Hello All, I'm looking to do a distance learning masters (or possibly PhD) degree from an accredited school, where I can define my own learning plan around my interest in social enterprise and nonprofit business development. I have an undergraduate degree in business administration and 15 years experience working in SME and nonprofit development. My primary concern is to not invest time and money in taking "core" or "foundation" courses which I've already studied. I want to focus on building and working through a personalized learning plan. Also, since I work full time+ in my own consulting practice, I need a program where I can work on a part-time basis. Finally, my purpose in doing this degree is for professional development and to explore a professional interest, not to enhance my job prospects in the corporate sector or academic community. Any specific recommendations you can offer regarding schools and programs would be greatly appreciated. FYI - I've reviewed the "Rushmore University" thread, so please hold suggestions for that organization. Sincerely, Andy Horsnell, Partner www.AuthenticityConsulting.com
Lesley University in Cambridge (MA) has a Masters degree program in Independant Studies that you can tailor to your needs/tastes. Brace yourself though, it's not cheap. Jack
As Duff notes, Union Institute and University sounds like a good option, especially now that they've acquired Vermont College. However, I would caution you regarding "part-time" study. Union charges a flat rate for each semester (3 per year), no matter how much or how little work you do each semester. It can get really expensive if you're busy and can't do much for awhile.
For an individualized Master's; Antioch University Goddard College Vermont College of The Union Institute & University The aforementioned Lesley University
Two other choices are: Fielding and Antioch After them you could try the South African schools whihc seem fairly flexible or the UK schools. both cases you will have to develop what and how you plan to study as part of your application package (in detail) and find a professor who will sponsor you.
Horsnell, When you say accredited, do you mean for graduate business (ie by AACSB which has 250 or so schools including Harvard and Wharton) or simply regional accredidation (the broader pool of schools)? Some good distance learning programs are available at a number of AACSB accredited schools. You can verify if the school is AACSB accredited by going here. http://www.aacsb.edu/General/InstLists.asp?lid=2
Portb71, By "accredited" I mean regional accreditation, since I recognize that the program I might do may not be from a business school. Thanks for the links (everyone). Cheers, Andy Horsnell
Hi Andy, I recognize your firm from my periodic reading of Carter McNamara's stuff on the Minnesota OD site. I suggest, as one option, that you contact the TAOS institute regarding their PhD program which is run with University of Tilburg (UVT issues the degree): http://www.taosinstitute.net/tilburg/tilburg.html The program is dissertation based and UVT is fully accredited (the European version of accreditation). David Cooperider and Diana Whitney (of appreciative enquiry fame) are on the faculty (as are Ken Gergen and Dian Hosking, leading egde developers of social constructionism) . The degree is awarded through UVT (the chief Dutch university for organizational studies) and is designed for mature practitioners. I'm doing my PhD with UVT under Dian Hosking and John Rijsman (though separately from the TAOS/TILBURG effort). You can contact me at [email protected] if you want to know a bit more of my experience with UVT. Regards, Earon Kavanagh (British Columbia OD Network)
TUI allows you to design your own program - however the HCI recently comented on TUI reputation in the academic world: "One position candidate with a doctorate from Union Institute was once told that he would get further with a CV that didn't have "Union Institute" on it. "