I'm thinking about enrolling in the University of Maryland University College's (UMUC) online MBA program. Anyone currently going through UMUC's MBA program? Any thoughts...inputs...negative...positive? http://www.umuc.edu/grad/mba/ How about thoughts on their dual degree programs? http://www.umuc.edu/grad/dualdegrees/dualdegrees_mba.html My situation: Graduated with a B.S. at UMUC. Looking for a Distance MBA program that's RA and has a professional accreditation. A structured program is my preference (i.e. Cohort). I'll be using this degree in my current profession (govt.), as well as when I retire from govt. work. Also, a dual degree (i.e. MBA/MS) is a bonus. I have no desire to teach, maybe at the community college level. Finally, I want to use the knowledge attained from the MBA to help me open my own business. Thank you! -k
As far as I'm aware, UMUC has no professional accreditation. If that's important to you, you may have to look elsewhere. At around the same price range per credit, you'll find quite a few online programs with AACSB accreditation. Try the list at http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/elearning/tables/mba_reg_prof.htm as a starting point . . . although their fees listings are a bit out of date. Angela
I have seen some threads (do a quick search) that they have gotten a bad name, since it is perceived by some that their name is to deceive some in being the University of Maryland. I would be hesitant, but honestly do not know any more about them than that.
Han, UMUC is sometimes confused as being the University of Maryland. They don't deliberately "deceive". I haven't seen anything bad about them and if you look at their website they are in receipt of an award for Distance learning. http://www.umuc.edu/events/press/news177.html Regards,
I think they knew going in, it just makes it questionable at first look. To say that they group that formed the school did not realize that the "University of Maryland University College" might be confused with the "University of Maryland" is a bit short sided. In my mind, a strike against them, though I have just read a few articles stating they are a great school and have won awards, it is too bad. Why put University in the name twice?
Thanks for all the replies so far...please keep 'em coming. I've done some research and UMUC now has the Initial IACBE "Professional Accreditation". It's not the Gold standard like the AACSB, but I guess it's better than nothing. I also looked further into the program and found out their MBA program is structure specifically for working adults. The classes are in "Cohorts or Clusters" and they integrate one class to the other, so subjects tend to flow better. Also, there's no guessing game when it comes to what class is next? The classes are planned out from day 1. Has anyone heard of any other programs that do this? UMUC is looking like the one for me and my situation, unless someone out there has found another program with similarities for a much cheaper price. Anybody? To answer another reply, yes I know the difference between UMUC and University of Maryland College Park (UMCP). I can only wish I could attened the "FLAGSHIP SCHOOL (UMCP)" of the University of Maryland System. That would mean I would have to give up my job and move back to MD. I can't do that...I have a family to take care of. After all it's the learning experience, what you put into the program, and work experience is what counts, right? Thanks again folks...keep the advice coming. (FYI. I also looked into the University of Colorado at Coloardo Springs's (UCCS) Online MBA program (An AACSB school). However, the structure at UMUC ROCKS!) -K -------------------------------------------------------------- B.S. UMUC 2002 M.B.A (IN SEARCH OF A GOOD PROGRAM)
Sorry to reawaken this old thread, but I thought I'd answer the question about UMUC's name. UMUC was formerly part of the University of Maryland (College Park) -- it was the adult education college. It started as the "College of Special and Continuation Studies," established in 1947. It was renamed "University of Maryland University College" in 1959, and remained part of (i.e. a college of) the University of Maryland (College Park) until 1970. In 1970, it became a separate institution but retained its name. I agree that the name sounds quite strange, with "university" used twice. But I have seen other universities use the term "University College" to refer to their adult education divisions, so there appears to be some tradition in this regard.
There are a number of AACSB schools out there, why go for "better than nothing" and really do a thorough search for something you really want? The University of Tulsa is a lock step program, as you asked, and is AACSB. Be careful though, it sounds great, classes build on eachother, etc., but when you have "life" happen, and need to take a semester off, you actually have to wait a year or two until it is offered again, lock step is not very flexible. Thanks, and good luck!
Han, I have been loooking at the Tulsa MBA's curriculum, and to me it looks awesome. But, please, let me ask you something. I don't have business background, and I certainly could use the knowledge those courses will provide. But what about people who have a business background? Could they use as well those courses? I am asking this because I am sure most business majors in the US have taken courses similar to those ofered by this (great) MBA program, or any other, for that matter. Of course, this is not a question about the University of Tulsa; it is a general one. Do you think that an MBA, in general, overlaps undergraduate work? I would say so, but as I said I really don't know. As far as I am know MBA's were created at a time when skilled managers were scarce, and this MBA provided a quick way to train psychologists, biologist, and the like to become efficient managers in a boomimng economy like it happened in the 50's. In your opinion, and for the sake of debating, is it really necessary then for someone with a Bachelor's in Business Administration to study an MBA? Just out of curiosity .Thank you very much in advance. Cordial greetings.
Since people seem to have this conversation a lot, I thought I'd post a the address (again) of a webiste I found a while back that I hope will answer anybody's questions. Go to http://usmexplain.tripod.com/ and then click common misconceptions on the left and scroll down to the end of the FAQ to see the stuff about UMUC.
I think in general you are exactly right. I think one can "get by" with one, and some had said, who did their undergrad at TU that the classes, assignemnts, etc. were EXACTLY the same. This is unfortunate. I also do think that some programs make it a step up, and this was the case with some of the classes at TU (not enough). The nice part is that it enables those who really apply themselves to really master (excuse the pun) the material and see things in a new way. If you are seriously considering TU, I would recommend a few other schools before them. If you want some details, PM me, but there are several professors who teach in the program, who are VERY MUCH against DL - this makes things very difficult for students wanting a true educationa opportunity.
One inaccuracy on the page is the statement that "the University of Maryland System has not existed for several decades." In fact, the University of Maryland System existed until 1997. I had thought that that web site must have been portb's. But portb would never make such an elementary mistake!
CSUDH? Hi Kobeb, you might want to check out Cal State University at Dominguez Hills. I seen conflicting reports that they are AACBS. Check them out. they are RA, have a great reputation, completely online, great name recognition, and they work well with military, and extremely affordable. Obviously it's not harvard, or Duke, but better than DEtC, and other choices. good luck
Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer of Stanford University Business school has published articles about this and other problems with MBA programs. Search Google using these key words "Jeffrey Pfeffer mba program" to find several recent (since 2002) articles about him and this issue.
