Enrolled in Touro MBA program...need guidance

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by 4Q, Nov 16, 2002.

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  1. 4Q

    4Q New Member

    I just couldn't resist since tuition is free for me (AD Military). They accepted my BA from TESC but I'll have to take one preparatory course (International Business) and need to maintain a B+ average for my first three courses. I think I can do that. I will recieve the first set of materials next week.

    I've about 3 years left before I can retire and I'm hoping the MBA will increase my employment options once I leave the service. I currently work in a management position in an aircraft maintenance unit. I'm still not sure what I wanna be when I grow up but my educational background will look like this when I do leave:

    - AAS in Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technology, Community
    College of the Air Force
    - BA in Liberal Studies, TESC
    - MBA (General Management), Touro U.

    Looks weird doesn't it? You can tell I don't know where the hell I'm headed. I have a strange feeling I'll wind up working in the government sector as I really just want a decent paying job with some degree of security. I don't ask for much. Prolly selling myself short...again.

    I have a coupla questions for those with TOURO experience. Yes,
    I've ready the search results but maybe someone has feedback they hadn't yet posted.

    - What element did you find most difficult about the course work?
    - Was the workload easily manageable or did you have to spend
    every free moment studying?
    - Do you feel the Touro MBA makes/will make you somewhat more
    marketable/valuable?

    I look forward to hearing your comments
     
  2. Eli

    Eli New Member

    A1) When I enrolled in the MBA program it consisted of 12 modules with 12 of everything (Case, SLP, Alt. assignments) including 12 live lectures. It was a nightmare! You are fortunate enough now to have 6 modules only distributed over 3 months and focused lectures are burned on the CD itself with presentations etc. I liked the system a lot except for the live lectures where I was forced to attend at specific times (very difficult if you travel a lot). In general, nothing to dislike about the new and reduced (reasonable) workload.

    A2) The workload is manageable. It is quite subjective and depends on the student. In my case I had to spend an average of 1.5 hours per day per course (skipping Sundays).

    A3) Yes, Touro's MBA had an excellent impact on my career (both financially and promotion wise). I work for a multinational in the IT industry and the degree is well recognized. Being regionally accredited, my employer paid 50% of the tuition.

    Eli
    ABD, Touro University International
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 16, 2002
  3. aa4nu

    aa4nu Member

    Hi 4Q !

    - What element did you find most difficult about the course work?

    The course work is not easy, rather very fair. You will need to
    do the background readings, and learn how to directly answer
    and support your position/answers to the Case Studies.

    My background includes being a Regional Manager, so while I
    was used to verbally being able to defend my point, or present
    such via PowerPoint/etc. ... I found that writing out the same,
    in the format of a paper required some re-focusing. Doing such,
    has actually improved my verbal presentations.


    - Was the workload easily manageable or did you have to spend
    every free moment studying?

    Eli's time allocation is very close to what I observed also. Here's
    my suggestion. Use the flexiability to get ahead of the schedule.

    As in, use your time wisely and don't wait until the last day
    before the Module deadline arrives. Your learning will be
    better, and your stress levels less.

    The school is very aware of the rapidly changing schedules
    of their military student base, and has a history of working
    together with those students as to special workload issues.


    - Do you feel the Touro MBA makes/will make you somewhat more
    marketable/valuable?

    YES!

    Since completing the MBA at TUI, I have been interviewing, and
    to date having the MBA on the resume has been a plus.

    Two HR managers even stated that they had heard of Touro,
    and considered it to be a positive that I had completed the MBA via DL.

    Today, Touro offers MANY options for the MBA program as to
    major/minor type emphasis ... that's a positive move and one
    that I suspect will continue to be expanded. I chose to use
    ITM and Knowledge Management as I enjoyed those courses
    and that "fits" well with my BA background in Social Sciences
    (Psy./Soc.) from TESC. I would suggest you look closely at
    either HR or Health Care as other possible options ...

    Billy

    AA, BA TESC - Social Sciences (Psy./Soc.)
    MBA, and Ph.D. student, Touro University International
     
  4. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member



    Some people like portb71 think that an MBA frow a low tier institution like Touro is a waist of time. But I agree with Eli, for people with your background it can make a lot of difference since you can add a lot of value to your present education. Your aircraft background with an MBA can open you the doors to fields like aviation management.
     
  5. Steve King

    Steve King Member

    Just as with any brick and mortar school, some subjects were more difficult than others. Personally I have never been great with mathematical subjects and, as such, I found the accounting and finance courses more difficult than the others. Not a surprise. In terms of the mechanics of the program, nothing was terribly difficult as long as you did the work expected of you. The professors were always available and very helpful. The professors are flexible with deadlines, as long as your work is completed before the end of the session.

    As I said, I had a harder time with finance than the other subjects. In this instance, the finance professor (a full-time professor with a PhD from UCLA) provided me a lot of additional study materials tailored to my weaker areas. Without his extra help I don’t know how I would have made it through that class.

    When I started the MBA program at Touro, I was working “shift work” at the fire department. I had several days off in a row after I worked a 24-hour shift. (This was one of the reasons I decided to go the DL route instead of staying at a B&M school.) I regularly enrolled in two classes per session and thought I could have done a third without too much trouble. During my last year at Touro, I began working a “regular” Monday through Friday job like most folks. I found two classes at a time very demanding of my time. I did it during my last session, because I couldn’t wait to be finished, but I found taking only one class a session gave me the kind of free time I was used to.

    So, my point is that every person’s situation is very different and it’s hard to say how much of your free time will be spent studying. It is very manageable though.

    I know that my Touro degree is valuable for me. I’ve already seen a very nice raise in salary at my current job! I am also much more qualified (at least on paper) for another position that I have been interested in for a while. The fact that Touro is RA makes a big difference because it puts me on the same playing field as so many others I am competing with. Your situation is even better because the military will pay all of your tuition. (And in the case of Touro, your books too!) I had a mix of tuition reimbursement and self-pay. There is no doubt in my mind that Touro University International was well worth my time and money. It was great experience.

    Steve
     
  6. 4Q

    4Q New Member

    Thanks guys, great feedback. I keep hearing the same things so I think I'm beginning to get a ballpark idea of what the ride will be like. I appreciate it!
     
  7. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Chiming in late

    I had a great experience with Touro, as well. I completed the MBA with two concentrations in one year. It will require a lot of reading...but you'll be better off because of it.

    Keep the questions coming,
    Steven King
    BA Bethany College
    MBA Touro University International
     

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