Master's in Leadership/Organizational

Discussion in 'Military-related education topics' started by tpejza, Sep 20, 2014.

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  1. tpejza

    tpejza New Member

    I need help in deciding which school to attend. I am active duty and have 12 month's of my Post 911 left for TA top up. I am looking to start in January 2015 and finish on or around June or July 2016. I am transferring then and don't want to move and start a new job while attending school. Plus, my next duty station might be a ship.

    Given the time frame being most important, which program is better in terms of quality and reputation?

    Central Michigan MSA Leadership (36 Credits 12 classes)
    Good price at $305 per credit for military. I would have to double up 8 week classes three times to finish in 18 months.

    Regis MSOL (30 Credits 10 classes)
    10% Military Discount $634.5 per credit. I would have to double up 8 week classes one time to finish in 18 months.

    University of the Incarnate Word MSODL (36 Credits 12 classes)
    Best price at $250 per credit for military. I would have to double up 8 week classes three times to finish in 18 months.

    Norwich MS Leadership (36 credits 6 classes)
    Most costly at $655 per credit plus $975 in fees per semester. No doubling up and can finish in 18 months.
     
  2. fmlyhm

    fmlyhm Member

    Bellevue University's MS in Organizational Performance can be completed in 16 months to the best of my knowledge. Our very own Pugbelly2 finished this last year, so he might be able to shed more light on the requirements and duration of the program. This is the school from which I earned by BS in Management, and would recommend their undergraduate programs to anyone wanting to undertake an accelerated degree in a cohort format.

    Liberty University's MA in Executive Leadership (formerly the MA - Management and Leadership) might also be up your alley. They cap the majority of their tuition for military members and their spouses at $250/credit regardless of degree level. I am currently finishing up the MAML. My wife and I started in January, and will be done next month! We took two classes per 8-week term. It has been a bit of a marathon, but you would be done well in advance of your PCS and would not tap into the remainder of your Post 9/11 GIB. While there are weekly devotionals from the instructors and required "integration of faith and learning" in the majority of the assignments, I have not found the religious requirements of the courses to be overbearing.

    The other members of this site are a wealth of knowledge, and might turn you on to other programs which might fit your needs.

    Thank you for your service, and best of luck!
     
  3. tpejza

    tpejza New Member

    Thanks for the response fmlyhm. I'll take a look at Bellevue University's and Liberty University's programs. I chose the four programs in my post based on personal fits. CMU because I am from Michigan and that is where I plan to settle after active service, Regis and UIW because of my faith, and Norwich because of the military connection. I am having a hard time making a decision and was looking for an outside perspective or suggestions for alternate schools to attend.

    If i choose UIW or Liberty, I wouldn't have to use any of my GI Bill. I am trying to find out if it is worth it to go to another school and use the rest of my GI Bill or not?
     
  4. louieknucks

    louieknucks Member

  5. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Central Michigan University is the only one ranked as a national university, but the ranking is rather low (#194.) Still, it'll probably have the most name recognition just because it has Michigan in its name. It is also ranked #17 for online graduate business programs.

    The other universities are ranked regionally.

    Regis - #25 West (#9 best schools for veterans and #128 online graduate business programs)
    University of Incarnate Word - #63 West (#19 best schools for veterans)
    Norwich University - #74 North (#29 best schools for veterans and #58 online graduate business programs)
    Liberty University - #80 South (#37 best schools for veterans and #122 online graduate business programs)
    Bellevue University - Unranked (#153 best online graduate business programs)
    Waldorf College - Rank not Published Midwest (this means it's ranked, but is in the bottom 25%)

    Taking two graduate courses per 8 weeks is not a big deal. I don't see a reason to choose Norwich. I don't think Regis University is worth the additional cost. I'd go with Central Michigan University or University of Incarnate Word. Liberty University is reasonably-priced and has a lot of experience with distance education, but if you're worried about reputation, then I would avoid it. There is a lot of controversy surrounding that school. There is no controversy surrounding UIW, which is a Catholic school, other than that police shooting that happened last year. It's an isolated incident that is mostly a local story. Bellevue University has the reputation of being an online school even though it's not. It's certainly one of the most non-traditional of all the schools listed. Waldorf College is for profit, and that usually comes with a stigma.
     
  6. tpejza

    tpejza New Member

    I appreciate the responses. I have never heard of Waldorf before. I think I am going to omit the for profit universities in my search for a Master's in Leadership. Nothing against them, just my personal preference.

    I've done the two classes in eight weeks before, it's a lot of work. It doesn't leave much time for anything else when you work full time. With that said, I am willing to entertain programs where I would have to take 2 classes at once here and there in order to finish in my timeline.

    I found a few other programs I'm interested in and would like to hear what people think. Also if anyone has any experience with any of the programs or schools mentioned, please share.

    Northeastern University MS in Leadership (45 qh 15 classes)
    $594 per quarter

    Saint Joseph's University MODL (36 credits 11 classes with a 6 credit long weekend residency)
    10% Military discount $732 per credit

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota MA in Organizational Leadership (36 credits 10 classes)
    Can't find the tuition anywhere

    Webster University MA in Management and Leadership (36 credits 12 classes)
    Military tuition is $470 per credit

    St Louis University MA in Leadership & Organizational Development (36 credits 12 classes)
    $745 per credit

    Lewis University MA in Organizational Leadership and Organizational Management (37 Credits 13 classes)
    $745 credit hour
     
  7. tpejza

    tpejza New Member

    Thanks for all of the responses. I have never heard of Waldorf before, it's interesting they include books. I don't think I want to go to a for profit school for this degree. Nothing against for profit, just a personal preference.

    I have found some other options and want to hear what people think.

    St. Joseph's University Master in Organizational Development and Leadership (36 credits 11 classes with a 6 credit long weekend residency)
    10% military discount $732 per credit

    St Mary's University of Minnesota MA in Organizational Leadership (36 credits 10 classes)
    Can't find tuition anywhere

    Webster University MA in Management & Leadership (36 credits 12 classes)
    Military tuition is $470 per credit

    Northeastern University MS in Leadership (45 quarter hours 15 classes)
    $594 per quarter hour

    St Louis University MA in Leadership & Organizational Development (36 credits 12 classes)
    $745 per credit

    Also if anyone has experiences with any of the schools or programs, please share.
     
  8. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    Norwich is a great school with a great reputation. I can't speak for the rest of the schools, but I would caution you that Norwich just moved to a new online platform which is problematic at best. If it wasn't for their resent platform transition, I would recommend them without hesitation.
     
  9. potpourri

    potpourri New Member

    I think you have a lot of choices to make. One needs to be more concerned about what method of learning you feel more comfortable with. This For Profit v. Non-Profit is really not so much important. Also you need to look at getting the necessary experience to go along with the education. These are the two components that employers look for in a potential candidate.
     

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