On-Line MBA programs in Michigan

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by clarksark, Oct 29, 2001.

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  1. clarksark

    clarksark New Member

    I am new to on-line education. I am considering an on-line MBA program in Michigan. Does anyone have any options about Baker College or Davenport University? Your input would be appreciated.
     
  2. Bill Hurd

    Bill Hurd New Member

    I completed the Baker online program last year. It is condensed (6 week sessions) and very intense (online 5 of 7 days a week minimum). Lots of writing and research. As others on this forum have indicated --> the shortness of each course sometimes results in material being shorted.

    All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the program and would do it again.

    Write to me at [email protected] if you desire more specific and personal information about Baker.

    Bill Hurd
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT New Member

    I have attended Baker College's on-line classes over the last 18 months. Here are my thoughts on the courses:

    Pros
    ----
    * Very economical
    * Good blackboard
    * 6 week classes

    Cons
    ----
    * Very little direction or "teaching" by instructor. The students post responses to discussion questions and you have conversation about each other's answers. The instructors give very little meaningful insights into topics or discussions. Threads often get off into personal discussions about kids or other personal stuff not at all related to the material.
    * Many of the instructors rely totally on the textbooks for the material. Reading a textbook is not my idea of valuable secondary education.
    * Group projects can be a challenge because a number of the students are inexperienced and immature.

    I am looking for new on-line experience right now because I want to learn about the material and understand practical application. Not use the textbooks as the final authority and spend hours in what feels like chat rooms.
     
  4. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Davenport's site points out that they were chosen as the best on-line MBA by US News last week.

    A reminder of how troublesome accreditation wording can be. Davenport says "Davenport University [is] accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission and are members of the North Central Association..."

    First reaction: good grief, another unknown accreditor. But no, it turns out that the Higher Learning Commission is a part of North Central Association, so that is presumably the technically correct way of saying "regionally accredited," which is indeed what they are.
     
  5. Andy Borchers

    Andy Borchers New Member

    I've taught on-line for Baker for five years and I suspect that Davenport (formerly Detroit College of Business) is fairly similar. I'd echo much of what has already been said about these programs.

    If you are looking for an MBA with the maximum career impact - look at a top flight program like U of M (Ann Arbor) or Michigan State. Everything else in the state pales in comparison, academically and in terms of networking. Be ready to spend a lot of time studying - and bring a strong undergrad GPA and GMAT score to the table, however. Both do have part-time options.

    Before I enrolled at either Baker or Davenport, I'd also take a good look at on-ground, part-time programs. Eastern, UoD, U of M (Dearborn and Flint), LTU, Oakland, etc. Sure you have to go to class, but the face to face interaction is worth a lot in my book. Also, these programs are either AACSB and ACBSP accredited. That says something for their academic quality.

    As for Baker (and I suspect Davenport) I believe they have a credible program that is very flexible. There are some negatives, however. For one, the students are a bi-modal population. Many are quite good - likely choosing Baker for flexibility. Others, however, are pretty weak. Given Baker's almost open admission program (all you need is a 2.5 and no GMAT), all kinds of folks enroll. Further, Baker has a fair amount of inbreeding - a good percentage of the students were Baker undergrads. Since Baker's undergrad program is also open admission - well, you get the picture. Some of these students are good - but some aren't.

    Best wishes - Andy



    ------------------
    Andy Borchers, DBA
    NSU (1996)
     

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