its time to start considering master's work to enhance vocational opportunities. My next advancement opportunity with my current employer requires a master's degree. What I'm now worried about is my GPA. Its been twenty years since I was in school, and my GPA is around a 2.5. Do I stand a chance to be accepted into an online grad program?
I can't say I'm familiar with that particular field, but there are some schools that are flexible in regards to undergrad GPA, especially the proprietary schools. The beauty of e-mail and the telephone is that it costs nothing to ask, and you lose nothing if they won't budge. I would start looking for schools with DL grad programs, and asking them point-blank if your GPA is a deal breaker. Just don't expect Harvard or Yale, and I think you'll find a hole for your peg
Okay, good info. Any chance you could direct me to the best place to search for online grad schools? A google search really can be over whelming.
This is a good place to start, although certainly not comprehensive; Graduate Guide Home - US graduate schools, masters, doctorate, law program information...
A terrific place to start is the comprehensive list maintained by Jonnie Liu, which includes pretty nearly all of the 250+ US and non-US (but in English) MBA programs, with links. AggieTechie John Bear Co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best MBAs by Distance Learning (out of print, alas, but there's a new edition in the works)
You stand a very good chance. If a program is doubtful about you, many will allow you to be conditionally admitted. In other words, let you try a class or two first to see how you do. If you get a B or better, you are usually granted full admission. Of course, a strong GRE or GMAT goes a long way too. Since you mentioned Operations Management, you might want to check out University of Arkansas' program: Operations Management .
My favorite start point for online degrees is Get Educated.com GetEducated.com | Review, Rate, Rank & Compare Online Colleges & Degrees You can sort degrees by cost Don't sweat the low GPA - I had a 2.3 undergrad GPA, but eventually was admitted into the MBA program at The University of Akron...
I agree with others about your GPA. It is important, but not really....due to Military Deployment and Training I was not able to drop 3 classes on-time at Troy University, I received F's. My GPA was 2.75, but I was able to attend George Washington University, SMU, Georgetown University, and etc. Sometimes your experiences play an important role in admission as well.
Because of deployment, I forgot to drop a class in my Associate's program (I had other things on my mind, such as having 1 free day before reporting for active duty), and subsequently received an "F". I was told later by the President of the school that I could petition to have it changed to a "W", but it didn't really matter at that point, as I still finished my B.A. with a 3.55 GPA, but if I had 3 "F's", I think I might file the petition. Something to think about.
Well, Troy University had no petition policy; but one time (1 F) given to be removed from the transcript. However, I have no idea why it is still in my transcript to accumulate the GPA.
NCU doesn't require an undergrad GPA. It is basically open enrollment for anyone with a regionally accredited bachelors degree. Northcentral University | Online Degree Programs | Online Learning. There are plenty of other options out there and petitioning will certainly help from what I am told.
I'm thinking of the section of Bears' Guide titles "Bending the Rules". Certainly can't hurt to ask, especially with a military-friendly school like Troy.
You're worrying WAAAY too much. Many DL programs are open admission. Not so hard to get in but be prepared to work your butt off once you're enrolled. Just pick your top 3 programs and apply. Most of these programs are self-correcting. If you can do the work then you're all good. If not then you'll be out fast.
Dr. Bear, you still remember my site after all these years. Thanks. The site is kind of out of date because google sites are blocked access from China. I will try to give the site an update in the next two months. Have a nice thanksgiving holiday.
With extensive experience and a good application you should have no problem getting at least conditional acceptance - such as getting a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for your first 6 to 9 credit hours. Do you have a time frame and target amount to spend?
My undergrad GPA is 2.27. I graduated over 10 years ago. I was an idiot as an undergrad, because I didn't study to learn. I only studied to get onto the next class. Anyhoo, I completed an MBA program with a 3.75 GPA this past May. I wouldn't worry too much about GPA if you have some work experience and you write a admissions essay. They'll either let you in like everyone else, give you a provisioning status, or deny you. It's not going to be the end of the world with all of the options available right now. I hesitated for years because of my low GPA, but then finally decided to give it a shot and was surprised how many schools (state schools and other not-for profit schools) accepted my application. Good luck!