Hi everyone, I am a internist practicing medicine for the last 15 years, do well in my field and in business outside of medicine, but I have decided to get an MBA and have gained admission to CSU/UMASS/Auburn distance programs. My goals are to give myself additional options in healthcare management and policy making in medicine and outside of medicine give myself options for interest I have in venture capitalism. Can anybody from CSU, UMASS, or Auburn give me their thoughts on there experiences at the program they attended. Also general comments about what people think or have heard about these programs is als welcomed. Thanks.
I am an Auburn business school graduate (undergrad). Their MBA for MDs is very well regarded and of the three schools you listed Auburn is the most prestigious. I may be biased, but that is the school I would choose of the three you've listed.
Thanks for the input, both UMASS and Auburn do have specialized tracts with their MBA for healthcare. I however am just looking for the best all-around MBA program.
Regarding brand … the Auburn MBA credential MBA - Distance | Auburn University College of Business is likely the better choice. Also, are you referring to UMass-Lowell http://continuinged.uml.edu/online/MBA/ OR UMass-Amherst (Isenberg) Isenberg MBA Program Online Option Along with these two /three (Colorado State Online MBA Program & Distance Learning | Colorado State University - Home) alternatives; easily UMass-Amherst IMO...
I completed my MBA from UMASS Amherst this year. I would highly recommend the school and the program. AACSB accredited and highly respected plus instant name recognition. I even got admission to one of the reputed and top ranked DBA program (Grenoble) in Europe but did not join due to personal reasons.
I would still deem Auburn the best choice. The only way I'd possibly consider UMASS over Auburn is if you are based in New England and even then it would be a toss-up. I'm assuming the Auburn program you are referencing is the Physician's Executive MBA. You may have seen the following article, but I thought I would share it: Auburn ranks among top graduate business schools for physician-executives | Wire Eagle
How long did it take some of you to complete the MBA online? Are you full time employees somewhere? What did you find the most challenging aspect of the program? Thank you!!
As a graduate of UMass Isenberg, if I had the even choice of Auburn or UMass at the time; I would have chosen Auburn. There's really no comparison, even the faculty at Isenberg are really aware of what their place is in the academic hierarchy when telling their doctoral students where to apply to for post-doctoral positions all publications being equal between candidates. A UMass PhD will get you into other state schools. An Auburn PhD will get you looked at by Ivies. Stands to reason that the same faculty tend to teach both masters level and doctoral students at both schools (adjuncts noted) and you can realistically compare in that way. Exceptions are always possible and do happen. I'm not trying to start a conversation about publications. Just trying to be somewhat helpful in a very subjective situation.
Auburn is my top choice right now for MBA, and what really put it there for me was a series of conversations I had with current students, distance MBA alumni, and a co-worker who completed the Physician MBA program (very similar to the Executive program). My present dilemma is whether to do the distance or eMBA program - since I live in Atlanta, the residencies would be easy for me, it's more of a cost and time to complete question for me. I highly recommend speaking with the admissions office at Auburn - they are incredibly accessible and helpful, and can put you in touch with both current students and alumni similar to your background that can provide more detailed insight to the program. UMASS-Isenberg was also in my top 3, but I was definitely more impressed with the program's delivery and the quality and reputation of the program and the faculty at Auburn. The Auburn distance program has been around for a long time, and online students seem to be well integrated into the program right alongside traditional students, which is really what impressed me the most. Best of luck with your decision!
"CSU" stands for many things related to this board. Columbia Southern University, California State University, Columbia State University, California Southern University, Cleveland State University, Colorado State University....which one is under consideration here?
Central State University? Chicago State University? Connecticut State University? Columbus State University?
Auburn is a good choice. Auburn recently (a few years ago) was in Accreditation probation. What happened with that?
It was cleared up. Here is an article discussing what Auburn's problems were. The primary issue was that one trustee, Robert Lowder, had to much control. That has been resolved as Lowder doesn't have the sway he once did after he lost much of his fortune during the economic downturn. As a student I had some interaction with Mr. Lowder. His reputation for someone that liked to throw his weight around was well founded.
Before I read this thread, I would've picked in this order UMass Amherst, CSU, and then Auburn. But now I realize Auburn is more than Charles Barkley and Bo Jackson so I'd put them number 2.