So I finally decided on a plan: MS from Univ of Arkansas then on to an MBA

My initial plan was to pursue an MBA, but after giving it a lot of thought I have decided that an MS in Ops Mgmt would serve me best to start. The program I've settled on is the University of Arkansas' MSOM program out of their College of Engineering.

University of Arkansas' MS in Operations Management

Virtually all of the course work is directly applicable to what I'm doing now and for the near future at my employer, the program itself offers a GRE/GMAT waiver, is very affordable (under $10k), and with 5 x 8wk terms can be completed in one year. It also offers "focus areas" of which I'll pursue business management which will knock out most, if not all, prereq courses for an MBA program, and maybe even allow for a transferable course or two, further reducing the time required to complete a general MBA down the road.

All in all I think this sounds like a good plan of action.

If anyone has any direct experience with the school or program I'd love to hear about it.

And thanks to all that provided advice along the way.

 

Congratulations and good luck. A former coworker has been plugging away at it and is a little over halfway done. I do remember him feeling a little overloaded the one time he attempted two classes per semester. However, he had a lot of other stuff on his plate at the time so your mileage may vary regarding that.

 

Just curious, did you consider the University of Alabama online AACSB accredited MSOM?

The University of Alabama Online and Distance Degree Programs

 

I did, but the Univ of Arkansas MSOM seems a better fit for me. I can finish it much quicker because of the 5 x 8wk terms, can start the program at any of those terms as well, so it's very flexible in that regard, and I can get the GRE/GMAT waived. My plan is to complete the program within 12-18 months of beginning, take some time off, then move on to an AACSB MBA program.

 

The AACSB accredidation wouldn't be a factor in comparing the two programs because the program at Arkansas is housed in their school of engineering, not the Sam Walton School of Business (which is AACSB accredited).

Dstrains, you made the right choice. Alabama is a terrible school...unless you want to learn how to blow 24 point leads in football games and poison trees there really is no point in considering the University of Alabama.

 

That was the consideration I was attempting to make. Even though the University of Arkansas College of Engineering is ABET accredited, the MSOM isn’t. On the other hand, Alabama’s MSOM would be AACSB accredited. Yet, I do understand that the Arkansas MSOM program format better meets the OP’s need.

 

I see your point. I wasn't trying to discredit your recommendation, I just hate the University of Alabama. Also, while I understand operations is an operational area of business, it tends to be very quant heavy and I could see it fitting better in an Engineering school.

 

Ouch! I agree with you :You_Rock_Emoticon: War Eagle!

 

Roll Tide.

 

In that you’re Auburn alum, I wouldn’t have expected anything less as regards your sentiments toward Alabama. No different here in Texas as regards UT and TAMU long-established rivalry.:biggrin:

Seemingly, many MSOM programs are offered through Colleges of Engineering as well as via B-Schools.

 

So you're a fan of claiming National Championships you never won, being unable to maintain a three touchdown + lead in football games, and poisoning 140 yr old oak trees that have been part of an Auburn tradition for 70+ years because you can't beat the better team on the field. I guess it easier to say "Roll Tide" than to type all of that out. Must suck to suck. WAR DAMN EAGLE!

 

For anyone that is interested, the cost of the Arkansas program is going up this year. An additional $10/credit hour and the distance fee is going from $100 to $150/course. Makes a 3 credit course $900. Total degree cost is $9k. Still a relative bargain for a MS from a solid state school.