Hi Everyone, I'm currently an analyst within a Investment Firm and would like to do a part time MBA for promotion purposes in the future. I love my job, so leaving it is not a option for me. In terms of my MBA choices, I'd like to limit it to 40K and below as I don't think it'll be worth it for me to take a 80K (and go into debt) MBA program. My work will cover about $3000 per year. So my options are pretty limited in Toronto, either Ryerson or McMaster. Has anyone heard anything about the Ryerson program? I also was thinking of getting a DL degree at Warwick or Manchester but I was thinking that I'll lose out on a lot of networking opportunities by taking something DL. Are these degrees recognized as much in Canada? Do you think they'd be a wiser choice or should I stick with something local? Any opinions or advice would be very helpful! Thanks!
Concordia in Montreal has Masters in Investment management that has uses video conferencing for people living in Toronto. John Molson School of Business This program is in your price range. There are a lot of online programs from the US, UK, Australia, etc. However, Canadian employers normally prefer Canadian degrees from recognized schools. I would consider Canadian programs first and then foreign options. There is also the taxation issue, it is really hard to deduct foreign tuition in Canada. People do it but you are subject to audits. If the amounts are large, you most likely will be asked to submit receipts and the current taxation legislation prevents you from deducting tuition fees from outside Canada.
Considering the two Toronto programs, I would prefer the McMaster (DeGroote) MBA over Ryerson for the better name recognition and reputation. The two UK DL MBA programs (Warwick and Manchester) are likewise well regarded programs. However as you have mentioned … the networking opportunities would likely be quite limited via the DL approach. Additional UK DL options falling within your price range you may also want to consider are the triple-accredited Aston (online) and Durham programs or the Bradford MBA (AMBA /EQUIS). The Online MBA at Aston Business School, Birmingham Global Learning Centre : Programme structure - Durham University Distance learning MBA - Bradford University School of Management
During the nine years I was involved (1991-99), the Edinburgh Business School MBA became the largest MBA of any kind in Canada. It is still extremely popular, managed from an office in Toronto, and the total cost is well under $15,000.
Distance learning has been really helpful for guys like you. It's helpful because you would be able to do it according to your convenient time. Regarding networking, many of my friends in Canada, tell me this is probably one of the best ways to network with friends. Since, people don't meet often during their classes, it's almost a virtual network which builds in between them. phone and email have improved the communication. Many meet with each other and communicate whenever possible. I hope I could help you a bit.
