought it through very well. If it weren't for the next MBA program I'm about to tell you about which I like far, far better, I'd do this one in a heartbeat... that is, if I wanted an MBA, which I don't... or at least I don't think I do. We'll see. But I digress.

St. Joseph's College of Maine's MBA in Quality Leadership program (RA); 100% distance learning except for one, small, very brief summer intensive... which almost no one minds 'cause it's so danged beautiful there. Costs $280 per credit hour... which is very reasonable by today's RA MBA standards. No GMAT or GRE required. Flexible scheduling. Goes light on courses that require math and goes heavy on courses that will make more ethical those who take them seriously. St. Joseph's is owned/operated by the Sisters of Mercy; and it has a reputation for not treating students like cattle. This is my hands-down favorite distance learning MBA out there... but that's just me.

Southwestern College MBA program online (RA); 100% distance learning/online, and very flexible. Costs $375 per credit hour plus $25 per-course technology fee. No GRE or GMAT required. Courses look great and cover just about everything that an MBA should cover... and then some, actually. More like a traditional MBA than the St. Joseph's College MBA, yet still has an adequate ethics focus. Southwestern is owned/operated by the United Methodist Church... though not so's ya'd notice. Known for treating students well; and has a high sensitivity to the plight of (and a strong interest in well serving) students who are in the military. As plain-and-simple, RA-but-not-AACSB-accredited MBA programs go, this one's probably my second-favorite. It's a real honey for those who just want a really high-quality, but not fancy-dancy MBA. I wish it were $100 less per credit hour, but hey... can't have everything.

See herein, above.

 

Rhonda, as a reality check, virtually ANY graduate degree is going to require a fair amount of writing and/or papers. Not all to be sure, but certainly the majority, in particular if you're now looking strictly at RA schools.

I understand the trepidation with math (and I share it), but to a degree, the writing requirement may be simply a "can't get around it" factor with the majority of these institutions. I don't enjoy it myself, but it does get easier with practice.

GREGG: As a side note, I have neighbors from Maine that mention "St. Joe" very fondly - it apparently enjoys a great reputation locally. Based on that, plus your VERY strong and continuing endorsement of the program, on a recent TDY to the area (I'm military), I took a day and scheduled a visit with the campus.

Beautiful doesn’t even BEGIN to describe it. As a military member, I have the option of skipping the two week residency, and after the visit I wouldn’t even think of it. The folks were willing to answer any questions I had, discuss the MBA program at length, stress the Ethics based focus, and quite simply BLEW ME AWAY. I’m sold; I finish the undergrad in April 06, and plan to enroll at “St. Joe’s” as soon as possible after that. You’ve made a convert.

Dave

 

Hello Rhonda,

Maybe you should consider a Master Certificate instead of an MBA. It will probably be closer to your requirements and you will be able to obtain the certificate from a more prestigious university too. You can start by checking out www.tulaneu.com. They have Master Certificates in Management and Marketing.

If you must absolutely have an MBA then I agree with Gregg 100%. Ashworth may be your best bet. It is inexpensive, legitimate, and not intensive when it comes to writing papers and math.

Good Luck...

 

Rhonda,

I didn't see you mention that financing your education was a problem for you. IMHO, the only two reasons that one should ever consider a nationally accredited degree versus a regionally accredited degree is:

1. When the NA degree is significantly less expensive and the student can't afford anything else.
2. If the program is sufficiently unique that a comparable RA degree doesn't exist.
   [/list=1]With that said, I believe that a NA degree is usually not the right choice.
   
   While I can't speak to the writing requirements of the program, you might want to check out the MS in Human Resource Management at Florida Institute of Technology. This program is both less expensive and I dare say better received than a degree from UoP. Plus it only requires college algebra as a prerequisite.
   
   Lastly, and to reiterate what others have said, writing is generally expected from any well respected graduate program. Even in programs that are highly quantitative, writing is expected. In some respects this is what distinguishes the graduate program from the undergrad. You are expected to be able to communicate authoratatively about your subject. I suspect that whatever program you end up choosing that you are just going to have to bite the bullet (so to speak) and learn to deal with frequent assignments that require writing.
   
   Good luck.