RA local university MBAv or AACSB online from known university??

Hello, this is my first post. I'm debating between attaining an MBA traditionally from a local RA university that I think the name is not really familiar, "Tarleton State University," or an MBA through distant learning from the University of Texas System, (UT Tyler, UT Pan American, or UT Dallas) which I think the name recognition is more known, plus it's AACSB accredited.

My reservation is that I know that there is still some kind of negative stigma from employers in general about attaining a degree or MBA online. I don't think all HR departments or employers will view it negatively or think less of it, but I know the reality is that it's still out there from the general employer view from what I understand. I would like anyone's suggesstions and/or opinions on my dilema please.

Just a note about me, I do like the flexibility of DL programs, and if I have to move from here in 2 years (I'm in the military), I don't have to worry about having th finish up any classes if I didn't finish the program if I go with the local RA Tarleton State U.

The bottom line is, if I'm going to pay for my MBA, I just don't want to run into a problem or another hurdle during the hiring process when or if they find out about my DL MBA. ( Again, I know all employers don't think this way) Anyway, your thoughts would be GREATLY appreicated!!

Thank you,
April

 

OK - Here is my opinion (though it differs from some regulars on the board).

It will depend on what you want to do with the MBA.

I belive that the AACSB is the cream of the crop for accreditation (though I don't think their standards necessarily make these Universities the best).

For some employers, they only reimburse AACSB (like mine).

For some Universities, they will give preference to those with a degree from an AACSB school.

There is ignorance out there that an online degree is not as good, but I have two rebuttals to that.

1) Those that are that ignorant are probably just as ignorant about accreditation difference, and probably would say that an RA degree is not worth much either, which is not the case at all.

2) My degree from the University of Tulsa does not have anything on it that would show that it was obtained online. Since they have such a good brick and mortar reputation, I don't see an issue.

There may be an issue with schools that only have an online forum (like Touro). Some may discriminate against those who have this degree, but for those who are educated I know they would disagree.

I would suggest (as the baord did to me a while ago), try to be a pioneer and at least educate those who have opinions, but no logic to them.

For me, I went the AACSB route, since I think there is more stigma out there on RA accreditation vs AACSB that online vs brick and mortar. Also, the schools in my area in which I want to teach seem to be in a minority and requrie the AACSB accreditation to be considered (though getting in the door is still very political).


Good luck!

 

Hi Kristie, so your opinion sounds like you would go with the online MBA AACSB UT system shcool vs. the RA MBA traditional route Tarleton State U.? I was also looking at the Cal State U-DOminguez Hills MBA, which is only RA, but is a candidate for AACSB, but of course it would be obvious that I did it through DL because I would be living in TX while in the program. I'm looking into CSUDH because I might move to CA later. Also, I'm not bashing DL, but would rather have employers not know that I obtained it via online, that's all.

 

Thanks Kristie!

Hi Kristie, just forgot to metion "thank you" for your input!

 

It is obvious on my resume, I have been in CA since I started at TU and employed full time. First, I don't think employers will look that close, but you bring an interesting point.

Cal State Dom. Hills I think is considered a full fledged "cal state" school, so I think is comparable to AACSB (since i think they wioll obtain the accreditation soon)l.

There are some scho9ols out there that are not looking to get AACSB accredited, those are the ones that I think are targeting a different group, and in my opinion, would not attend until they start the process or get accreditation.

 

I would go with the online program. Most schools have some online component these days, and I think the DL thing will be nothing in the future. However, AASBC will come into play later if you want to teach. There are some schools that WILL NOT hire a non aacbs grad. I was in the situation, and I chose wrong.

 

Value of MBA

To rephrase the question:
Should you obtain a degree from a college that is only RA and is not known outside of the local area or from a college that is nationally known and has AACSB accreditation?

If you were staying in the local area the answer may be go to the school with RA. With moving away too distant lands the accreditation and reputation will be key.

 

You should go with the school that has AACSB accreditation. However, I want to correct one wrong impression. There is no such thing as RA vs AACSB. All AACSB schools in the United States are also RA. In order words, a school in the U.S must be RA before it can apply for AACSB membership or candidacy.

 

RA = Institutional accreditation (The college as a whole)
AACSB = Programmatic accreditation (like ABA, ABET, AMA, NLN, etc)

 

Minor point of clarification. Educational Institution Membership requires regional accreditation or, in the case of outside-U.S. institutions, demonstrable approval of their academic programs. Business/Government/Non-Profit Membership, of course, does not have such a requirement. Needless to say, there is also a big difference between membership in the AACSB and AACSB International accreditation.

 

Another minor point of clarification. AACSB International now accredits colleges, and not just programs. In other words, AACSB International accreditation is valid for all bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in business that an institution offers. Moreover, if an institution begins offering a new program, that program is also included in the accreditation.

 

I read somewhere that AACSB would'nt accredit Doctrol courses.

 

The DL MBA from the UT system is offered by the "UT Telecampus." It is my understanding that this does appear on the degree. Not positive, though.

Of the two, I think I would still choose the UT program, even if the degree is from the "Telecampus."

 

There been a mixing of 2 posts. My degree from TU (the University of Tulsa) was from their main campus, but another post was about UT (University of Texas DL program) - not sure of their delivery and process.