Final ? re: Master program

I would like the opinions of the board re: my school choice. Listed are their pros and cons. My aim is to set myself apart from others in my industry (Private Club Management), many of whom do not have a degree let alone an advanced degree; so here goes:
1. Univ. of South Australia/Le Cordon Bleu
Pros: MBA, only one year, concentration in hospitality, Cordon
Bleu connection is very cool, name recognition
Cons: Foreign degree, cost is $11K

2. Oxford Brookes
Pros: MBA, concentration in hospitality, cost is $8k
Cons: 2-3 years (I am trying to gain an exemption from year 1)
Once again, a foreign degree

3. George Washington University-Msc in Tourism Administration
Pros: It's GW!!! and a US school
cons: Expensive at $16K, but that is a bargain compared to
their other Masters programs.
It isn't an MBA

Anyway, I know there are other choices out there and I have looked at most of them. Some were ruled out because of GMAT requirements, tuition, residency, etc. Also, some excellent hotel schools were recommended on this board, but honestly, most search committees have no experience in this field and are mainly concerned with prestige and title.
My search has narrowed down and I have to make a decision.
thanks again for your help!!

 

John, since you've narrowed it down to your field of specialty the MBA hospitality or MSc (GW), I guess the only question that I would ask (leaving the cost to one side), is :

a) Which of the three university degrees do you think would be the most recognisable by the specific sector of the industry that you work in. Do you know of anyone in your field or your associates in the business that actually have an MBA in Hospitality and where do they fit on the totem pole in terms of level or position?

b) Given the three offerings, which one has the program you like and that really suits and meets your personal goals and that can benefit ..YOU.

C) Back to the time and cost, Its really a choice between OB & Australia.

My suggestion, is that you get firm offers from all three, get the full program plan and then make your choice.

Just be careful of the up front fees that you may have to pay that may be required in registering first as a student.

My suggestion would probably be :

1) OB, 2) Australia, 3) GW. and if you get the 1st year exemption from OB, all the bettter.

Hope this helps?.

J.R(ic)

 

My mild suggestion would be UniSA, but I am not familiar with your field:
Cordon Bleu connection sounds prestigious and marketable
short time to completion
chic-ness of Australia to many in US
you're not in an "academic" field (otherwise GWU)
cost is moderate
South Australia (the state) has big wine industry
foreign degree might add glamor, given the field ???

All sound OK, though. I don't recall any red flags from your earlier posts. You may be right about MBA vs MSc.

 

Hi John S, read your post this morning on the Math test, and I trust that you will get it next time round.

My question related to the MBA & passing the Maths test for your undergrad degree is, will you be allowed into the OB program with or without the BA and have you received word or confirmation for any exemptions to the first year?

Given the above question, how would Australia & GW take into consideration the level of your current academics and experience (assuming no BA) in letting you into the programs. Did you have a conditional or firm offers so far from all three places?

J.R(ic)

 

John, still awaiting word from OB and Sheffield-Hallam on year 1 exemption and once I get their decision, I will make mine. I did not ask either school about starting before degree completion but I did send them a listing of courses taken and told them that I expect to take (and pass) the math test in the next couple of weeks. UniSA (George Brown) told me that I could start there before my degree was conferred, so there shouldn't be a problem there. Lastly, I think GW is out due to the high cost and the degree itself. A Masters in tourism admin. would be OK in my industry, but an MBA in Hospitality or Hotel management would be much more applicable. I do like the idea of having a degree from GW, but my wife (who has a masters in human resources) assures me that most employer don't care all that much about from where the degree was earned, so much as you have an accredited degree that matched the companies needs.
Anyway, I will let everyone know the outcome.
On another note: I emailed Middlesex again, asking about their work-based programs but have not heard back. They are still in the mix, but I doubt that I would go with them at this point.
thanks again, John (sorry for the length)

 

Oh, forgot to mention. I am also looking at Fort Hays and Amberton due to their costs. Not terribly interested in their programs from a learning standpoint, but if I was just interested in getting a Masters, this might be the route. We will see......

 

Sounds like you're making progress...good luck.