Any advice is appreciated on distance MBA

Basically, Im looking to break into a management position in IT (probably with a private Canadian firm or government body), so I think its time to get a graduate degree.

Currently I have a B.S.C.S. (Hon) from a RA reputable university.

To complement this, I have 8 years of IT related work experience, including 4 years of executive experience with my own IT startup.

So, I could probably minimally qualify now...but an MBA would help (and allow me to crossover away from IT).

With my executive experience, does it really matter what accreditation my MBA might have? Would a DETC MBA be good enough in my case to help push me into a management position? Since Im not looking to use it for certifications or to pursue a PhD, do I really need a AACSB degree?

If anyone has any ideas, Id appreciate it. Im just looking to buff up my resume for work purposes only (and Im not even sure how much most employers research accreditation).

 

Your experience will speak louder than any degree you can earn and you have considerable experience. With that in mind, you might do quite well with a DETC degree from somewhere like Aspen U. The cool thing about it is the fact that it's a great school and the price is really low. I think I remember someone saying that it was only about $4K total tuition. I'm not sure that an RA degree would work any better for you. What I don't know is how closely people in the IT world look at accreditation. I doubt they care as long as it is a solid accreditation.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Well, price is a major factor, so thats why I'm looking at Aspen and other DETCs (Aspen is unbeatable on the pre-pay). Unless many others think it will be a black eye on my resume, Ill probably go for it

So far, my degree has been minimal compared to experience when it comes to employment in IT--but if I really want a pay raise and to go into pure management (or public sector), a grad degree will definitely help. Long term, Id love to veer away from IT

 

What field would you like to veer into?

 

Public Administration

MPA doesn't really complement my BSCS, and many jobs with the provincial government can be obtained with an MBA. Im sort of thinking of working IT for a government ministry using a BSCS/MBA combo, then moving within that ministry to purely non-IT management with the MBA and executive experience.

Its a viable job path as long as the initial DETC MBA is recognized.

 

If you want to go into Management, the MBA would be the way to go. This would make you rise above, and I concur with MO on the Aspen MBA (maybe with an IT specialization). Aspen gives quite a bit of credit for IT certs.

Abner

 

Won't that specialization pigeon hole me a bit into IT? If I wanted to veer into management and/or public administration, wouldn't a general MBA or Project Management specialization make me a bit more mobile?

 

While thatd be good for IT, wouldn't that pigeon hole me in this field? I was thinking general would be better for a long term plan of moving out of IT and into public administration

 

True. I went with the general MBA as well.

Abner

 

You may probably do just as well with a general MBA. With all of your experience, an IT specialization might be redundant.

 

Not priced with the DETC-Aspen MBA, but some lower priced B&M RA options you might also consider (?):

Wayne State College (RA): MBA (30-hrs.) WSC - MBA - 30 Credit Hour Program
Online tuition $237.50 x 30 = $7125

Peru State College (RA): MS in Organizational Management Entrepreneurial and Economic Development
Online tuition $237.50 x 36 = $8550
Graduate Programs - Organizational Management - Peru State College

Amberton University: MBA in General Business MBA in Management, MBA in Strategic Leadership and MS in Managerial Science
Tuition $700 /3-hr. course x 12 = $8400
Amberton University - Distance Learning

 

An additional Nebraska public college /university system option:

Chadron State College: online MBA or MS Organizational Management: Tuition $237.50 /unit x 36-hrs. = $8550
Master of Business Administration - Graduate Studies - Chadron State College

 

University of Louisiana-Monroe offers a 30 credit hour AACSB-accredited MBA for around $8000.

 

I signed up for the MBA from EBS Heriot-Watt University.

+ I don't find it expensive (9 courses at about 900£ for materials and exam per course).
+ It is super flexible, which is very important for me.
+ The material is very interesting and informative and the assistance from the professors generally provides much food for thought.
+ The exams are tough and the quality of the education is very good.
+ The school has an acceptable repuation and you don't have to worry about the whole DETC or NA topic.
- You do not get much networking.
- Very limited contact with other students.