I am considering pursuing an MBA. I have a History/Education degree from 1992. I never made it as a teacher. I have no formal business education. For the last 6 years I have worked in the TSA, the last two as a manager. My time frame for starting the MBA is March of 2009 to September 2010. My goal is to make the right choice since it is such a huge investment. I have not yet taken the GMAT. I know that I have a few limited options if I don't take it. I am a decent if not stellar test taker, so I should be able to get into decent programs if I take the test. My criteria for selection is as follows: Time is a factor. I'd like to get into a program sooner rather than later. But I realize that I may have to wait for a more difficult program. Although I want an MBA and not an MPA. I would like to enroll in a program that has a Public Administration emphasis. I do not want a program that emphasizes group work. I don't mind writing reaction papers, or participating in group discussions. I just don't want to have to work on projects in teams. I need a program that allows me flexibility to work whenever I want during the week. I can find time to do everything. I just can't commit to a set schedule on any particular day. Regional Accredited not National Cost is a factor but not THE factor. I will spend more for a much more prestigious degree. But I am not looking for the cheapest degree possible. In other words, I want value for my money and time. Angry Geek
This thread http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27695 might be a good place to start, although, being in the form of a state-by-state list, it still yet has 41 more states to go. I'll have to get back on it, sir. Thank you.
Here are a couple of start points for your search: http://www.geteducated.com/rankings/best_mbareg.asp http://www.geteducated.com/rankings/best_mbaaacsb.asp I agree with you, don't rush and make the best decision for you. Shawn
In my now-out-of-print (but there is a tentative plan for revival) "Bear's Guide to the Best MBAs by Distance Learning," I discuss eleven factors to consider in choosing any MBA program. The list is now expanded to 25. Here it is, without the discussions, but it is pretty intuitive: 1. Specialized vs. General (Generic MBA vs. MBA in health care; insurance, banking, etc.) 2. Theoretical vs. Practical (How much math, Algebra? Calculus? etc.) 3. Cost; financial aid options 4. World View (international course content or US-focused) 5. Reputation 6. Ranking in US News, other rankers 7. Interactiveness with faculty, other students 8. Lockstep or flexible time 9. Exams: many, few, none 10. Exams: proctored, open book; objective, subjective, etc. 11. Writing: many papers, some, none. 12. Thesis or major paper required 13. Degree title (MBA, MA in Econ, MS in marketing, etc.) 14. Time involved (minimum, maximum) 15. Going on for a doctorate? Yes, no maybe 16. 100% on line/distance or less 17. Concession for prison, disabled, blind, A.D.D., other special needs 18. Language of study; language of exams. 19. Case study based (the Harvard model; all, some, none) 20. Accreditation: regional, national, AACSB, state approval, etc. 21. School in US or in other country. 22. School also has on-campus MBA or other programs as well, or not. 23. Credit for prior academic work: much, some, none. 24. Credit for career experience: much, some, none. 25. Cohort groups working together: yes, no, optional.
That's a great list. It made me think about Jonnies list of 200+ MBA programs and then I thought about cross-referencing and some sort of visio decision-making flowchart that people could use to make these decisions easier. Then I took a nap. Afterwards I felt better. It's a great list.
I agree - it's a great list. The one item that I would add, based on a recent thread, is course length (8, 10, 16. or other weeks).
When I first decided that I might go for an MBA, I was at a loss over where to begin myself. Then, one night I started an Excel file with school names in one column, GMAT req's in another, cost, etc. I started that about 2 years prior to choosing a program, just adding or subtracting from it when I thought about it. It helped me define what was and wasn't important without feeling rushed to choose a program. You don't have to take as long as I did (I'm a way late bloomer and was still finishing my BS at the time). Maybe it could help you, too.
