BA falling into place...looking at MBA programs.

Well first off let me give thanks to the existence of this forum and the many insightful post that I’ve found in this forum. Through this site I discovered the "Big 3" and as a result, after 17 years from when I originally started college, I will have all my requirements met for a BA in Liberal Studies from TESC as of 12/31/06.

In the time that I've been researching DL programs I became inspired to continue on and pursue a Grad degree via DL as well. I am in the IT field with 15 years experience (10 with my present employer in the Real Estate Investment industry), with many upcoming opportunities to move into a mid-level management position in the upcoming year. I've also been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, with my eye on several possible business ventures. With these factors in mind, I felt that an MBA would compliment my technical background extremely well for the corporate world, while providing me with a solid business base should I take the leap of faith to becoming my own boss.

In reading literally hundreds (if not thousands!) of post on this forum, I have come to learn the differences between RA and NA accreditation as well as professional accreditation. Let me state clearly here that I am not looking for debates on accreditation, for my purposes NA accreditation works just fine for me . With all of this information here are the factors that are important to me in choosing which DL MBA program works best for me.

1.) Either RA or NA accreditation
2.) Strictly online and as self-paced as possible
3.) Inexpensive as possible ($10K max for everything)
4.) Able to complete in 18 months - 2years timeframe
5.) Program focus on Leadership

So far the 3 programs at the top of my list are:

Andrew Jackson University
NA, self-paced, cheapest of the bunch, both leadership and entrepreneurial focus areas.

Amberton University
RA, specific start dates for classes, cheapest per hour, however may have to take up to 12 extra credit hours, has a leadership concentration.

Columbia Southern University
NA, self-paced, close to the maximum in price, strong corporate affiliations, no leadership concentration.

How close to being on the money are my assessments of these 3 schools? Also have I missed any programs that would fit my above criteria? I am aware of St. Joseph's in Maine, however the price is out of range, however if my employer gives me assistance, then this school might work if the program is any good.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

berniejr,

Congratulations on earning your degree. I can't speak to the colleges listed, but if you search on the terms "affordable MBA" you'll find the subject is often discussed here.

 

berniejr,

Check out with the following Universities:

Regional & AACSB
Western Kentucky University KY $10,800

Regional & ACBSP
University of North Alabama (AL) $9,900
Stephens College (MO) $9,900
Chadron State College (NE) $5,598
California State University DH (CA) $10,500

Good luck!

 

You might want to remove Stephens College from your list, they have switched to an online/blended format, so they wouldn't meet your 100% online requirement. Some others that you should check out are:

Cameron University, (Lawton, OK) *has Entrepreneurship Concentration
Touro University International, (Cypress, CA) *has Entrepreneurship Concentration

Columbia College, (Columbia, MO)
Charleston Southern U. (Charleston, SC)
Liberty University, (Lynchburg, VA)

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I have found some valuable information so far and I am taking a look at Chardon State, Charleston Southern, and Columbia College. A few of the others are also great deals however the format in which classes are offered(traditional semester system), isn't that attractive to me. I really want a program where I can take 1 class every 6-10 weeks, and have the choice to skip around if my schedule requires me to do so (Job and 3 kids to contend with). Another thing that about a few that has me a little leary, is the fact that my undergrad GPA is pretty low, and I prefer not take the GMAT if I don't have to, as I am not a great test take on standarized types of test. How likely is it that I could enter some of these programs after taking 3-4 classes at that particular school, to prove that I am capable of doing the work they require?

PS can anyone give more details about Chadron State? At that price along with the ACBSP accred., it seems like a steal!

 

berniejr,

Behonest, I really like Chardon State's degree accreditaton and tuition; however, somehow I don't feel to have the term COLLEGE for my master degree. I spoke to the admission counselor at Chardon State's before; and they seem to be nice, and very supportive. I changed my mind because I have to take 3 classes in order to admit full-time status for VA bennefit. Therefore, I am saving for the Ph.D in business later with Northcentral University; once NCU is accredited by ACBSP.

Good Luck!

 

TEKMAN I feel what you're saying about the name. I had the same hesitation before applying to TESC, however it would be amplified by the fact this is for my MBA. Now I had looked at NCU as well as an alternate to UoP(Don't ask) and they really seems like they are offering everything that I'm asking for, the price however is a little higher than I wanted to go. What happens if I apply before the ACBSP accred has been approved, and during my program they are granted approval? Am I able to list that accred. with my credentials once I'm finished (I'm guessing no) ?

 

berniejr,

Well, Northcentral University is well known in the distance learning environment. Yes, it is pricey too; but it is only $250.00/credit for active duty; and $286.00/credit for veteran or retiree. Actually, the degree is accredited if the school is accredited when you graduate.

As you mention before about you don't care about National; why is not Aspen University? It is $250.00/credit; however, if you send the admission and prepay $4,200.00 for the entire program.

MBA Program URL: http://www.aspen.edu/programs/mba.htm
Tuition URL: http://www.aspen.edu/Surveys/MBA-Ask.php

You must pay $4,200.00 before December 31; and December 29 is the last day to make the payment.

I heard lot of people have good experience with Aspen University's MBA program. Remember, Aspen University is non-business accredited, but it is DETC. I am an Aspen University's student in MSIT.

 

Thanks for the NCU information.

In regards to Apsen, I hadn't heard a lot about it so I wasn't sure. It seems like to get that $4200 price, I would need to be able to prove that I I had experience in some of the core degree areas of their program. Realistically I could only probably cover the MIS option which would save me only $600. Am I wrong about how that works? If I am then is Dec 31st the last day of the prepay promotion? If not, for $4200 I would probably jump all over it. If the price is closer to the $9000 aksing price how do you feel about Aspen as compared to other DETC schools, Columbia Southern and Andrew Jackson?

 

Aspen

I acutally sent an email to Aspen and they responded immediately. Basically she told me that if I qualify for the program that I qualify for the special, because of some influx of money, BS. In anycase it's only gauranteed through the end of the year, but may be availble next year as well. I think I'm going to see what they're doing next year, as I'm not applying until then anyway. If they still have the $4200 special going, I may just jump on it!

 

berniejr,

Aspen University's tuition promotion for all of their Master degree programs. You can apply to the school without a Bachelor degree; as long as you are closer to graduate or you have 12 experience in the field. Once again, the $4,200.00 is applied to all Master degree at Aspen University; and must pay before December 31.

I chose Aspen University over other institution because of many reasons:

1) 1 class at the time is Full-Time Status (For Veteran Affair ducation Benefit Purpose (MGIB)
2) Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) is awarded 9 redits
3) Another 9 credits can be transfer from Southern Methodist University
4) Good reputation in DETC institutions
5) Interactive Learning or Independent Learning
6) One exam for the entire program plus the capstone project

One thing I don't like about Aspen University because it is ational accredited. Since I am only 23; and it is more likely I'll be a ollege professor later my life. Therefore, I am afraid that it might hurt me when I try to apply for a job at regional accredited institution. So, I take Southern Methodist University in Master of Science in Telecommunication & Management as an alternate.

I inted to do the $4,200.00; however, I thought about it. The $4,200.00 is for the entire program; whether 36 credits, or 18 credits (18 transfer). After applied for the loan at SallieMae; they want to charges me 27% of interest. Then I backed out for the promotion tuition. If I pay $250.00 for 18 credits, then the price
is only $4500.00; which I don't have to pay interests to SallieMae.