Do you think the Tulane "MBA Certificate" is a worthwhile effort?

I wanted some input from you good folks. I finally obtained my BSBA degree from California Coast University last fall. There were several reasons why I chose CCU, but basically, my choice was in part due to the cost, and I really preferred the old-fashioned “correspondence” type method they offered. At the time, I did not realize the “utility” issues related to a state approved school, vs. an RA, GAAP degree… etc. Fortunately, I found this site and have been very much educated on accreditation, etc. Fortunately, so far my degree from CCU has served me well. I suspect that having over 15 years of corporate experience in my field is the primary reason for my success, but having obtained a degree has helped me in my current job search. On the other hand, I really don’t expect to move up to the next level in my career without continuing my education. After reading the many comments on this board, I feel the need to obtain a regionally accredited degree, but I do not want to start another bachelors program all over again. I have enquired with a few schools about their online MBA programs, and while I haven’t officially applied to any yet, I feel that I might have a chance for acceptance should CCU gain DETC accreditation. Ok, I realize that technically my CCU degree wouldn’t be accredited, but I was hoping that CCU gaining some accreditation would open some doors for me to get into an RA MBA program. I posted a few months ago and many of you encouraged me saying that some schools allow for “conditional” enrollment. I am hoping that I am able to prove I can do the work and gain admission into a program somewhere. I know that Nova Southeastern is more accepting of students in my situation, so I am hoping to find other schools may share the same view. Honestly, I am interested in the program with Norwich University.

Anyway, enough background, here is my question: I was reading about the “MBA Certificate” program offered though Tulane. I am in between jobs at this point, so financially I cannot afford any program now. I have a job offer in the works but this job would only be a survival position while I continue to search for a better employer. (Yeah, I know… it is not very nice, but the economy is terrible and I still need to eat!) If I am successful at securing this job, should I give the 8 week Tulane program some consideration? The price is right and it is only an 8-week certificate program, so I would obtain my certificate rather quickly. If for nothing else, I am thinking of it as a “primer” toward a full MBA program at some point and the added benefit that I can put “MBA Certificate” on my resume from a rather respected school. Let me say that my intention is not to fool anyone into thinking I have an MBA, it’s just that I want employers to see that I am serious about continuing my education and that I can do work at a regionally accredited institution. I realize the Tulane program does not offer any credits, so I cannot use the courses as transfer credits, but do you think that an RA school would consider my efforts in such a program?

Should I bother with the Tulane program or just dive head first into the application process with other schools such as Norwich, etc.?

Thank you all for your help and continued encouragement. I am glad I found this site!

- Jay

 

Jay,

You just finished a degree comprised of units that are non-transferable (to most RA schools), and are now contemplating a graduate program inwhich the courses are also non-transferable.
Wouldn't it make more sense to spend your time and money gaining a real RA degree?

If a graduate degree is your goal, you might consider:

1) Using the knowledge you gained at CCU to test out of a degree at any of the Big Three.
or
2) Take some transferable graduate level courses at a RA school, then apply as a probationary student at an RA graduate program.