Can someone please tell me about Bellevue University? I have just started my MBA program and have heard some negative things about the University. Apparently, they are not well respected in Nebraska and are known for their very easy admissions policies and course work. I have started the program and would like to continue but this is making me second guess my decision. I have also heard that they are working on changing from a non-profit to profit in the next few years. I picked them because they are a b&m that has the programs I want. Any insight would be great. I am not looking at accreditation because they are a RA University but so is a University close to me and they are well known for their poor educational system.
I like Bellevue a lot. I've been paying close attention to them for more than ten years, since they became the first RA school to offer a 100% on-line MBA. I was really impressed by the technology (and the people) when I visited the campus a few years ago. I'm seriously considering getting involved with them, now that my Heriot-Watt/EBS non-compete agreement has expired. The only negative aspect I am aware of is their name, which may not play well in New York and environs. Following is a little essay that I wrote for them, as something they might wish to send out, when people express concern over the name: BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY Some reflections on our name, especially for people who live east of the Hudson River The vast majority of you are, we suspect, scratching your heads and wondering why we feel the need to say a few words about our university name. And goodness knows, we are grateful for that. You people may read on, for curiosity, if you wish, but don’t you have anything better you might be doing Now, for the rest of you . . . First of all, we wish to assure you that even though we are in a small town in Nebraska, we were not born yesterday, or even the day before. (The town was established in 1855, the university will soon be celebrating its first half century.) We are quite aware, thank you, that there is a well-known hospital in New York City with the same name as ours. Even though they have been doing wonderful things since 1650, they seem to be best-known for their psychiatric ward. There are places, mostly east of the Appalachians, where the word “Bellevue” is synonymous with, pardon the terribly politically incorrect phrase, the “looney bin.” Since our university has been extending its reach well beyond the greater Omaha area in recent years—indeed, we believe we were the first to offer an MBA degree 100% on-line to students all over the world—we have been getting a bit of feedback from people who, albeit politely, say things like, “Why would I want an alma mater whose name will cause my friends or colleagues to snicker, or make sly remarks?” As tempting as it is to refer these people to the Slippery Rock University or the Flaming Rainbow University Alumni Associations (two quite real names of fine schools), we prefer to face the issue head on. But what can we say? That Bellevue is a fine old name, found on city halls, schools, colleges, churches, golf clubs, what have you, nationwide? That people who are quick to use our full name—Bellevue University—do not suffer at all, although admittedly there may have been a few instances in which someone saying, “I’m doing my degree at Bellevue” might get an odd look, especially within a 7 mile radius around Times Square. Like others with potentially troublesome names, we simply make the best of it. Perhaps we need a motto, like that jam company: “With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good. Or Maryland’s wonderful hot dog company: “Shickhouse Franks: the most carefully-pronounced frankfurters in the world.” Perhaps this: Bellevue University, a beautiful campus in a lovely town, with a bunch of innovative residential and on-line Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Thank you for your attention.
I'm currently finishing my undergrad through Bellevue, and am very pleased with the quality of education. The DL degrees have the same requirements (courses, cirriculum, texts, etc) as the on campus classes recieve, and at a pretty reasonable price. I've found the courses sufficiently challenging. They may be open admissions, but that only gets you in the door - you have to do the work to STAY admitted. It says something for Bellevue that the local market is one (of the few) that Univ. of Pheonix has chosen to stay out of. While Bellevue has my endorsement, regardless of your decision, I wish you the best of luck. Dave
Mary Todd Lincoln spent time at Bellevue Place, an insane asylum in Illinois. No word of whether she enjoyed the plays. As far as NYC goes, it's been a long time since I've heard any Bellevue jokes.
I am a recent graduate of Bellevue. I can say that the coursework is rigorous. They do cater to military people, and as such they have the admissions process down to a science. I would not hesitate to do my graduate studies with them.
I'm an MBA Student at Bellevue University and all I can say is that I'm really having to work hard to stay afloat. The coursework is non-stop and it seems just as you finish one huge project they throw another one at you. It would be manageable if I were "just" a student but add work and family and it becomes daunting. I will say I'm learning a lot.
Ray; You answered a future question of mine regarding Bellevue Graduate courses. The undergrad work is much the same as far as one project after another being piled on - I'm not quite sure where the reputation for easy coursework came from, though as you stated, I'm learning quite a bit. I was wondering if the Grad programs were as rough, and you answered that very effectively as far as the MBA program. Do you have a particular concentration? Dave
When I wrote to this discussion board about Bellevue I never thought I would get such insightful and well thought out responses. I also never thought that John Bear would respond (big fan of your book). I start class November 28th and will keep everyone posted on my progress. Decimon – the website you provided is a wonderful resource I never knew about. Not only did it confirm my decision towards Bellevue but justified my decision not to attend a University that is ten miles down the road. Apparently, 78% of the graduating class of the University agrees with me. John Bear – Again, big fan. I knew that the name sounded funny but just could not put my finger on it. If you say it’s good, it has to be good. Jigamafloo – could not ask for anything better than straight from the source information. Thank you. I like that you added that the classes are challenging. I want an MBA but I want the information more. Spmoran – Another happy alumni. It’s good that Bellevue works with and is known by the government as I am a contractor in a large government firm. Ray Trautman – Glad to hear from an MBA student. I will be taking Organizational Behavior this semester. Know anything about it. Maybe I will see you in class? Jigamafloo – Sounds like we both got our questions answered. I expect to see you in the discussion board in one of my classes soon. Everyone – thank you! I feel I have made the right decision. The information I received about Bellevue was not from what I would consider a creatable source but I do consider this board one!
JTNcarter, I'm taking Advanced Organizational Behavior this semester and it has been the toughest class yet. Not because the material is difficult but more the amount of coursework required. The thing I'm having the hardest time with is you turn in your assignment and the Prof. sends back a paper saying "great point, what do you feel about...." and you basically have to do the assignment over to answer his additional questions. No kidding, the course is about to end (next week) and I'm still responding to questions from the first couple weeks of the class. I'll be happy when this semester is over. Good luck and I hope to see you in class (but not Organizational Behavior)
