New online MPA program from USC

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by dlalum, Jan 10, 2011.

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  1. dlalum

    dlalum New Member

    It is expensive, but USC is a great school with a great alumni network. I am always happy to see prestigious schools offering online degrees.

    SPPD to Offer Online MPA Degree - USC News
     
  2. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    Wow. That's an eye-popping tuition rate...$1,360 per credit hour.
     
  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    The price tag is expensive unless you're funded by the Government.
     
  4. major56

    major56 Active Member

    USC degree pedigree (Brand) can be considered clearly pricey, particularly for those as Tekman writes, e.g. paying their own way (unlikely and in all probability little or no marketing effort toward such) without employment or military /veteran benefit support (e.g. Government /tax payer funded). A high-priced 57-unit Online MPA at $77,520 just in tuition cost alone; only if it’s in essence tuition-free / tuition-assisted to the targeted consumer. However, external public sector employment, perhaps organizational development (OD) practitioners /consultants might find utility and practical ROI (?).
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 11, 2011
  5. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I can't even fathom... to me, that's like paying $175 for a cheeseburger. The only difference is that the credit hours... aren't delicious :yumyum:
     
  7. dlalum

    dlalum New Member

    Northwestern is certainly ranked higher as an overall institution, but not when it comes to the MPA program. USC's MPA program is ranked in the top 10 nationally. It is also worth noting that the USC online program is offered through the policy school while the Northwestern program is in the department of continuing education.

    I don't disagree that the USC program is way too expensive. I'm not sure how one can justify that price. Even 35k is a lot for an MPA much less what the USC program costs.
     
  8. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    You're comparing apples to oranges, the USC program is offered through their SPPD, while Northwestern's program is through a school of continuing education. There is a distinct difference, even if only perceived, in the quality of each of those programs.
     
  9. major56

    major56 Active Member

    In that the USC forthcoming online MPA program version isn’t listed as NASPAA NASPAA - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration accredited (Northwestern-SCS MPPA also isn’t NASPAA accredited), where’s the distinct /perceived online program quality difference? And on what basis would one conclude the quality of the yet to be launched USC online program in that the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development has yet to officially take its first intake (Fall 2011) of any online MPA students? How might one measure and/or compare actual program qualities between these two (MPA or MPPA) when one (USC) online program has zero track record? Or should the not yet commenced and untested USC online MPA merely receive a free pass on the back of its SPPD-MPA traditional graduate program? USC seemingly is banking on that with its pricy $77K plus tuition Fall 2011 program /product launch. Consider this apple to oranges correlation … established program (Northwestern) vs. the pending new /late entrant (USC) online MPA or vice versa.

    Not being argumentative, just some considerations …
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 12, 2011
  10. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    I think you are correct with the exception of one thing, the traditional MPA program at USC is ranked in the top 10. The people that care about those distinctions are also the type of people who will not ackowledge that the same program offered online could possibly be of the same quality.

    There may be slight perception difference in the quality of the USC v. Northwestern U. MPA degrees, but in reality it is insignificant to the point of being immaterial. No matter which school the MPAs are offered from within each institution, the fact still remains that these are ONLINE degrees which will not be viewed as comparable to the offerings of the respective schools within each university by those who care (just like we have been discussing with HES degrees). You are correct, APPLES to ORANGES (APPLES = $77K v. ORANGES = $35K) for a distinction that means nothing to anyone except those in the upper tiers of academia.

    Personnally, I would not do either program since the cost is prohibitive for both compared to the what can be obtained from other great schools for a fraction of the price.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 12, 2011
  11. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Don't think you're being argumentative, your points are fair. As I mentioned in my previous post, there may be a perceived quality difference, whether there is an actual one is debateable, but because the Northwestern program is offered through a school of continuing education it could create some biases whether justified or not. It's a kin to someone claiming an HES degree is inferior to otherHarvard degrees.
     
  12. major56

    major56 Active Member

    AUTiger00,

    In my view they’re both overpriced online MPA choices; and hardly any will enter these programs that are anticipated to be individually responsible for funding their own tuition. And due to the high tuition makeup of both, these (USC or Northeastern) MPA programs just aren’t geared that way, or for that particular student population.
     
  13. cfa3

    cfa3 New Member

    I called USC yesterday to inquire about the program. Man, I got a sales pitch that shocked me! I am naive though, maybe thats how grad school is......but the advisor on the phone all but took a blood sample for me, told me to get my app and resume in by that evening and he will call me tomorrow.....this was all from "I wanted to inquire as to some specifics about the new online program." It was worse than going to a used car lot. I am really surprised a school of this stature would take that approach..........I was revolted. Not to mention, who would think 77K is fair for a masters degree?
     
  14. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    This would explain every things about USC.

    The most 10 academic institutions leave students with highest debt. Source: CNBC.
    1. University of Phoenix
    2. Nova Southeastern University
    3. American Intercontinental University
    4. DeVry University
    5. New York University
    6. Pennsylvania State University
    7. University of Southern California
    8. Ohio State University
    9. Kaplan University
    10. Strayer University
     
  15. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Your experience seems to suggest that USC is moving toward the practices that UoP and others engage in where the admission "advisers" are actually salespeople who are paid a commission for each student they bring in. I have seen this done heavily by UoP reps and, to a lesser extent, by Walden. It's just surprising that such a prestigious school as USC would resort to such tactics. I suppose that the high price necessitates high pressure sales. Very disappointing.
     
  16. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    I had the same experience when I called George Washington U. to get some information on a program last fall. It was very intrusive and totally turned me off to even wanting to know more about a program that I had given some serious thought until that point. I believe that the GWU process was handled by an outside contractor and not the school itself. I think everyone on this board should call USC to get information.
     
  17. major56

    major56 Active Member

    USC has partnered with and outsourced the OMPA product launch to Embanet ULC (a global online learning services provider). Embanet, now Embanet-Compass Knowledge Group Embanet and Compass Knowledge Group Announce Merger to Create the Premier Provider of Online Learning Services for Higher Education | Business Wire manages and supports all aspects of the e-training initiative. Per EMBANET “…our marketing and admissions teams take over with intensive student recruitment and student retention services.” Embanet’s CEO/president Stephen Fireng, prior to his current position, has served as the Chancellor of Colorado Technical University Online, and as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Admissions for American InterContinental University Online and Colorado Technical University Online, overseeing admissions and marketing activities for college campuses worldwide. Embanet :: Leadership Team

    “Embanet serves over 50 colleges and universities, including many top research institutions such as: University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, Brandeis University, Boston University, George Washington University, Northeastern University, Ohio University, and Kent State University.”
    USC Partners with Embanet | Online Education | Training Industry

    Some of Compass Knowledge Group partner universities: Partners | the Leader in Distance Learning: Compass Knowledge Group
     
  18. GeneralSnus

    GeneralSnus Member

    I suspect this is because USC has outsourced the administrative functions of the program to Embanet. Embanet also handles the administrative functions of the GWU distance programs, so that may expalin Truckie's similar experience.

    EDIT: I should have read page two before replying!
     
  19. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Prior to and after the Oct. 2010 Embanet ULC acquisition of Compass Knowledge Group (per Bloomberg Businessweek), have an impressive portfolio of partnered-with universities. And per Truckie’s George Washington University high-pressure sales tactics experience; recall from the Embanet website "…our marketing and admissions teams take over with intensive student recruitment and student retention services.”
     
  20. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I got the same treatment when I inquired about their MAT program.
     

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