Rochester Institute of Technology Online EMBA?

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by CavTrooper, May 19, 2013.

Loading...
  1. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    So I'm again on the MBA kick, as I prepare to (hopefully) finish my first Master's at GWU at the end of the year. Some of you extreme degreeinfo lurkers may have gathered from my recent MBA cohort thread that I'm a big fan of cohort learning.

    Anyway, I just recently discovered R.I.T's online EMBA. It looks like a really solid and decently ranked AACSB program, and is completed in 15 months. The price is (astronomically) high at $62k, but thankfully my GI Bill & the veteran tuition discount would let me cover it by going into the hole about $16k.

    Has anyone heard of this program? Can anyone attest to the reputation of R.I.T? I'm having trouble locating any reviews at all online, and didn't see anything in these forums regarding the program. Any info/feedback would be much appreciated.
     
  2. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    RIT is a well-respected engineering school, but has virtually zero reputation as a business school. Instead of spending $62K there, I would seriously consider IU's Kelley Direct. For $58K, you get a degree from a top-25 school that has all the features you'd expect in a good executive MBA program - on-campus residencies, opportunities for overseas study, etc. I know at least one person on this board has completed their program with nothing but good things to say about it.
     
  3. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    Let me give you a few more AACSB accredited MBA ideas:

    Auburn University
    Colorado State
    Oklahoma State
    University of Nebraska
    Arizona State
    Syracuse

    to name a few...All of these are priced at or below the RIT MBA.
     
  4. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Thank you Shawn - I'm going to look into Kelley. I think what appeals to me about the RIT program is that it's accelerated (17 months), completed in a cohort, has mandatory residencies (this is important to me, so that I can meet classmates & solidify relationships moving through the program), has an awesome curriculum, and does not require any leveling courses or GMAT. However, you bring up some good alternatives, and I'm going to look into some of them. Thanks for the feedback.
     
  5. major56

    major56 Active Member

    One more program you might consider...

    Ohio University: online MBA (avail. Concentrations in Finance, Executive Management, or Health Care)

    PMBA: “Ohio University also offers a part-time, hybrid Professional MBA option. The PMBA program is unique in its delivery approach, utilizing a blended delivery curriculum that employs virtual classrooms, online learning modules, and once-a-month Saturday residencies.”

    Total program tuition $35,105 (in state); $35,770 (out-of-state)
    • No GMAT requirement
    • The program is 35 total semester credit hours (5-6 credit hours each semester) and takes 6 semesters to complete. Each semester consists of two 7-week terms (A & B), and you are taking one class per each 7-week term.
    AACSB Accredited Online MBA Degree | Ohio University
     
  6. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Thanks Major56 - I had no idea about Ohio U's program - definitely going to check it out.

    In other news... I just discovered the Cornell-Queens EMBA which has an off-site campus here in DC; I have no idea if I'd qualify to apply, but that one also looks good.

    Off to check out Ohio's PMBA...
     
  7. major56

    major56 Active Member

    You're welcome. I also thought about the CQEMBA as a suggestion in that the program would be available to you in the D.C. area. Nonetheless, it is IMO rather pricey ($115,740) even though 2-MBAs are conferred (Cornell and Queens Universities). And too, the GMAT is required...
     
  8. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    It looks like the Cornell-Queens EMBA no longer requires the GMAT - I'd look into it regardless, as I'm not 100% opposed to taking the GMAT, it would just be a pain to take out the time to study/sit for the exam = want to avoid it if possible. Good point on the price-tag though - it does look incredibly expensive.

    I also noticed UNC has an EMBA campus near me as well - would prefer online, but will also be looking into some local options. I really like the Ohio U program you mentioned - looks very cool and I like the required residencies.
     
  9. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I used to think an online MBA was just fine but have been rethinking that position recently. "If" the main purpose of an MBA is for networking contacts, I would think a local MBA with weekend classes would be best. i guess it is all about where you are in your career and what you want from the program.
     
  10. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Good points Dr. Randell - that's one reason I really want mandatory residencies if I do choose an online program - this way I can maximize my own flexibility (e.g. not have to commute to class in DC traffic/have more flexibility to travel for work), yet still get to know my classmates. I'm making a clear-cut career transition in 2015 out of the Army, and don't want to remain in Intelligence, which is where I am. I do have a job offer from my brother's company, so I won't be desperate to find employment, but would like to keep as many options open as possible, with the best MBA learning experience I can get. The programs I've considered are:

    -Rochester (online flexibility, residencies, international travel, and awesome cohort curriculum)
    -Norwich (online flexibility, cohort, and one residency, but only ACBSP accredited)
    -Webster (we have a campus on the military base located near my house, only ACBSP accredited, but still pretty good)
    -Cornell-Queens (on-site learning experience, quality, name recognition)
    -Scranton (online, no cohort, no residencies, AACSB with no GMAT requirement)
    -Ohio University [based on today's suggestion from Major56] (online, residencies, affordable, AACSB, no GMAT or leveling courses)
    -IU, Syracuse, and ASU seem like good options but I've pretty much crossed them off because they aren't cohort based except Syr, which takes three years to complete.

    I want to finish the degree as quickly as possible - I'm halfway through my first Master's and realize that I don't want to spend the rest of my life in school. Plus, I plan to stay in business for 7-10 years before (hopefully) making a transition to electoral politics. We'll see, but that's the plan - so not willing to invest more than about 20 months into the program.

    *EDIT* Also - to your point regarding networking - I've found that the value of my classes here at GWU in DC is in no small part derived from the relationships/networking opportunities. I've learned a ton by being in class, but also have met some cool people, which I'm sure will prove invaluable. So, good points.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 27, 2013
  11. major56

    major56 Active Member

    A few additional programs you may want to also consider:

    George Washington University: self-paced PMBA
    Home | PMBA | School of Business | The George Washington University

    DePaul University (Kellstadt): Weekend MBA Program
    “Through a format that is a hybrid combination of online and traditional lecture - cohort structure. The Weekend MBA Program will meet on alternate Saturdays, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m.”
    Weekend MBA Program - Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University

    Purdue (Krannert): EMBA (distance learning combined with short, on-campus residencies—cohort program)
    “The EMBA includes five, two-week residencies on the Purdue campus and a two-week international residency.” (19-month program)
    Executive MBA: Purdue University
     
  12. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Thanks Major56 - each program has it's strengths, but Purdue looks really cool, and I like how they provide all textbooks digitally on an ipad - would be nice to not have to order a host of textbooks before each semester.

    I sent in my resume to Cornell for the pre-assessment. I don't think I'll get passed the initial review because I read they place a high premium on age, and I'll only be 27 when the next program starts.

    So, time to keep shopping these other programs. I've been surprised at how many schools offer distance EMBA programs, despite not seeing many of them in my web searches.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 27, 2013
  13. Jonathan Whatley

    Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

    This doesn't hit each of those points exactly for, but has some appealing features:
    Cleveland State University Mobile Accelerated MBA
    12 months, essentially cohort ("linear sequence"). AACSB. 37 500 includes all texts and course materials in digital format, and an iPad. No residency. 7 undergraduate business prerequisite courses are listed, and a finance prerequisite that you could take as a graduate course with them, or undergraduate from an AACSB school. GMAT or GRE normally required; this is waived for MD- or PhD-holders.
     
  14. Jonathan Whatley

    Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

    Placing a high premium on professional experience is okay, and this might be described loosely, informally as a premium on "age," but keep in mind:

    Age Discrimination Overview of the Laws (U.S. Department of Education)
     
  15. major56

    major56 Active Member

    E.g., selection criteria:

    “Cornell Executive MBA Programs are designed for managers and senior professionals with considerable experience.”
    Johnson at Cornell | Executive MBA - Admissions

    Nothing per se about age here; but conversely, one might interpret age /considerable experience as synonymous stipulations (?).
     
  16. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Thanks Jonathan -
    I actually have noticed this MBA and would consider it a strong contender - the 12 month timeframe really appeals to me. If I end up opening the GMAT can of worms (meaning I decide none of the other programs would better suit my interests), I will highly consider this program. I really like how all the textbooks come conveniently on the iPad format, and you don't have to worry about ordering new texts. Program looks good though.
     
  17. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Agreed Major56 - I do think they'll shoot back an email with the "this isn't the best time in your career to pursue this program" message; I don't plan to give any push-back, some programs are simply designed for more experienced/older professionals.

    Jonathan - to your point on age discrimination, you brought up some good/useful information, but I'm sure the Cornell-Queens age requirement is more tied, like Major56 said, to overall experience/ability to contribute to the program. I read an article on Poets & Quants which basically talked about how they don't want seasoned professionals to be taking the cohort and be frustrated by a junior/inexperienced member who doesn't have much to offer in terms of perspective. I get it, and don't have an issue with their reasoning. Again though, thanks for the info on age regulations - interesting topic.

    I think I'll shop around until later this summer before pulling the trigger on any of these programs - if you folks have any other recommendations, keep them coming. Thanks again.
     
  18. major56

    major56 Active Member

    That’s generally the norm (e.g., prior leadership /managerial practice) for the EMBA. However, MBA hybrid programs are as well, if not more so, plentiful.
     
  19. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Yeah I'll probably end up shopping around at hybrid/part-time MBA in addition to EMBA programs. I just like the accelerated format and strategic management focus of EMBA programs, not to mention the fact that they attract more seasoned managers. I'll be exiting the Army at the ten year mark and I feel like I've learned the nuts and bolts of management/leadership and allocating people and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Granted I have tons to learn and haven't touched the surface, but I just feel more drawn to the strategic focus of EMBA programs. Rochester reviewed my resume and green-lighted my application, but I read they aren't very selective. Hopefully though, this is a sign that other EMBA programs would consider my app as well.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 27, 2013
  20. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Even though EMBA admissions criteria (on the surface nevertheless) favor industry management experience … I’m certain there are less-ranked /brand B-school programs that will very likely accept your application and money. It’s a crowded marketplace with many providers (e.g., a buyer’s vs. seller’s market).

    P.S. And has been mentioned earlier … there are so many MBA /EMBA programs offered to consider in addition to and/or in lieu of RIT.
     

Share This Page