Talk me out of the WGU MBA...

I am happy with the MAIS at WNMU but the slow pace and fact that I can't take more than 2 courses per term has me thinking of other options. I am really close to jumping ship and pursuing the MBA in Management and Strategy at WGU. Here is my thinking...

I'm 41 and really just need this done, I feel like I need the Masters level degree to gain a better shot at senior level administration jobs in the nest few years. I'm not promoting taking just any degree to get it done, but wanting it completed speaks in part to my motivation.

WGU is self paced. I enjoyed the one writing course I took at WNMU...but frankly I had it done in no time, that course could easily been finished in 4-5 weeks. I found it aggravating to be constrained in the course for 16 weeks. WGU is self paced...big plus IMO.

The MBA translates better to the workplace than the MAIS.

The price is right...I have looked at the coursework and scoured the net for details. Some motivated folks put the rest of life on hold and bust out the WGU MBA in 1-2 terms (note two WGU terms is a full 52 weeks, not the 32 weeks of a traditional academic calendar like WNMU). By next Summer I could have a paid for MBA and an additional year of supervisory/management experience in my job. Time well spent making me more valuable.

I am concerned about the lack of any real name recognition for WGU. Their unorthodox approach and "guided" rather than taught model would perhaps be a negative to some employers...these are the items that really give me pause. But I think these are small negatives compared to the overall gains.

What else do I need to consider? Tell me why WGU is a bad idea.

 

I would never advise someone who is intelligent and who aspires to move into management NOT to get an MBA. The MBA I have from Ashford has been a solid boon to my career, helped me change careers and now more recently helped me to get a promotion. To me, if you want to get into management and can have only 1 degree the MBA is a no brainer "win".

 

If you work in an area where there is still prejudice against "online-only" schools (e.g. US coastal states), then WGU is a bad idea.

It's a tough program to pass up-- WGU is self-paced, cheap and RA.

 

I think I told ya about the NCU model and how well it fits our types. You can almost certainly transfer in some courses as well.

 

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it!

friendorfoe...I have been following some of your posts...in a way one of your threads inspired me to re-evaluate. I probaby should have done the MBA in the first place.

Pete, great points...I am really hung up on the "online only" thing....think I'm gonna do it anyway.

Steve...I meant WGU vs a better known MBA program....but it did read like I meant WGU vs WNMU, my bad. I think I will continue at WNMU, at least for 18 credits that might allow me to adjunct later.

ryoder...I would do that NCU program but just don't know how I would pay for it. I need to chat with you about something else too....I'll PM you later.

I took the WGU qualifying exams today, was told I passed. I keep moving the ball doen the field, Since I can start anytime I may take another course at WNMU next term and start WGU around October, Should be recovering from most of my daughters fee's for this first semester at HES by then (she got the PTK scholorship but its still costing me cash!).

 

I dug WGU. I would have been very likely to attend either WGU or NCU for an MBA if it had not been for the "online-only" issue.

Ended up picking out a local master's online program from a nearby B&M.

 

If the "online only" issue is of concern, have you thought about ENMU? Being a NM state school they have the same tuition waiver and very low rates. Eastern offers the MBA online while Western offers the MAIS.

 

A guy I work with has been in this MBA for 2 years now.

 

I've been moving forward with WGU...and have withdrawn from Fall classes at WNMU .... for the moment at least.

I'm still not sure what to make of the WGU experience. They have a "mentor" call you every week, reminds me of a time share pitch, but the people seem nice enough (of course the time share people seem nice enough too). They are really big on getting the potential student engaged and brought onto the WGU mothership. On one hand it's kinda nice, on the other kinda weird.

They make you take a silly admissions test that consists of a basic math test, a writing sample, and an English test. I didn't really apply myself to it, ran through it pretty quick...and passed without a hitch. I think it might be more about the appearance of academic integrity and weeding out those that really lack basic skills. You also have to supply a current resume at the masters level, I was told this is to weed out anyone coming into the program without a minimal of 3 years work experience.

I then had a 10 chapter online Orientation...this was silly at times, but stressed again had several "weed out" factors with the requirement that the student perform specific tasks. For example one must set up their e-mail with a signature and send that off for review. You also have to post in several long running forum threads to prove that you have read certain information. They also require you to send an Excel spreadsheet detailing where your going to pull 20 hours a week to study and work on school...I can see where that would be of benefit to some students.

My employer has agreed to cover my costs once I pass 8 competencies...so I am at little risk other than time in giving it a whirl...at these rates and with tuition reimbursement from my employer this should work out to a free regionally accredited MBA....what the heck, I've always wanted one!

 

If your opening line is asking for people to talk you out of starting a particular program at the school listed above . . . it sounds like deep down you have some concerns and maybe you should listen to you gut (it's never wrong).